New Police Bio - Walking On The Moon

[Copelandous D'Amour]

Anyone know anything good or bad about this new book coming out? September in Canada and November on amazon.com for some reason.

http://www.amazon.ca/Walking-Moon-Untol ... 359&sr=8-5

[smax]

"Product Description
An unflinching look at the rise of one of the most recognizable names in pop music -The Police

The Police have sold more than 50 million albums, made Rolling Stone's Greatest Artists of All Time list, and finished a triumphant world reunion tour in 2008.

Now British journalist Chris Campion draws on extensive research and new interviews to trace the inside saga of this iconic group, including the unorthodox business strategies employed by manager Miles Copeland that took them to the top and the intense rivalry that drove Sting, Andy Summers, and Stewart Copeland to split at the height of their success in the 1980s.

The first comprehensive biography on the band and its music
Based on extensive research and new interviews with people close to the band
Traces the group and its members from their earliest days to the present
Includes 26 black-and-white photographs
Whether you've been a fan of The Police for decades or are discovering their music for the first time, Walking on the Moon will give you new insights into the personalities behind this unique band and their role in the rise of 80s New Wave rock. "

the untold story? that must be the made-up version 'cos i think everyone elsze has had their say.

[DirtyMartini]

I've seen a copy (just by luck), and meh. I didn't read the whole book, but of the parts that I did read, I (who ain't a Police scholar) was able to recognize all the info as being borrowed from other sources (other books, articles, interviews). Well-trod material, usual sensational stuff, sophomoric writing; I saw no indication that the author actually spoke to any of the band members himself.

Again, I didn't read the whole book, so there could be something brilliant and "untold" hiding in there somewhere. I don't know. But in my opinion, any average joe who followed the reunion tour while it was happening -- read the articles, watched the interviews, etc. -- could do just as adequate a job of writing the reunion section (only a few pages long) as the book's author did.

My 2 pence.

[English-lion]

I've seen a copy (just by luck), and meh. I didn't read the whole book, but of the parts that I did read, I (who ain't a Police scholar) was able to recognize all the info as being borrowed from other sources (other books, articles, interviews). Well-trod material, usual sensational stuff, sophomoric writing; I saw no indication that the author actually spoke to any of the band members himself.

Again, I didn't read the whole book, so there could be something brilliant and "untold" hiding in there somewhere. I don't know. But in my opinion, any average joe who followed the reunion tour while it was happening -- read the articles, watched the interviews, etc. -- could do just as adequate a job of writing the reunion section (only a few pages long) as the book's author did.

My 2 pence.

That's what I was thinking too just from reading what was on Amazon

[DirtyMartini]

Thanks, E-L, I didn't notice the preview excerpt on Amazon. I think that represents well the parts I read (that and the author photo). Campion puts my ability to sound pretentious to utter shame -- and that is quite a feat.

Bummer though. Derivative as it would be, it would be nice to have all the different threads of information pulled together into one book. But while I'm sure others will enjoy this, it's way too lurid and precious for my taste.

[secretjourneyranch]

Only 26 photos?
AND they're all B&W?

Hell they aren't even trying.
Chalk this one up to being like the 'new' GH package offered just before the tour.

[thedaner]

Did anyone do a "look inside" on the book? The author's photo says one thing to me: Tool.

[luddite lady]

I read the exerpt. Holy crappy writing, Batman! That umbilical cord and junk bucket/juggernaut stuff was, to misquote Stewart, a metaphor wrapped in an analogy wrapped in a fuck knows. Are you guys sure the book hasn't been Babblefished?