Musoscribe’s Best of 2024: Books
I write a lot. And I read a lot. In both cases, mostly (but not exclusively) about music. This year, two books really stood out among those I read. One I’ve reviewed here previously; the other, I covered for Living Blues. That review will run here early next year. Both are highly recommended.
Euphoric Recall by Peter Jesperson
This guy has lived a life, and he’s not one yet. His candid recollections of a life in and around music are compelling and fascinating, full of names you know but not in a name-dropping way. Full review here.
Down on the Corner by Cary Baker
Being the historically and culturally significant force that it is, the most surprising thing about busking is that nobody had done a book of note about it until now. Cary Baker is just the man for the job, and than goodness he retired when he did so that he had time to write it. Watch for that review soon, or go read it in LB.
About the Author
Bill Kopp
With a background in marketing and advertising, Bill Kopp got his professional start writing for Trouser Press. After a stint as Editor-in-chief for a national music magazine, Bill launched Musoscribe in 2009, and has published new content every business day since then (and every single day for several years). The more than 5000 interviews, essays, and reviews on Musoscribe reflect Bill's keen interest in American musical forms, most notably rock, jazz, and soul. His work features a special emphasis on reissues and vinyl. Bill's work also appears in many other outlets both online and in print. He regularly hosts lecture/discussions on artists and albums of historical importance (including monthly events Music to Your Ears and Music Movie Mondays), and is a frequent guest on music-focused radio programs and podcasts. In Spring 2023 he taught a history of Rock 'n' Roll at UNC Asheville's College for Seniors. He also researches and authors liner notes for album reissues -- some 40 to date -- and co-produced a reissue of jazz legend Julian "Cannonball" Adderley's final album. His first book, Reinventing Pink Floyd: From Syd Barrett to The Dark Side of the Moon was published by Rowman & Littlefield in 2018, and in paperback in 2019. His second book, Disturbing the Peace: 415 Records and the Rise of New Wave, was published in 2021 by HoZac Books. His third book, What's the Big Idea: 30 Great Concept Albums is available now. Read even more about him here.