Books of The Year 2018?

[Mike]

That time of year

how about a shout all about the soul related books that you have enjoyed over the last year ?

one I enjoyed was the recent

'Harlem 69: The Future of Soul (The Soul Trilogy) by Stuart Cosgrove  (Author)

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07G2V5LTC/

 

what did you enjoy...?

 

[Wicked]

My son bought me the Memphis '68 and the Harlem '69 for my birthday a couple of weeks ago, I've just started the Memphis '68, all very good so far.

Edited December 31, 2018 by wicked

[Soulfinger]

Harlem '69 maintained the excellent standard of the first two books. I also particularly enjoyed House of Broken Hearts - The Soul of 1960's Nashville by E. Mark Windle.

[Keamus]

Stuart Cosgrove's first three books (included his Northern Soul offering) were excellent. In depth research and very well told. Harlem '69 on the way. Mention must go to Richard Searling's recent account of his time at Wigan. Not the best book on the scene I've read, but nevertheless very interesting with loads of detail and some great photos.

[Soulfusion]

Received both of the John Lias Soul Album books and Dave Rimmer's Rare Soul Bible for Xmas so got a lot to get through... 

plus I am still delving into and out of Richard Searling's book. On my list with my Christmas pennies are the Stuart Cosgrave "Soul Trilogy" books.

[Thinksmart]

Even the first few pages of Harlem '69 are jaw dropping in linking soul music, the city, politics. Soul artists woven into the hustle of Harlem.

Richard Searling's book was a dip in and out then finally a solid proper read over Christmas.  In there was a lot behind the music that was great, I was ready for a second book already though, I'd especially like to read his take on the years after Wigan. I found it interesting how much Richard focused on plays in the '78-'81 period of Wigan Casino (which is primarily what the book is about rather than his own life specifically). 

I have a load of Soul books and modern design books from recent years still to read (the two recent Thames and Hudson books on design could last years on their own).  I think the Dave Rimmer books will be read first though after Harlem '69.  There are about five books on Southern Soul and Stax from Christmas last year still looking up at me. For completeness I also ought to get the Gethro book.

I enjoyed reading the mammoth book on Philly Soul this year, it was ace and I would of enjoyed an extended section or follow-up covering the seventies and onwards more.  I also enjoyed the book on early Motown in UK with lots about Dave Godin in his early years.

[Tim Richmond]

Just acquired a copy of "Strength Of A Woman' - The Phyllis Hyman story, this has been out of print for years, re printed now, just getting stuck into it, absolutely fascinating.

Tim

[Seano]

Harlem 69 is definitely up there, excellent book. And as Keamus notes, mention has to be made of Richard Searling's book. The earlier books by Stuart Cosgrove have been in Fopp and Head for about £3 or £5 this past year. Another find in Head was the James McBride book, 'Kill 'em and leave' - 'searching for the real James Brown' - a very good read that only cost £3.

For 2019 I'm looking forward to reading 'Rodigan - my life in Reggae' and 'Long, slow train' the book about Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings - both Christmas presents.

[Thinksmart]

Nice tips on those books. Added to the list!

[Windlesoul]

Some great titles here and actually reflect some of my bookstore’s best sellers in 2018. I’ve also been really impressed with some fresh ideas and ongoing soul artist biographical and scene related works-in-progress which various individuals have contacted me about over the last year, hopefully some of these seeing fruition in 2019 / 2020. If any other potential or actual self publishers need a general chat to bounce ideas about or bit of support to promote their projects just let me know. 

Edited December 31, 2018 by Windlesoul

[Guest]

John Lias' second volume on The History of The Soul LP was outstanding. A major peice of work and very well thumbed all ready.