The Dark Stuff: Selected Writings on Rock Music

Nick Kents writing is sometimes long winded, but usually insightful with vignettes that leave you wondering who was more stoned, the artist he's interviewing or him. The one on Roky Erickson kind of bugged me, but hey, I wasn't there, Nick Kent was. Still I question his judgment at times. All in all the writing is good and the book manages to hold your interest throughout.

This book is a collection of stories and interviews of artists from the 60's all the way through the present (the updated edition). As someone who used to be a habitual Rolling Stone reader, and not longer is as a result of the change in people covers (which is a reflection of music today) this book is a reminder of the good old days before publicists, when artists did not hide and gave full access. The stores are great, and not necessarily flattering, as a result of the honest nature. This book is a great way to learn more about music history in an entertaining way.

By reading the first few pages you will notice that this book is totally different from any other you know about this very worn topic.Nick Kent is brilliant. I am only at the beginning but I can say that it is not a compilation of information and bizarre cases. Even if everything in the book were fictional, it would be a good literary work.

wow. i'm only halfway through this mindblowing thing but i gotta write a review full of slobbering praise RIGHT NOW. i knew i was in good hands when i finished the first piece on brian wilson, which is by far the best portrait of GeniusAbuse that i've had the pleasure to wade through. then, like a brilliant album, the hits just keep on a-comin': jerry lee lewis (scary), rocky erickson (pathetic), syd barrett (sad), brian jones (sad AND pathetic -- nice job, mr. jones!). harrowing, essential "stuff".

Can't remember how I first found this book, but it has been my favorite ever since I picked it up. I was only buying extra copies on Amazon to give as gifts. Personally I prefer Nick Kent to Lester Bangs, but that is just a taste thing.Buying The Dark Stuff and Please Kill me would bookend a fabulous book collection on late 20th Century Pop Music.

As Advertised , No Problems

Classic.Amazing insight into each individul and the author.The right amount of dark.

Weak. Self indulgent.

Nick Kent has been there and done that. He is probably lucky to be alive and we're lucky that his writing ability is intact. One of the things I really liked to that, although he knows a lot of famous people, it doesn't feel like he's 'name-dropping' for the sake of it. Also read Apathy for the Devil.

great book and great service