Why am I passionate about this?

Popular music in all its shapes and forms has permeated my life since my pre-teen years and has remained both an intimate and professional preoccupation of mine throughout my life, even when I was doing other things professionally. Books dealing with all aspects of music, from artist biographies to its cultural and social examinations have been and remain that essential element that both fuel and satisfy that interest and give it that expanded feature it needs. As somebody who has a degree in journalism and had careers as a journalist, diplomat, and a translator, and now as a freelance writer, music and books on music remain that thread that connects them all.


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From The Piles: Music News & Opinion

Writing about any specific subject, even if it is something so imaginative and free-wheeling like music can have its constraints, particularly if it is done for specific publications. Printed or online. Having your own space or space, where you can express your opinions and ideas about a certain subject gives you the possibility to express yourself in writing form and show what you really feel and think.

When discussing music, my outlet in that respect is ‘From the Piles.’ As a writer who deals with music reviews on a daily basis, you form piles. Music comes in incessantly, and you can write about so much of it. Yet, when you do it on a free-will basis, it can be old new, weird, or just straightforward pop.

The books I picked & why

Book cover of Never a Dull Moment: 1971 the Year That Rock Exploded

Ljubinko Zivkovic Why did I love this book?

We’ve just closed 2021, 50 years on from 1971, many are now claiming was the crucial year for modern music. And they just might be right, particularly renowned British journalist David Hepworth, who published his book on the year back in 2017, actually under two slightly differing titles (and covers) — 1971 Never a Dull Moment was subtitled both as Rock’s Golden Year and The Year Rock Exploded. An excellent book and an intriguing read, whichever version you pick up.

The book was recently re-worked and expanded into Apple TV+ documentary series, which brought yet another title change, reflecting a wider musical spectrum — 1971 — The year that music changed everything. The series has some brilliant rarely seen or forgotten footage that is a must-see. Still, the key question here is — did 1971 have such a musical significance?

By David Hepworth,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Never a Dull Moment as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The basis for the new hit documentary 1971: The Year That Music Changed Everything, now streaming on Apple TV+.

A rollicking look at 1971, rock’s golden year, the year that saw the release of the indelible recordings of Led Zeppelin, David Bowie, the Who, Rod Stewart, Carole King, the Rolling Stones, and others and produced more classics than any other year in rock history

The Sixties ended a year late. On New Year’s Eve 1970 Paul McCartney instructed his lawyers to issue the writ at the High Court in London that effectively ended the Beatles. You might say this was…


Book cover of Main Lines, Blood Feasts, and Bad Taste: A Lester Bangs Reader

Ljubinko Zivkovic Why did I love this book?

Late Lester Bangs is probably the first name that comes to my mind when piercing, observant rock criticism is concerned, but it seems his books are currently collecting dust somewhere, even though they have not lost any of their relevance.

He is also one of the authors that not only shaped my personal views on music, but also the style of writing I’m trying to pursue.

By Lester Bangs,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Main Lines, Blood Feasts, and Bad Taste as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Before his untimely death in 1982, Lester Bangs was inarguably the most influential critic of rock and roll. Writing in hyper-intelligent Benzedrine prose that calls to mind Jack Kerouac and Hunter S. Thompson, he eschewed all conventional thinking as he discussed everything from Black Sabbath being the first truly Catholic band to Anne Murray’s smoldering sexuality. In Mainlines, Blood Feasts, Bad Taste fellow rock critic John Morthland has compiled a companion volume to Psychotic Reactions and Carburetor Dung, the first, now classic collection of Bangs’s work. Here are excerpts from an autobiographical piece Bangs wrote as a teenager, travel essays,…


Book cover of Invisible Republic: Bob Dylan's Basement Tapes

Ljubinko Zivkovic Why did I love this book?

Greil Marcus is one of those authors that does not only look at music as an isolated phenomenon, but also details its cultural, social as well as political background. In Invisible Republic he covers the phenomenon of Bob Dylan’s Basement Tapes, both from their musical but also cultural aspects.

By Greil Marcus,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Invisible Republic as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Focuses on the production of the Basement Tapes, the suppressed recordings made by Bob Dylan and The Band in 1967 in Big Pink, Woodstock. This book returns to the folk/mythological preoccupations of Greil Marcus's "Mystery Train: Images of America in Rock 'n' Roll Music".


Book cover of Any Old Way You Choose It

Ljubinko Zivkovic Why did I love this book?

In many ways, this book by one of the rock critic veterans covers almost exactly the period in modern music history that relates to my perspective book. It is a collection of his early writings, partly at the time when he was the music editor at Village Voice. Personally, Christgau is one rock critic that perfected the art of album/single reviews.

By Robert Christgau,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Any Old Way You Choose It as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

An invaluable compendium showcasing a new sub-genre of writing not yet contained by the established boundaries of journalism or criticism.


Book cover of Memphis 68

Ljubinko Zivkovic Why did I love this book?

Scottish author Cosgrove wrote probably the ultimate trilogy of books covering the 1967-69 period of soul music, of which the ‘68’ tome dealing with the Memphis sound and southern soul is one. Cosgrove is another author that looks at all the cultural and social aspects of music with an easy and understandable writing style that keeps you turning the pages with ease.

By Stuart Cosgrove,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Memphis 68 as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

WINNER OF THE PENDERYN MUSIC BOOK PRIZE 2018

In the 1950s and 1960s, Memphis, Tennessee, was the launch pad of musical pioneers such as Aretha Franklin, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Al Green and Isaac Hayes, and by 1968 was a city synonymous with soul music. It was a deeply segregated city, ill at ease with the modern world and yet to adjust to the era of civil rights and racial integration. Stax Records offered an escape from the turmoil of the real world for many soul and blues musicians, with much of the music created there becoming the soundtrack to…


Explore my project 😀

My newsletter is

From The Piles: Music News & Opinion

Writing about any specific subject, even if it is something so imaginative and free-wheeling like music can have its constraints, particularly if it is done for specific publications. Printed or online. Having your own space or space, where you can express your opinions and ideas about a certain subject gives you the possibility to express yourself in writing form and show what you really feel and think.

When discussing music, my outlet in that respect is ‘From the Piles.’ As a writer who deals with music reviews on a daily basis, you form piles. Music comes in incessantly, and you can write about so much of it. Yet, when you do it on a free-will basis, it can be old new, weird, or just straightforward pop.

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The Peace Puppy: A Memoir of Caregiving and Canine Solace

By Susan Hartzler,

Book cover of The Peace Puppy: A Memoir of Caregiving and Canine Solace

Susan Hartzler Author Of The Peace Puppy: A Memoir of Caregiving and Canine Solace

New book alert!

Why am I passionate about this?

I'm an accomplished author, award-winning writer, seasoned blogger, and savvy Public Relations Consultant, but my true passion lies in being a die-hard dog lover. Due to the demands of my current pack of Australian Shepherds, Seven and Paige Turner, I’ve built a rewarding career working from home, writing dog-centric books, blogging for diverse clients, consulting in public relations, and creating dog-friendly travel stories. I also launched the online shop, “Dog Travel Gear,” where I share tips and adventures with fellow dog lovers on the blog, “Paws on the Go.”

Susan's book list on life with dogs

What is my book about?

As one of 67 million Americans who serve as caretakers to their elderly parents, Susan Hartzler cared for her dad for three years, gaining profound insight into Parkinson's disease and the multifaceted challenges of caregiving. Throughout this period, Hartzler's rescue dog, Baldwin, a precious gift from her late mom, provided unwavering support.

This memoir offers a personal roadmap for those facing similar caregiving decisions. Thoughtful, tragic, and funny, it shows that, while demanding, caregiving can be a fulfilling endeavor, especially with a dog by one's side. The author's story will better prepare others in similar situations and encourage them to…

The Peace Puppy: A Memoir of Caregiving and Canine Solace

By Susan Hartzler,

What is this book about?

In a role 67 million Americans face as caretakers to their elderly parents, Susan Hartzler cared for her dad for three years, gaining profound insight into Parkinson's disease and the multifaceted challenges of caregiving. Throughout this challenging period, Hartzler's rescue dog, Baldwin, a precious gift from her late mom, provided unwavering support.

This memoir offers a personal roadmap for those facing similar caregiving decisions. Thoughtful, tragic, and funny, it shows that while demanding, caregiving can be a fulfilling endeavor, especially with a dog by one's side. Hartzler's story will better prepare others in similar situations and encourage them to consider…


5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in rock music, 1970s, and Bob Dylan?

Rock Music 242 books
1970s 12 books
Bob Dylan 38 books