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Disgraceland: Musicians Getting Away with Murder and Behaving Very Badly Kindle Edition

4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars 436 ratings

From the creator of the popular rock 'n' roll true crime podcast, Disgraceland comes an off-kilter, hysterical, at times macabre book inspired by true stories from the highly entertaining underbelly of music history.
You may know Jerry Lee Lewis married his thirteen-year-old cousin but did you know he shot his bass player in the chest with a shotgun or that a couple of his wives died under extremely mysterious circumstances? Or that Sam Cooke was shot dead in a seedy motel after barging into the manager's office naked to attack her? Maybe not. Would it change your view of him if you knew that, or would your love for his music triumph?

Real rock stars do truly insane thing and invite truly insane things to happen to them; murder, drug trafficking, rape, cannibalism and the occult. We allow this behavior. We are complicit because a rock star behaving badly is what's expected. It's baked into the cake. Deep down, way down, past all of our self-righteous notions of justice and right and wrong, when it comes down to it, we want our rock stars to be bad. We know the music industry is full of demons, ones that drove Elvis Presley, Phil Spector, Sid Vicious and that consumed the Norwegian Black Metal scene. We want to believe in the myths because they're so damn entertaining.

Disgraceland is a collection of the best of these stories about some of the music world's most beloved stars and their crimes. It will mix all-new, untold stories with expanded stories from the first two seasons of the Disgraceland podcast. Using figures we already recognize, Disgraceland shines a light into the dark corners of their fame revealing the fine line that separates heroes and villains as well as the danger Americans seek out in their news cycles, tabloids, reality shows and soap operas. At the center of this collection of stories is the ever-fascinating music industry--a glittery stage populated by gangsters, drug dealers, pimps, groupies with violence, scandal and pure unadulterated rock 'n' roll entertainment.

Due to its large file size, this book may take longer to download

Editorial Reviews

Review

Through his gritty and powerful stories, Brennan breathes new life into the music and musicians we've known all our lives.-- "Aaron Mahnke, author and creator of Lore"

Jake Brennan is writing from a crossroads- the junction of music and crime. One road leads to the Elysian Fields, the other, to the Underworld. Some of these magicians have been down both.-- "T Bone Burnett, Oscar and Grammy winning musician and producer"

Mix the true crime mythology of rock 'n' roll with a dash of transgressive fiction, then add 10 cc of adrenaline and twice that in anabolic steroids. Employing due caution, enter Jake Brennan's brain as translated in
Disgraceland to observe the dark results--Elvis locked in unholy union with the parasitic Colonel Tom Parker, why Jerry Lee Lewis was called the Killer, Altamont. Axl Rose. Chuck Berry. And, of course, the truly twisted Phil Spector. It all works brilliantly because Jake genuinely loves rock 'n' roll just as much as he enjoys indulging his imagination and wickedly stylish sense of humor.-- "Dennis McNally, author of A Long Strange Trip: The Inside History of the Grateful Dead"

"The rock 'n' roll version of the Peabody Award-winning Serial."

-- "Variety"

About the Author

Jake Brennan is a successful Boston-based musician who launched Disgraceland in February and has been backing the incredible hit has become since. Through his bands like Cast Iron Hike, The Confidence Men and Bodega girls he recorded for some of the biggest independent recording labels and collaborated with Fugazi, Foster the People, Nine Inch Nails, Queens of the Stone Age and many more.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07NCT46CY
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Grand Central Publishing; Illustrated edition (October 1, 2019)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 1, 2019
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 17764 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 206 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars 436 ratings

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Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
436 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book well-written and easy to follow. They praise the storytelling with vivid characterizations of familiar music legends. The book is described as an entertaining companion to the podcast. Readers appreciate the well-researched and informative content, including crime content and music history.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

24 customers mention "Readability"24 positive0 negative

Customers find the book easy to read and engaging. They appreciate the writing style and find it entertaining, though some felt there was little new material. The Chuck Berry segment is a highlight for many readers.

"...I love how Jake tells stories of rockers behaving badly. Great read and highly recommended podcast." Read more

"It was an entertaining book, but I just didn’t think there was anything new in it...." Read more

"...If you love rock and roll, this book is a must read." Read more

"...This book is everything and much more what a normal episode on the podcast is! The research done to find the facts to these stories is insane!..." Read more

18 customers mention "Storytelling quality"18 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the author's storytelling style. They find the characterizations vivid and the multi-story plot engaging. The descriptions of events are vivid, making it easy for readers to visualize them. Readers appreciate the author's insights into unknown anecdotes and details, which make the book a gripping read.

"...His in-depth research and story telling is unlike anything I’ve read before...." Read more

"...Makes it somehow possible to relate to even some of the biggest stars out there and also share that rising to the top is not all its cracked up to be..." Read more

"...This book is a great extension of this show, and master storyteller Jake Brennan digs deep into the lives of some of our favorite musicians...." Read more

"...I love that there are story's not told on the podcast as well as a few of my favorites from the podcast. Jake is an amazing story teller...." Read more

15 customers mention "Podcast quality"15 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the podcast quality and find the book entertaining. They say it's a wonderful companion to the podcast and that the book is conversational, direct, and fun.

"From beginning to end, this book is amazing! It doesn’t disappoint. Jake sinks his claws into you and doesn’t let go until the final page...." Read more

"...Great read and highly recommended podcast." Read more

"...Well researched, but far from dry. The book is conversational, direct, and entertaining...." Read more

"...Jake is an amazing story teller. I love the podcast and the book I hope he will write another soon." Read more

9 customers mention "Enjoyment"7 positive2 negative

Customers enjoy the book. They find it entertaining, thought-provoking, and refreshing.

"Disgracand is so much fun. I love how Jake tells stories of rockers behaving badly. Great read and highly recommended podcast." Read more

"...The book is conversational, direct, and entertaining...." Read more

"...bunch of the stories featured here, Jake’s take on it is not only super refreshing, but almost unpacks everything in a new way that makes it pretty..." Read more

"...Sorry - I just disliked it immensely and found it insulting." Read more

9 customers mention "Writing quality"9 positive0 negative

Customers find the writing quality engaging and easy to follow. They describe it as a quick read that keeps the prose moving quickly while remaining informative. The author's storytelling style makes ancient history seem like a fun experience, making readers appreciate the talent and enjoy the music even more after reading it.

"...His writing is also so easy to follow along with and I find myself reading it out loud sometimes because I feel like the way he tells a story is..." Read more

"...You still admire the talent and almost enjoy the music even more after finding out what drives some of these people...." Read more

"...The book is called Disgraceland for a reason. Quick read. Music history." Read more

"...most of these stories were ancient history to me, the author finds a way to tell them that seems like you are having a drink with someone telling..." Read more

7 customers mention "Information quality"7 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's well-researched and informative content. They find the author's insights into bands insightful and the prose moving quickly. The book is a great follow-up to the podcast.

"...His in-depth research and story telling is unlike anything I’ve read before...." Read more

"...Well researched, but far from dry. The book is conversational, direct, and entertaining...." Read more

"...He was informative and kept the prose moving quickly, while remaining informative throughout. I especially enjoyed the Chuck Berry segment...." Read more

"...the attention to detail and deep research in each chapter shows and made it tough to put down...." Read more

5 customers mention "Crime content"5 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's crime content. They say it's a must-read for music and true crime fans, as the author does a great job of highlighting crimes and misdeeds of musical icons.

"Brennan does a great job of highlighting the crimes and misdeeds of musical icons and infamous characters. Well researched, but far from dry...." Read more

"...Highly recommended to TrueCrime/music heads. Something for every music lover and genre." Read more

"...Must-have for fans of true crime, music bios and tall tales." Read more

"...Absolutely a must read for music and true crime fans a like!" Read more

5 customers mention "Music history"5 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's music history and biographical details about great musicians. They appreciate the author's extensive knowledge of music and find it an engaging read for true crime fans and music enthusiasts.

"...The book is called Disgraceland for a reason. Quick read. Music history." Read more

"...Throughout the work you can feel the authors love and extensive knowledge of music while being captivated by the subjects portrayed in each chapter...." Read more

"...you don't buy this book because it's an incredible bit of music history peppered with artistic liberties, much like the histories you think you..." Read more

"...Must-have for fans of true crime, music bios and tall tales." Read more

Like a podcast for your eyes!
5 out of 5 stars
Like a podcast for your eyes!
One of my favorite podcasts in a book form! How cool is that? Pretty damn cool.Jake Brennan has a way of taking already interesting stories and telling them in a way that makes them truly engrossing. My favorite stories aren't necessarily about my favorite musicians. Some of the wildest stories come from music artists I'm not familiar with, or became familiar with, while reading this book. Totally dope book with really incredible artwork. RockaRolla
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on October 8, 2019
    From beginning to end, this book is amazing! It doesn’t disappoint. Jake sinks his claws into you and doesn’t let go until the final page. His in-depth research and story telling is unlike anything I’ve read before. I was reading two other books before my copy arrived in the mail....needless to say when I started reading this book I put the other two to the wayside. I’m a big fan of his podcast and noticed that some of his chapters were musicians already discussed on the 1st season of the podcast. I thought these chapters would just be a boring re-hash of what I’ve heard before....far from it. Jake’s writing makes you feel like you are reading it for the first time. Well done.
    4 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 14, 2019
    Disgracand is so much fun. I love how Jake tells stories of rockers behaving badly. Great read and highly recommended podcast.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 9, 2019
    I cannot put this book down, yet I am trying to read it slow because I don't want it to end and I will be sad when it does. Jake is a story telling wizard! His ability to set the scene and make you feel all the feels through his words is pure magic! He finds just the perfect way to make you feel bad for the guys/gals doing bad things, but also share their stories in ways that you didn't know were possible. Makes it somehow possible to relate to even some of the biggest stars out there and also share that rising to the top is not all its cracked up to be. His writing is also so easy to follow along with and I find myself reading it out loud sometimes because I feel like the way he tells a story is meant to be shared and heard by everyone around. I am so glad he decided to put pen to paper to share with us and i hope this isn't the last we have read of him!! Do yourself a favor and read this wonderful piece of storytelling. Also if you are going to get all pissed off that his facts aren’t spot on, don’t ready this book and then give it a shitty review, he’s a story teller not a fact teller, it’s his interpretation, if you want fact stick to Wickapedia
    12 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on September 6, 2022
    It was an entertaining book, but I just didn’t think there was anything new in it. But if you’re not familiar with any of the artists it will be great for you.
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 10, 2019
    Dennis Quaid may have spent some time with Jerry Lee Lewis when he was getting ready for his role in the film "Great Balls of Fire" in 1989. He probably didn't know that Jerry very likely killed his fifth wife a few years earlier. He didn't know that because the DeSoto County Sheriff's Department covered up the crime and did such a great job that most of us had never heard of it. I never had either until I discovered the Discraceland Podcast.

    This book is a great extension of this show, and master storyteller Jake Brennan digs deep into the lives of some of our favorite musicians. You still admire the talent and almost enjoy the music even more after finding out what drives some of these people. I enjoyed the Axl Rose chapter especially, having lived through a near riot show at the Boston Garden in 1993. If you love rock and roll, this book is a must read.
    17 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 19, 2019
    Brennan does a great job of highlighting the crimes and misdeeds of musical icons and infamous characters. Well researched, but far from dry. The book is conversational, direct, and entertaining. Often these vignettes thoughtfully illustrate larger societal issues of the times and/or childhood trauma, but Brennan doesn’t balk at calling out the depravity of it all and who the real victims are. The book is called Disgraceland for a reason. Quick read. Music history.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on December 25, 2019
    Disgraceland was a captivating read. Many of the musicians that were covered in the book were before my time so reading about the dark deeds and deviousness by them was eye-opening. The author Jake Brennan uses colorful language at times which was beneficial to the narrative. Brennan also goes over his sources meticulously which was very assuring.
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 29, 2019
    I did return the book I pre-ordered on Amazon because the driver was not able to deliver to my apartment the day it was to be and I wanted it the day it came out so I bought it at Barnes and Noble. I have read the entire book all ready. I love that there are story's not told on the podcast as well as a few of my favorites from the podcast. Jake is an amazing story teller. I love the podcast and the book I hope he will write another soon.
    One person found this helpful
    Report

Top reviews from other countries

  • Jenna
    5.0 out of 5 stars Obsessed with this book!!
    Reviewed in Canada on October 9, 2019
    Disgraceland changed my life, it's all I can ever talk about now! So so so happy that turned the podcasts into book form! I listen to the podcasts every day on my way to work, but got the book version for my dad and he loves me reading him a story each night. Thank-you Jake Brennan!! Your stories are what I look forward to every day.
  • A. Jenkins
    5.0 out of 5 stars Rockarolla
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 27, 2019
    I've been a fan of the podcast for a long time, the book captures the tone of it perfectly with some diverse and shocking music tales.
  • angela danger
    5.0 out of 5 stars Cannot put it down!
    Reviewed in Australia on February 18, 2020
    Absolutely brilliant!!!!!!!
  • Nancy Lewis
    5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting and fun read
    Reviewed in Canada on October 23, 2019
    Every chapter reads like a enhanced episode of the great podcast of the same name. If you're a fan of the podcast it's hard not hear Jake's voice in your head as you read!
  • C Walker
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great read.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 9, 2019
    Excellent book.
    If you like the podcast it's Brennan at his best.
    If you haven't tried the podcast, give it a go.

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