"Bumping Into Geniuses" by Danny Goldberg

Genre: Narrative rock 'n roll
Length: 288 pgs.
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Music executive Danny Goldberg began his career as a rock fan who "wanted to worm [his] way into...the community of rock critics." Right out of high school, he landed a job at Billboard's head offices in NY, thinking they were a "generic magazine," soon learning that, the rock music that meant so much to him, "was also part of something called the music business." He then takes readers through his eventful and awe-inspired career, working with bands and artists such as Patti Smith, Led Zeppelin, Stevie Nicks, Bonnie Raitt, Kiss, Nirvana, Stone Temple Pilots and Warren Zevon. Though interspersed with enchanting tales of musicianship, artistry and touring, Goldberg's stories sometimes lulled my interest. They were primarily told from the perspective of a PR businessman, so some parts I forced my way through, like the financial breakdowns of various albums he helped market, etc. That being said, I couldn't put the book down when I read his substantial section on his time working with Nirvana. His perspective on their music and surrounding events was refreshing--seemed more authentic and sincere, like it was coming from a real friend and not a rock critic. In addition, Goldberg also includes a substantial section on one of his later clients, Warren Zevon, whose extensive and inspiring music career I'd have probably never learned about otherwise. All in all, it was a good read for someone like me, who is a bit obsessed with rock music and its history, but maybe not a choice read for a non-music fanatic.