Not quite an autobiography as an exercise in self-evaluation
Steven I. Ramm | Phila, PA USA | 10/12/2009
(3 out of 5 stars)
"(This review relates to the Paperbound book and the accompanying Enhanced CD)
Songwriter Chip Taylor is probably best know to folks as the composer of two major pop hits: "Wild Thing" for the British group The Troggs and "Angel in the Morning" for Merilee Rush. He's still getting royalties for those songs I'm sure. Though he wrote lots of other songs for major artists - many appearing as album cuts - the one-time golf pro found himself with a gambling habit. (He's still a member of Gamblers Anonymous). It took a toll on him. Then in 2001 he met fiddle player Carrie Rodriguez at South by Southwest and for the six years they toured the world together as a folk club act. The partnership ended and Taylor was on his own. It was then he found that he had a huge fan base in the Netherlands and he headed over for a big tour. He also kept a journal and wrote more songs between performances.
All this comes together in this book (with an enclosed music CD). Taylor starts out by telling the reader about his early life, growing up with two older brothers (one of who you know as Actor Jon Voight - Taylor's given name is James Wesley Voight - the other, Barry, is a noted volcano expert) and writing songs. WE hear about the "Wild Thing" success and his fall into the gambling addiction. This fills the first 32 pages of heavily illustrated text. Next we learn about the "Carrie Years" and how the duo broke up. The rest of the book consists of diary entries and the stories behind the 12 songs on the enclosed CD. In most cases Taylor has reproduced the handwritten lyrics. Full final lyrics are also included in the back along with LOTS of photos.
The new songs are often dedicated to people (usually women) he met, or observed, during this 2007 tour. None will stand out as songs that other performers might want to sing, as each is personal. Some are more lyrical than others. Taylor's voice is often rough and shows the years of him not taking care of his health. The most memorable in melody is the lead-off track: "Red Sidewalk".
The book often comes across as one man's therapy, trying to find himself and share his life with others. How much this interests you depends on how well you've know Taylor's music and performing - especially his years with Rodriguez. I'm also sure that those in the Netherlands who are big fans, or saw him on tour, will want to read this volume and hear the CD. It's a nicely put together package and makes for a reasonably quick read.
For the fan of "Wild Thing", or someone wanted more details behind Taylor's early hit songs, this may not be the volume you are seeking. Then again, he's still got time to write that book as well.
Steve Ramm
"Anything Phonographic"
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Track Listings (13) - Disc #1