DEJA RE-VU
Pop Culture Classics’ Recommended CDs, DVDs and Books
By Paul Freeman


DVDs

"GOLDEN TEMPLE AMAZONS"
If you're in the mood for a cheese-a-thon that's peppered with sex, violence, semi-wild animals and jungle adventure, then you'll be enthralled by this 1986 exploitation flick. It has been vibrantly brought back to life in a vivid new MVD Classics Blu-ray version. The opening sequence, a flashback, shows a tribe of nearly nude Amazon women, sworn to protect a secret gold mine, riding to a house, where they murder the husband and wife colonials. The couple's daughter escapes, however and, growing up to be a Sheena type, she seeks revenge, when she's not cavorting with the wildlife. Scraping by on a meager budget and limping along courtesy of plodding directing style, the movie will nonetheless delight fans of campy entertainment. There are unintentional chuckles galore. Trailers are included as a bonus.

"DISTANT VOICES, STILL LIVES"
Memories -- sights, sounds, smells. Somewhat based on his own recollections, writer/director Terence Davies fashioned an original and moving work with this 1988 film. And it's more striking than ever in the new Blu-ray presentation from Arrow Academy. The film depicts a working-class family in Liverpool, England, in the 40s and 50s. An unwavering, unbreakable love bonds the family together through all the tribulations.

The film flashes back and forth in time, offering vignettes, many poignant, some amusing, some harrowing. Memorable moments come in all varieties. The teen girls live for the next dance. The family huddles in a bomb shelter during the Blitz. Davies finds a beauty in the drabness of their existence. He depicts events like weddings, births, deaths... and the many seemingly less significant moments that add up to a life. They cling to their rituals, like family night out at the pub, downing a few pints and warbling a few standards.

Unerring performances help to make the film fully absorbing. In the first section, "Distant Voices," Pete Postlethwaite, as the father, is the dominant figure. He powerfully portrays this usually stoic, downtrodden patriarch. Despite his terrifying sudden outbursts of violence, the family members love him almost as much as they fear him. In quieter moments, there are subtle hints of his affection for them. Also outstanding are Freda Dowie as the long-suffering, but unsinkable mother and Angela Walsh and Lorraine Ashbourne as her two spirited daughters.

Davies has paid great attention to detail. The period sets, costumes and music are of perfect pitch. It's the music that gives these people the ability to overcome, at least briefly, the pain, fearfulness and despair that surrounds them. Sing your troubles away. The film brims with pop standards, such as "Taking a Chance on Love," "I Wanna Be Around" and "I Get The Blues When It Rains." They can complement the mood of surrounding scenes or serve as jarring juxtaposition. The radio also provides comfort for the family. Somehow these people maintain an indomitable spirit that's admirable.

Stunning shots, such as one of beautifully lit umbrellas, huddled together outside the cinema in the pouring raining, panning above them to the majestic posters of coming attractions. And moving inside for reactions shots of the tearful members of the audience, as they vicariously enjoy grand romances and adventures of the sort that will never enter their lives.

In the second section, "Still Lives," the son and daughters now grown, they and their friends muddle through adulthood, the men full of bluster, the women smartly holding their own. And the 50s seem a bit more hopeful than the darker era of the 40s.

With a new 4K restoration by the British Film Institute, the Arrow Blu-ray looks fantastic. And the new special edition release includes many illuminating bonus features, such as a commentary track by Davies and an interview with the art director. This is a film you'll want to experience more than once.

"I MARRIED JOAN: CLASSIC TV COLLECTION #4"
"I Married Joan" is bliss for aficionados of vintage TV comedy. VCI/MVD has just released the fourth volume of the series and the two-disc, 10-episode set is filled with guffaws galore. The series stars Joan Davis, one of the most underrated comediennes of her era. She sparkled in supporting roles in 1940s movies. But "I Married Joan," which ran from 1952 to 195, really gave her a chance to shine. When it came to slapstick comedy, her personality, pizzazz and timing rivaled that of Lucille Ball.

In her sitcom, Davis constantly got herself into crazy conflicts, making life difficult for her husband, a judge, played exuberantly by Jim Backus ("Gilligan's Island"). In the episodes on these DVDs, drawn from throughout the show's three-season, 98-episode run, hilarity can come the most innocuous topics, such as Joan shopping for a new suit for hubby; her chronic lateness; or the judge buying a valuable stamp. Sometimes even the concept can scream of zaniness, however, as when Joanie brags that her brother-in-law, a buck private, is the commanding general or when she becomes terrified of impending disaster, when she loses her lucky locket. In that latter episode, her sister Beverly is played by her real-life daughter, actually named Beverly. The picture quality is generally excellent (for a show of this period, though there are momentary jitters in some episodes, which came from the masters). Enjoy the timeless laughs!

"MYSTERY SCIENCE THEATER 3000 PRESENTS: THE LOST AND FOUND COLLECTION"
"The Lost and Found Coilection." What a find! Shout! Factory has taken episodes from now out-of-print "Mystery Science Theater" box sets and repackaged them in this welcome collection. Both Joel Hodgson and Mike Nelson episodes are featured.

In "Final Justice," hulking Joe Don Baker, portraying Thomas Jefferson Geronimo, a modern Texas sheriff, loves justice almost as he does food. His assignment is to accompany a murderous Sicilian mobster back to Italy. The flight is waylaid in Malta (and yes, there is a Falcon joke). Paired with a pretty, young Italian cop, Geronimo hunts through the means streets and waterways of Malta. He's wearing a garish western outfit. The crew aptly describes him as "a giant baby in a hat." As Crow says, "He makes Porter Waggoner look underdressed." Basically, it's a whale-out-of-water story. Pausing from his rampaging, Geronimo goes to a seedy bar and chugs a glass of milk. That sets off yet another brawl. Riffs run rampant, too. The network's silly censoring of profanity is funny in itself. One of the disc's bonuses presents writer/director/producer Greydon Clark offering insights into this terrific turkey.

"Manhunt in Space" is actually a feature version of the 50s "Rocky Jones, Space Ranger" series. Its titanic tackiness is ripe for riffs. A huge plus is that this "MST" episode kicks off with a vintage black-and-white segment of "General Hospital," with Roy "The Invaders" Thinnes as part of the cast.

Going from B-pictures to a grade-Z horror movie, we have "Mad Monster." A mad scientist turns his Lenny-like handyman into a werewolf. A Crow-Servo exchange: "What's Wolfman doing in the cellar?" "Trying to figure out what kind of wine goes with people." Best part of this disc is the inclusion of a chapter from a Commando Cody sci-fi serial, "Rdar Men from the Moon." The costumes, plot and effects generation giggles galore.

Science again goes awry in "Dr. Z" This insane researcher wants to turn men into fish and destroy the world via pollution. He transforms himself into a vengeful sea creature -- one of the worst rubber suits ever, by the way. The plodding pace allows plenty of time for well-aimed zingers. Added amusement comes when the crew goes on a fishing trip during one of the breaks.

"The Beatniks" (1960) opens with a gang of young hoods robbing a senior couple at their mom-and-pop place of business. One of the nastier delinquents, Peter Breck of "Big Valley" fame, tries to stir up some Cassavetes-like intensity. The movie obviously has no clue what beatnicks are about. The crew, as an educational service, gives us the Top 10 reasons why you're probably not a beatnik. One of the punks stumbles into stardom as a pop singer. Crow quips, "He needs a soul transplant!" The movie was written and directed by Paul Frees, best known as the voice of Boris Badenov in "The Rocky and Bullwinkle Show." Another "General Hospital" chunk graces this disc.

"The Crawling Eye" -- with a screenplay by Hammer great Jimmy Sangster plus Forrest Tucker and Janet Munro in leading roles, how bad could the movie be? Pretty, pretty bad, as it turns out. And that fact, as well as the bizarre concept, makes it an ideal choice for MST 3000's first scripted episode. As the original theatrical trailer, an extra on the disc, points out, the "action" (and there isn't much for the first hour), takes place high on a mountainside, with radioactive forces of evil perpetrating murder and madness. And yes, there is a gigantic, creeping eyeball, seen in the climax, that hungers for human flesh. It sounds a lot more exciting that what the filmmakers were able to bring to fruition. MSTies will relish the other bonus feature, Joel talking about the series' awkward beginnings and the evolution to being fully scripted, with actual sets.

Enjoy the Laugh-filled trip into MST history provided by this newly released package.

"THELMA TODD & ZASU PITTS: THE HAL ROACH COLLECTION 1931-33"
Hal Roach certainly had an eye for talent, as well as for teaming. After all, he's the one who put Stan Laurel together with Oliver Hardy. He also created a delightful distaff version -- Thelma Todd and Zasu Pitts. Enjoy a new two-disc DVD set from Sprocket Vault/MVD featuring all of the female duo's 1931 to 1933 shorts.

Todd and Pitts represented a marvelous comedic contrast -- the low-key vulnerability and woefulness of Pitts juxtaposed with the sparkling vivacity of Todd. It's a different kind of energy than the later shorts which paired Todd with sassy Patsy Kelly. In all of these comedy gems, Todd displays a hint of Mae West sexiness, but with a down-to-Earth, every girl type of appeal. She was one of the early stars to prove that gorgeousness and funniness weren't mutually exclusive.

One of the delights in this package is "The Pajama Party," which has Todd and Pitts trying to fit in at a ritzy estate. When confronted by a servant spouting French, Thelma coolly replies in Pig Latin. Meanwhile, Zasu is appalled, when a maid tries to help her undress for the bath. At the lavish party, our gals inadvertently create mayhem. More giggles come in "Red Noses," after their boss insists they go the Turkish bath to quickly cure their colds.

The humor, often of the slapstick variety, is consistently relatable and often inventive. Like all the Roach shorts, these are filled with juicy little comic gems by the skilled character actors who round out the cast. But it's spirited, snappy Todd's charisma and endearingly confused Pitts' gentle way that carry the day. Todd had a tragic early end to her life, but her on-screen magnetism hasn't faded. The commentary on these discs offers added enrichment and entertainment.

"SAVED BY THE BELL: THE COMPLETE COLLECTION"
School's back in session! If you love everything about good old Bayside High, you'll be thrilled with the new DVD package from Shout! Factory. On 16 discs, it gives fans all 118 episodes of not only "Saved By The Bell," but the earlier incarnation "Good Morning, Miss Bliss" and the sequel series "Saved By The Bell: The College Years." Also here are the two TV movies.

In the late 80s and early 90s, young audiences bonded with Zack, Kelly, Slater, Jessie, Lisa and Screech. The series launched the careers of such teen stars as Elizabeth Berkley, Tiffani-Amber Theissen and Mario Lopez. Though the focus was mainly on gentle comedy, the show did manage to tackle many serious social issues along the way.

The tons of bonus material in the Shout! Factory set includes new interviews with cast and crew, informative documentaries and audio commentaries. The video quality is very good and the sound is maximized by Dolby Digital Stereo. The very reasonably priced box set provides over 46 hours of content, plus a handy 16-page episode guide. Enjoy warm, nostalgic fun with this fondly remembered sitcom. Now you can flash back to distant Saturday mornings whenever you like!

"CREEPSHOW" [COLLECTOR'S EDITION]
Wow! Horror fans should be drooling over the release of the new Collector's Edition Blu-ray package of "Creepshow" from Shout! Factory and Warner Bros. This anthology film, with its abundant macabre humor, as well as tons of suspense and shocks, has never looked or sounded better. The new 4K scan will bring even more chills, tingles and jolts. The 1982 movie, a historic collaboration between George A. Romero and Stephen King, presents five tales of terror. Crazily colorful, it's like a 1950s issue of E.C. Comics come to life. Treats include topics of monsters, revenge, aliens, horrifying insects and rotting corpses. And the jaw-dropping work of effects makeup master Tom Savini adds to the gruesome fun. The stellar cast features Leslie Nielsen, Adrienne Barbeau, Fritz Weaver, Ed Harris, Hal Holbrook, Ted Danson, E.G. Marshall, Viveca Lindfors, Carrie Nye, and writer King. No wonder the film has such a devoted following!

The myriad new bonuses are beyond belief, including commentaries, interviews, featurettes, a round table discussion, insights into the restoration, plus a 40-page booklet. Also here are previously available audio commentary with Romero and Savini, trailers, deleted scenes, behind-the-scenes glimpses and so much more.

CDs

LOUISE GOFFIN: "ALL THESE HELLOS"
Louise Goffin returns with a remarkable album of epic pop, majestically melodic, lyrically intriguing and rhythmically alluring. The immensely appealing Goffin vocals make this an irresistible album. On the inviting opener, "Paris, France," Chris Difford (Squeeze) sings with her. "The Last Time I Saw My Sister" provides elegant excursion into exotica. Seductive rhythm slowly, sensuously undulates with luminous strings (arranged by Patrick Warren). A Middle-Eastern-flavored segment has a subtly Led Zeppy feel. Goffin's hauntingly beautiful, dramatic "Chinatown" is imbued with a cinematic richness (Van Dyke Parks did the arranging and conducting on this one). Rufus Wainwright harmonizes to captivating effect. Another intoxicating rhythm draws the listener into "Turn to Gold," which teams Goffin with Billy Harvey. Goffin wistfully sings of our modern disconnection on the lovely "Let Me in Again." Harvey returns on the enchanting "All These Hellos." "A Fine Surprise" gracefully combines poetic, contemplative and emotional elements. "Good Times Call" bounces with a Motown, girl group sort of good time groove, sweetly soulful, a delightful little ditty, impossibly catchy. "Life Lessons" is another tantalizing tune.

The last song on the album, "Bridge of Sighs," with a lilting R&B vibe, sounds like the kind of classic her parents, Gerry Goffin and Carole King, might have written in the 60s. It's a glorious conclusion to a fantastic album. But it's not really the end, because you're probably going to want to immediately play the album over again from the beginning. It's that good. The brilliance of the songwriting is fulfilled by imaginative production (the album was produced by Goffin and Dave Way) and perfectly realized performances. This is an album you really must experience. The release date is Nov. 9. For more info, go to www.louisegoffin.com. And be sure to check out our 2014 interview with this artist: http://popcultureclassics.com/louise_goffin.html

ORIGINAL BROADWAY CAST RECORDING -- "IN THE HEIGHTS"
No, Pulitzer Prize winner Lin-Manuel Miranda did not spring fully formed into the cultural phenomenon that is "Hamilton." His extraordinary talents had already been well established. In 2008, he unveiled on Broadway another vibrant creation -- "In The Heights." Now, marking its 10th anniversary, the show has been released on vinyl, courtesy of Ghostlight Records. The audio has been remastered. The lavish box set includes a photo-filled, 12" x12" booklet, as well as the three LPs. You also get an MP3 download.

Miranda conceived "In The Heights," which nabbed four Tony Awards, including Best Musical and Best Original Score. It was also a Grammy winner. Miranda wrote both music and lyrics. The score draws from Latin, Salsa and jazz influences, as well show tune tradition and a happy helping of Hip-Hop. A film adaptation is in the works.

The show (book by Quiara Alegria Hudes) introduces us to the denizens of a changing neighborhood in New York's Washington Heights. The area is primarily comprised of working-class Hispanic-Americans, many of whom emigrated from the Caribbean. Miranda heads the superb ensemble, portraying the owner of a corner barrio. We learn of the characters' struggles and dreams. The memorable songs, brimming with life, reflect a gamut of emotions. Some are clever and upbeat, others poignant. For all the exuberant dance numbers and the energetic rap, there are also beautiful musical moments of romance and sentimentality. Among the standout songs are "Breathe" "Enough" "Sunrise," "Everything I Know" and "Carnival del Barrio." The voice of Mandy Gonzalez, on ballads, is particularly stirring. Karen Olivo's vocals are also noteworthy.

Other than traveling via time machine to catch a live performance by the original cast during its original Broadway run, there's no better way to experience "In The Heights" than through the warmth and clarity of vinyl. And this is the first time the show has been made available on vinyl. Any fan of Broadway musicals will cherish this new release. It's available from Barnes & Noble.

JOHNAYE KENDRICK - "FLYING"
On this, her second album, Johnaye Kendrick works wonders with her original tunes, as well as carefully chosen covers. Her velvety voice is endlessly alluring, able to bring rich nuances to the diverse tunes. She makes her own "You Two" a touching moment. Kendrick's rendition of "The Very Thought of You" swings gently. Kenrick adds scatting magic to "It Could Happen to You." She brings a whole new, fetching feel to "I've Got No Strings" (from "Pinocchio").

Equally impressive, in terms of powerful performance and inventive arrangement, is her rendition of John Mayer's "3x5." "The Lonely" one glistens with lilting loveliness. Other excellent numbers include "Never You Mind," "Scorpion," "Secrets" and the title track. Her interpretations throughout brim with authentic emotion. Kendrick displays great range and a rare vocal elegance. Top-flight musicians join her on "Flying," helping to make the trip memorable.

SARAH BORGES & THE BROKEN SINGLES - "LOVE'S MIDDLE NAME"
Sarah Borges and her band The Broken Singles know how to play rock 'n' roll that sounds as exciting as the best records from back in the day, when we actually bought 45 rpm singles. No frills. No pretension. Just raw emotion, delivered honestly and without compromise. Though much of the music's dynamic drive makes it exhilarating, Broges isn't afraid to go the dark places, nor is she unwilling to slow things down for more contemplative moments. She delves into longing, heartbreak, dangerous attraction, but there's an exultation coursing through the album, the jubilation of venting by rocking hard.

"Let Me Try It" has a Stones-like sauciness. "Lucky Rocks" also packs quite a punch. "Are You Still Takin' Them Pills" takes no prisoners. "Oh Victory" is a pretty, poignant change of pace. "Headed Down" has a punk snarl. "Grow Wings" and "I Can't Change" movingly offer more of an Americana sensibility, to just as great an effect on the listener as the edgier numbers. Borges voice is expressive and powerful, with just the right amount of grit.

BARBARA BLUE - "FISH IN DIRTY H2O"
Memphis-based Barbara Blue definitely knows how to belt the blues. And her music has a potent Memphis feel. The singer-songwriter has a powerful new album, "Fish in Dirty H2O." She enthralls right from the opening numbers, "My Heart Belongs to the Blues" and "Johnny Lee." Her plaintive voice entwines with crying guitar lines on "Accidental Theft." Whether singing original tunes or classics, Barbara Blue's vocals ooze steamy soulfulness. "Dr. Jesus" is a gospel rouser with vibrant background singers. "That's Workin' For Me" and "Slow Burn" are simmering, strong ballads. Other top tracks include "Meet Me in Memphis" and "Walk Away," Horns and keyboards add to the persuasiveness and excitement. But it's the vocals that make this an exceptional album. Barbara Blue is the real deal.

TONY JOE WHITE - "BAD MOUTHIN'"
The gritty swamp rock of Tony Joe White takes a turn towards roots blues on this masterful new album. Known for such penning hits as "Poke Salad Annie" and "A Rainy Night in Georgia," his songs have been covered by such artists as Eric Clapton, Dusty Springfield, Brook Benton, Wilie Nelson, Robert Cray and Tina Turner. On his latest release, the 75-year-old artist takes a sparse, stark approach and it suits him well. Guitar, harmonica and White's wonderfully weathered voice are all that are needed to make a song like Big Joe Williams' "Baby Please Don't Go" completely compelling. He brings an urgency to John Lee Hooker's "Boom Boom" and Jimmy Reed's "Big Boss Man." Pain and weariness bring a haunting dimension to Lightnin' Hopkins' "Awful Dreams." It's a highlight here. White's slow, suffering interpretation of "Heartbreak Hotel" another totally persuasive performance. There are five great White originals here, from his early days, among them, "Rich Woman Blues" and "Cool Town Woman." Listeners are lucky he has decided to revive these tunes. But he makes all of the songs on this enthralling album his own.

MANDY BARNETT - "STRANGE CONVERSATION"
Welcome back, Mandy! It's been five years since we heard new music from this great country artist. This new album, recorded in Muscle Shoals, was well worth waiting for. It should broaden her appeal, thanks to her torchy vocals applied to material with pop, blues and soul influences, as well as country roots.

The bluesy opener, "More Lovin'" simmers sensuously, a great showcase for Barnett's voice. The irresistible, R&B-inflected "It's All Right (You're Just in Love)" sounds like an early 60s girl group hit. Joined by John Hiatt, Barnett has fun with the old Sonny & Cher number, "A Cowboy's Work is Never Done," penned by Mr. Bono. "Puttin' on the Dog," the Tom Waits/Kathleen Brennan song, is another highlight. "All Night" presents Barnett at her longing best, as does the Howard Greenfield/Neil Sedaka ballad "My World Keeps Slipping Away." Lee Hazelwood's honky tonkin' "The Foot" provides an enjoyable change of pace. "Strange Conversation" is an attention-grabber. "Put on a Chain," with another of Barnett's fabulously arresting vocal performances, is the perfect closer to this extraordinary album.

BOOKS

A STAR IS BORN: JUDY GARLAND AND THE FILM THAT GOT AWAY
By Lorna Luft and Jeffrey Vance [Running Press]
A star is born. And few are born with as dazzling a talent as Judy Garland. She had an opportunity to pour her acting and singing abilities into a powerhouse showcase, the 1954 "A Star is Born," co-starring James Mason, directed by George Cukor. The tale of a romantic intersection between a star ascending and a star plummeting has been filmed several times. But for many classic movie connoisseurs, this is the definitive version.

The role of Esther Blodgett, in a film about alcoholism, tragedy and the cost of fame, must have deeply resonated with her. Garland's daughter Lorna Luft, with film historian Jeffrey Vance, has created a handsome new book that reveals fascinating details regarding the making of the movie, its disastrous re-editing by the studio, and the eventual painstaking reconstruction that allows today's audiences to enjoy the film in its full glory.

The book goes into the origins of the tale, detailing the 1932 "What Price Hollywood" picture and the 1937 remake, "A Star is Born," with Janet Gaynor and Fredric March. There is also a chapter on the 1976 Streisand version.

There is also a wealth of material about the Garland production. And Luft shares her personal memories and feelings about the film, as well as on her mother's life and career, making it unique in that regard, and far richer than many other Garland tomes. Another element that makes this book so special is the fabulous collection of photos.

"A Star is Born" presents a star at the zenith of her powers. And for the legions of Judy fans, this book is a rare gift.

GALE STORM: A BIOGRAPHY AND CAREER RECORD
By David C. Tucker [McFarland; www.mcfarlandpub.com; 800-253-2187]
She was the perfect Storm. Gale Storm's unwavering likability made her an appealing personality on radio, film and TV, in pop music and the theatre, in a career spanning decades. David C. Tucker's new biography gives us clear insights into what made her so special.

Born Josephine Cottle, this Texan, a natural born performer, won a radio talent contest in 1939, at age 17. Prizes included the stage name "Gale Storm" and a movie contract. Her versatility enabled Storm to appear in everything from crime potboilers to film noir to jungle adventures to romantic comedies to musicals to zombie flicks. Most of her efforts came in B-pictures. But she was very capable of handling A-material, when given the chance.

In 1952, Storm found even greater fame, when she starred in "My Little Margie." The sitcom was originally a summer replacement for "I Love Lucy," but became a hit and ran for four seasons. So did Storm's next series, "The Gale Storm Show: Oh! Susanna," which co-starred Zasu Pitts. Storm also became a recording star, notching a gold record with her first single, "I Hear You Knockin'." But stardom didn't change her. Storm's career never stood in the way of her most important roles, as wife and mother. She even taught Sunday school.

In addition to providing a detailed account of her life and career, author Tucker gives readers tons of info on each of Storm's movies, TV episodes, radio appearances and records. There's even a filmography of Storm's husband, actor Lee Bonnell. The book is a treasure trove for Storm devotees and should stir enough interest to create new fans.

THANKS A LOT MR. KIBBLEWHITE: MY STORY
By Roger Daltrey [ Henry Holt & Company]
One of the great rock 'n' roll voices of his generation, Roger Daltrey has tons of compelling anecdotes to relate in his new autobiography. The candid, conversation style is quite winning.

As a skinny kid, a choir boy, he was bullied, but Daltrey had plenty of fire and he didn't shy away from fights. The title, "Thanks a lot Mr. Kibblewhite," refers to the headmaster who expelled him, declaring, "You'll never make anything of your life, Daltrey." As a teen factory laborer in a council flat, that might have seemed likely. But Daltrey was an ambitious, gutsy young man and he sensed that rock 'n' roll could be his ticket to a better life. He pieced together a rudimentary guitar. And he always had a riveting voice. He found inspiration in such diverse sources as Elvis, Lonnie Donegan and Johnny Kidd & The Pirates.

John Entwistle joined him in his early band. When Pete Townshend's innovative guitar style was added, Daltrey knew something special was brewing. Anarchic Keith Moon's maniacal drum work proved to be the final ingredient. With a mod appeal and expanding showmanship, The Who burst upon the international music scene.

But these four musicians were very different sorts of people. They usually respected one another, but egos, paranoia and substance abuse caused innumerable conflicts. Daltrey may have been amenable to puffing on a joint, but he had zero interest in experimenting with the substances ranging from speed to heroin that were swirling around him.

Daltrey was determined that drugs not interfere with the band's performances, wanting to ban them during show time. That sparked more battles. Off-stage, Moon careened further and further out of control. Able to drink even Oliver Reed under the table, the self-destructive Moon had a penchant for snakes, cherry bombs and trouble. Entwistle and Townshend dealt with their own demons. And as Townshend's songwriting grew ever more complex, Daltrey's vocal style had to evolve, as well.

In the memoir, Daltrey offers insights into many milestones, including Monterey Pop, Woodstock and the process of creating the phenomenon "Tommy." He chronicles it all, the triumphs and the tragedies, the band's dissolution and resurrection, the complicated relationship with Townshend, dodgy management, the music legends encountered along the way, the sexual escapades. Daltrey also examines his life beyond The Who -- post-war childhood, finding the love of his life, family, illegitimate children, solo albums, acting in films. Over the course of his story, Daltrey reveals the insecurities beneath his bravado.

He may have sung, "Hope I die before I get old," but even in his 70s, Daltrey's life continues to be an amazing adventure. If you even have a passing interest in rock music or pop culture, this entertaining book is a must-read.

QUINTESSENTIAL JACK: THE ART OF JACK NICHOLSON ON SCREEN
By Scott Edwards [McFarland; www.mcfarlandpub.com; 800-253-2187]
Theres a lot more to Jack than those mischievous eyes and smirky, wicked grin. And film buffs will develop an even greater admiration for Nicholson's unique and abundant acting talent when they read this new study by Scott Edwards.

Rather than plodding through a standard, chronological biography format, Edwards plunges into an in-depth examination of the actor's body of work, dissecting his approach, showing how Nicholson has evolved as an artist. Viewing the actor as an auteur, the author explores Nicholson's rich and diverse characterizations, comparing and contrasting memorable roles, finding connective threads.

And Edwards doesn't just cover obvious choices like "Chinatown," "The Last Detail," "As Good As it Gets" and "Easy Rider." He also gets to the meat of Nicholson's work in earlier efforts like "Cry Baby Killer," "Little Shop of Horrors," "The Raven," "Studs Lonigan" and "The Trip," as well as the Monte Hellman westerns, which have become cult favorites.

The book doesn't just celebrate Nicholson's triumphs. The author doesn't shy away from pointing out the actor's missteps, such as his disastrous reunion with Bob Rafelson -- "Man Trouble."

Edwards has interviewed many of Nicholson's co-workers, including Millie Perkins, Shirley Knight, Ed Nelson, Hazel Court, Peter Fonda, Bruce Dern and The Monkees (who collaborated with Nicholson on the psychedelic feature comedy "Head.") The author has even uncovered some less-than-flattering notes by legendary acting coach Jeff Corey, regarding student Nicholson's abilities and potential. Edwards has also gathered many quotes form Nicholson himself. The well-written, insightful book, which took Edwards 12 years to compile, is a fascinating look at Nicholson, one of the truly great actors of his generation.