Journalist and author Peter Guralnick offers a personal look at some of the last century’s most influential music artists and writers. Narrator Jim Meskimen’s steely timbre and vocal confidence are always a delight to hear, and he’s an intelligent performer of these captivating stories, insights, and reflections. He sounds like he loves American pop music in the same way the author does and is eager to share its rich history with listeners. Guralnick writes about familiar artists such as Chuck Berry, Merle Haggard, and others, as well as lesser-known performers, writers, and promoters who were just as critical to music’s ascendance in American culture. With Meskimen’s performance combining so well with the author’s virtuoso research and writing, this is an audio that musicians and music lovers of all stripes will savor. T.W. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine
Jess Walter is hands-down one of America’s finest storytellers today. The bestselling author of Beautiful Ruins delivered another “literary miracle” (NPR) this year with The Cold Millions — a riveting tale of two brothers wrapped up in a period piece with an ageless message. Jess flawlessly navigates the gaps between the haves and the have-nots, dreams and reality to create a fascinating, entertaining, amusing and, at […]