Book: Awopbopaloobop Alopbamboom
The Golden Age Of Rock
Written by Nick Cohn (DaCapo) (Published Nov. 2001)
Reviewed by John Sekerka

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Sometimes it takes someone else to point out the damn obvious. As Cohn points out, not only did Chubby ("The Twist", "Let's Twist Again", etc) Checker take his act from Fats Domino, he took his name as well: Chubby Checker, Fats Domino - get it? It had never occurred to me before, and well, it was cause to slap a knee. I live for this kinda stuff, and if you don't dig it as well, then what're you doing here? Get back to the telly misguided fool! ... Originally published in '68, revised/updated in '72 and only recently available in North America, "The Golden Age of Rock" is still one of the best hit-the-nail-on-the-noggin' music reads going. Not only does Cohn dissect the evolution of pop with a crafty surgeon's touch, but he gets right to the meat of the personalities, infusing his unbridled passion (and hatred as well) for the music that took over his life. And though this was written way back, Cohn's words are far from dated. He is bang on with his commentaries and opinions that could have tarnished quickly with time. It's a joyous and fascinating romp with Cohn spewing words at a feverish rate cuz he's driven. Anyone smitten with pop would do well to scan this.

© 2003 - John Sekerka