Here are a bunch of music books I have read recently, and their reviews and based on the reviews, you might like to read them. 

"Strange Things Are Happening: Adventures in Music" by Richard Norris is a vibrant, first-hand journey through some of music's most transformative decades. Norris weaves his personal story with the larger musical tapestry, beginning in the rebellious punk era and stretching into the evolution of dance music with his band The Grid. His storytelling is grounded yet electrifying, blending behind-the-scenes anecdotes with insights into the cultural shifts that defined these genres. This is more than just a music memoir; it's a pulse-check on the evolution of sound, charting the rise of movements that shaped entire generations.

Norris’s voice is candid and compelling, whether he’s recounting gritty punk beginnings or navigating the dance music scene’s highs and lows. Fans of music history will appreciate the meticulous attention to detail, while those less familiar with the eras will still be swept up in the lively pace and Norris’s contagious passion. The book strikes a great balance between being informative and entertaining, making it a must-read for anyone interested in music’s power to inspire and transform. I purchased my copy from the Soft Cell website which is signed and has an exclusive CD. 

Dave Ball's memoir, Electronic Boy: My Life In and Out of Soft Cell, is an electrifying plunge into the world of synth music and the vibrant journey of one of its pivotal creators. Ball, famously one-half of the legendary 80s synth-pop duo Soft Cell, alongside Marc Almond, delivers a refreshingly candid account of his career, detailing the highs and lows of fame, the creative struggles and triumphs, and the transformative power of music.

Ball captures his early years and unlikely path to success, emerging from a working-class background in Blackpool to enroll at Leeds Polytechnic, where fate would have him cross paths with Marc Almond. Together, they formed Soft Cell, known for redefining synth music with their groundbreaking track Tainted Love. Through Ball’s eyes, we get a vivid backstage view of Soft Cell's rise to fame in the 1980s music scene, which was a whirlwind of energy, creativity, and at times, turbulence.

But Electronic Boy isn’t just a tale of Soft Cell. Ball delves into his solo and collaborative projects, notably his work with The Grid, the pioneering synth-dance outfit he co-founded with Richard Norris. In these pages, Ball explores how the dance scene of the 90s brought a fresh kind of excitement and creative freedom, one that was instrumental in the development of electronic dance music as a genre. The Grid’s infectious tracks like Swamp Thing show Ball's adaptability and enduring musical curiosity, which shines through in the book’s narrative.

What makes Electronic Boy especially engaging is Ball’s unfiltered voice. He writes with humor, humility, and a touch of melancholy, recounting everything from unforgettable performances and tour mishaps to moments of doubt and reinvention. Ball also opens up about the music industry’s shifting landscape, reflecting on how synth music has evolved over the decades and the challenges and thrills of staying relevant in a fast-paced, often unforgiving industry.

Fans of synth music, the 80s music scene, and electronic dance will appreciate Ball’s insider insights, while new readers will find his personal journey captivating and relatable. Electronic Boy is not just the story of a musician but a testament to the power of reinvention and artistic resilience.

Jonathan Scott's "Into the Groove" is a captivating exploration of the evolution of sound recording technology, from the early days of tin foil cylinders to the resurgence of vinyl records. Scott's engaging writing style and meticulous research bring to life the stories of inventors, musicians, and engineers who shaped the way we listen to music.

Through a blend of historical anecdotes, technical explanations, and personal reflections, Scott delves into the cultural impact of various formats, from 78 rpm records to cassette tapes. He examines the rise and fall of different technologies, highlighting the enduring appeal of analog sound. "Into the Groove" is a must-read for music enthusiasts and technology buffs alike, offering a nostalgic journey through the soundscape of the past century.

Steve Hackett’s autobiography, A Genesis in My Bed, is an intimate, compelling journey through the life and mind of one of progressive rock’s most innovative guitarists. From his formative years of discovery to his groundbreaking tenure with Genesis, Hackett reveals not just the milestones but the intricate, personal stories behind them. Written with warmth and wit, the book provides a front-row seat to the creative tensions and camaraderie within Genesis during its iconic years. Hackett’s recollections of writing and recording classics like Selling England by the Pound and The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway are rich with detail, shedding light on his experimental approach to guitar that helped define the band’s sound. Alongside the music, he delves into personal challenges, triumphs, and his decision to ultimately part ways with Genesis, offering readers a deeply human portrait of an artist in pursuit of authenticity.

What makes A Genesis in My Bed particularly captivating is Hackett’s humility and ability to balance humor with introspection. He shares anecdotes of life on the road, the occasional absurdities of fame, and the dynamics of collaboration with refreshing honesty. Fans of Genesis and progressive rock will revel in the behind-the-scenes insights, but the book’s appeal extends beyond its niche. It’s a story of passion, creativity, and resilience, showcasing Hackett not only as a musician but as an evolving individual navigating the complexities of life and art. Whether you’re a long-time Genesis fan or new to his work, Hackett’s autobiography resonates as a testament to the enduring power of music and the personal journeys that shape it.

Chris Salewicz’s Jimmy Page: The Definitive Biography offers an in-depth, meticulously researched look into the life of one of rock’s most enigmatic and influential guitarists. Salewicz captures Page’s rise from a session musician to the mastermind behind Led Zeppelin, weaving together personal anecdotes, behind-the-scenes stories, and deep musical analysis. The book does an excellent job of exploring not just Page’s technical brilliance and innovation, but also the complexities of his character—his obsession with the occult, his perfectionism, and the highs and lows of his career. Fans will appreciate the level of detail, particularly when it comes to his groundbreaking guitar work and the creative process behind Zeppelin’s legendary albums.

What sets this biography apart is its balanced approach—Salewicz doesn’t shy away from the more controversial aspects of Page’s life, including the excesses of the 1970s rock scene, yet he avoids sensationalism, focusing instead on the artistry and vision that made Page an icon. While some readers may wish for more direct input from Page himself, the book still paints a compelling portrait through interviews with those who knew him best. Whether you’re a lifelong Zeppelin fan or simply fascinated by the evolution of rock music, Jimmy Page: The Definitive Biography is an essential read, offering a fascinating glimpse into the mind of a musical genius.

Karl Bartos' The Sound of the Machine: My Life in Kraftwerk and Beyond is a fascinating, deeply personal memoir that offers a rare glimpse into the inner workings of one of the most influential electronic music bands of all time. Bartos, a key member of Kraftwerk during their most innovative years, takes readers on a journey through his creative process, the evolution of the band’s sound, and the cultural revolution sparked by their groundbreaking music. His writing is vivid and candid, offering fresh insight into the dynamics between band members, the challenges of artistic collaboration, and his own quest for creative freedom. The book is both a love letter to electronic music and a thoughtful meditation on the nature of creativity itself.

What truly elevates this memoir is Bartos’ ability to articulate the technical and emotional aspects of music-making with equal passion and precision. From the meticulous construction of iconic tracks like The Model and Tour de France to his later solo projects, Bartos reveals the meticulous craftsmanship and visionary thinking that defined his career. Fans of Kraftwerk will appreciate the behind-the-scenes anecdotes and rare photographs, but this book also stands on its own as an inspiring narrative about innovation, resilience, and artistic integrity. Whether you're a devoted fan of Kraftwerk or simply curious about the roots of electronic music, The Sound of the Machine is a must-read.

If you don’t know Steven Wilson but he is the creative force behind a progressive rock band called, Porcupine Tree. He even admits it’s a wired name, but there again it was all made up. The records were all created in his bedroom. He has come along way since then, even called “the king of Prog”.

This is not your usual boring rock autobiography of drink and drugs in fact Steven admits he pretty boring. But he and Mick Wall (the ghost writer*) know that the modern reader needs to be engaged with more than just words.

So while you get an autobiographical story there are also lists of Steven’s favourite songs of all time, plus musings about various stages in his career, which keeps the book interesting,

I read the limited deluxe version which features a second volume of some “contextual” zoom conversations between Steven and Mick, some of Steven’s short stories as well as the detail behind the additional CD. The CD has tracks from Steven’s career, from school bands through to his work in the advertising industry. As well as Blazing Apostles, God, No man is an island and of course, Porcupine Tree. A great dive into Steven’s actual musical journey.

*I had a conversation with Mick Wall on Instagram and he said it was a collaboration with Steven, rather than ghost written.  Mick went onto to say that Steve is a good writer.

In Electronically Yours Vol. 1, Martyn Ware—co-founder of pioneering synthpop bands The Human League and Heaven 17—delivers a refreshingly candid and richly textured memoir that goes far beyond the standard music biography. With sharp wit and deep introspection, Ware chronicles his journey from a working-class upbringing in Sheffield to becoming one of the key architects of British electronic music. What makes this book so compelling is not just the behind-the-scenes tales of '80s music evolution, but Ware’s genuine passion for innovation, social justice, and sound design. His reflections are as philosophical as they are technical, offering a unique lens into how creativity intersects with technology and identity.

Ware’s voice is authentic and unfiltered, pulling no punches when discussing the music industry, fame, or even his personal missteps. Readers looking for gossip or rock ‘n’ roll excess might be surprised—instead, they’ll find a thoughtful meditation on artistry, friendship, and the struggle to maintain integrity in a rapidly commercializing world. Whether you’re a fan of electronic music or just fascinated by cultural history told from the inside, Electronically Yours Vol. 1 is a standout memoir that resonates with heart, humor, and a healthy dose of northern grit.

Ever Fallen in Love: The Lost Buzzcocks Tapes is a raw, revelatory dive into the heart of punk's poetic soul, seen through the eyes of one of its most enigmatic voices. Compiled and contextualized by Louie Shelley, this collection of interviews, reflections, and unpublished musings from Pete Shelley offers a rare backstage pass into the formative years and artistic mindset of the Buzzcocks frontman. What sets this book apart isn’t just its archival treasure trove of previously unheard audio transcriptions, but the intimate sense of honesty and vulnerability that emerges from Pete's own words—funny, tender, incisive, and often beautifully self-aware. It captures not just the rise of a band, but the evolution of a thinker, a lover, and an accidental icon.

More than a mere nostalgia trip, the book repositions Shelley as a thinker ahead of his time—his thoughts on gender, politics, identity, and artistry feel urgent and contemporary even decades later. Louie Shelley’s careful curation and commentary provide just enough structure without overshadowing Pete’s unique voice, allowing readers to feel like they’re eavesdropping on late-night pub conversations or studio-side chats. For fans of punk, music history, or simply good writing with soul, this is a deeply affecting and essential read. A must-have for those who want to hear what others missed—and what Pete was always trying to say.

In Hey, Hi, Hello, Annie Nightingale delivers a pulsating and deeply personal memoir that mirrors the vibrant chaos of the music world she’s helped shape for over five decades. As BBC Radio 1’s first female DJ, Nightingale recounts her trailblazing journey with unfiltered honesty and wit, blending iconic anecdotes with reflections on perseverance in a male-dominated industry. From her early days in radio and journalism to her intimate encounters with everyone from David Bowie to The Chemical Brothers, Nightingale captures the electrifying evolution of music culture through her distinct, no-nonsense lens. Her voice is as rebellious on the page as it is on the airwaves—sharp, passionate, and full of rhythm.

What makes Hey, Hi, Hello stand out isn’t just its glittering cast of music legends or behind-the-scenes stories, but Nightingale’s unwavering spirit and relentless curiosity. Her memoir reads less like a nostalgic diary and more like a manifesto for anyone determined to defy convention and stay true to their passions. The book is a celebration of resilience, reinvention, and the ever-changing soundtrack of our lives. For readers who crave an authentic insider’s view of British pop culture—delivered with punk energy and a DJ’s tempo—this memoir is both a history lesson and a love letter to the power of sound.

There now follows a little ad for my books …. 

I wrote the first edition of "social selling - techniques to influence buyers and changemakers - 1st edition" (the one with the white cover) back in 2015 and it was published in 2016. It was the first book on social selling to be published. With so many changes that have taken place in social media over time, when Kogan Page, my publisher, approached me and asked for a second edition (the one with the yellow cover), I agreed.

This second edition, has been totally updated from 187 pages to 306. I explain how the world of business has changed with digital and how that impacts the modern buyer and it's a business imperative that we change our sales and marketing.

Many people often think that social selling is some sort of future state. It's not, it's the here and now. DLA Ignite, my company, for example, has clients doing $multi-million deals using social media. If your not doing $multi-million deals on social, your competition are and you are losing market share and revenue.

With this book, I contacted people I knew that were using social media to drive revenue and got them to tell their story. Chris Fleming the CEO of Cyberhawk, shares how he transformed his business to social and digital 3 years ago. Putting that another way, if you haven't transformed to a social selling methodology by now, you are 3 years behind the market.

In my second book, "Smarketing - How to achieve competitive advantage through blended sales and marketing" published through Kogan Page, we looked at the age old problem of marketing and sales working together.  At the time there was a lot of conversations on social media about how on earth do we get sales and marketing to be one team?

The book, takes a case study, which we cannot mention, it works through the strategy, how to implement a program to implement sales and marketing, the political risks and measures and governance. The book finishes with a look into the future of sales and marketing.

I would admit that if we wrote the book today, we would probably call it Rev-ops (revenue operations).

Please note that some reviews (but not all) I had Chat GPT or Google's Gemini to help me.