The Must-Read Retro Books
We’ve covered movies on our lists, but there is nothing better than a book to immerse yourself in the stories of the past. Especially when told from a perspective of someone who has lived them, you can almost travel back in times and relive them yourself. We prepared a list of our favourite “retro” reads (that we had a hard time putting down) all about music, fashion and other icons of the past.
We’re sure there are more must-read books out there that we didn’t include, so make sure to comment below so that we can add them to our list for others to enjoy!.
JUST KIDS by Patti Smith
We might be wrong, but Just Kids is most likely one of the best books ever written. Smith offers a glimpse of life in New York (& the Chelsea hotel) in the late sixties and seventies, as well as her unique relationship with Mapplethorpe. The book is quite unlike any memoir of the '60s & '70s, being beautifully written with exceptional quality to prose like all of Smith's work.
FAITHFULL by Marianne Faithfull
Faithfull tells the extraordinary tale of Marianne's life recounting her days in the swinging '60s, relationship with Mick Jagger but also entrapment through various drug addictions. Faithfull never made excuses for herself and doesn't look for sympathy from the reader. She's honest in admitting her mistakes and emerges as one of the most appraised female singer-songwriters of the times.
I’M WITH THE BAND: CONFESSIONS OF A GROUPIE by Pamela Des Barres
Pamela Des Barres is known as the most famous groupie of all times, inspiring the famous Penny Lane character of Almost Famous. As you might expect, the book covers pretty much all of her affairs with the most famous names of rock' n' roll, and her own attempt at music, The GTO's. While the topics of sex, drugs and rock' n' roll might seem a bit dubious at this point, Pamela's witty language manages to make this book an entertaining must-read.
FROM A TO BIBA: THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF BARBARA HULANICKI by Barbara Hulanicki
One of our favourite books, honestly written and simply a pleasure to read. This read is perfect for anyone interested in the fashion industry's history in the '60s and '70s and how Biba came to exist. In comparison to the juicy biographies of the '60s, Hulanicki feels very relatable and down to earth which brings a different perspective to the feel we get of the swinging London.
LAUREL CANYON: THE INSIDE STORY OF ROCK-AND-ROLL'S LEGENDARY NEIGHBORHOOD by Michael Walker
If you haven't yet heard of Laurel Canyon, it was the epicentre of the most famous folk & rock artists in the late sixties and seventies. The book mainly consists of stories surrounding the infamous residents, including Frank Zappa, the Mamas and the Papas, Jim Morrison and Joni Mitchell, to name a few. The book has a bit of a historical feel to it so might not be the most leisurely read but is well worth it if you're interested in the makings of the biggest hits.
WONDERFUL TONIGHT by Pattie Boyd
If you enjoy all the juicy details of the 60's scene, this is the book that tells it all. Written by one of the most famous muses of rock' n' roll, mainly known for her (toxic) relationships with George Harrison and Eric Clapton, the book tells the story of her life and all events surrounding the two men.
RETROMANIA: POP CULTURE'S ADDICTION TO ITS OWN PAST by Simon Reynolds
This book is for all of you obsessed with anything from the past (and those who feel contemporary music often has little to offer). Reynolds analyses this phenomena of why the past always come back and whether our obsession with all things retro means the end to originality.
GRACE: A MEMOIR by Grace Coddington
If you're looking for a lighthearted comfort read, then that's your book! Most famously known as the creative director of Vogue, Grace Coddington has much more to offer than just Vogue. Starting out as a model, Grace covers much about the London life in the '60s, the world-class photographers she worked with and how the fashion industry looked back in the times.
CLOTHES, CLOTHES, CLOTHES. MUSIC, MUSIC, MUSIC. BOYS, BOYS, BOYS. by Viv Albertine
Viv Albertine's memoir depicts what it was to be a woman at the height of punk and forcing herself into a male-dominated industry. Most known as the guitarist of the punk group The Slits & her relationship with The Clash's Mick Jones, Viv tells a very raw but thrilling story of her life and all the hardships of being a woman.
GIRL IN A BAND by Kim Gordon
If you have enjoyed Patti's Just Kids, this is a memoir for you. Kim Gordon, the founding member of Sonic Youth, offers a different take on a memoir then expected your typical musician autobiography. The book dwells not only into the journey of becoming an artist but also becoming a mother and gaining independence, definitely very high on our must-read list.
QUANT BY QUANT: THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF MARY QUANT by Mary Quant
With the recent Quant exhibition at the V&A, her autobiography was a must-read for us. And we were not disappointed. The inventor of the miniskirt herself talks us through her beginnings on King's Road and the behind the scenes of the swinging London. Bringing a new perspective to the stories told by the infamous groupies.
UNCOMMON PEOPLE: THE RISE AND FALL OF THE ROCK STARS 1955-1994 by David Hepworth
This one is for all the rock star lovers. Rather than turning straight to the infamous Mick Jagger or Elvis, Hepworth begins by featuring artists like Little Richard. Touching upon the psychology of rock stars, the book is a homage to the stars that made the most significant impact.
LIFE by Keith Richards
We always felt that Keith Richards managed to live in the slight shadow of the forever loved Mick Jagger. However, his honest autobiography captures Keith's voice fully, and he is more than happy to tell the readers everything from drugs to sex and brings out complete like-ability to a less than perfect rock star.
LOVE, JANIS by Laura Joplin
Love, Janis is an intimate biography of Janis Joplin written by her younger sister, Laura. The book explores her life, struggles and dreams from both private and public perspective. The biography additionally includes never previously published letters from Janis which certainly makes this a must-read biography.
SHOUT! THE BEATLES IN THEIR GENERATION by Philip Norman
The title most likely gave it off, but yes, this is a biography of The Beatles, from the beginning till the end. While many books exist on The Beatles, Shout! is considered one of the most beautifully written accounts on the band.
MISS O'DELL: MY HARD DAYS AND LONG NIGHTS WITH THE BEATLES, THE STONES, BOB DYLAN, ERIC CLAPTON, AND THE WOMEN THEY LOVED by Chris O'Dell, Katherine Ketcham
Chris O'Dell provides a detailed account of her time spent around many of our favourite bands and a backstage pass to many juicy events. O'Dell was present at some of the most significant moments in the music history, from Apple store to singing in the chorus of "Hey Jude" and most excitingly working as an assistant for The Rolling Stones, not to mention her romantic involvements with Ringo, Mick Jagger or Bob Dylan.
REBEL HEART: AN AMERICAN ROCK' N' ROLL JOURNEY by Bebe Buell, Victor Bockris
Rebel Heart is an account of Bebe's life at the rock scene's centre in the '70s & '80s. While Bebe started as a New York model, she is most known for her relationships with stars such as Jimmy Page, Mick Jagger and Steven Tyler of Aerosmith. Her book follows the wild & fun stories from her life and brings a fantastic account of life at the stage centre of rock' n' roll.
OTHER TITLES ON OUR LIST:
Chronicles: Volume One by Bob Dylan
1971 - Never a Dull Moment: Rock's Golden Year by David Hepworth
Hotel California: Singer-Songwriters and Cocaine Cowboys in the LA Canyons, 1967-1976 by Barney Hoskyns
Nico: Songs They Never Play on The Radio by James Edward Young
I'll Drink to That: A Life in Style, with a Twist by Betty Halbreich
Simple Dreams: A Musical Memoir
Inside Linda Lovelace by Linda Lovelace
Robert Plant: A Life by Paul Rees
The Real Frank Zappa Book by Frank Zappa
The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test by Tom Wolfe
Born to Run by Bruce Springsteen
Careless Love: The Unmaking of Elvis Presley
I Slept With Joey Ramone by Mickey Leigh