I Hate the Man Who Runs This Bar! Book

Eugene Chadbourne will always be remembered for his sonic jazz experiments on stringed instruments (mainly electric guitar, sometimes banjo), that trademark electric rake of his, and his campy humor. (He's also the only musician playing today able to cover Nick Drake's melancholic "The Thoughts of Mary Jane" and turn it into an extended improvisation that borders on humorous.) I Hate the Man Who Runs This Bar!, Chadbourne's guidebook for fellow musicians, is nearly as funny, eccentric, and effective as the artist's vast musical output. Chadbourne describes his follies with various labels; offers inspirational advice on packaging, publishing, and getting gigs; and tries to shatter the myths of working for a major record label. Common sense reigns supreme, as does a DIY sensibility. Subtitled "The Survival Guide for Real Musicians," the book offers great insight into one of modern music's best minds and should provide plenty to think about for anyone serious about his or her music. Chadbourne's suggestions may not make your band famous, but they may make it infamous--a career choice that's worked for Chadbourne since the mid '70s. --Jason VerlindeRead More