Here are a few more music books that will rock your holiday season:
A Very Irregular Head: The Life of Syd Barrett by Rob Chapman (Da Capo, 2010) An insightful and intriguing look at the rise and fall of one of rock music's most enigmatic artists.
Just Kids by Patti Smith (Ecco, 2010) Smith's memoir about her first love, Robert Mapplethorpe, and their shared experiences in 1970's New York offers a poignant look at who she is as both a person and artist.
Life by Keith Richards and James Fox (Back Bay Books, 2011) Proof in print that despite a life of heavy-duty drinking and drugging, crusty guitarist Keith Richards can still offer detailed reminiscences of his experiences with iconic rock band the Rolling Stones.
Gig Posters Volume 2: Rock Show Art of the 21st Century by Clay Hayes (Quirk Books, 2011) Featuring 700 full-color examples of unique concert art that encompasses bands like Arcade Fire, Modest Mouse, Cee Lo Green, The National, Vampire Weekend, Wilco, and many others; includes 101 perforated, 11-by-14-inch, ready-to-hang posters.
The Rock and Roll Alphabet by Jeffrey Schwartz (Mojo Hand, 2011) A selection of vintage rock 'n' roll photos by legendary photographer Chuck Boyd teaches kids the ABC's of rock with entries like Frank Zappa for 'Z' and Grateful Dead for 'G.'
This article appears in Dec 15-21, 2011.