
Is there anything left to be said about Prince, Elvis Presley, Steely Dan or Charlie Parker? As it turns out, plenty. These collected essays are thoughtful and heartfelt takes on a musical Mount Rushmore that tries to understand musicians as only a deep fan can. Penman's metaphors are as sharp as his wit, and he has a detective's eye for the telling detail. From a memorable image like Elvis going on a drug-fuelled visionquest in the desert to Parker conducting his life from the backseat of a cab to Prince regarding himself in a bathroom mirror, Penman mines facets that will send anybody who loves music back to their stack of vinyl. Hear with new ears. ~ Reviewed by Charles Bottomley