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Nico, Songs They Never Play on the Radio

Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Nico, Songs They Never Play on the Radio by James Young provides an intimate glimpse into the life of Nico, the enigmatic singer from the band The Velvet Underground. The memoir, penned by Young who played keyboards in her band, captures the tumultuous touring life of Nico during the 1980s, filled with vivid anecdotes and reflections on her intriguing personality and complex relationships. This book offers an insider's perspective that delves into the chaos and artistry surrounding Nico's later years.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you are fascinated by the turbulent world of music and the enigmatic lives of its icons. With an insider's perspective on the post-Velvet Underground days, it offers a compelling glimpse into Nico's eccentric personality and the chaos surrounding her lesser-known years. Ideal for those intrigued by tales of rock legends and the gritty reality behind the glamour.

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Nico, Songs They Never Play on the Radio

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

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'A coolly literary masterpiece' - Greil Marcus, Esquire

'Sad, funny, brilliant' - The Daily Telegraph

'In classic fish-out-of-water fashion Young writes with wry amusement alongside a fair bit of affection for his icy boss' - The Times

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Fully updated with a new introduction, this is the story of Nico, former model, film actress, singer with the Velvet Underground and darling of Andy Warhol's factory, when the world had all but forgotten her.

In 1982, Nico was living in Manchester, interested mainly in feeding her heroin habit. Local promoter Alan Wise (β€˜Dr Demetrius’) hired musicians, rented a van and set off with the band on a tour of Italy. James Young played keyboards for Nico throughout this period.

Over six years, until her death in 1988, Nico toured the world, encountering poets, artists, gangsters, losers and drifters. Fellow-spirits including John Cale, Allen Ginsberg, Gregory Corso and John Cooper Clarke are among those who appear in this classic memoir of Nico β€˜the last bohemian’.

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'Stunning ... Nico is so HERE in this wonderful narrative; I recognized her right away. James Young was the keyboard player in Nico's very insane bande Γ  part on the last tours of her life and is a spectacular writer; let him be your perfect witness from the nomadic court of the once and future goddess of the musical underground' - Danny Fields, friend of Nico, and manager of The Ramones, Iggy Pop and The Stooges

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

James Young's Nico, Songs They Never Play on the Radio is highly praised for its literary quality and evocative narrative, capturing the essence of Nico's later years and the underground music scene. The memoir is described as a stunning and possibly one of the best rock and roll road stories, blending humour, sadness, and brilliance while portraying a dark yet artistic 1980s Manchester. The book is commended for its witty and affectionate portrayal of Nico by reviewers and is noted for being both funny and romantic.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781526640796

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 10 June 2021

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 18.0mm

Width: 128.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 173g

Pages: 240

About the Author

James Young was born in Oldham. He has tried his hand at a number of careers, including working in a cotton mill and as a car park attendant. In the early 80s he abandoned a promising academic future at Oxford to become Nico's piano player, after which he wrote Nico, Songs They Never Play on the Radio - a biographical account of the eight years he spent with the doomed Warhol chanteuse. He lives in Oxford.

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