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Jason Molina

Riding with the Ghost
4.06 goodreads logo

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( 824 ratings, 95 reviews)
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
Erin Osmon offers an intimate biography of Jason Molina, a gifted and enigmatic musician from the Rust Belt whose prolific work with Songs: Ohia and Magnolia Electric Co. left a significant mark on the indie and alt-country scenes. This authorised account explores Molina's complex personal life, his struggles with addiction, and the hidden stories behind his music, including details of an unreleased album. It also situates his journey within the broader context of the Midwest's vibrant music underground and the influential label Secretly Canadian.
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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 is ideal for readers interested in autobiographies of musicians, fans of Jason Molina’s music, and enthusiasts of indie, folk, and alt-country genres. It also appeals to those fascinated by the complexities of artistic life and the Midwest’s music culture.

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With a new foreword by Will Johnson, this book presents a detailed account of the Rust Belt–born prolific and at times cantankerous singer-songwriter Jason Molina. As the first authorized account of this self-mythologizer, the book provides unparalleled insight into Molina’s tormented life and the Midwest musical underground that birthed him.

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

Erin Osmon presents a detailed, human account of the Rust Belt–born musician Jason Molina—a visionary, prolific, and at times cantankerous singer-songwriter with an autodidactic style that captivated his devoted fans.

The songwriting giant behind the bands Songs: Ohia and Magnolia Electric Co. had a knack for spinning tales, from the many personal myths he cultivated throughout his life to the poems and ballads he penned and performed. As with too many great musicians, Molina’s complicated relationship with the truth, combined with a secretive relationship with the bottle, ultimately claimed his life.

With a new foreword from singer-songwriter Will Johnson, Jason Molina: Riding with the Ghost details Molina’s personal trials and triumphs and reveals for the first time the true story of Molina’s last months and works, including an unpublished album unknown to many of his fans. Offering unfettered access to the mind and artistry of Molina through exclusive interviews with family, friends, and collaborators, the book also explores the Midwest music underground and the development of Bloomington, Indiana–based label Secretly Canadian.

As the first authorized and detailed account of this prolific songwriter and self-mythologizer, Jason Molina provides readers with unparalleled insight into Molina’s tormented life and the fascinating Midwest musical underground that birthed him. It’s a story for the ages that speaks volumes to the triumphs and trials of the artistic spirit while exploring the meaningful music that Molina’s creative genius left behind.

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?

Reviews praise the book for its vivid anecdotes and rich context, which reveal a side of Molina rarely seen outside his melancholic music. MTV highlights how the book enriches an understanding of his songs by providing the voices of their characters and settings, while Pitchfork notes the compelling portrayal of Molina’s passion for music and his formative experiences. The biography covers all phases of his career and is noted for offering insights into his fanhood and creative influences.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781538112182

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 01 December 2018

Country: United States

Imprint: Rowman & Littlefield

Illustration: 31 b/w illustrations

Contributors:

  • Foreword by Will Johnson

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 19.0mm

Width: 155.0mm

Height: 230.0mm

Weight: 395g

Pages: 256

About the Author

Erin Osmon is a music writer based in Chicago. Her work has appeared in dozens of newspapers, magazines, websites, and journals dealing with music and culture. She also writes long-form liner notes for reissues of historic albums. A native of Evansville, Indiana, Ms. Osmon grew up in the Midwest underground music scene. She discovered Jason Molina’s music in 1998 after the song “Vanquisher” from the first Songs: Ohia LP made rounds on a mix tape among her high school friends. This is her first book.

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