Between The Lines-Movie Poster Art

Oeuvre / The Art of Drew Struzen

Drew Struzan

Titan Books

 2011

I have been a huge fan of Struzen's work for many years. Being a portrait artist myself, I can appreciate the skill and conceptual ideas he brings to his art as it conveys the idea of an entire movie in one single image. As a casual fan, anyone can enjoy the incredible artistry he has to offer.

The two books chronicling his career are similar but very much different. The just released Oeuvre is a gorgeous presentation and overview of the art itself, presented with little commentary and without all the lettering needed for movie posters. It also includes his work outside the film industry and with over 250 images, there's a ton of material here to marvel at.

His other book, revised in 2010, singles out many of his iconic film posters and includes rough ideas that didn't make the cut, early and alternative versions and commentary on each project that is both revealing and often times quite funny. His close and trusted relationship with many filmmakers such as George Lucas, Steven Spielberg, Benicio Del Toro and Frank Darabont is a unique factor in that they depend on each other in their collaboration to achieve the success they have.

I simply love these books. Being a sucker for art and movies, they both present a visual artists' work that for over 30 years, is unsurpassed.

John Carpenter's The Thing, 1982

Back to the Future, 1985

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, 1989

Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, 2005

Cowboys & Aliens, 2011

Between The Lines-Cult Movies

Crazy 4 Cult: Cult Movie Art

Gallery 1988

Titan Books

2011

This is a music photography blog, I know but I am spotlighting a couple books leading up to Christmas that may give you an idea or two of what to get someone on your list who may be a movie fan. I love movies and I love art so this collection is right up my alley. Gathering together over 150 artists' visually interpreting famous cult movies, the array and diversity of images is impressive. Movies such as Harold & Maude, Edward Scissorhands, The Shining, Pulp Fiction and dozens more are represented and as exciting as the movies may be, what is so much fun about this book is the different styles amongst the works. From simple to elaborate, the works are presented in full color and with no set chronology, this is basically a program for the four years of Gallery1988 shows it is based on. Perfect for any movie lover geek in your life. 

'The Jesus' by Carlos Ramos

'Wonka' by Rich Pellegrino

'The McFlys' by Kirk Demarais

'Sweets for the Sweet' by Julian Callos

'Self-Respecting Consumers' by Laz Marquez

Between The Lines-Tony Mott

Rock 'N' Roll Photography is the New Trainspotting

Tony Mott

Rockpool Publishing/Trafalgar Square Publishers

2011

Tony Mott is a rock photographer based out of Australia. This collection gathers Mott's work from the last 30 years shooting almost anyone you can think of in music. What I really love about this book is the way in which Mott comments on his images. Similar to my style, he isn't interested in the music as much as the circumstances surrounding the photo. As an example, speaking on the Johnny Rotten picture below, he mentions that 10 punks were on top of him the whole time due to no barrier between the audience and stage. He goes on to mention, "Too much fun." This revised and updated edition from 2010 comes out this December, perfect for gift giving, wouldn't you say?

PiL, 1984

Björk, 1994

Divinyls, Mott's first image ever sold for $20, 1982

The Drones, 2008

Mott The Hoople, 2009

Between The Lines-George Harrison

George Harrison: Living in The Material World

Olivia Harrison

Abrams Books

2011

I was lucky enough to receive this book a scant few days before all the twittering and Facebookin' of everyone I didn't know was gearing up this past week to watch the doc on HBO. I thought to myself it was awesomely peculiar that I can't afford HBO but I had in my hands this incredibly beautiful edition that is overflowing with photos from George Harrison himself (or his camera) that I couldn't believe existed. There are ten pages alone that show the height of Beatlemania from his point of view that the Scorsese version barely (or really cannot) show in the film. Included here are the rare pictures, notes, letters, lyrics and quotes that not only enhance the man's Art but give the fan a personal glimpse into his life. As for the documentary, I came away moved by watching Ringo's recollection of seeing him for the last time, or Dhani's explanation of schooling from his father, or Olivia's harrowing account of the attack in '99 which the book doesn't touch on at all. That's what makes this tome all the more impressive. My favorite aspects of the film aren't even mentioned in the book and I could not miss them any less.

George, late 1940's

George and Roy Orbison backstage in England, 1963

Three of The Beatles at the Isle of Wight Festival, 1969. George's photo of Dylan from that night.

George's notes for the Concert for Bangladesh, 1971

Harrison family portrait, 1997

Between The Lines-Bob Gruen

Rock Seen

Bob Gruen

Abrams Books

 2011

 Every Sunday in the month of 'Rocktober', I will be introducing you to a book dedicated to the work of a celebrated photographer who, like myself, specializes in shooting musicians. I start with legendary photographer Bob Gruen and his fantastic new book, "Rock Seen". Starting out in New York in the late sixties, Gruen has shot some of the biggest names in music, many of them as they were starting out as unknowns, including such bands as Kiss, The New York Dolls and The Ramones. Often becoming friends with his subjects, he had access that many would never dream of and thus coming away with some remarkably intimate and iconic images. This collection gathers more than 500 of Gruen's black and white and color photos over the last 40+ years within the 288 pages, often with Gruen's own personal captions included. As a music photographer, I found myself relating to Gruen's story and anecdotes on a personal level but anyone can appreciate the  beautifully magnificent and historic document this volume offers.

Between The Lines-The Kinks

The Kinks: All Day and All of the Night
Day-by-Day concerts, recordings and broadcasts, 1961-1996
Doug Hinman
Backbeat Books
2004

As the season comes to a close, I will remember my Summer of 2011 as the time I 'rediscovered' the brilliance of The Kinks. Absorbing their music courtesy of the incredible recently released deluxe reissues of their first six albums, there was a lot to discover. Making it easier was this exhaustive volume of anything and everything about the band. Using press clippings, reviews, setlists and interviews, Hinman gives a literal day-by-day account of when, where, how but not always why The Kinks became one of the greatest rock and roll bands in history. This isn't a book you read straight through. Instead, I jumped around to specific dates to coincide with what I was listening to at the time. I have read a few of these detailed accounts of musicians and while some are really good, some fall short. This book falls into the former category that compliments the music with an easy to read and detailed history. What a coincidence that just yesterday it was announced that Ray Davies will be playing Pittsburgh for the first time in several years this fall and for me, the timing couldn't be more perfect.

Between the Lines-Led Zeppelin

Whole Lotta Led Zeppelin:The Illustrated History of the Heaviest Band of All Time
Jon Bream
Voyageur Press
2010

As described in the title, this is the illustrated history of the band. Knowing that going in I was expecting lots of photos but was surprised at the massive literary content to go along with the visuals. Not only are there vintage commentary from the band members themselves but current recollections from rock music royalty including Joe Perry, Ray Davies, Ian Hunter, Steve Earle and Ann & Nancy Wilson. Also included are album synopsis', tour dates, and band history. Extensively covering the band's inception in the sixties all the way to the London reunion show of 2007 this edition is beautifully presented with tons of memorabilia such as posters, handbills, obscure bootleg covers, backstage passes and live photos. Bottom line, this is an essential addition to any fan's collection. I was really overwhelmed how great this book turned out to be.

Between the Line-The Beatles Stuff

Treasures of the Beatles
Terry Borrows
Carlton Books
2009

While there have been countless books published on arguably the greatest band in popular music, none is quite as unique as this one. Presenting artifacts and reproduced facsimiles surrounding the band's mainly early history, the book gives collectors a different perspective of the group. Included in the material is a hand-written setlist from 1963, tour program covers, postcards, contracts and ticket stubs. There are also photos of other documents throughout the book, like Paul's handwritten lyrics to 'Sgt. Pepper', which could have been reproduced as well but surprisingly are not. In fact, my only quibble with the book is that there is almost nothing represented past the year 1966, save for an invitation to a 'Magical Mystery Tour' party. There is also a brief history of the group with each album and song given a short description but that's pretty much beside the point for a volume like this. I did enjoy this book but then again I am a sucker for music memorabilia. I am sure any Beatle nut will geek out to this but for the casual fan it might be perused through once and left on the shelf for awhile.

Between The Lines-British Rock Art

The Art of British Rock:

50 Years of Rock Poster, Flyers and Handbills

Mike Evans

Elephant Book Company

 Frances Lincoln Publishers

2010

This book is basically what the title says. Technically covering sixty years, the book touches on all facets and genres of promoting rock music in England. Sections include Early Rock, the Mod Era, Psychedelia, Glam, Punk, Rave and current Retro styles. I also appreciate the author giving individual artists their own chapters to showcase examples of their groundbreaking work. Utilizing more than 350 illustrations, the book captures the dynamic history of rock and roll through the extremely talented people who visualized it for us.

Between The Lines-Jimi Hendrix

Experience: Jimi Hendrix at Masons Yard
Gered Mankowitz
Insight Editions
2010

This book chronicles the two photo sessions that a young British photographer had in 1967 with The Jimi Hendrix Experience in a section of London named Masons Yard. With a recollection from Gered Mankowitz himself and essays from original Rolling Stones bassist Bill Wyman and music writer Richie Unterberger, this book attempts to capture the essence of the times. It is ultimately the incredible photos that convey a sense of the brilliance that Hendrix possessed. I was highly impressed with how these now iconic photos are beautifully presented and although there were two sessions months apart, the first group of photos are undeniably the best of the bunch. As a bonus, all 96 images that Mankowitz took of the group are included in the appendices.
Any fan of Hendrix will no doubt enjoy this book and the wonderful layout will please even the casual fan of rock music as well.

Between The Lines-Radiohead

Bulletproof...I Wish I Was
The Lighting & Stage Design of Andi Watson
Christopher Scoates
Chronicle Books
2011

This beautiful book details the component of concert going most fans take for granted, lighting design, concentrating on the work and art of Andi Watson. He is best associated with his decade long collaboration with Radiohead and their increasingly innovative tours, from 'Kid A' to the 'In Rainbows' shows of 2010, which are very well represented here. Among the other bands that Watson has worked with and are generously covered in the book are Counting Crows, Lenny Kravitz, Oasis, Dido, and Arctic Monkeys.
This is a very specific aspect of live music not usually given it's due and the three narrative essays are highly informative, albeit extremely technical, almost textbook-like in their language. What you do get as a casual fan is an amazingly designed book with literally hundreds of photos and schematics that showcase the art and history of modern day lighting design. The pictures included are gorgeous and any fan of Radiohead would love to have this impressive book in their collection.

Radiohead World Tour 2006