Rock of Pages

This “yearbook-sized” hardcover tells the story of Bomp!, an independent record label, record store, mail order (and now online) record outlet, magazine and life-work of owner/genius Greg Shaw. Lovingly compiled by Greg’s life and business partner (and ex-wife) Suzy Shaw, and co-edited by Mick Farren, the book is a smorgasbord of creativity, with generous helpings of artwork, memorabilia, plenty of anecdotes, and some fantastic rock journalism by some of rock’s best writers. These include Farren, Greil Marcus, Lester Bangs (whose legendary “James Taylor Marked for Death” essay is reprinted here in its entirety), Lenny Kaye, and Greg Shaw himself. You get archival material – such as articles and features from Shaw’s pre-Bomp! ‘zine “Mojo Navigator” (which featured the first published interview with The Doors, also reprinted here), and the renowned lost and previously unpublished “Issue #22” of the magazine - along with new essays that put the entire project in perspective. In short, “Bomp!: Saving the World One Record at a Time,” tells the story of rock ‘n’ roll better than any biography or other rock treatise you’re likely to read. – Una Persson