Elvis
It’s a quick read, but I think the subject is problematic; I don’t remember music pre-Elvis, so it’s difficult for me to relate to how much he changed it, and while he’s a unique figure in the culture, I suspect that everything there is to say about it has already been said. The book is both too detailed in some respects and not detailed enough in others, and again, that’s not Mason’s fault, but given the reams devoted to the man’s life, Penguin’s overview approach is unsatisfying. If you want a solid Elvis (“Elvian”?) overview, go with the Guralnick. Yeah yeah, it’s two volumes. Reading is cool, man. Suck it up.
Tags: books