In last weeks Sunday Telegraph, in the decade in review section, writer Jeff Apter was talking generally about the music industry over the past 10 years.
But there was one line that caught my attention "....Rock author Jeff Apter, a former Rolling Stone music editor, whose new biography of the Finn brothers will be released next year."

Had anyone else heard of this? I wonder if it will be an authorised/official biography??

Cool, should be a good read. And ultimately a book by a reasonably prolific rock author can only serve to generate interest in the brothers music which may generate more record sales and new fans.

yeah there has been a copy in the office here for about 4 months, been wading through it. The early stuff (for me) is the more fascinating). Because of work etc I haven't finished it but so far I've enjoyed it. The copy I have is a working copy and before it's gone to legal areas etc so honestly not sure how much different the final copy will be.
Gryph

This is good news, for that any new perspectives that gives a better understanding of their musical journey would be rewarding. Unfortunate that it is not authorised, for I would like to know or perhaps better understand Tim and Neil's thoughts or opinions at certain stages or definning moments of their careers. By this I definately don't mean digging dirt into their private lives or thoughts they don't wish to be divulged. Mike Chunn's "Stranger than Fiction" was a wonderful read, but for me it would have been nice had Tim given his thoughts (even ever so brief) on Phil's exit from and return to the band and Neils entry, as well as the start of his own solo career. This would be the same for Neil's thoughts on joining the boys in London and the eventual transformation from Split Enz to Crowded House. Of course that book was from Mike's point of view and I enjoyed it immensely. Please excuse my ignorance if such text or audio already exists, but I would love to hear the journey as to say, from the horses mouth. Oh, and to be really greedy, also a book on the meanings of their songs, such as been done with the Beatles and U2. I look forward to June.

With both of them being so good with the written word I am hoping for some kind of memoir at some point in their lives. Neil's 'Once Removed', although sparing in text, showed a talent for writing I think.

Don't expect one from Tim. I remember reading an interview with him in NZ's Sunday Star Times to promote "North South". And he said that something like he reveals enough of himself and tells his stories thru his songs and he's not interested in writing a book.

Yes, more likely Neil than Tim, if at all I reckon. Having said that, if you've seen Ray Davies' 'Storyteller' tour where he reads a bit from his book and then sings a relevant song, I can imagine Tim doing something similar. Kind of extended versions of those Enz-era introductions he'd do. The autobiographical bits can be a loose version of the truth anyway, judging by Ray's example!

I've heard/seen/read the Finn's story so many times now I'm not sure what a new biography could add to it, especially in light of the fact they don't participate.

I'll still buy it

I would also love Neil to do something like Once Removed, again with more text as both him and Tim have a talent for the written word.

I would love for Neil to write ANYTHING in the form of a book again. Once in a while, I'll pick up Once Removed intending to flip though and read the odd snippet, and every time I end up reading the whole thing again. He really does have wondering way with words, and is simply a fascinating person. I love how his mind works, and he always has interesting and insightful perspectives on things. He could probably write about anything and I'd be spellbound. He could write a stereo instruction manual and make it seem fascinating, I'm sure!

Neil, please write another book. Any book!!

Didn't Neil write some book that had to do with his approach to songwriting? I thought I heard about that.

I can't seem to find it searching the boards. Of course, any attempt to search for Neil and songwriting is going to turn up way too many hits.

I think what that was was actually that he contributed to a book about songwriting. I can't think of it offhand, but I'm sure I read his part somewhere, sometime.... jSomebody will remember what I'm talking about I'm sure. My memory is sketchy at best

Once Removed?

Well, no, Once Removed is a book written entirely by Neil in which he talks about a great many things. I meant a book which Neil contributed to, where he talks about songwriting.

Maybe your thinking of Love This Life, a published book ofNeil's lyrics.

No, I'm thinking of a book that is not about Neil, I think it is about songwriters. Neil is just one of many contributors.

quote:

Originally posted by Mr. Sadly:
Didn't Neil write some book that had to do with his approach to songwriting? I thought I heard about that.

I can't seem to find it searching the boards. Of course, any attempt to search for Neil and songwriting is going to turn up way too many hits.

quote:

Originally posted by Half-Full:
No, I'm thinking of a book that is not about Neil, I think it is about songwriters. Neil is just one of many contributors.

H-F, Joe Sadly,

are you thinking of

http://frenzforum.com/eve/foru...131024271#3131024271

http://www.debbiekruger.com/songwritersspeak/

?

I do believe that's the one!! Thank you!