Mansion on the Hill

A Book by Fred Goodman

(Vintage)

Review written by John Metzger

Fred Goodman's Mansion on the Hill is a must-read for anyone interested in a behind-the-scenes look at the music industry. Goodman, a former editor at Rolling Stone, conducted interviews with over 200 people to create a book that chronicles the 30-year transformation of rock music from a counter-cultural curiosity to the multi-billion dollar business.

Goodman tells the story by focusing on several key artists and their managers. His gripping narrative weaves together the tales of Bob Dylan and Albert Grossman, Neil Young and David Geffen, and Bruce Springsteen and Jon Landau.

Goodman's biggest fault is that he failed to interview any of the six key players upon which his book is focused. This leaves their side of the story open to interpretation, based on the biases of those who were interviewed.

Nevertheless, the story that transpires is compelling and given the extent of Goodman's research, it is certainly believable. If you've been at all disillusioned with the state of rock 'n‘ roll, Mansion on the Hill will certainly confirm your worst fears, and as infuriating as the story may be, it's next to impossible to stop reading. ½

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Ratings

1 Star:   Dud
2 Stars: Enjoyable
3 Stars: Respectable
4 Stars: Excellent
5 Stars: Classic

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