Love Goes to Buildings on Fire by Will Hermes

Love Goes to Buildings on Fire: Five Years in New York That Changed Music Forever by Will Hermes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is practically a reference book for those looking to explore the music scene in New York from the early to late 70s. I wish I would have jotted down notes of bands, musicians, and songs while reading. (Idiot.) It gives equal consideration to jazz, salsa, hip hop, and more in great detail. Love Goes to Buildings on Fire, of course delves into CBGB so there's plenty about Patti Smith and Talking Heads.

Would be a five-star rating but I didn't enjoy the format of the book where one page(ish) would focus on a musician or genre/scene then completely shift gears to a totally different area. Too manic and jumpy; would rather of had these vignettes strung together. It was interesting to note the author grew up in New York City at the time and had many first-person memories. They, however, seemed shoehorned in. I'd be interested in reading them as a separate treatment.

Cover Distraction Rating: Medium. The pen-and-ink drawing of the city with the major players represented is pretty standout-ish. Also, the flames in color. Talking Heads fans will want to swipe right on you.

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