Folklorist: The Tommy Histon Story

I'm reading Andy's books slightly out of order thanks to how they are coming out on Kindle, but this (the fourth I've read) is another great read. A biography/autobiography of Tommy Histon, the futuristic musical star of earlier novel World Goods, this tells the back story and then brings that saga bang up to date. Set in a combination of North America and the usual locale of Brakeshire, Tommy's story is a ripping yarn as his unconventional upbringing and troubled personality combine to drive him through a blaze of creativity whilst the World around him looks on in general confusion. Part mystery, part history and part character study, the book manages to keep throwing up surprises despite the fact that the main story arc through Tommy's discography is known from the off.Best read directly after World Goods, a recommended read for anyone who has tried any of Andy's books (but go for Worldly Goods first if you haven't!).

In an ideal world, "Folklorist: The Tommy Histon Story" would be a #1 seller. It's a great story, extremely well written, it's emotional and moving. And you won't be the same after you read it, at least for a while. And it's about a musician that was never understood (well, barely noticed, actually) in his time and was always ahead of the game. He made music for us, for our generation. And we have the privilege of reading about a unique talent written by another unique talent, the writer Andy Bracken. This is the forth book of this author i've read. And they keep getting better. There's no way that you won't identify, somewhere in his books, with some of the characters' thoughts or attitudes. Bracken's capacity to write about feelings and emotions is compelling. And he knows how to tell a story, always a good story. His previous book, "Worldly Goods", was my favorite book of 2019. If someone loves records and has a record collection, well, "Worldly Goods" is unmissable. I read it, i loved it. And i know my son will also love it one day...go and read it...and find out how to envolve your kids (...or nephews or someone close) in your record collection. And now we have "Folklorist" and the fascinating story of the legendary Tommy Histon. Hilton's life story is not an easy one. But it's fascinating. And it's, again, a privilege to be into Andy Bracken universe of such a brilliant visionary. It reminded me of a book i've recently read, written by Mike Stax (editor of great music magazine Ugly Things), about 60s underground legend Craig Smith. Smith, like Histon, had a troubled life. And his music was a reflection of such life. Troubled artists often make great music. And great biography books. This is one of the best i've ever read. And i read many, i must say. This book must be read by every serious music lover. And, by the way, any serious reader of modern literature. It's important and essential to know the fascinating story of Tommy Histon. And try to find his music, somewhere... But it's even more important to know the talent of Andy Bracken, a great writer and a great storyteller. Book of the year, again!It's great to have #stayhome. But it would be even greater to have #stayhomeandreadfolklorist. It will make your time at home much more valuable.

Folklorist tells the story of Tommy Histon, a legendary but much troubled singer way ahead of his time, who we first met in Andy’s previous book Worldly Goods.There's a subtleness to Andy’s writing which Folklorist exemplifies perfectly. The story rolls along without you realising the twists and turns, dare one say clues, until it all starts to come together, at which point my instinct was to go back and start again from a different perspective. It's a rare gift, an insight not only into the mind of Tommy Histon, but also of the reader.The tale of Tommy Histon is an unflinching account of sex, drugs, rock n' roll and aliens, but Andy avoids the usual tired clichés associated with those subjects. Instead what emerges is about people, mental illness, love, obsession, deception and a wild, untamed talent way ahead of its time.As for Tommy, imagine an unholy potion of Hasil Adkins, Joe Meek, Jerry Lee Lewis and Lee Perry mixed with snake venom and naive charm and you'll get some idea of his character.The authors own experiences of the music and publishing worlds infuse the tale with credibility, and I suspect are behind some of the characters passionate feelings of betrayal and contempt for it too.Although it works as a standalone book, personally I'd recommend reading Worldly Goods first, and then you'll be in on some of the back story and understand a bit about Tommy's world before you dive in. Either way, I have no hesitation in recommending both books.

Sitting in my black dragonfly kimono dressing gown, listening to theStrawbs Dragonfly - what a lovely album - I'm writing on my newlyrenovating Victorian writing slope. It's around midnight and it is a joyto be able to write again.So, time to review Folklorist: the Tommy Histon story by Andy Bracken.A superb book, beautifully written in clear English with a good typefacewhich is big enough to read easily. I first met Tommy Histon in Andy'swonderful book about record collecting - Worldy Goods - a must read forall fans of recorded music. In it, my hero of the book, Bill Goods,collects Tommy from London Airport in 1964 for a recording session inBrakeshire where Tommy Histon was to make his final record Kimono forKip. Tommy then disappears off a beach in Wales after leaving Bill Goodswith the only two copies of the record, one to keep and one to play.Later, Bill's whole record collection is bequeathed to his younger sonDanny. You have to read Worldly Goods for that part of story.Fast forward. We are left with the questions: what did happen to Tommyand what was his history. This Andy Bracken tells in his latest bookFolklorist: the Tommy Histon story - and what a tale Andy tells . . .You must read it!

Tommy Histon was one of the most important and influential artists of the 20th Century, but was almost completely unknown in May 1964 when he was thought to have died by his own hand..Andy Bracken’s extraordinary book details the troubled life of a genius singer-songwriter, whose work was considered so far ahead of its time that it was completely ignored by his contemporaries…Drawing upon interviews and articles, as well as Histon’s newly-discovered autobiographical writings, Bracken weaves an intricate and often poignant tale of a brilliant man with a haunted soul, a life so remarkable that it defies belief….Five Stars!