The Mystery Man from The Magic Band.
Yes, indeed, here’s something to look forward to. Due to be published around 8 June Beefheart’s co-songwriter, Herb Bermann tells his story about the songs and how they came to be written.
It also includes an introduction from John French and an interview with Herb conducted by the Radar Station’s former newshound Derek Laskie.
Available from the publisher and I have been told that they will only be selling one copy per person.
Published by Brass Tacks Press, this is what they have to say about the book:
THE MYSTERY MAN FROM THE MAGIC BAND:
Captain Beefheart collaborator’s original Lyric Sheets and StoriesHerb Bermann
Includes 64 Lyric Sheets, Introduction by John “Drumbo” French, Interview by Derek Laskie
Herb Bermann was credited as co-writing eight of the songs on Captain Beefheart and His Magic Band’s debut album Safe As Milk (1967); it would have been a completely different record without him. According to one observer: “[Captain Beefheart] called the guy ‘The Poet.’ For a while he was positively gagging us all out with it! ‘The Poet said…’ or ‘The Poet is HEAVY, man!’ I mean none of us could believe it…. You’d have thought Salvador Dali had walked in!”
Yet Bermann kept silent about Captain Beefheart for almost 50 years—so silent that some people said that Captain Beefheart had invented him. Now Bermann shares his story!
Fans will be charmed by Bermann’s descriptions of how his songs came to be written. They may also be surprised to learn just which songs he says he wrote. Included is a facsimile reproduction of his original lyric sheets, with dozens more songs that were never produced.
Bermann’s story reveals previously unpublished information about the early work of Captain Beefheart and His Magic Band, Neil Young and Steven Spielberg. It also introduces us to an artist whose work and influence have been generally overlooked.
First Edition of 100 signed copies
ISBN: 978-0-9820140-1-1
Price: $25.00
Here’s a short video trailer for the book showing Herb reciting the lyrics to “Electricity”:
Congratulations Herb on your book. I will also be writing a book soon. It will be called Warriors for God!