Touched By Magic :The Tommy Bolin Story

There's a new book out about Tommy Bolin done by a guy named Greg Prato. It's an interesting and often sad read about one of the most talented and overlooked musicians of the past 40 years. His life story is told in great detail by those who were closest to him. People like his brother Johnnie Bolin, Jim Fox, Stanley Sheldon, and Glenn Hughes all tell their stories about being a part of his life. In his brief existence he played in numerous groups, including but not limited to, Zephyr, Billy Cobham Band, Energy, James Gang, Alphonse Mouzon Band, Moxy, and Deep Purple. After releasing two unique solo records in 1976, he was found dead in a Miami hotel room from multiple drug intoxication. He was only 25 years old. This book isn't as gloomy as I'm sure it could be, and that's a good thing. Most people who are going to pick up a book about an artist they like want to hear stories about the artist. I've got to say this book accomplishes that. It's mostly drug stories, and more drug stories, and more drug stories, but that's cool. I think it's great that this book has come out now while I'm in the middle of one of my obsessive phases of listening to his music. If you don't know his stuff, check him out. Maybe you'll become a fanatic like me and end up reading this book. (Blake)

Last Day Of Sound Exchange In Austin

I don't even remember the date. I was driving down the drag and remembered that it was the last day of Sound Exchange. I parked in my favorite spot on San Antonio St. by what is now a McDonald's. Right when I got out of the car, I remembered that I had an unused Kodak disposable camera in my glove box. I grabbed it and headed to the store. When I went inside the owner was wearing one of those face masks that some people wear when they mow the lawn. There was a team of workers he had hired to get all of the shit out of the store. It was barren and depressing. I bought a Susan Alcorn CD for a dollar. I walked through the back which used to be the dollar room, went into the alley and took these photos. This drag rat kid told me not to get him in any of the photos, because I didn't have his permission. I was shocked when I looked at this guy. He was the same person who had chased me and my friend Kory down the drag five years earlier because we accidentally videotaped him when we were recording the Charlie Manson air guitarist that hung out down there. Do you guys remember him? I couldn't believe it was the same kid, but it was. I ignored him and took pictures of whatever I wanted. All of these records were dollar 12"s that they were throwing away. It was one of those odd summer days when a cold front came through and it felt like fall weather. I think that feeling shows in these photos. I felt very odd and sad that day after this. (Blake)