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jenrkeeling's review
adventurous
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
5.0
I listened to this on audio, read by Stevie himself and it was fantastic. Interesting, informative and very, very funny. His larger than life, generous but takes no bullshit personality shines through and has made me want to explore more of his projects (well, the ones which didn’t end up in the shelf!). Highly recommend!
adamskiboy528491's review
4.0
Unrequited Infatuations by Stevie Van Zandt is a fascinating insight into SVZs life and work. The breadth of his accomplishments is impressive, and his insights into his creative processes are fascinating. He is also a funny and entertaining, knowledgeable guy. It gives us an exciting read with all kinds of information about rock ’n’ roll bands! A must-read for fans of the E Street Band.
SVZ trades in his devotion to the Baptist religion for an obsession with Rock and Roll. Groups like the Beatles and the Rolling Stones created new community ideas, creative risk, and moral rebellion. By the 90s, David Chase invited SVZ to be a part of his new television show, The Sopranos, as Silvio Dante. He was the unconditionally loyal consiglieri who sat at the right hand of Tony Soprano (a relationship that oddly mirrored his real-life relationship with Bruce Springsteen).
SVZ has achieved so many things in his life, many of which l did not know about. He also tells the story of rock and roll with in-depth knowledge of the music business and great advice for anyone wanting to be in a band or record their songs.
barbaraf's review
2.0
I'm a fan of paesan' Stevie Van Zandt's music and acting, the E Street Band, Southside Johnny, Bruce, the Disciples of Soul and the Soprano's (which I re-binged during Covid). This book was hard to read, somewhat rambling. It starts out as basically a chronicle of New Jersey Rock and Roll history. Later on, we hear about his years of activism and how he was not given his fair shake, interspersed with the TV series stuff. The first half has lots of detail that would be enjoyed by anyone obsessed with rock's roots and the behind-the-scenes stuff that occurs with bands. It's probably a little more than I needed, and I have to admit I skimmed through a lot of it, especially some of the technical stuff and the ranting. He comes off as somewhat bitter and resentful at times.
He is obviously a pretty smart guy but a bit smug and self-righteous, in my opinion. I was a bit overwhelmed at first with all the people whose names I didn't recognize, but they really didn't matter in the grand scheme of things. You get the bigger picture. Needless to say, Stevie has lead a pretty interesting life. I just wish the book was a little more upbeat and focused.
He is obviously a pretty smart guy but a bit smug and self-righteous, in my opinion. I was a bit overwhelmed at first with all the people whose names I didn't recognize, but they really didn't matter in the grand scheme of things. You get the bigger picture. Needless to say, Stevie has lead a pretty interesting life. I just wish the book was a little more upbeat and focused.
cmag0312's review
3.0
Loved the parts on his life growing up, his music career, his acting career and starting his radio station. The parts regarding his activism and political comments left a sour taste. Hollywood artists need to keep their politics to themselves regardless of where they stand.
philbrennan97's review
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
A really gripping read to an underappreciated, underrated, unfortunate disciple of soul and rock and roll. A musician who should have got the credit he deserves. Bruce would not have the career he had without Little Steven. A real genuine guy and a music hound.