Book Review: Dig That Beat!

This month I had the pleasure of reading the book Dig That Beat! by Sheree Homer.  I'm not well versed on the early rockabilly scene, but I was interested to read about how the music we love today came into being.   Dig That Beat! presents a rich history of the musicians and singers that helped to evolve rock and roll into what it is today.  

There are interviews with countless artists from varied genres, from blues to soul to pop, displaying how each has shaped rock and roll.   There are also run-ins with familiar faces like Buddy Holly, Elvis Presley, and even Mae West (!), but the real gem of this book is getting to know some of the lesser-known stars of the era and those that are riding the resurgence of old school music today.  The end of the book highlights international artists that may not be on your radar, but are well worth checking out.  Dig That Beat! is an essential history and delightful tome for any vintage pop culture enthusiast, and definitely for anyone that would like to expand their knowledge of music history.

The book is available to purchase through Amazon or your local indie bookseller!

Winter Reading: Frankie Pratt

Mr. Williams made a trip to a local bookstore yesterday, and when I came home, I found this gift waiting for me under my pillow:

Photo from ModCloth

This is the fictional journal of a New Hampshire girl living in 1920.  Using a scrapbook and a typewriter, she logs daily life at home and, eventually, her travels to college, Greenwich Village, and Paris.  ("I will type one page every day," she decides.

Using things like seed packets, buttons, dress pattern designs, and family photos, it really brings the time period to life.

I started reading it last night and I'm already more than halfway finished.  It's already a favorite book simply for its ingenious design; it feels like reading an old ladies magazine.

Anyone interested in vintage fashion or lifestyle will surely appreciate this.  The Scrapbook of Frankie Pratt is a joy to read.  I think that after I finish it, it will make a wonderful coffee table book, thanks to its brilliant and whimsical photos.

Click here to pick up a copy.

Adventures in Thrifting

Hmmm... I wonder what's in this bag?  (Yes, I'm aware it looks kind of scary; go on, keep reading.)

 Ta-da!!

My midday investigation of a new thrift shop yielded shocking (gasp!) results.  The lady at the shop was practically begging me to take these, since they didn't fit well on the display rack and she was tired of picking them back up.  :-}

25 cents per book, you say?  Sold.  Sold, indeed.