Dead rock stars speak

Ian F. Svenonius' new book, Supernatural Strategies for Making a Rock 'n' Roll Group (Akashic Books, $14.95), is laugh-out-loud funny. Svenonius mixes the Vietnam War, Industrial Revolution and other seemingly disconnected events via fictional interviews with several (real) dead rock stars who share their thoughts on topics, such as the all-important band van, communication, the evolution from gang to group, sex, “the narcotic effect of pop music” and discipline. Whether you intend to form a rock group, are interested in history or popular culture, or just want to read essays that are genuinely smart, this is the book.