Book Review: Carl Cafarelli’s The Greatest Record Ever Made! (Vol 1)

There’s a twisted logic behind the concept of Carl Cafarelli’s new book, The Greatest Record Ever Made! (Vol 1). The author suggests that more than one record can be considered the greatest ever made.  But how can that be? The answer: An infinite number of songs can be considered as long as they take turns.

The Greatest Record Ever made! (Vol 1) makes a case for well over one hundred such records, spanning decades and crossing genres in a surprisingly compelling read. Adapted at least partially from his daily blog, Boppin’ Like the Hip Folks Do, this collection of essays acts as a catalog of sorts, recalling names, record labels and chart position. The details have been carefully researched by the author and given the once over twice by Mike Browning whose encyclopedic knowledge of music dazzles even the hippest of pop connoisseurs. However, this isn’t a list book by any stretch of the imagination. It tells a story.

A Radio Romance

Cafarelli shares his personal recollections, observations and circumstances that warrant the title of “Greatest Record Ever Made”. Interwoven within the dates and labels, there’s a bigger story being told – one that resonates with those of us who remember listening to live, Saturday night performances on WMMS or weekly broadcasts of the King Biscuit Flower Hour . It’s the story of the last generation of pop music lovers raised on radio.

You aren’t likely to agree with every record Carl designates as a worthy contender for greatest record ever made. However, even with those that are highly questionable, he makes a compelling argument (most of the time). There’s Bob Dylan’s “Like a Rolling Stone”, Eddie & The Hot Rods’ “Do Anything You Wanna Do”, Eytan Mirsky’s “This Year’s Gonna Be Our Year” and The Knickerbockers’ “Lies” just to name a few. That said, my favorite passage is in support of Nick Lowe’s “What’s So Funny ‘Bout Peace, Love and Understanding” as performed by Elvis Costello. I won’t disclose the details. One simply must read it.

Get Your Copy of The Greatest Record Ever Made! (Vol 1)

The Greatest Record Ever Made! (Vol 1)  is worthy of reading cover to cover in a single sitting. It’s also a great beach book.  Get your copy of Carl Carafelli’s new one at Amazon Books or wherever fine books are sold.

Note: Carl hosts a rockin’ radio show with his radio partner, Dana Bonn. Tune in every Sunday night at 9 (EST) to This Is Rock ‘n’ Roll Radio with Dana & Carl to hear the best in pop music from yesterday and today.