FINALLY!!! The Long Awaited Book "Hype & Soul" is Ready!

**motony** · 09-03-2011, 12:37 PM

really looking forward to getting the book.received the 45 bout 3 weeks ago & love it.Martha sure is the best "talker" and for all those critical of Diana Ross being called Diane, well again she refers to herself as Diane after the Supremes speak in unison.

**Neil Rushton** · 09-03-2011, 11:40 PM

Originally Posted by paul_nixon

Looks amazing is an understatement this has to be THE Motown book or indeed music book fo the past decade, fantastic pictures and terrific memorabillia - many things I've never seen before. Beautifully printed and collated - it's a must have for ANY Motown fan - you need to order your copy now if you haven't already, well done Al and Neil......

Thank you very much indeed Paul for the kind comments. As we were working on the book we knew we had something very special, but the finished result is something else, Al has come up with a unique work which radiates love for all things Motown. What I especially like about it that Al's essays provide cutting edge journalism, while the surrounding pages are coffee table chic.

Any plaudits to me should be shared with my co-publisher Bill Baker, and graphic designer Glenn Gunton for the incredible artwork.

Here's some other comments from reviewers -

Andy Peebles, Soul DJ on Smooth: "A brilliant book. This is an important piece of American musical and cultural history."

Ray Ellis, Juke Blues: "This visually stunning book is certainly well worth the wait Chock full of previously unpublished material from the achives of its author. The whole thing is so lovingly put together, a true insight and testament to a unique happening in modern American popular music, the likes of which we are unlikely to be witnessed again."

**Neil Rushton** · 09-04-2011, 12:09 AM

Now we have the book we have checked out the actual postage costs & they are even higher than we anticpated.
So for anyone thinking of orderng a copy, if you do so now pre-publicaton you are getting the benefit of s taking a hit on the real postage cost.

**theboyfromxtown** · 09-04-2011, 02:31 AM

I have just bought ANOTHER extra copy...is the 45 still available?

**Neil Rushton** · 09-04-2011, 05:08 AM

Originally Posted by theboyfromxtown

I have just bought ANOTHER extra copy...is the 45 still available?

Yes, the first 500 books have the bonus single, and that stock is still available.

**scanspeak** · 09-04-2011, 08:04 AM

I received my 45 but alas, I no longer have a way to play vinyl!

**luke** · 09-04-2011, 09:50 AM

SInce the cost of the 45 seems to increase the price of the book, does price come down without it? Book sounds just great!! Hope I can swing it. Any benefacotrs??

**bankhousedave** · 09-04-2011, 05:17 PM

Many congrats, Al and all concerned, on bringing this project to a successful conclusion.

**stalebagel** · 09-04-2011, 07:01 PM

Dave:
Thanks for the kind words.
I really do appreciate your comments.
You and Sue are in the book too -- as you both well deserve to be.
My best to you both.
Al

**Neil Rushton** · 09-05-2011, 03:18 PM

Update - all books will now be despatched tomorrow, Tuesday, not Wednesday.

**kenneth** · 09-05-2011, 03:45 PM

One thing that makes it difficult to qualify spending the money and the price is that from the online ad and the comments here as well, I can't really tell what the book is. Is it essays about Motown with photos, or mostly photos? I'm assuming it's not an autobiography by Abrams, but other than that it's really hard to tell what the content consists of. Obviously the photos I've seen are great, like the cover with Tommy Good, but beyond that I don't think the publisher's marketing efforts have been very informative or thorough considering the price and the audience.

**Neil Rushton** · 09-05-2011, 04:57 PM

To me, the attraction of Hype & Soul is that it is not either a coffee table book full of great photographs and other memorabilia or a piece of fine journalism - it is both. Al writes a series of wow essays about some seminal moments of his time at Motown like taking the first acetate of "Money" to Alan Freed in New York and the Tommy Good March. The essays are illustrated with wonderful images. Al starts the book by explaining how he became Berry Gordy's very first employee at what became Motown and burns through his memories until he left at the end of 1966 and does so in such a vivid way he recreates the era. It really brings home the barriers Motown had to smash through at the time of the Civil Rights Movement; and how Gordy with his steadfast vision, determination and ability as alchemist skills picking and mixing sheer talent together made his dream a reality. Al conjures up such a breathtaking picture with his "I was there" recollections it will make you say "I wish I had been".

**stalebagel** · 09-06-2011, 04:23 PM

Just heard from Neil that all advance orders have been shipped today [[Tuesday) from the UK.
Watch your mailboxes!
Al

**MIKEW-UK** · 09-06-2011, 05:46 PM

Al, please can Neil and yourself check your mailboxes.

thanks Mike

**Neil Rushton** · 09-07-2011, 07:27 AM

Just confirming that all orders have been sent out.
Look forward to your reactions.

**motown_david** · 09-07-2011, 03:50 PM

Al Abrams' book "Hype And Soul" arrived this morning and I've just emerged from reading it this evening.

I can't give it high enough praise. Full of great photos, a lot of which I'd never seen before, historic newspaper clippings. publicity material, backstage happenings and inside stories of Motown. Gossip and stories about hookers and the seamier side of the music business.

My favourite story - the one that made me chuckle out loud- was the fight between Al and Barrett Strong over a young and attractive girl in one of the audiences at Barrett's show. Let's day that Barrett was the winner of the fight but definitely the loser in the aftermath of his sexual adventure!!

I even loved the bookmark that came with the book.

My only disappointment was that 3 of the pages had slight creases in them which I could have put up with, except that one of them ruins a Vandellas photo and you know how partial I am to that group.

Congratulations all round, I think.

David.

**motony** · 09-07-2011, 04:09 PM

mtowndavid, I'm lookin forward to receiving my copy, so any pix of Mary Wells?

**Neil Rushton** · 09-08-2011, 10:24 AM

[QUOTE=motown_david;66019]Al Abrams' book "Hype And Soul" arrived this morning and I've just emerged from reading it this evening.

I can't give it high enough praise. Full of great photos, a lot of which I'd never seen before, historic newspaper clippings. publicity material, backstage happenings and inside stories of Motown. Gossip and stories about hookers and the seamier side of the music business.

My favourite story - the one that made me chuckle out loud- was the fight between Al and Barrett Strong over a young and attractive girl in one of the audiences at Barrett's show. Let's day that Barrett was the winner of the fight but definitely the loser in the aftermath of his sexual adventure!!

I even loved the bookmark that came with the book.

My only disappointment was that 3 of the pages had slight creases in them which I could have put up with, except that one of them ruins a Vandellas photo and you know how partial I am to that group.

Congratulations all round, I think.

David.

---------------------------

Thank you for your kind comments.
Please PM me and we will sort out a replacement copy without any creased pages!

All The Best,

Neil

**johnjeb** · 09-20-2011, 08:59 PM

Received my book and record today. I am in a suburb of Boston.

Have only been able to flip through it, what I see is outstanding.

**MotownLover** · 09-20-2011, 09:46 PM

Got my copy today also. I am in Long Beach, California.

I ditto what you have stated as I flipped thru EVERY SINGLE page and am too extremely impressed with the quality of the glossy paged book.

It is indeed well worth the price folks!

**motown_david** · 09-07-2011, 05:29 PM

Yes, but one that we've all seen before. A couple of good stories too, especially one which is racially motivated that I've never heard before. Mary is kinda skirted around rather quickly because of her leaving the company. I've had to skim through the book for her photo and have realised that there isn't an index, which will aggravate this ex-English teacher in years to come when I want to find info quickly.
However, a minor issue, as the book has certainly made a great impression on me.
It's also printed on lovely shiny paper, which I always appreciate.
Highly recommended.

**jeff9nyc** · 09-08-2011, 12:05 AM

Originally Posted by motown_david

Yes, but one that we've all seen before. A couple of good stories too, especially one which is racially motivated that I've never heard before. Mary is kinda skirted around rather quickly because of her leaving the company. I've had to skim through the book for her photo and have realised that there isn't an index, which will aggravate this ex-English teacher in years to come when I want to find info quickly.
However, a minor issue, as the book has certainly made a great impression on me.
It's also printed on lovely shiny paper, which I always appreciate.
Highly recommended.

Hey Dave...
Any new Supremes pics or great stories about the girls?

**theboyfromxtown** · 09-08-2011, 03:45 AM

I spent most of last night reading through the book but eventually fell asleep as it was so late. There is a mountain of stuff in there and all of it, beautifully illustrated and presented. There are superb examples of how Motown was promoted and the hard work spent trying to get the music to the people. This book makes the reader feel as though they were there as it happened and as a staunch Motown follower, it can't get any better than that.

Well done to everyone that was involved in this project. An excellent publication for all music fans.

**motown_david** · 09-08-2011, 04:29 AM

I'm nont a die-hard Supremes fan, Jeff, but there are pix that I've never seen before and lots of stories too. Photos of Flo as a solo artiste that I've never seen too. I'm going to see my good friend, Barry, today, and he is a hard core Diana fan. I'm sure he will know exactly what has been seen before and so I'll let you know.
I'm still enthralled with the book.

**grapevine** · 09-08-2011, 05:49 AM

...a veritable cornucopia of Motown indulgence...!

...every Motown fan should have one...!!

**snakepit** · 09-08-2011, 05:52 AM

Grape, swallowed a dictionary for breakfast

**Jimi LaLumia** · 09-08-2011, 06:00 AM

looking forward to my copy

**rovereab** · 09-08-2011, 06:37 AM

Mine has arrived and on a quick look through I can say that it looks superb. I look forward to a weekend of reading!

I thought Grape had come up with a new type of Starbucks coffee above

Eamonn

**MIKEW-UK** · 09-08-2011, 09:48 AM

I posted on 4th August "I am optimistic the book is worth every cent [[penny). I placed my order today so I'll find out in due course".

Now in receipt of it, I can confirm it is indeed worth every penny I've invested in it. I'm very aware of the price tag, but it is a very high quality production covering the years when Motown was established, its foundations set and it made its initial breakthroughs on to the world stage. It is an extraordinary collation of photos, artifacts, memorabilia and essays carefully compiled and beautifully presented. In the six plus years Al spent at Motown in pivotal, executive level roles, he had the foresight to collect and safeguard the material which brings this book, and Motown, to life. Priceless!

**scanspeak** · 09-08-2011, 09:59 AM

I'm in Australia so I guess I'll be waiting a few weeks to get mine. 'Til then I will have to live vicariously through the snippets from you guys.

**Neil Rushton** · 09-08-2011, 10:37 AM

Thanks to everyone for the great reviews. Much appreciated after all the work that went into this project.
Re the price issue - the actual price is £34.99. We believe the high quality of the book makes that price realistic. The costs of getting it published led to this price. The first 500 copies include the bonus TMAS single to add extra value.
The cost to USA customers is based on the pound/dolar exchange rate and the cost of postage and packing, ie we have not priced the book at $75.

**motown_david** · 09-08-2011, 01:55 PM

I've been over to my Motown buddy's today [[Barry) to share the book with him as his hasn't yet arrived. Despite being a Supremes / Diana Ross fanatic, having thousands of items of memorabilia, records, photos and so on, he was surprised to see things on the group he had never seen before.
I'm still perusing the book a day later and am loving it. The quality of the paper ensures that every picture is beutifully clear and the info imparted by Al is priceless. Splash out and buy it is my advice. I certainly don't regret one penny of the price.

**Jimi LaLumia** · 09-08-2011, 04:32 PM

still waiting for my copy to arrive..no problem with the price whatsoever..

**motony** · 09-08-2011, 09:33 PM

I received the 45 about 3 wks ago, if the book shipped Tuesday from the UK maybe I'll get it Monday..I'm in Florida.Really excited about it.

**marv2** · 09-08-2011, 10:41 PM

I am getting excited all over again about this book! I cannot wait!!!!

**Roberta75** · 09-09-2011, 08:24 AM

I will be requesting this book from my local library.

**Neil Rushton** · 09-09-2011, 11:38 AM

John Manship who owns the world famous John Manship Records mail order operation is a hard man to please.

He has today on their site described "Hype & Soul" as possibly the best Motown book he has ever read.

Praise indeed!

**grapevine** · 09-11-2011, 07:00 PM

Originally Posted by Neil Rushton

John Manship who owns the world famous John Manship Records mail order operation is a hard man to please.

He has today on their site described "Hype & Soul" as possibly the best Motown book he has ever read.

Praise indeed!

...I second that emotion...!!

**marv2** · 09-09-2011, 11:49 AM

I am on my way to Detroit right now for my birthday! I will be talking about Hype & Soul to many people including the folks that run the Motown Store at the Detroit Metro Airport!

**Roberta75** · 09-09-2011, 12:31 PM

Have a very happy birthday marv2.

**jobeterob** · 09-09-2011, 01:55 PM

I didn't get the book yet but got the CD quite a while back.

**Jimi LaLumia** · 09-09-2011, 04:21 PM

Having ordered months ago[[I got the 45), I'm assuming the book should be here anytime now...

**motownlover1964** · 09-09-2011, 04:49 PM

I ordered my copy July 23rd and my VISA card already charged via Paypal. Hope to get the book soon.

**Neil Rushton** · 09-09-2011, 05:20 PM

Just to confirm ALL orders have gone out.

The books are on the way.

It has gone down very well with UK purchasers, so hopefully it will be get the same reaction from everyone outside the UK who has bought it.

All The Best,

Neil

**motown_david** · 09-10-2011, 05:26 AM

Many thanks for the replacement book, Neil. Your honesty and thoughtfulness are much appreciated. Once again, I'd like to say to anyone who is wavering about buying the book should just go ahead and buy it. It is more than worth the price.

**tommy good** · 09-10-2011, 02:32 PM

I cant wait to get Al’s book " Hype and Soul " I am so honored and lucky for Al to have chosen the Tommy Good march photo for his cover. That day was an amazing day, man was I nervous, until I started to sing Baby I miss you. This book will capture what it was like to be at Motown in what was one it’s most successful and exciting times. Al has proven himself to be a man of great intellect, character and honesty. Hey! You could pay more for a good bottle of wine, and in an hour it’s gone. This book you can trust and go too many times to read about some of your favorite artists and producers. I wish my friend Al the best of success with Hype and Soul.
Tommy Good

**kenneth** · 09-10-2011, 07:12 PM

Originally Posted by tommy good

I cant wait to get Al’s book " Hype and Soul " I am so honored and lucky for Al to have chosen the Tommy Good march photo for his cover. That day was an amazing day, man was I nervous, until I started to sing Baby I miss you. This book will capture what it was like to be at Motown in what was one it’s most successful and exciting times. Al has proven himself to be a man of great intellect, character and honesty. Hey! You could pay more for a good bottle of wine, and in an hour it’s gone. This book you can trust and go too many times to read about some of your favorite artists and producers. I wish my friend Al the best of success with Hype and Soul.
Tommy Good

I was a few years too young to enjoy your records when they came out, but the Motown Anthology on you is very enjoyable. Love the pop oriented stuff that Motown did. Nice to see your comment here!

**Penny** · 09-11-2011, 11:28 AM

I only need to sell 20 or 25 more cases of "Skin So Soft" and I can afford to order this lovely book.

Penny

**Roberta75** · 09-11-2011, 10:30 PM

Originally Posted by motown_david

Many thanks for the replacement book, Neil. Your honesty and thoughtfulness are much appreciated. Once again, I'd like to say to anyone who is wavering about buying the book should just go ahead and buy it. It is more than worth the price.

Have you considered loaning out the first copy with the creased Vandellas photo to members here who can't afford to buy a copy? I'm sure Penny, luke, marybrewster or Bokiluis would appreciate it and whoever gets the books first could pass it on to the next person and so on and so on with the last person returning it back to you. Just a suggestion.

Random acts of kindness are always rewarded from the heavenly father.

Roberta

**marybrewster** · 09-15-2011, 08:39 AM

Originally Posted by Roberta75

Have you considered loaning out the first copy with the creased Vandellas photo to members here who can't afford to buy a copy? I'm sure Penny, luke, marybrewster or Bokiluis would appreciate it and whoever gets the books first could pass it on to the next person and so on and so on with the last person returning it back to you. Just a suggestion.

Random acts of kindness are always rewarded from the heavenly father.

Roberta

Roberta, sorry to see that your post went ignored, especially for a thread that's so busy!

Great minds must think alike because that's exactly what I was thinking.