Nice link. Two of my favorites too. It’s funny, I just finished “Long Way Down†and I’ve had “Devils and Dust†playing recently. I’ve never thought of the two in the same light before, although I’m seeing similarities now.
It’s also interesting that in the first question Hornby says “you can at least say to yourself, ‘I know why people are coming to see us. We’re good at what we do, and there’s this dynamic between us.’†If I recall, that’s almost, word for word, a line out the book – it’s why one of the main characters loves his band. Though Hornby frequently makes pop-culture references, it’s still fun to see the real life connection he has with his sources of inspiration.
Eric, I just checked out “Long Way Down” from the library and I’m almost afraid to start reading it. I keep thinking at some point he’ll write something that’s not any good and it’ll crush me. Is it as good as his other books? I haven’t heard anything about it.
Am I the only person on earth that has never understood the appeal of Bruce Springsteen? I mean I just don’t get it.
Comment by a random John — July 28, 2005 @ 2:53 pm
Allison,
I actually haven’t read his other books; I’m just a big fan of the movies – which led me to want to read “Long Way Downâ€Â. I’m always against comparing movies and books, apples and oranges really, but for what it’s worth, I enjoyed “Long Way Down†less than the movie “About a Boy†but more than the movie “High Fidelity†(and more than the recent “Fever Pitch,†but that doesn’t really count.)
ARJ,
That’s just like saying you don’t get baseball and apple pie.
But I love baseball and apple pie is great, especially with vanilla ice cream!
I’m serious, I don’t see what all the fuss is about. I’d take that Canadian, Neil Young any day over Bruce. And Neil can’t even sing.
Comment by a random John — August 3, 2005 @ 10:57 am
a random john: No, you’re not.
Allison checked out “A Long Way Down” from the library, and somehow–miraculously–I managed to read it before she did. My review is here, if anyone’s interested.
Great interview, if only to see the Boss use the word “amalgam.” Wow.
Comment by Steve Evans — July 27, 2005 @ 8:49 pm
Nice link. Two of my favorites too. It’s funny, I just finished “Long Way Down†and I’ve had “Devils and Dust†playing recently. I’ve never thought of the two in the same light before, although I’m seeing similarities now.
It’s also interesting that in the first question Hornby says “you can at least say to yourself, ‘I know why people are coming to see us. We’re good at what we do, and there’s this dynamic between us.’†If I recall, that’s almost, word for word, a line out the book – it’s why one of the main characters loves his band. Though Hornby frequently makes pop-culture references, it’s still fun to see the real life connection he has with his sources of inspiration.
Comment by Eric Russell — July 28, 2005 @ 7:55 am
Eric, I just checked out “Long Way Down” from the library and I’m almost afraid to start reading it. I keep thinking at some point he’ll write something that’s not any good and it’ll crush me. Is it as good as his other books? I haven’t heard anything about it.
Comment by Allison — July 28, 2005 @ 2:42 pm
Am I the only person on earth that has never understood the appeal of Bruce Springsteen? I mean I just don’t get it.
Comment by a random John — July 28, 2005 @ 2:53 pm
Allison,
I actually haven’t read his other books; I’m just a big fan of the movies – which led me to want to read “Long Way Downâ€Â. I’m always against comparing movies and books, apples and oranges really, but for what it’s worth, I enjoyed “Long Way Down†less than the movie “About a Boy†but more than the movie “High Fidelity†(and more than the recent “Fever Pitch,†but that doesn’t really count.)
ARJ,
That’s just like saying you don’t get baseball and apple pie.
Comment by Eric Russell — July 28, 2005 @ 3:29 pm
arJ: “Am I the only person on earth that has never understood the appeal of Bruce Springsteen?”
I certainly hope so.
Comment by Greg — July 28, 2005 @ 4:08 pm
But I love baseball and apple pie is great, especially with vanilla ice cream!
I’m serious, I don’t see what all the fuss is about. I’d take that Canadian, Neil Young any day over Bruce. And Neil can’t even sing.
Comment by a random John — August 3, 2005 @ 10:57 am
a random john: No, you’re not.
Allison checked out “A Long Way Down” from the library, and somehow–miraculously–I managed to read it before she did. My review is here, if anyone’s interested.
Comment by BTD Greg — August 3, 2005 @ 11:53 am