About Liner Notes “This book is as candid, moving, and hilarious as Loudon Wainwright’s music.” —Judd Apatow “Wainwright is an engaging and witty memoirist.” —Wall Street Journal Loudon Wainwright III, the son of esteemed Life magazine columnist Loudon Wainwright, Jr., is the patriarch of one of America’s great musical families.
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Not the book you’re looking for?Preview — Liner Notes by Loudon Wainwright III
In the late 1960s, Loudon Wainwright III established himself as a determinedly independent talent. Then, at the age of 25, in 1972 he wrote a song about a dead skunk and leapt from critic’s darling to popular success, since then he’s recorded twenty-seven albums, won a Grammy Award and sold-out the London Palladium. As plain-speaking on the page as in his songs, Wainwright...more
Published September 5th 2017 by Highbridge Audio
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Jan 20, 2018Jim rated it liked it · review of another edition
I've listened to Loudon Wainwright III's music over the years and remember him on Mash but have never been a huge fan. That said I really enjoyed reading his memoirs.
Turning 60 myself this year, his relections on his 50, 60 & 70 year milestones struck a chord with me as well as his relationship with his seperated parents, exes, children and grandchildren.
Reading his song lyrics interspersed with his often humorous stories makes me want to take another listen to the music!
Turning 60 myself this year, his relections on his 50, 60 & 70 year milestones struck a chord with me as well as his relationship with his seperated parents, exes, children and grandchildren.
Reading his song lyrics interspersed with his often humorous stories makes me want to take another listen to the music!
Feb 01, 2018Steve Klemz rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
Pretty much what you would expect. Loudon has always written and sang songs about his life. It is all there. The affairs, the kids, the ex wifes and girlfriends. Even the fans. Loudon seems so human, sometimes petty, sometimes brilliant. Gonna pull out that massive box set of music and enjoy it this afternoon.
Mar 26, 2018Richard Harvey rated it liked it · review of another edition
Read in a couple of days, so compelling and if you are, like me, a fan a must-read. Sorry to say a little thin by the end; I had the feeling Loudon was trying hard to flesh the book out enough to bring it in at the required length. I would rather be able to say that it was as brilliant and thought-provoking as his better songs, but while I would recommend it to fans I feel it's a bit insubstantial and possibly bewildering for the general reader who might not be familiar with the references to si...more
Mar 13, 2018Scott rated it it was ok · review of another edition
Meh.
I adored Wainwright’s music when I was young. I first saw him perform on MASH, and on Saturday Night Live... One or two of his mid-career albums still seem pretty good to me. I think I had always managed to believe that the slimy, narcissistic persona he projected was just that: a persona. A witty, comedic persona.
But I finished this short volume feeling not charmed, not amused. I felt a kind of disappointed distaste. ?
I adored Wainwright’s music when I was young. I first saw him perform on MASH, and on Saturday Night Live... One or two of his mid-career albums still seem pretty good to me. I think I had always managed to believe that the slimy, narcissistic persona he projected was just that: a persona. A witty, comedic persona.
But I finished this short volume feeling not charmed, not amused. I felt a kind of disappointed distaste. ?
Feb 12, 2018David rated it liked it · review of another edition
not a huge fan of his music, which may have detracted from interest value, but generally engaging memoir of a long career as an entertainer, several divorces, complicated relationship with his Dad [inserting some of his father's Life magazine essays from BITD more or less at random didn't add much in my reading], drinking problems, etc.
Some good name-dropping -- ex: he roomed in San Francisco during the Summer of Love with Donald Fagen of [later] Steely Dan.
the title is well-chosen -- it's more...more
Some good name-dropping -- ex: he roomed in San Francisco during the Summer of Love with Donald Fagen of [later] Steely Dan.
the title is well-chosen -- it's more...more
Dec 22, 2017Robin rated it really liked it · review of another edition
After hearing the author on 2 of my favorite podcasts, WTF with Marc Maron and Fresh Air with Terry Gross, I was intrigued and wanted to read his memoir. Although I only know his music peripherally, I recall seeing him on MASH in reruns and I know his son, Rufus Wainwright, who has a beautiful voice has been featured on a few music programs in the recent past.
It's always great to learn about what it's like to be a performer like Loudon who has had a few wives, lots of girlfriends, a few kids an...more
It's always great to learn about what it's like to be a performer like Loudon who has had a few wives, lots of girlfriends, a few kids an...more
Jan 20, 2018Laurie Lichtenstein rated it liked it · review of another edition
No reason to read this if you aren't a Loudon fan, but I am. It was uneven, but I enjoyed reading about his life, his family and his musical motivations. It all helped me appreciate his music more.
Feb 18, 2018Andrea Rosenthal rated it liked it · review of another edition
Loudon can be a very insightful and funny songwriter. The same is true of him as an author. I felt a bit let down by the project, however, at many junctures. It was pretty 'on the surface'--short chapters and no big insights. In fact, it often felt like a way for him to name-check artists he's known or worked with or brushed up against.
Could have gone into some depth about all of the family drama (most of which was at his own making; four children with three women, often cheating on them, etc)...more
Could have gone into some depth about all of the family drama (most of which was at his own making; four children with three women, often cheating on them, etc)...more
Aug 16, 2018Matt Graupman rated it really liked it · review of another edition
By no means am I a Loudon Wainwright III super-fan. If I’m being honest, until reading this memoir/essay collection/confessional, I only knew Wainwright as the slightly goofy-looking dude who popped up in Judd Apatow’s projects (“Undeclared,” “The 40-Year-Old Virgin,” etc., even providing the soundtrack for “Knocked Up,” which I enjoyed) and as the father of cabaret singer-songwriter, Rufus Wainwright, and his other musical siblings. Wainwright’s legacy, however, goes far beyond a few token appe...more
Nov 18, 2018JCB rated it really liked it · review of another edition
Hugely entertaining read about what you'd think. If you like Loudon, you'll like the book. I've followed and enjoyed his music since his song 'Hey Packy', and have always thought him a remarkable talent (that song is about a dog however, and wasn't written by him, so forgive the ridiculous juxtaposition with it and Loudon's talent).
Anyway, if you can, see his current Netflix special either before or after reading his book. Both are worthwhile.
Mar 15, 2018Ted rated it really liked it · review of another editionAnyway, if you can, see his current Netflix special either before or after reading his book. Both are worthwhile.
Shelves: 60d, aging, canuck, humour, families, memoir, music
Jul 11, 2018Jenna rated it liked it · review of another edition
A fun read-in-pieces “memoir”. Liner Notes is an apt title. No great revelations here, but if you like the man’s lyrics, the book is a good companion piece.
Jul 14, 2018Charly Fitzpatrick rated it really liked it · review of another edition
This is an excellent book and a perfect compliment to the great man's music. I can't recommend it highly enough.
Apr 07, 2018Berta Kleiner rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
I am a huge fan of Mr. Wainwright's, and that said, I found this book interesting and very satisfying, too.
Kevin Parsons rated it really liked it
Dec 09, 2018
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Oct 11, 2017Melki rated it really liked it
Loudon Wainwright --- he's the patriarch.
He's the skunk man who can get a little dark.
Loudon Wainwright stole my heart way back in 1972, when I first heard him warbling Dead Skunk on the radio. I was eleven years old at the time, and that 45 RPM record scarcely left my Close 'n Play for a month. Now, decades later, I'm still listening to the man. His Last Man on Earth CD (Yes, dammit! I still buy and listen to CDs!) is one of my Desert Island Discs.
Wainwright presents a rather meandering journey...more
He's the skunk man who can get a little dark.
Loudon Wainwright stole my heart way back in 1972, when I first heard him warbling Dead Skunk on the radio. I was eleven years old at the time, and that 45 RPM record scarcely left my Close 'n Play for a month. Now, decades later, I'm still listening to the man. His Last Man on Earth CD (Yes, dammit! I still buy and listen to CDs!) is one of my Desert Island Discs.
Wainwright presents a rather meandering journey...more
I one time met Loudon Wainwright in a distant land. I was slightly afraid to approach him. But he shocked me by being warm and friendly. I expected neither warmth nor friendliness instead of the vituperative dysphoria he so vividly portrays. Thus, as his albums show, he surprises us constantly. He floored me with his first albums and in the ensuing almost fifty years has never really let me (or himself) down.
Loudon Wainwright always amuses me. And sometime he downright floors me as in his song...more
Loudon Wainwright always amuses me. And sometime he downright floors me as in his song...more
Sep 19, 2017Rod rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
Listened to this (mostly) on a round/road trip to San Francisco and enjoyed it immensely. First off, of course, I am a huge Loudon Wainwright fan since hearing my brother's copy of the second album when I was just a little kid. Secondly, he has continued to put out raw, poignant, raggedy, poetic, honest music ever since, which I have enjoyed listening to throughout my 57 years. He is a writer. Highly recommend the audiobook, as you get to hear him tell his story, along with hearing him sing the...more
Feb 14, 2018Jay rated it liked it · review of another edition
Besides the Dr. Demento favorite “Dead Skunk in the Middle of the Road”, I had not heard of Loudin Wainwright’s songs, and hadn’t realized he was the guitar playing, singing Doctor in early MASH episodes. I picked this up on a whim. I was treated to an affected writer whose stories take curious sidetracks. For instance, in the middle of talking about his family he lists and describes his 10 favorite places to swim, many of which sound incredibly dreadful. There’s a very droll humor at work here....more
Nov 12, 2017Katee rated it liked it · review of another edition
well written, amusing, but always interesting to watch a smart guy never earn from his mistakes - lots of marriages and children (very talented children). Almost uncomfortable reading the parts about his experiences as the absentee father, and his lack of insight into causing more pain.
Sep 19, 2017John Thorndike rated it it was amazing
This isn’t the prettiest book. But Wainwright opens up his life to us like a chef with a blade. He’s fearless. Sometimes I was stunned, and I always felt he was telling the truth.
Not everyone can start a chapter with an admission like this: “Recently someone was telling me about seeing a singer-songwriter contemporary of mine do a bad performance at a club. Hearing such a thing would usually lift my spirits, because, like most performers, I have a jealous, frightened, competitive and insecure n...more
Not everyone can start a chapter with an admission like this: “Recently someone was telling me about seeing a singer-songwriter contemporary of mine do a bad performance at a club. Hearing such a thing would usually lift my spirits, because, like most performers, I have a jealous, frightened, competitive and insecure n...more
I've been a fan of LW3 just about forever--the first concert I ever went to as a young teen was Loudon Wainwright opening for Janis Ian, in Phoenix, AZ. Yeah, I thought it was a weird pairing too. I've seen him a number of times since then, and if anything he keeps getting better.
This memoir is frank, funny, and poignant, just like his songs. I can assure you I'll never again use the ice bucket in a hotel room after reading this book.
This memoir is frank, funny, and poignant, just like his songs. I can assure you I'll never again use the ice bucket in a hotel room after reading this book.
Back in the day, a book like this would be reviewed and they would say that he never really figured out appropriate boundaries in what he shared. Today, he would be praised for his transparency. All I can tell you is that anyone who has ruined every relationship he has ever had because he is a serial cheater gives off a really creepy vibe, and as clever of a writer that he can be, he wasn't clever enough for me.
Nov 19, 2017Amy Ingalls rated it liked it · review of another edition
I won this book in a giveaway. I didn't know much about Loudon Wainright III or many of the people he mentioned when I read this book but I enjoyed it. My favorite part was the song lyrics-- even though I didn't like them all, some of them really got to me. The timeline went back and forth quite a bit but it was still easy to follow. His dad's essay about their dog, John Henry, I give 5 stars. It moved me to tears.
Sep 30, 2017Melanie rated it really liked it Shelves: courtesy-of-netgalley, autobiography, music
Loudon Wainwright III's father's favorite discussion topics in school were 'wine, women, and camels.' The son's preoccupations have not strayed far, neither in his wit, nor (as he laments) from his father's tendency to stray, using every conveyance possible (except camels.).
While the senior Loudon was famous as a writer of personal essays for Life, his son discovered his own talents in writing and performing personal songs. In this memoir, we are given the bones of his life, from a privileged ch...more
While the senior Loudon was famous as a writer of personal essays for Life, his son discovered his own talents in writing and performing personal songs. In this memoir, we are given the bones of his life, from a privileged ch...more
Oct 26, 2017Robert rated it it was amazing
I am a LoudHead--I've listened to or own all his albums, and he's one prolific sonofabitch. Seen him live a couple of times. When I heard he'd penned this autobiography and there was an audiobook version read BY Loudo and featuring him playing some of this songs, I KNEW I had to own this and listen to it right away. Like Janis Ian's Society's Child (for which she won a well-deserved Grammy the same year she sang on my song 'Don't You Wanna Go to Mars?'--which DIDN'T win a Grammy), this audiobook...more
Dec 03, 2017Eric rated it really liked it · review of another edition
Liner Notes was basically what I thought it would be: a funny, uncomfortable, sometimes obnoxious, but almost always insightful memoir. Most of the time, Wainwright comes across as kind of a pathetic, tragic figure - someone who has screwed many people over and is disliked by family and A LOT of ex-lovers, but also as a man who is reckoning with what his legacy is and how he will be remembered after he dies. Mostly though, he's pretty charming, if somewhat flawed (and who isn't?). His song lyric...more
Jan 30, 2018Renée Roehl rated it really liked it · review of another edition
Even though I've not listened to hardly any of Loudon Wainwright III's music, after hearing him a couple of times on Fresh Air with Terry Gross, he captured my attention. This was quite an entertaining audio book as Loudon narrates it with excellent dramatic form (he originally wanted to be an actor) and he sings his absolutely tight and outstanding lyrics accompanied by his guitar.
Funny, tragic, self deprecating, obnoxious at times, truth-telling his way, as his lyrics always do, plus insights...more
Funny, tragic, self deprecating, obnoxious at times, truth-telling his way, as his lyrics always do, plus insights...more
Feb 25, 2018Michael Malone rated it really liked it · review of another edition
I enjoyed this, a memoir from Wainwright mixed in with his song lyrics and a handful of essays from his father, a Life magazine columnist. I don't listen to Wainwright's music, which gave me a bit of remove while reading his life story. Can't quite make up my mind if I like the guy. Similar to his father, he's not a very devoted husband or, for that matter, father. But Wainwright spins some fun yarns from his life on the road, and is honest about his shortcomings as husband and dad. Reading his...more
I don't like every song that Loudon Wainwright III has written, but the ones I like move me in a way that most songs don't and can't. Wainwright is that artist who has no walls between his life and his art. He has written songs that are revealing and damaging to his personal life simultaneous to revealing the damage in his personal life. The book is kinda like that. Wainwright doesn't hold back, and it has everything a good memoir should - sex, death, pain, heartache and song lyrics. He throws i...more
Oct 17, 2017Jessica rated it really liked it · review of another edition
It wouldn't make sense to praise LW3 for being candid in this book because when is he ever not candid? That characteristic of his, in addition to the humor he brings to every creative endeavor, mean you know what you're getting into when you read this book if you're even vaguely aware of who Wainwright is. 'Liner Notes' is a fitting title, because this is more than anything a collection of details about the parts of his life he seems to always have been open about. I really enjoyed it, but then...more
Dec 28, 2017Paul Wilner rated it liked it · review of another edition
Well...I love Loudon's work. I don't just like it, I love it. But I was disappointed in this book, which seemed a bit rambling, missing some of the journalistic qualities of 'description and detail,' which he correctly identifies as signature qualities of his songs. Although praised elsewhere for its candor, it seemed a bit spotty on that score as well. His conflicts with some of his children in the past are pretty well known, for instance, but largely set aside here. (I have a feeling that's a...more
Jan 02, 2018Peter rated it liked it · review of another edition
Enjoyable trip through time, Westchester, modern folk and families with Wainwright. The book is nicely organized and has a lot of fun name dropping from a man whose dad was a top writer at Life, has two famous rate folksinger wives (Kate McGarrigle and Suzzy Roche) and two well known children (Rufus and Martha). He writes meaningfully about infidelity, song writing, acting and fatherhood... and there are several nice snippets of his dad's Life essays thrown in....and to a lesser extent, his own...more
Sep 16, 2017Scott Schneider rated it it was amazing
I admit it. I am a Loud Head. The book is, as expected, a deeply personal dive into the Life and Times of Loudon Wainwright III. It includes funny stories, lyrics, some of his Dad's columns from Life magazine and a lot of his anguish, guilt and depression. But it is an honest and poignant look at his life as a musician on the road (which he loves) and his complex relationship with his kids, exes, and extended family. If you are a fan, as I am, you will enjoy this book. Just don't compare it with...more
Nov 05, 2017Greg rated it really liked it
This was an interesting book. Fans of Loudon Wainwright III will absolutely love it. He is honest about his successes and failures. His family, his thoughts, all his life events, are recounted in quick sarcastic succession. His lyrics are woven into the memoir...as if they emanated directly out of his experiences. What is left is Wainwright's memory of his life, and those around him. He interacted with music business royalty, and occupied a respected position within it.
Mar 22, 2018Streator Johnson rated it it was amazing
I suppose that in hindsight that an artist known for his songcraft should be able to write a book that would be interesting too. And I have to say that Loudon succeeds here. A fascinating memoir of a guy that I don't really know too well, so it was all new to me. I enjoyed the song lyrics being put into contact of his life and the general arc of his life. But I have to say that poor Loudon is a rather troubled dude if all he talks about in this book is true.
Mar 26, 2019Shen Shellenberger rated it really liked it
I have been a fan of Loudon Wainwright's music and somewhat twisted sensibility for a long time, but - truth be told - I thought he was kind of a jerk. What I learned from this book, a very sincere autobiography, is that he is just a flawed human like the rest of us.
He has, though, had some remarkable experiences and continues to make marvelous, engaging music and be a fine showman, as evidenced by a recent concert in Phoenixville, PA.
I'm glad he wrote this book. I'm glad I read it.
He has, though, had some remarkable experiences and continues to make marvelous, engaging music and be a fine showman, as evidenced by a recent concert in Phoenixville, PA.
I'm glad he wrote this book. I'm glad I read it.
Nov 04, 2017Bruce rated it liked it · review of another edition
Loudon Wainwright III doesn't across as a nice person either in his songs or in this book, but there are some interesting reflections on songwriting and performing. I can't help but feel for a guy who's known forever as the singer of 'Dead Skunk.' Cheating on Kate McGarrigle, though, remains inexplicable.
All I knew about Loudon Wainwright was Dead Skunk, and he was connected to the Roches. But saw a review that recommended the book.
Glad I read it....he openly admits to being a cad, and a lousy father and partner. He sings all about it, and his songs are worth the listen. And he tells all, with humor and self-recognition.
Glad I read it....he openly admits to being a cad, and a lousy father and partner. He sings all about it, and his songs are worth the listen. And he tells all, with humor and self-recognition.
Oct 22, 2017Deborah Sowery-Quinn rated it really liked it · review of another edition
Kind of lost touch with Wainwright's music over the years & have recently been rediscovering & enjoying his music so this was of interest to me. It is an entertaining read; Wainwright has been quite the lad, as he admits, with wives,women & children everywhere it seems, but he does not seem to be full of conceit, but rather self-deprecating & he comes off as a charming scalliwag.
Every bit as honest and coruscating as his song lyrics, Loudon Wainwright’s autobiography doesn’t hold back. Fair to say he’s lived a full and interesting life, however much it might make you wince to hear the more painful details. A fascinating read for anyone who enjoys his music and wants to understand the stories behind the lyrics and, indeed, behind the man who created them.
Apr 03, 2018Kent Kauffman rated it it was ok · review of another edition
i'm a big fan of Loudon Wainwright III's mostly amusing music, especially his signature tune, 'Dead Skunk', but this memoir, 'Liner Notes', left me stone faced and glum. Reminiscing on family life, Louden is long-winded and tedious. He closes many of his family anecdotes with the song lyrics that inspired him. I just didn't get it. (I didn't finish this book; although it says I read it twice.)
Feb 16, 2018Kevin A. rated it really liked it · review of another edition
This is the same guy you know from the records and shows. His gift is intelligence, honesty, and humor, as well as a willingness to face up to the fact he often can be a jerk. He’s a product of his upbringing, for good or ill, but he knows how to make the best of it for his audience.
Jan 18, 2018Caitlin Hayes rated it really liked it · review of another edition
Good read--I love his music, so funny and sad and self-flagellating and rueful and clever and poignant. From his memoir and his songs, he's pretty self-aware about being a fuckup in personal relationships who never really learns from his mistakes.
I listened to LW3 read this as an audiobook, with musical interludes. If you are a fan of Mr. Wainwright, this is a must. If you aren't a fan, why not? I suppose that his music and attitudes and life are not for everyone. If they aren't for you, stay away from this book, you will hate it.
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