HARD LISTENING, by the Rock Bottom Remainders, is an unusual book. It's not an anthology as those that we can usually find, but is, in the contrary, a real entrance into the universe of the band, and is also an hommage to Kathi Goldmark, who initiated the creation of the band.

This book, written by all the members, is rich in informations & stories related to the Rock Bottom Remainders. Numerous & different stories, for instance regarding the rituals before going onstage, regarding the long rehearsals (or maybe not), about inflatable sheep doll, about Kathi & Amy's whip & leather outfit, or about the entrance of authors into the band. Because over time, the group develop itself, but always with authors... and never upon their request, especially if they were "really" talented for music. Being a 'private club', the RBR remained a closed circle, whose members became really good friends, and bestseller writers who managed to demonstrate their stage & music talent. Some of their musical talent being... unusual.

Enliven with numerous emails sent from the members of the band, as well as with pictures & videos (for the complete digital version), HARD LISTENING is not only an ebook, but an enriched & interactive ebook. For instance with this genius idea: four authors wrote a short story, imitating Stephen King's style, in order to take King's throne!
Following those short stories (and as it is also the case with numerous quizzes available in the book), each reader can vote (and read other readers' answers), before knowing which story was actually written by Stephen King.

HARD LISTENING is a real hommage from the members of the Rock Bottom Remainders to Kathi, founder of the band. It is also an entrance in the universe & the intimacy of the RBR, where we discover numerous secrets. We can (almost) feel like being part of the Rock Bottom Remainders.
Beyong being exceptional writers, the band is made of people such as you, me or even your colleagues : they send each other jokes by emails, and do not miss an opportunity for laughing.

HARD LISTENING is a book written by peerless authors, and musicians more or less good; an entrance in the intimacy of the band; a very good laugh with stories & pictures of the group; a really good hommage to Kathi who founded this out of the ordinary group, now more than 20 years ago. RIP Kathi.

As for me, it makes me want to take the recording from their 1992 concert out of the closet !


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Small reminder regarding the members of the RBR:
- Mitch Albom: Keyboards, Elvis
- Dave Barry: Lead Guitar
- Sam Barry: Harmonica
- Roy Blount Jr.: Emcee
- Matt Groening: Cowbell, Marge Simpson
- Ted Habte-Gabr: Manager
- Greg Iles: Lead Guitar
- Stephen King: Rhythm Guitar
- James McBride: Saxophone
- Roger McGuinn: Rock Legend
- Ridley Pearson: Bass Guitar
- Amy Tan: Rhythm Dominatrix, Remainderette
- Scott Turow: Wigs, Remainderette
- Bombo: Lead Bark

*Hard Listening : the title comes from the fact that one of the members described the style of the band as "Hard Listening" (contrary to "Easy Listening"), and used to say to the audience : The more you drink, the better the music."

Translation of the french review published on the Club Stephen King
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