Kicking & Dreaming audiobook

Honestly speaking I was not a fan of Heart and didn't really listen to their music, all I can remember is the big hair of the 80's and the powerful strong female voices behind the rock music and that's where my knowledge ended. Having an audiobook version on hand I decided to give this a listen and was pleasantly surprised to find myself drawn to the Wilson sisters. The book is alternately narrated by Ann and Nancy Wilson with a few side chapters dedicated to a few guests narrators. It's hard to believe that when the girls started out with their band how many sexist remarks and comments were made about their gender, they were even subjected to incestuous inquiries and insulting comments. Nancy was often asked if she was actually playing the guitar on stage and Ann copped a lot of flak for her weight and looks particularly by the music critics that felt it was ok to critique her physical appearance instead of her musical prowess. It's appalling the misogyny they encountered and the treatment they copped even from members of other bands uncomfortable with female rock stars that outshone and out rocked them. I feel the girls rose above and really broke down the gender walls for rock and roll for women and they did it with such class and dignity.The most surprising part for me was how much of a part of the emerging Seattle grunge scene they were, forming a side band and becoming The Lovemongers, a band I'm more familiar with. Ann was known to have the guys of the early incarnations of Alice In Chains, Soundgarden and Pearl Jam come over and hang and just play music so she was often referred as Den mother, their publicist and long time friend became Pearl Jams manager so they were very much a prominent presence and influence to these up and coming bands. What I love the most was the sisterhood bond between Ann and Nancy how music really connected them in a way that's unique and powerful and how much it influenced their entire lives. They really forged ahead against all the gender barriers and were determined and dedicated in all their musical endeavours even when they parted ways they had a deep connection that's pretty impenetrable. I really enjoyed this and feel they contributed so much to female empowerment and I loved that aspect of the book so much.

As a big fan of autobiographies and a decades long admirer of Heart, I took a special interest in this book and couldn’t wait to read it. What I thought I knew about Heart was a drop in the bucket. I had no idea they had broken so many boundaries.Ann and Nancy have carved their own niche by sharing their souls, giving us all they have. This book follows the same generous path. It’s formatted to be an interesting read, revealing first-hand, significant facts without lingering on any subject too long, These women unveil a mountain of honor without a drop of arrogance, evident by the constant, extreme loyalty to family and friends. It’s fascinating to learn the truth behind certain songs, but even more compelling is discovering how they made positives out of negatives. The book is filled with interesting personal stories, behind the scenes adventures that blend courage with imperfections. They remained focused, while dipping their toes in some tempting pools of water. They are grounded, yet vulnerable. They explored without forgetting their principles. This book is a testament to keeping your nose to the grindstone and focusing on what you love. They make decades of hard work sound like fun, a quality they also possess on stage. I became an instant fan of Red Velvet Car the minute it came out. Something about that song just cut to the bone. Ann Wilson’s ability to paint a picture through music has always fascinated me. After reading how the song originated, I now understand why. That song, like this book, represents the raw, gutsy truth. It seems silly to say you’re proud of someone you don’t even know, but after watching this group since the release of Dreamboat Annie in 1976, it’s gratifying and heartwarming to read how they’ve endured the music business and came out on top. When I hear a Heart song on the radio I can’t help but turn it up. I would have to say the same of this book. Turn it up.

First, a slightly embarrassing anecdote: On 9/17/12, on the eve of the release of Ann and Nancy Wilson's autobiography "Kicking and Dreaming," I attended a book signing at NYC's Union Sq. Barnes & Noble. After a fascinating interview session, I waited the requisite hour or so to get my copy autographed, and finally was at the foot of the dais where Ann and Nancy sat. Just as I walked onto the dais myself, my eye happened to catch sight of a book on the shelf next to me. It was one of those yellow and black Dummies books: "Singing for Dummies." Feeling as if this were a kismet moment, I grabbed the book and a few seconds later was standing in front of Ann Wilson, arguably the greatest female singer in rock history. (Sorry, Grace; sorry, Janis.) I plopped the book down in front of her and said the line that had just occurred to me: "Ann, this is one book that you will never need!" I thought it was kinda clever, but Ann only looked a little confused, so I quickly proceeded on with some other brilliant comments. I relate this anecdote for three reasons: (1) to declare that, yes, I think the world of Ann, and of Nancy, too, have loved their band Heart for over 35 years, and have seen them in concert several dozen times, (2) as an apology for any negative comments that I might make in regard to their new book, and (3) to suggest that perhaps I should recuse myself from reviewing this book at all. But heck, anybody who reads a Heart autobiography must already be a fan, right? OK, just wanted to let you know where I'm coming from; I will strive for objectivity here. Fortunately, even objectively speaking, there is a lot to love in the gals' book, cowritten with Charles R. Cross. The sisters tell their history alternately; Ann will start, Nancy will pick up a few pages later, and so on, with a few outside observers (such as their childhood friends Sue Ennis and Geoff Foubert, as well as "Magic Man" Michael Fisher) adding commentary. I'm not clear on how the book was written, but it almost feels as if the gals were dictating, or rather, as if they were telling you their story over coffee while sitting in Ann's backyard in Seattle. And a fascinating story it is also, as the two--along with oldest sister Lynn--get shuffled around the world by their itinerant Marine family; join the proto-Heart band and live in a Vancouver hippie commune; hit it big in the mid-'70s; start over in the mid-'80s, with two of their biggest albums (personally, I could never understand how "Heart" and "Bad Animals," the only two Heart albums that I don't flat out love, were able to do so well); and manage to get through the megatours, the after-show partying (to their credit, both gals claim to have never gotten stoned BEFORE a show), the infertility setbacks (for both sisters), and, for Ann, the problems with stammering, overweight, Lap Band surgery and alcoholism. Little is held back, and even some of the ladies' affairs are touched on. (Ann and Ian Hunter...who knew?!?!) The book features many wonderful stories, including the amusing tale of a young Nancy and her galpal searching for Joni Mitchell in British Columbia, Ann taking the high road at a high school reunion, and Ann and Nancy failing to keep up with the hard-partying Stevie Nicks. Best of all, though, is the love that these sisters have for each other that keeps peeping through. How touching it is when Nancy realizes, just before joining Heart, that her perfect musical partner--the one she'd long been looking for--was her sister Ann, who "was right here next to me, and always had been"; likewise, how sweet it is when Ann closes the book by saying "I need only look over at my sister--onstage, or off--and know she is a fanatic of me." "Kicking and Dreaming" gives a clear picture of two supremely talented siblings who have managed to sustain a career brilliantly over a 40-year period, breaking through gender roles in the process and ultimately landing themselves in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. As an engaging and revealing chronicle that allows fans to better know the Wilson sisters, the book must be deemed a complete success. Unfortunately, the book is also something of a mess, with more typographical errors than any 280-pg. book should be allowed to have (not so much typos, actually, as entire words missing from sentences), as well as various inconsistencies and problems with fact. Where to begin? Seals and Crofts are repeatedly referred to as "Seals and Croft"; Kirsten Dunst is repeatedly referred to as "Kristen Dunst"; and Bad Company's Paul Rodgers is given as "Paul Rogers." On pg. 2, Ann tells us that "Dreamboat Annie" was released in August '75; on pg. 106, Nancy tells us it was released in October '75. (Don't ask ME which is correct!) Several song titles are incorrectly given: The Bee Gees song is "To Love Somebody," not "Love Somebody," and the Fab 4 song is of course "The Long and Winding Road," not "A Long and Winding Road." The "Bad Animals" LP is said to have been released on 6/6/87, although the receipt in my album jacket clearly says 5/22/87. Nancy tells us that she and Ann wore Sgt. Pepper's-type outfits for the "Brigade" cover, although in actuality, the only pictures of the gals on that album are head shots...and for the inner sleeve! Ann tells us that the song "Under the Sky" was written for 1993's "Desire Walks On," whereas it had actually appeared on 1990's "Brigade." Nancy mentions a John Cougar anecdote that had taken place "a year earlier," whereas that should be "three years earlier." On pg. 143, Ann mentions that she and Michael Fisher broke up in October '79, but six pages later, Nancy claims that it was in early 1980. (Again, don't ask me!) The Harlan Ellison work " A Boy and His Dog" is said to be a novel, whereas it is in actuality a novella at best. Ann mentions that there have been 27 "members of Heart over the years, besides Nancy and me," although a listing at the rear of the book shows 34! And Ben Smith, Heart's current drummer, is said to have been with the band for 20 years, although that same list shows that he was the drummer from "1995 - 1998; 2002 - present." Any way you slice it, is that 20 years? But enough of this nitpicking. Despite the goofs and typos, "Kicking and Dreaming" remains both a touching and historical account of two remarkable rock women. I have read it twice already, and will likely be referring to the book for years to come. And, oh...I know the gals aren't overly keen on references to their looks, but I must add that when I met the two last year, they both looked very beautiful, and seem to be aging like fine (white lightning and) wine....

Like always, my favorite album is the bands worst selling. I worked in a record store when Heart's "Desire Walks On" was released (1993). I totally loved it. But i've mostly ignored Heart ever since. Sorry girls. I loved the layout of this book, the story told from mostly Ann and Nancy one after another. That kept it exciting and you got both sides of the accounts. And I enjoyed getting the musical views from a Singer and then a guitar player - different approaches to music indeed. And they made some great music. And thankfully they discussed the making of their albums and the players and studios. But like almost all music biographies: Sex, Drugs & Rock n Roll. The Rock music goes without saying, and that's why we love it. But the drugs? Can't anybody just say NO? Apparently not... and not only drugs, but more & more drugs - Then alcohol to the same extent. Makes me think musicians are just a bunch of spoiled teenagers. And they indeed are. The real problem is always sex (if the drugs don't kill you that is). And heart sisters seems to hate all the sexual issues they've had - and yet they are the creators and sustainers of them. Sometimes forced on them very unfairly - but song lyrics do have meanings. I was proud that Ann said she would no longer sing "All I WANNA DO IS MAKE LOVE TO YOU". And they wonder why sex is so present in conversational interviews over the years? You fed the monster, now enjoy the animal. Please quit complaining and start worrying about how your children and grand-children will take your wise adult advice based on your hypocrisy and rebellion. (But we were all young and stupid once.)Which leads me to the stupid part of this book. I found out Nancy hates Sarah Palin because she used the "Barracuda" song in her campaign appearances. (Even I lost respect for her in those moments - that's just tacky. Leave classic rock where you found it).But to hate her for what she stands for? Now that's just embarrassing Nancy. I'm still not sure what Nancy stands for? Drugs, Sex, Crudeness, Divorce, Rebellion, loyalty? I'd rather stick with Sarah on those life issues. But thanks for the great music and stories. On that we can agree.

I thought this book was excellent. One of the better biography books with only one complaint. The editor that they hired became super tired and really lapsed and didn't correct typos. Words were missing, punctuation was sloppy at the end, but....don't let that stop you from reading this. I was never the biggest fan of Heart, I liked their music, but now I REALLY like them. Two women who rocked and inspired so many artists. They hung out with some greats and confessed to back stage trysts between other male artists and themselves. They recently were inducted to the hall of fame and with good reason. They have had several number one hits and they came out during a time of all male rock bands. Ann Wilson's voice is top notch and Nancy really knows how to play the guitar. She isn't just some sidekick. The book is deep and they are really passionate women. And of course, I loved the fact that they have worked with Chris Cornell and Layne Staley. The grunge bands became tried and true solid friends of theirs. The book chronicles their life from beginning until now. They are now in their 60's. They are major fans of Zeppelin and the Beatles. I loved their musical upbringing and the really tight and supportive family that they had. Grounded and yet fell into the abyss known as rock and roll and what came with it. Yet, they are still kicking and screaming! Excellent read. Compelling, even if you aren't a Heart fan.

I've read a lot of biographies on musicians, and I've noticed many of them tend to fill the book with long-winded side stories that readers could do without. It makes the book much longer than it needs to be, and the reading experience becomes tedious.This is not one of those books. "Kicking and Dreaming" is almost written like a conversation, splitting sections of narration between Ann & Nancy (and a few occasional guests). This book garnered a lot of attention late last year because of the alleged 'dirty laundry' the sisters aired out about other musicians. For one, what they revealed wasn't that bad; not in the slightest, so I don't know what the controversy is about. What I gathered from this book is an endearing story about two sisters and their love of music and family, and how these siblings carried that sentiment from their childhood living room to the adult stage. Pick it up, read it and enjoy it.

Unexpectedly LOVED this audiobook. I went into it as a fan of some of their songs and an admirer of the contribution they made to the rise of women in rock. But I really didn't know anything about their background or private lives. Wow how interesting, talented and deep these women were/are. Anne is honest about her lifelong weight and self esteem issues and her later alcoholism, as well as her troubled relationships. But more important is her songwriting and singing gift and the influence she exercised on up and coming musicians.Nancy recounts her marriage and her struggles with infertility in a deep and insightful way, as well as her passion for songwriting and her foray into the world of film.They tell of their issues with the male chauvinist music industry, the discrimination, patronising attitudes, inappropriate advances and exploitation. But also their courage and growth as women and musicians.There are just so many gems in this book and I loved every moment.Having the book narrated in turn by Nancy and Anne, made it all the more special.

In the seventy's and early eighty's Heart was one of my favorite rock bands, I have gone to several of their concerts and would always get their new albums as soon as they came out so when I found out they released an auto biography, of coarse I had to make another Nook purchase. I thought they did a great job at showing us what it was like growing up in the fifty's in a military family and how their lives progressed into one of the premier rock bands in music history. They show how their life experiences shaped their songwriting and music careers and how those life experiences evolved their music to be relevant through 4 decades of rock and roll. They are also candid in the struggles they had with what we have always known as "Sex, drugs and rock and roll"It was very interesting to see the difficulties they experienced being women in an industry (at least in the early years) dominated by men. It's appalling to see how they were treated in concert reviews etc. when the critics would be more interested in Ann's weight struggles and how they looked rather than their songwriting prowess and their powerful presence on stage.I highly recommend Kicking and Dreaming: A Story of Heart, Soul, and Rock and Roll especially if you are interested in the inner workings of the music industry (rock and roll in particular)I was surprised at all the well known musicians and celebrities that Ann and Nancy crossed paths with, partied with and who influenced their lives and music.Get the book and enjoy!

As rock bios go, this one was really tame. Ann and Nancy are just sweet little things who ROCK! From their early life as military brats to arena shows in front of tens of thousands, these ladies stay focused and surprisingly straight. Never the less, learning the stories behind the songs and adventuring in the world of 70s, 80s, 90s and (OMG), 21st Century rock and pop music is just fun.Among many revelations is Hearts connection to and encouragement of the Grunge scene. I knew they were a Seattle act, but if Niel Young is the Godfather of Grunge, Ann and Nancy are clearly the Godmothers - housing, nurturing, supporting and recording many of the early Seattle scene Grunge Rockers. Sometimes sad, but always fascinating.The style of the book is first person narrative with the voice shifting not only from Ann to Nancy, but also to their older sister Lynn, family friends and musicians with whom they played. The tone is casual, candid and real. They are also quite poetic as they reflect on where their music comes from.Fans of Heart will enjoy this. It is a terrific story, but without the soundtrack playing in your head as you read, I'm not sure the book would be as engaging. The Wilson sisters are tremendous musicians, but the book doesn't dissect the music, it explores the landscape of experience and emotion from which the inspiration for the songs came. You have to know the songs to know what they are talking about. I did and I loved the book.

This was my first modern autobiography. I wasn't sure what to expect, and the book really exceeded my expectations. It was more than just "inside info" on the band--it presented a truly human backstory that holds together surprisingly well on a narrative level. Alternating between different first-person perspectives--mainly of Ann and Nancy--it traces the history, not just of Heart, but of the girls and their emotional-intellectual-creative growth. I really appreciated the focus on their early family years and their deeply genuine sharing of their inner selves--their struggles, joys, griefs, and loves. The passion of the Wilson sisters shone through on every page, and this privileged insight into their personal lives and driving creative impulses, shared in such a poetic, vulnerable fashion, confirmed to me the purity of purpose and love-soaked ethos that I've always associated with the songs of Heart (especially in their 70's period). The only stain on this autobiographical gem was the distracting number of editorial mistakes scattered throughout the work (making allowance for jargon and colloquialisms)--that's a wag of the finger to the publishers, though, not to the female music legends whom this book memorializes.