BOOK REVIEW

EDDIE TRUNK

Eddie Trunk’s Essential Hard Rock and Heavy Metal

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It’s almost impossible to keep from becoming jaded even on the periphery of the music business—especially when one is a popular radio DJ who hosts a TV show and is allowed access to the innermost rock circles. Still, Eddie Trunk is a fan first and foremost, and his enthusiasm for the music he loves comes through in this primer on the sounds that drew him to his chosen profession. His knowledge of the genre is thorough and his tastes are likeably high-and-inside, as demonstrated in each chapter’s suggested introductory “playlist” of songs. Trunk’s alphabetical approach leaves him to essay his own story of entrée into such hallowed company in fits and starts, delivering glimpses of the view from backstage along the way. Most satisfying is the section on the late Ronnie James Dio, whose earnest devotion to metal clearly made him a man after Trunk’s own heart. Essential Hard Rock and Heavy Metal only stumbles when the author insists on recounting the compliments paid to him by his heroes—just the sort of validation a true fan craves. –Chris Neal