 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Joey Kramer
Hit Hard: A Story Of Hitting Rock Bottom At The Top
(Harper Collins Publishers)
I guess I shouldn’t be surprised; just when I thought my inexplicably weary had already been graced with every conceivably worthwhile variation of the tried and true ‘…Hard Rock/Heavy Metal manuscription …’ formula, a tome that actually manages to genuinely piqué my interest lands on my desk. Don’t get me wrong; as long as I still have the intellectual fortitude necessary to partake in such delights, I will undoubtedly continue to gleefully enjoy even the most questionably motivated of offerings. I just wish more artists and groups would focus on documenting ‘tales’ most Metalheads would actually be interested in reading. Thankfully, this is most definitely the case with the long-awaited release of Hit Hard: A Story Of Hitting Rock Bottom At The Top, the awkwardly-titled--yet highly-effective--autobiography from legendary Aerosmith alumni Joey Kramer.
On the stellar Hit Hard: A Story Of Hitting Rock Bottom At The Top (2009; MSRP: $26.99; Ages: 18 And Up), an expertly assembled 256 page behind-the-scenes, emotionally-charged journey that encompasses nearly every aspect of Kramer’s undeniably storied life and career, the author wastes little--if any--time affording the reader the exceedingly rare opportunity to vicariously relive the ‘…glories of yore…’. Eagerly glorifying the his formidable years (most notably the skinsman’s life-altering introduction to future bandmate Steven Tallarico) via a narrative that, while not necessarily revelation-inducing, is guaranteed to appeal to both die-hard completists and clueless newcomers alike. Unabashedly accentuating both major and insignificant recollections with a previously unparalleled fervor, the author’s rapt enthusiasm invariably oozes from each guilt-laden page.
Leaving precious little to the imagination, Kramer boldly projects what is, without a doubt, one of the most accurate and compelling portraits of a veteran musician to date. Gritty and unflinchingly realistic without mindlessly bludgeoning the reader with painfully redundant tales of debauchery, even the most seasoned of bookworms will almost assuredly find themselves voraciously consuming everything in their wake. Seemingly unapologetic in its frankness, the author refuses to sugarcoat the ensuing ‘…trials and tribulations…’, undoubtedly attempting to educate without adopting a self-righteous or pompous tonality. Most definitely not for the faint of heart or weak of constitution (or, for that matter, those without a true appetite for all thing Rock ‘n’ Roll and Rock ‘n’ Roll-related), Kramer profusely atones for a bevy of past sins whilst seeking redemption.
Moving at a frequently ‘…swift…’ pace, Kramer waxes nostalgic--good, bad and otherwise--regarding his oft-tumultuous childhood, focusing primarily on his embattled, woefully dysfunctional relationship with his parents. Fortunately for all parties involved, the vast majority Hit Hard: A Story Of Hitting Rock Bottom At The Top wisely reevaluates the euphoric highs and debilitating lows experienced during the author’s already well-documented tenure as a founding member of a multi-Platinum musical act. Painstakingly detailing the psychological/physical toll of these experiences, the reader is repeatedly submerged amid the author’s rapidly deteriorating sense of self-control. Despite this, the resulting quasi-confessional train wreck remains easily digestible throughout, a much-welcomed characteristic that only adds to Kramer’s genuinely indelible charm(s).
But why should you really care? Because the snarling, impossibly unbalanced intensity at the epicenter of Hit Hard: A Story Of Hitting Rock Bottom At The Top offers a wealth of long-overdue insight within the battlescarred group’s oft-mercurial psyche. Easily as refreshingly and revealing the arguably brilliant Walk This Way: The Autobiography Of Aerosmith, the majority--if not all--of the often heart-wrenching confessions contained herein are ultimately as enlightening and rewarding as they are entertaining. Not surprisingly, if you’ve once again found yourself in search of what can only be described as brutally honest ‘tell-all’ literary experience that is, without a doubt, quite easily worthy of the highest of critical and commercial accolades, then this, my friends, might just be the high octane cure for whatever ails you. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.
Select Discography
Hit Hard: A Story Of Hitting Rock Bottom At The Top (Book) (2009) **
Rockin’ The Joint (2005) *
Honkin’ On Bobo (2004) *
Just Push Play (2001) *
A Little South Of Sanity (1998) *
Nine Lives (1997) *
Big Ones (1994) *
Get A Grip (1993) *
Pump (1989) *
Permanent Vacation (1987) *
Classics Live! Vol. II (1987) *
Classics Live! (1986) *
Done With Mirrors (1985) *
Rock In A Hard Place (1982) *
Greatest Hits (1980) *
Night In The Ruts (1979) *
Live! Bootleg (1978) *
Draw The Line (1977) *
Rocks (1976) *
Toys In The Attic (1975) *
Get Your Wings (1974) *
Aerosmith (1973) *
* as a member of Aerosmith
** as an author