Book Review: "The Sound of Seattle"

While diving into "The Sound of Seattle," I felt like I embarked on a musical time trip through the Emerald City’s vibrant music history. This rockin' paperback by KEXP DJ Eva Walker and music writer Jake Uitti offers an incredible journey through 101 songs spanning 80 years, revealing the rich tapestry of Seattle's musical evolution. With a foreword by Pearl Jam legend Mike McCready, this book is a must-read for anyone who follows the Rock 'n' Roll Highway. #TheSoundofSeattle #NetGalley

My Musical Journey Through the Book
As I flipped through the pages, I immersed myself in the sounds and stories of Seattle’s musical greats. Here’s a glimpse into my experience:

- Listening to Bing Crosby's "White Christmas": The journey starts in 1942 with Bing Crosby's timeless hit. Incredibly, a song recorded over 80 years ago remains the world’s bestselling single.

- Learning About the Showbox on 1st Ave: This historic venue has hosted countless legendary performances, and the book beautifully captures its story.

- Exploring Washington Hall: A cultural hub that has seen everything from jazz to punk, its history is a testament to Seattle's diverse musical heritage.

- The Wailers' "Tall Cool One": I couldn’t resist tapping my fingers to this classic track, a reminder of the city’s rock roots.

- Rocking to The Kingsmen's "Louie Louie": This iconic song epitomizes the raw energy of Seattle’s early rock scene.

- Jamming to Jimi Hendrix’s Air Guitar: No Seattle music journey is complete without Hendrix, and I lost myself in his legendary riffs.
Take a visit to his bronze statue.

- Grooving to Weedle’s Groove: This collective of Seattle funk musicians brought a soulful vibe to my reading experience.

- Rapping to Sir Mix-a-Lot: His contributions to hip-hop and Seattle’s music scene are vividly detailed, making me appreciate his impact even more.

- Marveling at Quincy Jones: From jazz to pop, Quincy Jones's influence is immense, and the book explores his Seattle roots well.

- Enjoying "Tough Tofu" by Deems Tsutakawa: This jazz piece added a smooth, relaxing soundtrack to my journey.

- Reliving the Grunge Era with Nirvana and Pearl Jam: The book’s exploration of Seattle’s grunge movement is both nostalgic and enlightening.

As I read, I built a Spotify playlist featuring the songs mentioned in the book, immersing myself deeper into the Seattle soundscape. The music inspired me to journey back in my mind through Kurt Cobain’s old stomping grounds and my visit of the legendary London Bridge Studio.

Why This Book Is Important for Rock 'n' Roll Highway Followers
For those who cherish the history of American music, "The Sound of Seattle" is an essential addition to your collection. Here’s why:

1. Comprehensive Overview: The book covers a broad spectrum of genres and artists, mirroring the diverse musical influences celebrated by Rock 'n' Roll Highway.

2. Historical Context: The authors provide rich historical context, tracing the roots of Seattle's music scene and its evolution. This aligns perfectly with the mission of documenting and preserving music history.

3. Influential Figures: Featuring interviews with legends like Heart’s Nancy Wilson, the book highlights influential figures who have shaped music similarly to the icons celebrated along the Rock 'n' Roll Highway.

4. Cultural Connections: It draws connections between various artists and genres, offering insights into the musical DNA that links figures like Ray Charles, Quincy Jones, and Kenny G to modern acts like Foo Fighters and Macklemore.

Places to Visit
"The Sound of Seattle" isn't just a book; it's a guide to exploring the city's rich musical heritage. Here are some key locations you'll journey to:

London Bridge Studio: Known for recording iconic grunge albums, this studio played a pivotal role in shaping Seattle’s music.

The Gorge: This stunning outdoor venue has hosted unforgettable performances by the Dave Matthews Band.

The Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) houses exhibits on Jimi Hendrix, Nirvana, and other Seattle legends.

Dick’s Drive-In: A Seattle institution frequented by musicians and fans alike.

Kurt Cobain’s Haunts: Visit the places where the Nirvana frontman lived and created music.

Sub Pop Records: The label that launched many of Seattle’s grunge bands.

Easy Street Records: A beloved record store and live music venue.

Central Saloon is one of Seattle’s oldest bars and a key venue in the city's music history.

Garfield High School: Alma mater of Quincy Jones and Jimi Hendrix, among others.

Visual and Design Appeal
"The Sound of Seattle" is visually captivating and designed to resemble a favorite zine or concert poster. The inventive design, paired with profiles of seminal songs, makes it not just a book but a collector's item. This aesthetic appeal enhances the reading experience, making it a delightful addition to any music lover's bookshelf.

Advanced Praise
The book has received glowing reviews from notable figures in the music industry:

Megan Jasper, Sub Pop Records CEO: "This book is a sonic adventure through the northwest's iconic music scene. From jazz on Jackson to Black Belt Eagle Scout and all the badasses in between, you will swing, mosh, headbang, shimmy, and sway through the music, places, and people that define The Sound of Seattle. Buckle up, bitches!"

Charles R. Cross, New York Times best-selling author: "Jake and Eva have crafted a fun and breezy romp through some of the most important spots of Northwest music history. The songs referenced should be required listening for anyone with a love of Northwest music, and in my book—and in this one—these locations are shrines to an important cultural history past and present, which this book lovingly details."

Matt Cameron, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame drummer: "Thank you, Eva and Jake, for writing this informative and heartfelt book about a subject close to my heart, the music culture of the Pacific Northwest."

Marco Collins, legendary Seattle radio DJ: "Jake and Eva are so ingrained in this city’s musical landscape that I couldn’t wait to read this book! They put together bite-sized journals of our city’s music history in a way I’ve never seen. There are a lot of books about Seattle music, but none like this!"

"The Sound of Seattle" is a love letter and song to the city.
It offers readers a rich, engaging look at the songs and artists that have defined Seattle's music scene. For followers of the Rock 'n' Roll Highway, this book provides a comprehensive, visually stunning exploration of a city that has played a pivotal role in shaping American music. Dive into this musical journey and deepen your appreciation for the sounds that continue to influence generations. #TheSoundofSeattle #NetGalley

For more information, follow The Black Tone's Instagram and visit Jake Uitti's website.