Reviews » Books » Issue #44 » Sonic Butler

Sonic Butler

REVIEWED BY Larry Crane

ISSUE NO. 44 November 16, 2004

When someone sent me a work of fiction in which the protagonist is a studio engineer who lives in Portland, I was a bit curious. James Greve has actually worked as an engineer, recording 3 Leg Torso and others around town. The story follows the winding path of the main character as he records amazing and awful music, fucks up a good relationship, and seeks revenge on his lumber baron father. The recording scenes are fairly accurately portrayed, something you'd expect most writers to botch up. I especially enjoyed the drug dealer/car thief/studio owner character. I did wonder how a studio that seemingly was not busy was able to afford a secretary, especially in a market like Portland! Not a bad read. ($15 direct, www.sonicbutler.com)

Tape Op is a bi-monthly magazine devoted to the art of record making.

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