Hell: My Life in the Squirrel Nut Zippers

by Tom Maxwell

The Swing Movement -- all jazz hands and high-waisted pants -- advanced and receded in good order. I wrote this book to tell the other side of the story. I want you to know about the oddball collection of iconoclasts who got together and made the Squirrel Nut Zippers what they were: a combustible, improbable gumbo of joy and menace. Along the way, I write about our many influences: jazz and blues and hot music and calypso and, yes, swing. Come run these fields, like rabbits, while the harvest moon hangs caught in the branches. Come linger over this snapshot.

Genres: Music

144 pages, Paperback

First published August 16, 2014

Reviews

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

My reading this book is another step along the path of discovering the talent of Tom Maxwell, whose 2014 album "Tom Maxwell and the Minor Drag" currently has a monopoly on my in-car listening. Like his songs, this book is written well--really well. It's reflective without being navel-gazing, and the gratitude toward and appreciation for even his now-estranged former bandmates that Maxwell shows throughout are refreshing and uplifting.

Extra Super Bonus: As he does elsewhere, Maxwell points the reader toward the musicians who inspired and inspire him. On finishing the book, I started listening to Duke Ellington properly for the first time, which has been a fun journey.

[Doctor Thunder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the band and especially Tom's contributions. This gives a great background to what went into their music, its roots and the spirit of it all before they were pigeon holed as vanguards of the late 90s swing movement. Very quick, easy and entertaining read that flows well. I like Tom's solo albums and will enjoy both his and The Zippers music even more now.

[Bobbi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wouldn't have read this book unless I was a crazy, wild fan or if my son was mentioned in it, which he was. He worked for the Zippers through most of the period Maxwell described so I learned a lot about what went on behind the scenes. He came out a smoker, but luckily nothing worse as there certainly a lot of drugs around. An interesting look at another side of being in a band and becoming famous very quickly and all that brings with it.

[Oscar · Rating 5 out of 5]

A pretty short read. Very conversational, quick. Been a fan of SNZ since I was a kid and really appreciated the look behind the curtain. The ending was perfect.