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Just Between You and Me
Just Between You and Me
400 pages, Hardcover
First published October 18, 2016
17 people are currently reading
81 people want to read
About the author
Myles Goodwyn
3 books5 followersMyles Goodwyn is a singer, guitarist, writer, producer and leader of the Canadian hard rock band April Wine. Myles is the only remaining original member of the group since the inception of April Wine in 1969.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
March 23, 2017
As a musician, and the founder of April Wine, Myles Goodwyn has written some of Canadian rock's most iconic hits, but as a novelist he is a bust. Just Between You And Me is a difficult read - disjointed, repetitious and begging for an editor. All too often this memoir comes across as a dry April Wine encyclopedia where unimportant stories are retold in detail while potentially interesting tales are treated as an afterthought.
There are ample details about every song Goodwyn has ever written, but this autobiography is scant on specifics of life on the road, sex, or any other subject matter that may draw the reader in. For instance, tales of crossing paths with a drug-dealing swindler and a crazed fan would have been interesting, but barely receive a mention. Also, the break-up of the iconic April Wine line-up is only worthy of a few paragraphs, mostly written by a former band member! There is an intriguing story contained within these pages, but Just Between You And Me doesn't allow it to come to life.
There are ample details about every song Goodwyn has ever written, but this autobiography is scant on specifics of life on the road, sex, or any other subject matter that may draw the reader in. For instance, tales of crossing paths with a drug-dealing swindler and a crazed fan would have been interesting, but barely receive a mention. Also, the break-up of the iconic April Wine line-up is only worthy of a few paragraphs, mostly written by a former band member! There is an intriguing story contained within these pages, but Just Between You And Me doesn't allow it to come to life.
September 10, 2018
April Wine has been an institution in Canadian music since the early 1970's. Still playing gigs today, I've seen them twice, 20 years apart. Myles Goodwyn gets great respect from me for his talent and body of work, although this book is a bit of a mess. He gets points for his honesty, especially talking about when he blew up at the band for continuing to work in the studio while he went off somewhere for three weeks. Pulling the "I'm the only creative force in the band, how dare you!" card. Ancient history of course, he's at least forthright about how he acted at times, but the name-dropping gets old fairly quickly here. Also many points are repeated over and over. In serious need of better editing here but Myles wanted to tell his story his way it seems.
Regardless it's an inside look at the boy from Nova Scotia who made it big. And truly he shows (in his professional and personal life) that "Rock And Roll Is A Vicious Game".
Regardless it's an inside look at the boy from Nova Scotia who made it big. And truly he shows (in his professional and personal life) that "Rock And Roll Is A Vicious Game".
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August 22, 2017Compulsive reading for any AW fan.
July 2, 2018
Great story for an old April Wine fan! Not the best authoring, but he's a musician, not a writer after all.
August 14, 2018
When I started this book, I was depressed and I guess because I listen to a lot of April Wine, reading this book felt like a friend sharing their story with me. It kept my mind off things and I couldn't wait to pick it back up. Myles lays it all out in the open for us. He tells us about his childhood. Growing up poor, his mother dying at a young age. His early bands. How April Wine came to be, and their many lineup changes and what their songs are about. He takes us through his later years, talks about his health and his other ventures. There's nothing in here that's crude, he doesn't put anyone down. He seems like a classy, down-to-earth guy and like I said it felt like I had a friend while I was reading this book. I could gush about how I think April Wine is the best band to come out of Canada. And they started in Nova Scotia, where I'm from! So cool. Definitely check this book out if you're a big April Wine/Myles Goodwyn fan.
August 7, 2017
If you're looking for a tell all tale of excess and debauchery - of sex, drugs and rock and roll, this probably isn't the book for you. Myles Goodwyn is a self-professed private person so there aren't many salacious details in this one. What it is is an excellent chronology of one of the best and longest lived rock bands in Canada explaining the band's beginnings in eastern Canada through their chart topping days and their breakup during the '80s to their induction into the Canadian Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, their current part time touring schedule and Myles ventures into the blues and a second band under his own name.
We get brief glimpses of Myles the alcohol abuser, Myles the family man and Myles the businessman-producer and we get hints - sometimes fairly detailed - about the dynamics of the band and why it's competition has changed so many times over the years.
Goodwyn says he wrote the book for his family and his fans - to set the record straight and, although it will doubtless leave you with a few unanswered questions, it pretty much fulfills it's mission, and for that reason, it's a must read for diehard April Wine fans.
We get brief glimpses of Myles the alcohol abuser, Myles the family man and Myles the businessman-producer and we get hints - sometimes fairly detailed - about the dynamics of the band and why it's competition has changed so many times over the years.
Goodwyn says he wrote the book for his family and his fans - to set the record straight and, although it will doubtless leave you with a few unanswered questions, it pretty much fulfills it's mission, and for that reason, it's a must read for diehard April Wine fans.
August 14, 2020
Myles Goodwyn I have finished your book and, as I promised here is my review:
“Love, love, LOVE this book! It is very, very easy to get into and very relatable to parts of my own life. The loss of a parent at a young age, the family dynamic (the younger years). Actually, some of the early chapters made me think of my own life and experiences (except Myles being a musical genius and a rock star parts)!
The thing is, thanks to this book, I got to know Myles Goodwyn. As a lad I loved AW and the Beatles. Still do. Myles is a self-professed Fab Four fan as well. He shows his great sense of humour throughout the book. I appreciate that. He is honest. I appreciate that as well.
I’m 58 years old now and have spent my hard earned money on all the AW and Myles Goodwyn records and now this book. I don’t regret it one bit.
Thanks Myles, this book rocks!!!
“Love, love, LOVE this book! It is very, very easy to get into and very relatable to parts of my own life. The loss of a parent at a young age, the family dynamic (the younger years). Actually, some of the early chapters made me think of my own life and experiences (except Myles being a musical genius and a rock star parts)!
The thing is, thanks to this book, I got to know Myles Goodwyn. As a lad I loved AW and the Beatles. Still do. Myles is a self-professed Fab Four fan as well. He shows his great sense of humour throughout the book. I appreciate that. He is honest. I appreciate that as well.
I’m 58 years old now and have spent my hard earned money on all the AW and Myles Goodwyn records and now this book. I don’t regret it one bit.
Thanks Myles, this book rocks!!!
August 23, 2020
What an amazing read about the life of Myles Goodwin from the iconic Canadian rockers April Wine. The biography is heartfelt with the joy of Myles’ upbringing in Nova Scotia and his music success. Yet, the American breakthrough that alluded April Wine due to mismanagement and timing wears heavily on Myles and fans alike. One of the best biographies out there that will leave you with an even greater appreciation for April Wine and Myles’ solo work.
November 4, 2018
Although this was a good glimpse into the evolution of the band, the writing wasn’t fantastic. I found it a bit choppy at times and a bit all over the place.
A lot of detail about the songs (maybe too much?), but I felt like there was something missing from the book.
This being said, worth reading if you are a fan of the band. Goodwyn tells it like it is without throwing anyone under the bus.
A lot of detail about the songs (maybe too much?), but I felt like there was something missing from the book.
This being said, worth reading if you are a fan of the band. Goodwyn tells it like it is without throwing anyone under the bus.
January 31, 2020
Myles has quite the story to tell and he does it with class and style. The book itself is well written and informative. He avoids the trashy ‘dirt’ some rock authors seem to revel in and instead tells a truthful, self deprecating story. The book flows well and I found it hard to put down. I recommend it to AW fans and fans of Canadian rock.
June 18, 2022
Probably not the most exciting memoire of a rock star (I haven't read many) but if you want to learn about the band, what went into each record, and the man behind writing some of Canada's best classic rock, a must read
December 16, 2023
Myles puts it all out on the table, the good times and the bad, his good traits and bad ones. It was great to read about his childhood and what made him into the musician he became. Wasn't really interested in his political views, it was a good read.
July 27, 2021
it's fine if you are a fan, short read and I did a lot of skimming.
September 10, 2021
I thought this was well done. Myles has had an interesting life.
January 18, 2024
April Wine never reached the same heights in the US but the hits were there. A long hard road but I am sure that Myles Goodwyn achieved what he set out to do.
February 6, 2024
An interesting memoir about Myles Goodwyn himself and about the band, April Wine. I enjoyed the book .
December 2, 2024
Read to 232.
Enjoyed the story of the early day and the fame.
After the band broke up I could care less.
Enjoyed the story of the early day and the fame.
After the band broke up I could care less.
August 25, 2019
Back in the 1970s and early 1980s, there were few homegrown bands that were bigger in Canada than April Wine. (Strangely enough, although I saw many of the top Canadian bands & singers of the day, I never did see April Wine in concert!) You may not have heard of them in the States or elsewhere in the world (although they did enjoy some modest success, in certain markets south of the border as well as in Europe -- I had no idea that five April Wine songs/videos were played by MTV on its first day of existence) -- but the distinctive, instantly recognizable voice of lead singer Myles Goodwyn is part of the soundtrack of my growing up years.
Anyway -- for all my familiarity with April Wine's music, I didn't know much about the band itself. So I couldn't resist snapping up Myles Goodwyn's memoir, "Just Between You & Me" (which takes its title from the 1981 April Wine song of the same name).
Born Miles Francis Goodwin in Woodstock, New Brunswick, Goodwyn grew up poor, mostly in Nova Scotia (that fact I did know about him). His mother died of brain cancer at a tragically young age when Myles was 11, and he remembers very little of his childhood prior to that point. Music and nature became his solace, and when he was a teenager, he started playing in bands. He, his neighbourhood friends, brothers David & Ritchie Henman, and their cousin Jim Henman, formed April Wine in 1969.
I especially enjoyed the early parts of the book describing Goodwyn's growing up years and his early days performing. I probably could have done without all the detailed descriptions of the comings and goings of the various April Wine band members through the years (14 over 40+ years) and the making of one album after another -- although those parts did serve to remind me of songs I had completely forgotten about (such as "Right Down on Top of Me," "Cum Hear the Band," and "If You See Kay" -- let that one sink in for a moment, lol).
Unfortunately, April Wine's enormous success devolved into the all-too-common sad litany of bad management decisions, record company rip-offs, infighting among the group members, drugs, alcohol, ego and burnout, that has plagued so many talented bands over the years. (To quote another April Wine song, "Rock and Roll is a Vicious Game.") Along the way, Goodwyn has dealt with alcoholism (which nearly killed him in 2008) and diabetes, as well as two divorces and their effects on his three children. He speaks out for the first time about some of these things, including why the band first broke up in 1982, and his relationships (or lack thereof) with the other members. He has a reputation for being difficult, and accepts his own share of the blame for the problems he and the band encountered over the years -- but he also comes across here as a straight shooter determined to tell the truth as he sees it, combined with a sense of humour.
Now 68 and a grandfather (!), Goodwyn is still writing and performing music, both with April Wine (on a slightly reduced schedule) and his own band. "Life is good," he says, and I am glad. This has been a hard year for us baby boomers, music-wise, with the passing of so many of our youthful musical heroes (David Bowie, Glenn Frey, Prince...). I am grateful that so many of the ones who are still here are still performing and are now sharing their stories with us. Thank you, Myles Goodwyn, for being one of them. :)
If you're a Canadian of a certain vintage, this book will bring back some memories!
Anyway -- for all my familiarity with April Wine's music, I didn't know much about the band itself. So I couldn't resist snapping up Myles Goodwyn's memoir, "Just Between You & Me" (which takes its title from the 1981 April Wine song of the same name).
Born Miles Francis Goodwin in Woodstock, New Brunswick, Goodwyn grew up poor, mostly in Nova Scotia (that fact I did know about him). His mother died of brain cancer at a tragically young age when Myles was 11, and he remembers very little of his childhood prior to that point. Music and nature became his solace, and when he was a teenager, he started playing in bands. He, his neighbourhood friends, brothers David & Ritchie Henman, and their cousin Jim Henman, formed April Wine in 1969.
I especially enjoyed the early parts of the book describing Goodwyn's growing up years and his early days performing. I probably could have done without all the detailed descriptions of the comings and goings of the various April Wine band members through the years (14 over 40+ years) and the making of one album after another -- although those parts did serve to remind me of songs I had completely forgotten about (such as "Right Down on Top of Me," "Cum Hear the Band," and "If You See Kay" -- let that one sink in for a moment, lol).
Unfortunately, April Wine's enormous success devolved into the all-too-common sad litany of bad management decisions, record company rip-offs, infighting among the group members, drugs, alcohol, ego and burnout, that has plagued so many talented bands over the years. (To quote another April Wine song, "Rock and Roll is a Vicious Game.") Along the way, Goodwyn has dealt with alcoholism (which nearly killed him in 2008) and diabetes, as well as two divorces and their effects on his three children. He speaks out for the first time about some of these things, including why the band first broke up in 1982, and his relationships (or lack thereof) with the other members. He has a reputation for being difficult, and accepts his own share of the blame for the problems he and the band encountered over the years -- but he also comes across here as a straight shooter determined to tell the truth as he sees it, combined with a sense of humour.
Now 68 and a grandfather (!), Goodwyn is still writing and performing music, both with April Wine (on a slightly reduced schedule) and his own band. "Life is good," he says, and I am glad. This has been a hard year for us baby boomers, music-wise, with the passing of so many of our youthful musical heroes (David Bowie, Glenn Frey, Prince...). I am grateful that so many of the ones who are still here are still performing and are now sharing their stories with us. Thank you, Myles Goodwyn, for being one of them. :)
If you're a Canadian of a certain vintage, this book will bring back some memories!
August 20, 2019
Like any good Canadian music fan April Wine has been on the mix tape of my life's soundtrack. You could often hear "Roller" blaring out of my car pulling into my high school parking lot. "Could Have Been A Lady" was one of my favorite songs to play in bar cover bands. I even remember singing "Sign of the Gypsy Queen" at a very young age except my version had the misheard lyric of "....Juicy Queen." As a musician and all around music geek I was curious to know more about this Canadian music staple who played table hockey in their music videos. Let me just say that....this is the most boring music biography I have ever read. "Hammer of the Gods" this isn't. I think there are many good stories throughout Wine's career but you won't find them here. I admit I found the album by album, song by song details moderately interesting - "Could Have Been A Lady" was a cover?! However this book is for serious fans only. I like Myles, I like the band. I will enjoy playing them amongst my all Canadian Spotify playlist on Canada Day while drinking a Molson.
October 23, 2019
I would describe myself as a moderate April Wine fan. I had their boxed set and a greatest hits, I've seen them in concert a few (three) times, and I liked them but never had the desire to investigate them any deeper. Goodwyn's book was fairly entertaining, moved at a good clip, and seemed to be very honest. He was willing to take his fair share of the blame where it was warranted without trying to take all the credit. This included in his personal life - his two divorces and his regrets at not spending more time with his children. It felt like he was trying to set the record straight from his perspective, and was not out to settle scores.
The book was also very Canadian - he talked a lot about Canadian places, he points out when someone he does work with is Canadian and he's still a little pissed that April Wine was mostly ignored by the Junos. It's nice to see when people know where they're from. He's especially big on being a Maritimer. All very enjoyable.
I'd recommend this book to any April Wine fan or anyone who's a fan of Canadian music. It's a good read.
The book was also very Canadian - he talked a lot about Canadian places, he points out when someone he does work with is Canadian and he's still a little pissed that April Wine was mostly ignored by the Junos. It's nice to see when people know where they're from. He's especially big on being a Maritimer. All very enjoyable.
I'd recommend this book to any April Wine fan or anyone who's a fan of Canadian music. It's a good read.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews