I, Flathead

by Ry Cooder

a multimedia cocept of a thing

First published June 24, 2008

About the author

Ry Cooder is a world-famous guitarist, singer and composer, known for his slide guitar work, interest in roots music, and more recently for his collaborations with traditional musicians from many countries, including The Buena Vista Social Club. He has composed soundtracks for more than twenty films, including Paris, Texas. Two recent albums were accompanied by stories Cooder wrote to accompany the music. This is his first published collection of stories.

Reviews

[G. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maybe all books should be like this. It comes complete with a CD of Cooder's singular music, complete lyrics, and a finely drawn map of the general location of the outlierlands of San Bernardino and Kern counties, telling the story of ever-struggling, life-questioning rocker band Kash Buk and the Klowns, their vehicles of choice and the high respect that is due a Ford Flathead Engine and the quest for good music, good inspiration, and adventurous ladies. Unearthly aliens and sub-earthy vehicles are providers of adventure
. The short novel and songs are written by consummate musician Ry Cooder, known for his interesting guest spots on other musicians' albums (I recommend his work with on the fantastic "Jammin' with Edward" a rare, yet, at the time, a bargain-priced jam session with Nicky Hopkins and the incognito Rolling Stones. Try to get yourself a copy. His movie soundtrack work is even more stellar. “Buena Vista Social Club”, “Blue City”, “Tresspass” (great caper film with just amazing guitar work), “Paris, Texas”, “Johnny Handsome” and. about half a dozen more. I myself am an avid soundtrack collector and Ry Cooder is one of the best ever!

[Clove · Rating 2 out of 5]

Strange… not well written… definitely racist… there is something about it… not sure why ry cooder did this tbh…

[Lyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

pretty cool- as you read the book you can then listen to the songs

[patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Been waiting for too long to read and listen to this one! Finally I have said item in my possession!

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was walking home one night after having one drink more than I know to be good for me, and it was real cold outside, 20 degrees and wind blowin' hard. I decided to go on in the bookstore in our neighborhood to find some Christmas gifts, seein' as how my family drew names for a book gift givin' and all. And I started to get the hiccups, on account of the too much drink I'm sure, and I know I smelled like beer. No mind, I'm gonna get some books. What do you know, I find five real good ones right off quick.

You may not know who Ry Cooder is, and if you don't I'll say you probably don't know much about music and leave it at that. This book is written by Mr. Cooder himself, and it's a good one. Somethin' like a Kill Bill or Grindhouse movie, set out in the Western desert of the United States. It's got an alien in it who is an inventor and has just a real curious way of looking at things, but a down to earth kind of fellow. He gets into all kinds of trouble on account of his not knowing the local ways and being kind of a troublemaker to begin with, which is why he's here in the first place. And he meets up with Kash Buk and the Klowns, a country and western, blues, latin rock, mariachi band that play some good tunes I'd like to hear just about any day of the week.

I sure am glad to have found this book, and I'm as sure as you can be about anything in this world that my brother will like it too.