Island Music: The History Of AIR Studios Montserrat

Brilliant book, but then I would say that 'cos I get a few mentions! Read between the lines and you will find out about some of the things that really went on there!

This is a remarkably detailed and accurate history of AIR Studios in Montserrat, and as someone who lived in Montserrat throughout the entire life of the studio, I enjoyed it and was impressed by it - especially as it was written by someone who was not there at the time and who had no prior knowledge of the island. However it desperately needed just the briefest of inputs from an editor and a proofreader, who would have picked up on some stylistic pitfalls (including one or two nonexistent words, like "volativity" - even my spellchecker does not want to let me write it!), and many mis-spellings ("Guadalupe", Roger "Daltry") and a few inaccuracies. The layout and appearance is awful - narrow margins, entire pages without a new paragraph - and the binding is falling apart after just one reading - but otherwise I take my hat off to the author and am delighted that the book has been written. Anyone who is interested in the history of popular music in the 1980s, or who wants to know how many of the mega-hits of that decade were created, or who spent time in Montserrat in the 1980s, will enjoy it.

The music created at AIR Studio Montserrat is a part of many lives, including mine. Living on Montserrat and having been to the studio several times before it became off limits made me appreciate this book even more. The history and stories of how it came to be, operated, and finally was taken away by Hurricane Hugo answered many questions about how the details of how the music was made. If you like music from the 70's and 80's this is a must read.

I highly recommend Mr. Sallerson's book. He keeps the reader engaged from beginning to end with the wonderful history and stories of this special time in music history at AIR Studios Montserrat. Indeed, the author has captured the remarkable story of AIR Studios Montserrat through the perspectives of the musicians, producers, engineers, designers, and especially the Montserratians who were involved with the studio in some way. This is a must-read book!!

The History of Air Studios Montserrat is a valuable contribution to the history of popular music in the late 20th century as well as to the history of the island of Montserrat itself. There is an enormous amount of material packed into its 265 pages, and that in itself is the problem - it is too packed.The layout leaves a lot to be desired; narrow and uneven margins, long paragraphs and not enough spacing all detract from the work. More attention to the visual layout would have made the book more appealing and easier to read.

This was printed by AMAZON and half the pages fell out as the back binding was not glued enough !Quality control is due here.......Good luck if you order your copy !!