Patsi Bale Cox

Patsi Cox uses 300 pages describing the various ways Garth Brooks talents - songwriting and entertaining - intersected with his personal values - loyalty and integrity - to create an act that sold over 128 million records world-wide. She spends a scant 15 pgs destroying any measure of neutrality or respect as a researcher.

After reading this book, these things I believe: Garth sold enough records for nearly 40% of the US people. And after the US, according to Cox, most of those other millions of albums can be found between U2 and Thin Lizzy records in Ireland. I believe the stories of his work ethic and "common touch", as well as the fact "The life of Chris Gaines" was a dang good pop album.

Her consistent praisal, not honest appraisal, of Garth's body of songwriting and singing leaves much to be desired. According to Cox, Garth never cut a bad song, he never made a musical misstep. Garth was always on the right side of the music/recording politics. He suffered personal setbacks that had nothing to do with his career choices, some that did, and he and Trisha are now spending days just sitting at the ranch and you know, being real. And he also kissed babies and saved dogs from burning buildings. At least, that's what it felt like she tried to say in the last fifteen pages. I enjoyed stepping into the recording studio with a music artist I admire, if not share a strong affection for. I did not like having his favored cheerleader as my guide.

Cox bills this book as a no-holds-barred backstory behind the Nashville boom of the 90s. She misses the boom, gets some decent looks at Garth's recording sessions, and then gives us an update about his life now. Pick a subject, Ms. Cox, and then I'll finish that final chapter.… (meer)