Change of Seasons: A Memoir

John Oates’ upcoming memoir, Change of Seasons, is a true gem, full of rich storytelling and amazing detail, painting a multi-layered portrait of a truly remarkable life in music. We learn about the music, the fame, the fortune...but the real story is an inspirational tale of life constantly reinvented and reimagined. For die-hard H&O fans like myself, the book ties together and fills in many of the stories we’ve heard over the years about the early days. Hearing it first hand from John reminds us why Hall and Oates don’t think of themselves as a duo…John’s part of the famous partnership has it’s own path, it’s own highs, lows, curves and reflections. We’re also reminded that while John may be perceived as the lighter side of the duo, his talent and depth as a musician is undeniable. The stories about his life before Daryl and his role in the creation of the vast Hall and Oates songbook remind us that John Oates is a born musician. Every word of the memoir (including those straight out of his journals) reflects a deep and constant devotion to music and that John is a deeply reflective person. It may be a key reason why the music has stood the test of time for so many of us. Here’s my list of favorite gems in the book: • Favorite line – “I don’t care about fame, I’ve always been famous” • Favorite backstory about a song – Diddy Doo Wop/Voices • Favorite chapter – “Drive in” – what a trip! • Favorite tribute – T-Bone…it’ll make you tear up • Favorite Daryl story – There really are none, but the ode to brotherhood that is the book’s introduction speaks volumes about the one-of-a-kind partnership • Favorite John and Daryl story – backstage after the show with the Temps…the look that led to the end of the 80’s run • Favorite artifact – script from the original She’s Gone video • Favorite thing to do while reading this book –I listened to the 2009 H&O box set “Do What You Want, Be What You Are” in a new way as I read the stories about how the music of each period was made and the backstories for many of the songs – what a treat! Even if you are not a die hard fan, the book has a lot to offer music lovers in general. Oates (and collaborator Chris Epting) share a journey that is wonderfully convoluted and unexpected at times, far from the one dimensional 80s pop star image that may be a misguided lasting impression of Hall and Oates for some. The story provides a unique view into the depth behind the music, what it really took to get to the 80s and beyond, and how a path emerged that’s led to lasting success, renewed appreciation and lifelong devotion to craft. But more than that, we meet and understand that John Oates is authentic. You can’t help but want to know him. Not so much because he’s famous…but because he seems to have figured out how to pursue one’s dreams, kicking aside the stuff that doesn’t really matter (fame, fortune, superficial “success”) and focusing in on deeper meaning and purpose. That ability reveals a man whose humility and honesty about the common struggle that is life, is inspirational, especially for mid-lifers like me who ponder the meaning in our lives as we head closer to our final destination. And Oates is not done yet. This first memoir only takes us part way…and doesn’t even get to the latest reinvention of his life and music as a solo artist based in Nashville and the “Good Road to Follow” years. I can’t wait to read all about that and the evolving partnership of Hall and Oates in the next book. Thank you John Oates, Chris Epting and St Martin’s Press!

Before reading this book, I listened to the music CD that accompanies it. Five masterfully performed songs await you. I'm no expert at naming musical stylings, but they strike me as country blues. The musicianship featured is luxurious! John's voice is as beautiful and expressive as it's ever been. Especially impressive is track #4, "I Found Love". It seems to summarize the latter half of the book. The last track is a reinvention of a familiar hit. It isn't your mother's "Maneater"! Just holding the book in your hands, you'll see that the page edges are jagged. It's a sensory invitation to open to anywhere in the book and read the nearest self-contained narrative. Collaborator Chris Epting does a fantastic job of organizing these stories that happen to be in chronological order. You can pick up reading anywhere and drop off anywhere. Interestingly, luminaries of staggering magnitude are mentioned throughout the stories as mere props. That gives the reader the sense of how rarefied the air got along the way. Still, this book's subject (John) is a thoughtful and articulate man of substance. His storytelling is authentic; direct, honest, and funny in unexpected turns. As an example, John wrote a foreword essay about the mystique of the mustache for another book, which is reprinted in this one. You must read it-it's really good. John Oates is a superb writer! The memoir is written with classy disposition: no judgements (except on himself), no bomb-dropping, and no dragging through mud. What surprisingly little direct reference to Daryl Hall there is here is either a sage moment or is funny. Exactly what my ten-year-old self (when I became a fan) would have wanted. Very gratifying. As seemingly lengthy as the book is, it reads at a very nice clip. Nothing daunting or tedious in the text, which may be another attaboy to Chris Epting. Also, this book feels complete unto itself. You won't at all feel as though anything (Daryl Hall) is missing. A book wouldn't be a book without a sense of building tension, climax, and resolution. It's deftly subtle at first, but then you'll see it, and the book follows through with a smooth landing. John's more recent accounts of life in Colorado vaguely remind me of the work of Chris Kimball's Swearing Hill news. The stories are eclectic, real, and hospitably engaging. If you're a fan of Daryl Hall and John Oates, like reading biographies and listening to some fantastic musicians, or just need something to read on a long flight, get this book. Deeply enjoyable and highly recommended.

Wer schon immer etwas über das Innenleben einer der bedeutendsten Bands kennenlernen wollte, findet hier die eine Hälfte eines sehr persönlichen Standardwerkes! Wunderbar witzig, herzerwärmend offen und ehrlich!

If you want a glimpse of the 70's and the glitz of the 80's, and how musicians really make money although the record labels and their lawyers make much more than them, you may read thus book.

As I read through John's book I found myself in many of the pages. I am not a musician but a great fan, but a photographer who I find many parallels in John's life experiences...Skiing, F1 and all types of racing and women. In many of the scenes I realized that I was right there at the same time as in his vist to Long Beach and his association with George Harrison. The image above is George on that occasion with myself in his reflection. Loved the book and the great look into that lifestyle. I'd love to chat sometime.

破産とそこから立ち上がっていく様子を描いた箇所では、泣きましたで

Un must per un fan di Daryl & John! Molto piacevole da leggere e molto interessante,almeno per un patito del duo come me !