Way back in 2012, I read Liz Moore’s second novel, Heft, which I remember enjoying although, so many books having passed under the bridge since then, not much else. When I spotted The Words of Every Song in the schedules I hadn’t realised it was her debut, attracted by its New York music scene setting. No doubt it’s been reissued thanks to President Obama’s ringing endorsement of last year’s Long Bright River but it’s a novel well worth reviving in its own right. It follows the careers of several acts signed by the Titan label over a couple of years, exploring the fickleness of the music business and the toll taken on those who work in it.
But Lenore, as she looks out at the crowd, shows nothing but a sort of affected passion for the music: her brow furrowed the right way, her right foot pounding the floor in time to the music – the right way
Theo works in A & R, under increasing pressure from his boss to make a signing. He’s been fostering the Burn for some time, knowing that they’re not what Jax had in mind but loving their music. Their first album meets with a degree of success but nothing that will put them in the same league as Tommy Mays, Titan’s flagship performer currently struggling with a drink problem and the pull of his young family. Jax’s secretary Cynthia has recently been acting as a receptionist, dreading the visits of Lenore Lamont, Titan’s rising star, who dumped her after four years. Once the Burn are signed, Theo’s well aware that Jax needs placating, relieved when a teenage girl band turns out to be better than expected and snapping them up much to their astonishment. Over the two years the novel spans, chance and caprice, hype and schmoozing, all play their part in the fates of these artistes’ careers ending with an unexpected, spectacular success and fame on the horizon for one of them.
The three of them together. And they are all so broken-hearted. And they are all so very young
Apart from its setting, the other attraction of Moore’s novel for me was its structure which takes the form of an intricately interlinked set of stories. Each character’s piece of the jigsaw neatly slots in, from the sound technician apprehensively looking forward to meeting his ex-wife to Jax’s parents, the wealthy owners of a Manhattan brownstone who know nothing of her world. Backstories are lightly sketched in and futures are foreshadowed. Characters flit in and out of each other’s stories. It all works beautifully. Moore makes no bones about the cost of being a player on the music scene, the potential for crash and burn, the constant pressure and insecurity, and the chaotic lives led. A thoroughly enjoyable novel, quietly accomplished, that made me want to get my hands on a copy Long Bright River.
Windmill Books: London 9781786091147 336 pages Paperback
Like you, I loved Heft. I thought it was a novel that ‘had it all’. I’ve since read this one, and Long Bright River, and have The Unseen World in the TBR stack. Honestly, Long Bright River felt like a diversion from her others (code for I wasn’t overly impressed) – it lacked the emotional nuance of her other books. That said, my friends who love crime/ suspense thought it was terrific.
Ah, thanks for the tip. I’m not a crime reader and it was that nuance that I enjoyed about this one. Her portrayal of the industry from every angle was so well done. It left you worried for that girl band!
Interesting topic but I’m not sure I can cope with characters flitting in and out of the interlinked stories. My attention span is suffering right now…
Part of the enjoyment for me but I can see it would be taxing if you’re finding it hard to concenrate.
Sounds interesting, though it made me wonder if bands do still sign to record labels in quite the same way any more? I’m so out of touch, but it always seems to me they simply take off on social media now by some form of osmosis… Maybe this book will come to be seen as one of the last to look at that kind of setting for the music industry.
I have no idea how it works today, either. Moore’s novel was originally published back in 2007 and I’m sure a great deal has changed since then.
You’ve encouraged me to read this Susan! I wondered if it was an insider novel – that really it would most appeal to those who worked in the industry, but it sounds as if it has a lot more to offer.
Delighted to hear that! She seemed to me to be spot on about the capricious nature of the business, the exploitation and longing for fame that might well ruin your life.
Sounds like rather a familiar scene for a novel, but the structure appeals to me immensely. Thanks for this!
You’re welcome. Lots of plates to keep in the air but Moore managed it well.