I’m sure that those who are accustomed, even superficially, with the hard rock sound of the 80s, Tom Werman’s name sounds extremely familiar. You see, we’re talking about a great producer who inextricably linked his name with such landmark albums as “Stay Hungry”, “Shout At The Devil”, “Girls, Girls, Girls”, “Cocked & Loaded” etc. In addition, his contribution to elevating the sound of Ted Nugent and Molly Hatchet has not gone unnoticed at all. So, wanting to learn more about that period and especially in the light of a man inside and…outside the core of the bands, I was looking forward to “Turn It Up” with great anticipation. The result? Within less than two days I had read it and was left with the best impressions. But let’s take things from the beginning…
What makes a great impression in “Turn It Up” is the fact that Werman writes in an excellent way that “forces” you not to want to let go of it and consequently the chapters flow like water! However, what is particularly noteworthy is the fact that the most interesting parts are located in the time era of the 70s when Werman was an employee at Epic Records (and more specifically in the A&R department). There we see or rather experience almost first hand the grandeur, extravagance and dominance of the music industry at all levels. That was a time when people were buying records en masse and bands had a whole staff of people behind them to help build their careers. But don’t imagine that Werman is sparing of details regarding the 80s, the time when he made it big as a producer of classic records and hits. In particular, the chapters on Twisted Sister and Motley Crue, and more specifically the highlighting of his personal relationship with the members of the bands, are particularly illuminating.
Werman is a man of a bygone era, when the mighty music industry was generously giving away great releases, experiences and… priceless memories to all those who were lucky enough to experience it in real time. With “Turn It Up”, Tom Werman gives us a prime opportunity to remember those gone but never forgotten years and relive some of the glory of the past. Excellent job!
