Keith Richards’ memoir, Life, is shooting up the bestseller list and making the cover of the New York Times Book Review. It’s also available on audio—and listening to Richards’ life story just might be the more compelling option. Why? Well, it’s narrated by two living legends: Keith Richards and actor Johnny Depp, as well as London musician Joe Hurley.
Keith introduces the book and reads the last chapter. Gotta love that accent.
Listen to Keith Richards read the introduction
Depp lends his actor’s chops early on in Life. This excerpt is from the opening scene, which finds Richards and the Stones down South in front of a drunk judge on drug charges.
Listen to Depp read from the first chapter
Depp told Entertainment Weekly, “Naturally, a catastrophic understatement would be required in order to fully detail the honor bestowed in being asked to partake in presenting the Life, quite literally, of The Maestro; an individual so legendary, a soul so revolutionary and a friend so dear. It’s quite a tale, as you might imagine.” BookPage reviewer Martin Brady agrees, saying that Life is “one of the best pop music books ever assembled.” (Read the review here.)
What makes you choose an audiobook over its print counterpart?
i usually don’t like audiobooks, but i’m listening to life right now. i listened to the sample and it sounded okay. just started it but i wish that keith could have read the whole thing. depp is monotone but i think it’s intentional. however, it makes the story kinda drag. if i like the voice of the narrator, i will choose an audiobook. for example, i loved lynn redgrave reading inkheart, but did not like brendan fraser reading inkspell, so didn’t finish it. oh, well, beauty is in the ear . . .
Audiobook version will win out over paper when it’s an author I like and his/her voice is necessary for complete enjoyment. David Sedaris is one example. I don’t get anywhere as much enjoyment from just reading his books. “Life” sounds like another I’d prefer via audio.
David Sedaris is wonderful on audio!
Books are merely stories written down. Stories originated with sitting around the fire, one person and an audience. If the story teller is gifted, it enhances the experience the way costumes, sets and lighting enhance theatre. In this case, I agree with a previous poster that Depp is a bit flat. Richards is better and, mysteriously, Hurley, the person that narrates the bulk of the book is fantastic. Where did he come from and why did they choose to use three narrators? I’d like to hear the story behind that. Anybody know?
It is really unique how the book is read by three narrators! Joe Hurley has a cool website: http://www.roguesmarch.com/
There’s amazing tracks to listen to and a lot you can learn about him.