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February 12, 2026
The Uncool by Cameron Crowe audiobook review
The film-maker and author narrates this vivid account of his wide-eyed adventures as a young music journalist in 70s America, hanging out with heroes from David Bowie to Led Zeppelin
TL;DR
- The title "The Uncool" refers to Lester Bangs's assessment of Cameron Crowe.
- Crowe, as a teenage journalist, interviewed major rock acts of the era, including Gram Parsons, Led Zeppelin, David Bowie, the Eagles, and the Allman Brothers Band.
- He is portrayed as an outsider who lacked the typical rock and roll lifestyle but was appreciated for his sincerity.
- Crowe's narration conveys his youthful astonishment at being near his musical heroes.
- The audiobook illustrates an era with less PR, allowing writers extended time with artists, such as Crowe's 18 months with Bowie.
- Crowe discovered filmmaking during an interview with Tom Petty, finding it a more direct way to express himself than writing.
- The audiobook is available via 4th Estate and is 9 hours and 18 minutes long.
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