Recorded by Hunter S. Thompson between 1965 and 1975, these tapes capture his thoughts and descriptions both as they're happening and in reflection, as he would often go back to rerecord commentary while writing. Filmmaker Alex Gibney, producer Eva Orner and Gonzo archivist Don Fleming were given permission by Thompson's widow to explore the boxes of tapes stored in the basement of his Owl Farm home in Woody Creek, Colorado, left behind after Thompson's suicide in 2005. Fleming transferred the audiocassettes and reel-to-reel tapes to digital files, and they made their way to the cutting room for the film Gonzo: The Life And Work Of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson. Now for the first time these previously unreleased recordings are available in a 5-CD set. The Gonzo Tapes features original cover artwork by Gonzo artist Ralph Steadman, an amazing 44-page booklet full of never-before-seen images from Hunter S. Thompson's estate, along with memorable photos and an introduction by film director Alex Gibney, an essay by journalist and Thompson's fellow foreign correspondent Loren Jenkins, and notes by The Gonzo Tapes producer Don Fleming, former front man of the Velvet Monkeys and Gumball who has produced Sonic Youth, Alice Cooper, Hole, and more.
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.0 / 5.0
Fantastic for serious fans!:
Meticulous. These tapes serve as a fantastic companion to the books covered in this series. It gives the listener a window into the mind of one of the 20th centuries most brilliant writers. Thompson was meticulous in his audio notebooks. This is a sampling of some of the hours upon hours of those tapes. Producer Don Fleming does a great job of making 40 year old tapes audible. There are still imperfections, but if your a completist, this is what your looking for. Best part of the entire series: The... more info
The Birth of Gonzo:
I've only finished the Fear and Loathing In Las Vegas disc and I felt like a fly on the dashboard. Who knew that Hunter recorded himself and his trips? What an insight it gives into the man at a time in his life that would become legendary. I loved it when cruising the Vegas strip in a rented convertible, his lawyer says, "I feel this is the right think to do." Hunter mummbles, "It's the right thing to do for the story but not in real life!" Can't wait to hear more.
For a specific audience only!:
This item is very difficult to rate, as some will love it and most will not care for it. Do not buy this item unless you are a serious Gonzophile who is interested in Hunter's actual process in creating stories, as well as getting some insight into the realities of his life. Do not buy it if you expect lots of gonzo bad craziness on the tapes: The Vegas portions are pretty pedestrian. Even when he is stoned, you are not experiencing the powerful internal experience; you are listening to it from the... more info
Gonzo Going Gonzo:
This is Hunter in the middle of his verbal notes. Sometimes he's in a car taking notes on the day as Hell's Angels are drunk and yelling in the background, and sometimes he's out of it with Oscar in Las Vegas. Some people complain that there is too much static or interference. Well, you try and do this kind of crazed in depth journalism Known as Gonzo, and get crisp clean recordings. It's part of the charm, and part of the story. Well worth the price. We will always miss you Hunter.
Tracks:
Bass Lake Run: Shit, It's Only 11 O'Clock Here.
Bass Lake Run: We're Up at Bass Lake.
Bass Lake Run: All the Empty Cans and Beer Cartons Are Up on Top of the
Bass Lake Run: No Notes After Two Days of This Hell's Angels Thing.
Terry the Tramp Interview #1: It's August 5, Thursday Night. We're on t
Terry the Tramp Interview #1: Was Clovis a Run?
Terry the Tramp Interview #1: You Ever Try Peyote, Hunter?
Terry the Tramp Interview #1: I'm Not Worried Until the Book Comes Out.
Terry the Tramp Interview #1: I'm Puttin' You to a Terrible Inconvenien
Driving Back Through Oakland: On My Way Back Now from Taking Terry the
Driving Back Through Oakland: When I Was Talking to the Frisco Angels t
Driving Back Through Oakland: Also Like to Get the Idea Down.
The Merry Pranksters Welcome the Hell's Angels: What Follows Here Is a Conv
The Merry Pranksters Welcome the Hell's Angels: Ambulance Rolling, Code 3
It's a Long Story...Ha-Ha, Not Thump-Thump: Tonight Was Saturday, Augus
Terry the Tramp Interview #2: They Run It Down That This Girl Was a Poo
