To the modern pop world, Stock, Aitken and Waterman (and Waterman's PWL brand) form a key link between the analogue past and the digital present of record production and writing. The label and studios produced so many pop hits in the 1980s that their name became a byword for success and perfection - that they created a template expertly worked today by Simon Cowell is undeniable. Packed full of anecdotes and production details, PWL perfectly walks the line between gossip and fact, representing the first account of the PWL world outside the core trio.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
By C. Raeburn
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
This book is an utter masterpiece on so many levels, and no matter what level of interest you have in phenomena that was Stock Aitken & Waterman, you'll quickly discover interesting facts and nuggets that you won't read anywhere else. To me, the name Phil Harding was just something that I often saw (no pun intended) on the back of the biggest hit records I bought in the 80's. Little did I know that he did much of the heavy lifting work on some of the most successful SAW (and other) records of all time.
One of the most impressive features of the book comes from Phil Harding's clearly wonderful mild nature. There is no muck racking or abuse going on and the only slightly bad word you'll find in the entire text is a mild poke at Simon Cowell, who appears early in his career as a bit of a beggar and blagger with limited musical knowledge. Quote of the book in this respect has to be "What's that ticking sound...." and this is seconded only by his flat 'Fanfare'.
For the 'SAW fan' there is sufficient and interesting background on the artistes, accompanied by amusing anecdotes in many places. There are also wonderful black and white pictures that range from studio shots through to floor plans and promotional adverts - it's a real treasure trove.
For the budding producer this text is totally invaluable, giving away business and production information that is massively useful if you read between the lines. It covers how many of the sounds were achieved, the equipment that was used and the process which was followed in sufficient detail. It describes the working methodology and, most importantly, that not everything they touched was a massive success and that perseverance was often important in turning things around.... Read more ›
One of the most impressive features of the book comes from Phil Harding's clearly wonderful mild nature. There is no muck racking or abuse going on and the only slightly bad word you'll find in the entire text is a mild poke at Simon Cowell, who appears early in his career as a bit of a beggar and blagger with limited musical knowledge. Quote of the book in this respect has to be "What's that ticking sound...." and this is seconded only by his flat 'Fanfare'.
For the 'SAW fan' there is sufficient and interesting background on the artistes, accompanied by amusing anecdotes in many places. There are also wonderful black and white pictures that range from studio shots through to floor plans and promotional adverts - it's a real treasure trove.
For the budding producer this text is totally invaluable, giving away business and production information that is massively useful if you read between the lines. It covers how many of the sounds were achieved, the equipment that was used and the process which was followed in sufficient detail. It describes the working methodology and, most importantly, that not everything they touched was a massive success and that perseverance was often important in turning things around.... Read more ›
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
By Jan
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I finally got my copy from the UK yesterday and i am loving every minute of reading this fantastic book! Compared to Pete Waterman's book of about 10 years ago this is in a completely different league. I especially enjoy the section on my favourate PWL artist Hazell Dean. I strongly recommend this to anybody who enjoyed and still love the great pop tunes from the PWL/ Stock Aitken Waterman stable that defined 80s music for me.
8 of 9 people found the following review helpful
By Mick Lynch
Format:Paperback
Stock Aitken Waterman (SAW) were the names on everyone's lips throughout the latter half of the 80s, as there wasn't a week that went by, that one of their songs or acts were in the Top 10. Pete Waterman Limited (PWL) was the UK's answer to Motown with the studio writing and producing hit after hit for the likes of Rick Astley, Bananarama, Kylie & Jason, Mel & Kim, and Dead of Alive, to name but a few, and even Cliff Richard got in on the act.
Phil Harding was a recording and mixing engineer with PWL throughout their creative period and worked on most of the songs that came out of `The Hit Factory', and this expanded edition tells the inside story from his side of the glass.
Phil had his first paid session working on Berni Flint's Top 3 hit `I Don't Want To Put A Hold On You' as well as working on several Clash albums, Aimee Stewart's `Knock On Wood', Toyah and Killing Joke so he knew his stuff by the time he came to PWL.
There's fascinating stories throughout the book including how Pete Waterman built this company from working on a building site (as he was pissed off with the music business) after discovering The Specials, and then losing them to another manager, to returning to work behind the scenes with Musical Youth, but it was always the limelight Pete wanted, hence the formation of PWL in 1984.
It's common knowledge that `You Spin Me Round' was their first produced no. 1 single, but Phil goes on to say that during the mixing of one of Dead or Alive's song a row erupted between Stock and Aitken on one side and Pete Burns on the other, and thankfully Pete intervened and became the peacemaker.
The one thing evident throughout this book is that Waterman always wanted the latest technology in his studios, no matter what the cost, to keep ahead of the game.... Read more ›
Phil Harding was a recording and mixing engineer with PWL throughout their creative period and worked on most of the songs that came out of `The Hit Factory', and this expanded edition tells the inside story from his side of the glass.
Phil had his first paid session working on Berni Flint's Top 3 hit `I Don't Want To Put A Hold On You' as well as working on several Clash albums, Aimee Stewart's `Knock On Wood', Toyah and Killing Joke so he knew his stuff by the time he came to PWL.
There's fascinating stories throughout the book including how Pete Waterman built this company from working on a building site (as he was pissed off with the music business) after discovering The Specials, and then losing them to another manager, to returning to work behind the scenes with Musical Youth, but it was always the limelight Pete wanted, hence the formation of PWL in 1984.
It's common knowledge that `You Spin Me Round' was their first produced no. 1 single, but Phil goes on to say that during the mixing of one of Dead or Alive's song a row erupted between Stock and Aitken on one side and Pete Burns on the other, and thankfully Pete intervened and became the peacemaker.
The one thing evident throughout this book is that Waterman always wanted the latest technology in his studios, no matter what the cost, to keep ahead of the game.... Read more ›
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Having read the Pete Waterman (I Wish I Was Me) and Mike Stock Autobiographies, it was fascinating to get another view from outside of the famous Stock / Aitken / Waterman team.
Phil's background and insight into the PWL Empire is really interesting to read.
Would recommend this to anyone with an interest in the music business.
Phil's background and insight into the PWL Empire is really interesting to read.
Would recommend this to anyone with an interest in the music business.
By Music Man
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Really enjoyed reading Phil Hardings PWL book. I have read both Pete Waterman's and Mike Stock's books, and enjoyed them too! Phil has a much more technical view of his day to day workings with Pete Waterman at PWL in the 80's. I think that kind of says it all really. Phil was a technician (and a very good one at that) but he is certainly not Pete Waterman or Mike Stock. (Matt Aitken...maybe)
At times Phil's ego shows too much in this book. He is very quick to dismiss the work of other legendary PWL Mastermixers (like the amazing PETE HAMMOND). PETE HAMMOND did some of the very best mixing work at PWL (and is still producing PWL sounding remixes today)
A great book! Hats off to Phil for producing it.
A 2CD Set of PHIL HARDINGS best remixes "Phil Harding Club Mixes of the 80s" is soon to be released by Cherry Pop records which i have already ordered via Amazon. It's released November 14th 2011 so check it out!
At times Phil's ego shows too much in this book. He is very quick to dismiss the work of other legendary PWL Mastermixers (like the amazing PETE HAMMOND). PETE HAMMOND did some of the very best mixing work at PWL (and is still producing PWL sounding remixes today)
A great book! Hats off to Phil for producing it.
A 2CD Set of PHIL HARDINGS best remixes "Phil Harding Club Mixes of the 80s" is soon to be released by Cherry Pop records which i have already ordered via Amazon. It's released November 14th 2011 so check it out!
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
A FASCINATING INSIGHT FOR ALL PWL FANS!!!
As a fan of PWL for many years there's been so many questions I've wanted answered, whether they're about technical aspects, insights into PWL's role within the music industry at... Read more
Published 22 months ago by PWF
4.0 out of 5 stars
Very interesting!
A step back 20 years to the rise and fall of PWL and all the people involved. Very interesting reading for a PWL nerd like me.
Published 22 months ago by Eilyk
4.0 out of 5 stars
Almost there.
It is a very good book regarding the inner workings of the SAW sound and the people there. Describing both the work-conditions at SAW and the mentality of the people. Read more
Published 23 months ago by amadeus
5.0 out of 5 stars
WHY DID U DO IT PHIL...?
I'm a huge SAW fan (i'm a well known D.J in my country and own almost all SAW discography in vinyl and cd from 1984 to 2001 including the post PWL era, pwl international and love... Read more
Published on 27 Mar 2011 by V. K. Manglaveras
5.0 out of 5 stars
Phil Harding - PWL From The Factory Floor - Expanded Edition
ABC RICK ASTLEY BANANARAMA BAND AID II BASIA CHIC CLIMIE FISHER THE COOL NOTES DEAD OR ALIVE HAZELL DEAN DEPECHE MODE DIVINE DOLLAR JASON DONOVAN EIGHTH WONDER... Read more
Published on 29 Nov 2010 by JP
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