Rob Sheffield’s Turn Around Bright Eyes is more than just a memoir about karaoke; it’s a profound exploration of grief, joy, and self-discovery, all set to the soundtrack of life. Following the success of Love Is a Mix Tape, Sheffield returns with a book that’s equally charming and deeply moving, proving once again his unique ability to blend humor and heartbreak. If you’re searching for a book that resonates with the power of music and the journey of finding yourself, Turn Around Bright Eyes is a must-read.
Sheffield’s writing style is deceptively light, drawing you in with its conversational tone and witty observations. Like Love Is a Mix Tape, Turn Around Bright Eyes initially feels like a collection of amusing anecdotes, but beneath the surface lies a powerful narrative about navigating life’s unexpected turns. The book picks up where Love Is A Mix Tape left off, delving into a new chapter of Sheffield’s life and demonstrating how music, specifically karaoke, became his unlikely guide.
The premise might seem thin – karaoke as a life-altering experience? Yet, Sheffield masterfully uses karaoke as a lens through which to examine deeper themes of emotional expression, creativity, and personal truth. It’s not just about singing off-key in dimly lit bars; it’s about confronting your vulnerabilities and finding your voice, both literally and figuratively. This resonates deeply, especially in a world where finding authentic self-expression can feel like a challenging pursuit.
The book’s brilliance lies in its tangents. Sheffield seamlessly weaves in personal stories about his father, his evolving relationship with music (including a humorous journey of learning to appreciate Rush), and his experiences in a post-9/11 New York City. These seemingly unrelated threads enrich the central theme, creating a tapestry of life that is both relatable and deeply personal. His self-deprecating humor, particularly about his own singing abilities, makes him incredibly relatable. As he quips, “I have loved music all my life and as they say you always hurt the one you love,” capturing the complex relationship many have with their passions and limitations.
Sheffield himself encapsulates the essence of Turn Around Bright Eyes with a series of poignant reflections scattered throughout the book:
“The happy chapter of my life was over, and the world had run out of surprises. But it turned out my life was just beginning.”
“There’s no future without tears. Are you really setting your hopes on not getting hurt at all? You think that’s an option?”
“When you chew your way out a steel trap, you don’t return for a receipt.”
“Nobody knows if your present mood is just your present mood—-maybe it’s not a mood, maybe it won’t end.”
“Once again, I get scared of overdoing, and then end up finding out overdoing is the only thing to do.”
“I was lucky to get a second chance. I thought I was too late, but it turns out I was just in time.”
“At any moment, a song can come out of nowhere to shake you up, jump-start your emotions, ruin your life.”
These quotes reveal the emotional depth of Turn Around Bright Eyes, hinting at a journey of resilience and rediscovery. While the title itself, “Turn Around Bright Eyes,” evokes the famous Bonnie Tyler song, the book’s exploration of emotional turning points and finding light in unexpected places makes it a fitting title, even for those unfamiliar with the power ballad.
Several chapters stand out as particularly insightful and entertaining:
- Chapter 3, “Sing Your Life”: This chapter is pivotal, laying the foundation for the book’s central message about the transformative power of music and karaoke.
- Chapter 4, “Work It”: Sheffield’s vivid description of Greenpoint, Brooklyn, especially for those familiar with the area, is a highlight. His mention of Foodswings, a beloved vegan eatery, adds a touch of local flavor.
- Chapter 7, “Crazy In Love”: A humorous and insightful chapter dedicated to microphones, exploring their role in performance and the iconic ways artists wield them. His anecdote about Joe Strummer turning the mic to the crowd is a classic rock and roll moment.
- Chapter 8, “Rebel Yell”: This chapter delves into the fascinating concept of rock stars and karaoke, prompting thoughts about musical identity and performance. The Sparks story and the David Byrne anecdote offer amusing perspectives on established musicians engaging with karaoke.
- Chapter 13, “Rock and Roll Fantasy”: Sheffield’s experience at a fantasy rock band camp is both hilarious and poignant, showcasing his ability to find humor in potentially embarrassing situations. His reflections on meeting rock stars and his tendency to overthink compliments are particularly amusing.
- Chapter 16, “Debaser”: This chapter marks a sweet turning point in Sheffield’s personal life as he meets his future second wife. The Smiths and Pavement references add a layer of musical charm to their budding romance.
- Chapter 26, “Ziggy Stardust”: The title alone speaks volumes, promising a chapter filled with musical and cultural resonance.
Interestingly, Sheffield’s portrayal of New York City in the aftermath of 9/11 is lauded for its authenticity and sensitivity. His non-chronological approach initially suggests an avoidance of the topic, but his eventual, tasteful exploration of the city’s atmosphere and the role of music in healing is deeply impactful. His memory of the Moldy Peaches at the Mercury Lounge in November 2001 resonates with the shared experience of finding solace and community through music during a difficult time.
Throughout Turn Around Bright Eyes, Sheffield’s quirky humor shines. Whether it’s storing cassette tapes in an oven or secretly erasing overdue fines for a crush, these details add to the book’s charm and relatability. His musings on Neil Diamond’s stage theatrics and the general strangeness of life keep the tone light and engaging, even when addressing heavier emotional themes.
The book’s design itself is a delightful detail. The unique microphone drawings at the beginning of each chapter, and the clever use of the microphone cable extending across pages, enhance the reading experience, demonstrating attention to detail in the book’s presentation.
In essence, Turn Around Bright Eyes is a more personal and emotionally resonant companion to David Byrne’s How Music Works, offering a deeply human perspective on music’s influence. While Sheffield suggests “Destination Greenpoint” by The Fleshtones as a theme song, perhaps Bonnie Tyler’s “Turn Around Bright Eyes” itself, with its themes of love, loss, and hopeful searching, inadvertently serves as the ultimate theme for this captivating memoir. For anyone who has ever turned to music for solace, understanding, or simply a good karaoke session, Turn Around Bright Eyes is a book that will resonate long after the final page is turned.
