The Final Days Of EMI: Selling The PigThe Beatles. The Beach Boys. Blur, Bowie, Kylie Minogue, Kate Bush and Coldplay. EMI was one of the big four record companies, with some of the biggest names in the history of recorded music on its roster.4.0 out of 5
4.0 out of 5
Hot take
The Final Days of EMI: Selling The Pig is a forensic, deeply researched account that dissects the corporate and financial unraveling of one of Britain's most storied record companies. Eamonn Forde focuses on the final decade of EMI, emphasizing management blunders, culture shocks, and the collision of artistry with rampant corporate greed, eschewing rock 'n' roll gossip for a sobering exposé. The narrative offers a critical look at the pitfalls of modern British capitalism—highlighting arrogance, amateurism, and mismanagement—while capturing the tragedy of a cultural giant's demise. It’s not a breezy read, and some may find the business-heavy focus less entertaining than a backstage tell-all. Still, the book offers important lessons for anyone interested in the intersection of music, business, and culture.
How was this take was created?
Pros
Meticulously researched and insightful
Reveals inner workings and missteps of a music industry giant
Sheds light on the impact of corporate culture on creative institutions
Offers valuable lessons for music business professionals and artists
Cons
Focuses heavily on corporate finance and management, which may bore some readers
Lacks personal artist anecdotes and behind-the-scenes stories
Author’s writing style may come across as verbose or over-analytical to some
Key Features
Detailed corporate and financial analysis
Insider interviews and expert commentary
Chronicle of EMI’s final decade
Exploration of industry culture and management decisions
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