Cruel to Be Kind

"[An] entertaining biography... [Birch] is casually expert in the way of those rare music writers who can both play music and write."—The Wall Street Journal

Pitchfork, "Best Music Books of 2019"

"[Cruel to Be Kind] makes clear that Lowe's contributions to pop music have been many and mighty--and certainly worthy of celebration with a biography...sure to please old-time admirers of an essential rocker."—Kirkus Reviews

"In leisurely, insightful prose...Will Birch offers a solid biography for Lowe's devoted fans."—Publishers Weekly

"[Will Birch] has written a sunny book about the genial and underappreciated Lowe, following his career through its many incarnations... [A]n enjoyable portrait."—Booklist

"Even the Jesus of Cool needs a St. Paul to spread his gospel and Will Birch is more than up to the task in Cruel to Be Kind. In this intimate, engrossing, and eye-opening biography of Nick Lowe, Birch reveals deep insights into the man and his work. It's a book as elegant as one of Lowe's songs: filled with just the right combination of pathos, humor, and wit, told with an economy of style, and nary a wasted word or sentence. Absolutely brilliant. "—Bob Mehr, author of the New York Times bestseller, TroubleBoys: The True Story of the Replacements

"[A] terrific biography."—Austin American-Statesman

"Affectionate and informed."—Minnesota Public Radio's Rock and Roll Book Club

"[Cruel to Be Kind] winningly makes the case for Nick Lowe's under-recognized songwriting skills and production prowess."—The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"[A] remarkable book for both its scope and detail and also its engaging readability...all in all, everything any Nick Lowe fan could want."—Under the Radar

"A book that's as warm, funny, and affecting as Lowe's best songs."—Pitchfork