I'll Sleep When I'm Dead (2007)

EXCITABLE BIO Zevon's ex-wife has edited a fascinating oral history of the late rocker's life

This oral history of Warren Zevon's career, edited by his ex-wife, could've been titled after another of his albums: Learning to Flinch. That's what fans will be doing, reading the sad, sensational recollections of seemingly every co-writer, celebrity chum, and old flame who crossed Zevon's path. He was one of rock's great wits, which is handy, since reading about an OCD-addled alcoholic (and sex addict) wouldn't be so fun without the vintage one-liners fondly passed along by pals. If his hair was perfect, little else about the lovably infuriating rocker was. I'll Sleep When I'm Dead turns out to be one of the most casually insightful rock bios ever.