We Gotta Get Out of This Place: The Soundtrack of the Vietnam War (Culture and Politics in the Cold War and Beyond)

As a Vietnam Vet, Sept 68-Sept 69 Bien Hoa and DaNang, I really identified with everything written in the book. Whenever I hear many of the songs mentioned, it takes me back. Not in a bad way, but in more of way that makes me reflect on things I hadn't thought about in a long time. The book mentions that the blacks had their music and the whites had theirs and that each group hung out separately. That wasn't the case in my unit. We listened and enjoyed both rock and soul music and blacks and whites partied together. We were all brothers, all in the same boat and we had each others backs. As a white kid from Philly, the dances I went to as a teenager played both rock and Motown Soul so it was no surprise to me that we all got along. Funny thing, the book mentions the Six Uglies, a Philipino Band. I Denver seeing them several times at the NCO Club at Bien Hoa. I even have a reel to reel tape recording of them that we recorded one time. And yes, I still have my Also reel to reel tape deck that I bought in the BX.This was just a great book that evoked memories of old friends, good and bad times and good and bad experiences that made up my year in Vietnam. I recommend this book to all Vietnam Vets and I will be purchasing a couple more hard copies to send to a couple of my Vietnam buddies that I still stay in touch with. To all Vietnam Vets I say thank you for your service and Welcome Home!!!

If you grew up in the 60's and especially if you served in Vietnam the music we listened to was part of our lives. When we hear a particular song it strikes a cord and helps us relive that time. Music and Vietnam go together. Music in Vietnam was an escape from the war. We Gotta Get out of this Place tells the reader the songs that meant so much to us during the war. There are a lot of books on the Vietnam war, this was a joy to read.

When ordered I thought I was going to get a CD. When the order arrived, it was a book, I have to say it was a good surprise. Not only could I virtually hear the songs that were talked about but, I could truly relate to the times and remember what I was going through and where I was in nam when they were played and I heard them for the first time. Lots of the memories sucked but there were also many great ones. It is really worth the read.

Unique idea to write about the popular and poignant songs from the war years. The template for the writing is organized by stages of the war; from support by the soldiers and from the folks at home through the turbulent times as the fighting dragged on. For other reading, check out "Duster Duty, 1967".

This book offers a little slice of history that is extremely poignant and valid to Vietnam veterans. The music of the era shaped us, and it stuck with us as we were taken, a large percentage against our will, and sent to Vietnam. That music helped us get through, and to come away with a perspective that helped us return and enjoy our lives. A very valid book, and very well-told. Lots of interviews with vets make it especially insightful. Highly recommended!

Fascinating, music I love from a time and event I’m too young to have experienced.

As the book's co-author, I'm biased (smile). But I'm proud of what Craig Werner and I were able to do and gratified that those music-based memories helped to bring so many of the Vietnam veterans we interviewed for the book home after all these years.

I bought the book shortly after it was published and found it to be a valuable resource. Getting the audio version was a choice I made because I wanted to be able to listen to it while doing other tasks.

As all the other reviews of this book were from the US I thought I'd add a British perspective. I'm pleased to confirm what others have said. This is an original and important addition to the literature on music and its use in war and emphasizes that Vietnam really was the first 'rock and roll war'. It allows its interviewees to speak for themselves whilst adding necessary context though might be a bit harder for those without some background knowledge of the war itself. It also negotiates the fine line between definitive academic research and entertaining reading very well (both academics and ordinary readers will enjoy it).