Howard Stern Exposed

Howard Stern: "Farting is a symphony to me." Somebody alert Bartlett's. Timed to coincide with the release of the feature film Private Parts (based on Stern's first book), this mild biography of talk radio's most famous shock jock traces his borderline abusive upbringing by his radio deejay father, his noteworthy married life (over 20 years and counting), and his battles with the FCC over such stunts as the on-air description of the penis pianist (who did not use his hands to tickle the ivories). Fans are likely to learn little here, while newcomers to Howard's world won't really get a sense of how obnoxious and mean-spirited Stern can be. Still, his books sell like hotcakes, millions listen to his radio show, and admirers will flock to this program like flies to.... Jeez, is Howard Stern a bad influence or what? A strong optional purchase. [Note: this title is recorded in the EP-mode--see editorial on pg. 55--but the picture clarity and sound were surprisingly indistinguishable from SP on the copy we viewed.] Aud: P. (R. Pitman)