Composers and songwriters Books

Book SynopsisAs the lead guitarist of Queen, Brian May is one of rock''s most recognisable stars. Brian May: the definitive biography charts his life from his childhood, through his years studying astro physics and teaching, his success with Queen, his more recent projects and his volatile relationship with actress Anita Dobson. Bestselling writer Laura Jackson examines closely the many aspects of the musician''s life revealing his true story for the first time. The book reveal''s Queen''s struggles to gain success and life at the top, throwing some of the most notorious and wildly salacious parties in the business. It charts the camaraderie and conflicts within Queen as well as Brian''s difficult years throughout the disintegration of his first marriage, the death of his father and the profound professional and emotional effects of Freddie Mercury''s illness and death. The book is packed with nearly 70 first-hand exclusive interviews with some of his closest friends, colleagues and fellow musicians. These include school and college friends, early band members and colleagues in the scientific world. Interviewees include, Tony Iommi, Joe Elliott, Raul Rodgers, Cliff Richard and Spike Edney.Trade ReviewLaura Jackson is the queen of biographers. * DAILY EXPRESS *When it comes to getting to the rich and famous, Laura Jackson is second to none. * SKY TV *

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Book SynopsisMusic historian and journalist Tim Riley''s biography challenges many popular assumptions about Lennon''s life, from his widely misunderstood ''Working Class Hero'' origins to his epic romance with Yoko Ono. Riley also explores Lennon in all his contradictions: the misogynist turned peace activist, the moralist who loved to outrage and the ''bigger than Christ'' LSD enthusiast who settled down to become a house-husband.A pre-eminent scholar of Beatles music, Riley has consulted some of the most important Beatles scholarship of the past two decades. In a field littered with untrustworthy memoirs, he has culled the most reliable information from hundreds of books, and tracked down even more insightful sources among Lennon''s friends, enemies, confidantes, celebrity associates and business contacts. He also writes brilliantly about the music and about Lennon''s artistic and creative processes. The Beatles have just enjoyed their most successful sales decade ever, and this bTrade ReviewThis exhaustively researched life of the Beatles' chief cynic, John Lennon, aims to get beneath the surface gloss ... a compelling account -- Mark Edmonds * The Sunday Times *

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Book SynopsisInspired by A Complete Unknown starring Timothée Chalamet?Discover the critically-acclaimed, definitive biography of the legendary rock musician, Bob Dylan.''Engagingly written and scrupulously researched'' ObserverOne of the best biographies I have ever read' ***** Reader reviewBob Dylan was the first figure in the history of popular music to challenge the domination of the three-minute pop song and to bring serious ideas and poetry into the song lyric.A true revolutionary, he was also the first pop performer to adopt the attitudes and lead the life of a bohemian artist. In doing so he not only defined the direction which popular music would take in the second half of the twentieth century, he also defined the lifestyle which would come to be associated with the rock artist.This new edition of Howard Sounes'' critically-acclaimed classic biography of Dylan gives the complete picture of the man, the artist and performer, and includes a new chapter that brings the legend''s life story right up to date. Meticulously researched and including hundreds of interviews with Dylan''s closest associates, the brand new chapter also covers the last ten years of Dylan''s life, and the last (and previously unpublished) interview with Dylan''s first serious girlfriend.Written by the acclaimed biographer of Paul McCartney and Lou Reed, this is a compelling, fast-paced and revelatory read, which takes the reader on a journey from Dylan''s childhood in a Minnesota mining town to the status he enjoys today as one of the most iconic figures of contemporary culture.''Sets a standard few rock ''n'' roll chronicles have attained'' Independent''The benchmark by which all future Dylan biographies will be judged'' USA Today

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Book Synopsis''The best non-fiction book I''ve ever read. It''s magical. Stunning'' Dan Schreiber, No Such Thing As a Fish''A pop biography for people who don''t read pop biographies'' Dorian Lynskey, Guardian''Brilliant, discursive and wise'' Ben Goldacre''Utterly irresistible and totally brilliant'' The Quietus''A thing of endlessly fascinating, utterly demented genius'' Alexis PetridisThey were the bestselling singles band in the world. They had awards, credibility, commercial success and creative freedom. Then they deleted their records, erased themselves from musical history and burnt their last million pounds in a boathouse on the Isle of Jura. And they couldn''t say why.This is not just the story of The KLF. It is a book about Carl Jung, Alan Moore, Robert Anton Wilson, Ken Campbell, Dada, Situationism, Discordianism, magic, chaos, punk, rave, the alchemical symbolism of Doctor Who and the special poweTrade ReviewThe best non-fiction book I've ever read. It's magical. Stunning -- Dan Schreiber * NO SUCH THING AS A FISH *The best non-fiction book I've ever read. It's magical. Stunning * NO SUCH THING AS A FISH *A pop biography for people who don't read pop biographies. Higgs approaches the short career of the early 90s top 10 provocateurs like Adam Curtis brainstorming with Thomas Pynchon, exploring all manner of magical thinking and conspiracy theories. Touching on Dada, Doctor Who and Discordianism, it's as playful and sui generis as the KLF themselves, which is saying something * GUARDIAN *A pop biography for people who don't read pop biographies. Higgs approaches the short career of the early 90s top 10 provocateurs like Adam Curtis brainstorming with Thomas Pynchon, exploring all manner of magical thinking and conspiracy theories. Touching on Dada, Doctor Who and Discordianism, it's as playful and sui generis as the KLF themselves, which is saying something * GUARDIAN *Might well be the best music book of the 2010s . . . eccentric, bizarre, confusing, hilarious and more than a little pretentious but utterly irresistible and totally brilliant -- Cay McDermott * THE QUIETUS *Might well be the best music book of the 2010s . . . eccentric, bizarre, confusing, hilarious and more than a little pretentious but utterly irresistible and totally brilliant * THE QUIETUS *The book brilliantly captures the anti-establishment attitude of Drummond and Cauty, and makes you wish the pop charts were full of such madness these days * THE BIG ISSUE *The book brilliantly captures the anti-establishment attitude of Drummond and Cauty, and makes you wish the pop charts were full of such madness these days * THE BIG ISSUE *This wildly entertaining thesis speculates on how the KLF arrived at a crowning act of transgression even they did not understand, drawing together threads including practical magic, strange patterns of coincidence and punk * MOJO *This wildly entertaining thesis speculates on how the KLF arrived at a crowning act of transgression even they did not understand, drawing together threads including practical magic, strange patterns of coincidence and punk * MOJO *Succeeds by ignoring music for much of the story, in favour of the group's philosophical and psycho-geographical underpinnings in Discordianism, situationism, art and magic. Sometimes, the music is just a means to an end - in their case, a million-quid bonfire that Higgs suggests may be "a magical act that forged the 21st century". Well, maybe . . . * INDEPENDENT *Succeeds by ignoring music for much of the story, in favour of the group's philosophical and psycho-geographical underpinnings in Discordianism, situationism, art and magic. Sometimes, the music is just a means to an end - in their case, a million-quid bonfire that Higgs suggests may be "a magical act that forged the 21st century". Well, maybe . . . -- Andy Gill * INDEPENDENT *Book of the Century. Most pop biographies are a dull patchwork of clippings - this is something elseBook of the Century. Most pop biographies are a dull patchwork of clippings - this is something elseBy far the best book this year, brilliant, discursive and wiseBy far the best book this year, brilliant, discursive and wiseI am going to bang on about THE KLF: Chaos, Magic and the Band who Burned a Million Pounds rather a lot. Fascinating . . . Enthralling'I am going to bang on about THE KLF: Chaos, Magic and the Band who Burned a Million Pounds rather a lot. Fascinating . . . Enthralling'John Higgs's book about the KLF is - like its subject - a thing of endlessly fascinating, utterly demented geniusJohn Higgs's book about the KLF is - like its subject - a thing of endlessly fascinating, utterly demented genius

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Book SynopsisDiscover the remarkably honest and captivating story of one of the world''s greatest ever singing talents, Sir Tom Jones ''Brilliantly told'' SUNDAY TIMES ''A terrific, star-studded journey'' DAILY EXPRESS ______ ''For a lot of years, I''ve answered a lot of questions, but have never told my story before . . .'' In a business where dreams are often short-lived, Sir Tom Jones has maintained his sensational career across six decades. But how did a boy from a Welsh coal-mining family attain success across the globe over the course of decades? In this, his first ever autobiography, Tom revisits his past and tells the tale of his journey from wartime Pontypridd to LA and beyond. He reveals the stories behind the ups and downs of his fascinating and remarkable life, from the early heydays to the subsequent fallow years to his later period of artistic renaissance. It''s the storTrade ReviewA story brilliantly told ... Hold up your banners: "Sir Tom F****** Jones". Yeah! -- Bryan Appleyard * Sunday Times *Packed with the kind of showbiz tales you don't get any more ... Jones is a charming, matey voice and the book is a terrific, star-studded journey through the world of entertainment. Even after meeting some of the greats, such as Elvis and Sinatra, Jones still retains an innocence and freshness that is rare * Daily Express *Over the Top and Back is a great read and funny. It charts his youth in the coal mining town of Pontypridd. It captures his Welshness * Sunday Telegraph *a book that gets to Jones's core * Daily Mirror *The book lays bare a career that has spanned 60 years, Tom revisits his past and tells tales from his journey from wartime Pontypridd to LA and beyond. He reveals the ups and downs of his remarkable life, from his early heyday to his subsequent fallow years to his later period of artistic renaissance * Wales on Sunday *You tell the story of an Electrolux vacuum cleaner with the same gusto as you talk about Elvis Presley, and that's why it's brilliant Tom * Chris Evans *Tom Jones really has had the most astonishing life, one which he recounts here with verve, energy and a vivid eye for detail - this is a hugely enjoyable read * The Daily Mail *This lively, thoughtful and entertaining account does justice to a remarkable life and career * Sunday Express *A story, brilliantly told... hold up your banners: "Sir Tom F****** Jones". Yeah! * Brian Appleyard, Sunday Times *A brilliant read full of charm and anecdote that captures the spirit of each decade as well as giving a great behind-the-scenes snapshot of the music world. -- Fanny Blake * Woman & Home *

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Book SynopsisAlice Herz-Sommer, 1903-2014The pianist Alice Herz-Sommer survived the Theresienstadt concentration camp, attended Eichmann''s trial in Jerusalem, and along the way befriended some of the most fascinating historical figures of our time, from Franz Kafka to Gustav Mahler, Leonard Bernstein and Golda Meir. A Century of Wisdom is her story: a testament to the bonds of friendship, the power of music and the importance of leading a life of maternal simplicity, intellectual curiosity, and never-ending optimism.Trade ReviewA Century of Wisdom is a stately and elegant book about an artist who found deliverance in her passion for music. Caroline Stoessinger writes with a special purity, as though she were arranging pearls on a string of silk * Pat Conroy *I have rarely read a Holocaust survivor's memoir as enriching and meaningful. Get Caroline Stoessinger's book, A Century of Wisdom, telling Alice Herz-Sommer's tale of her struggles and triumphs. You will feel rewarded * Elie Wiesel *As one of millions who fell in love with Alice on YouTube, a 107-year-old Holocaust survivor who plays the piano and greets each day with no hint of bitterness, I'm grateful to Caroline Stoessinger for writing a book that explains this mystery. You will be inspired by the story of Alice Herz-Sommer, who lived to teach us * Gloria Steinem *I'd walked on the cobblestones in Prague for thirty years wondering who might have walked on them before me: Kafka, Freud, Mahler. It feels like a miracle to have encountered, in Caroline Stoessinger's wonderful book, Alice Herz-Sommer, who walked with them all - with a heart full of music * Peter Sis *Caroline Stoessinger's celebration of music and life, the meaning and legacy of Alice Herz-Sommer's remarkable love-filled journey across the bitter hate-filled years of 20th-century madness is lyrical, compelling, and profoundly moving. This is an extraordinary, enchanting, entirely inspiring book - most timely and needed now. * Blanche Wiesen Cook, author of Eleanor Roosevelt *A sweetly affecting collection * Kirkus *From countless hours and interviews conducted over the course of several years, she has mined a treasure trove of insight and reflection. Herz-Sommer's life is a tribute to the purity of artistic endeavor under the most devastating circumstances, and her refusal to be bitterly defined or essentially reshaped by tragedy is a testament to moral and spiritual courage. As the number of Holocaust survivors dwindles, it becomes increasingly important to capture and communicate their individual stories. * Booklist *A Century of Wisdom is universal and will enrich readers for generations to come * Itzhak Perlman *'A Century of Wisdom is a stately and elegant book about an artist who found deliverance in her passion for music. Caroline Stoessinger writes with a special purity, as though she were arranging pearls on a string of silk.' * Pat Conroy *'I have rarely read a Holocaust survivor's memoir as enriching and meaningful. Get Caroline Stoessinger's book, A Century of Wisdom, telling Alice Herz-Sommer's tale of her struggles and triumphs. You will feel rewarded.' * Elie Wiesel *'As one of millions who fell in love with Alice on YouTube, a 107-year-old Holocaust survivor who plays the piano and greets each day with no hint of bitterness, I'm grateful to Caroline Stoessinger for writing a book that explains this mystery. You will be inspired by the story of Alice Herz-Sommer, who lived to teach us.' * Gloria Steinem *'I'd walked on the cobblestones in Prague for thirty years wondering who might have walked on them before me: Kafka, Freud, Mahler. It feels like a miracle to have encountered, in Caroline Stoessinger's wonderful book, Alice Herz-Sommer, who walked with them all - with a heart full of music.' * Peter Sis *'Caroline Stoessinger's celebration of music and life, the meaning and legacy of Alice Herz-Sommer's remarkable love-filled journey across the bitter hate-filled years of 20th-century madness is lyrical, compelling, and profoundly moving. This is an extraordinary, enchanting, entirely inspiring book - most timely and needed now.' * Blanche Wiesen Cook, author of Eleanor Roosevelt *A sweetly affecting collection * Kirkus *'From countless hours and interviews conducted over the course of several years, she has mined a treasure trove of insight and reflection. Herz-Sommer's life is a tribute to the purity of artistic endeavor under the most devastating circumstances, and her refusal to be bitterly defined or essentially reshaped by tragedy is a testament to moral and spiritual courage. As the number of Holocaust survivors dwindles, it becomes increasingly important to capture and communicate their individual stories.' * Booklist *'A Century of Wisdom is universal and will enrich readers for generations to come' * Itzhak Perlman *

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Book SynopsisWill Stockton is Associate Professor of English at Clemson University, and author of several books including Members of His Body: Shakespeare, Paul, and a Theology of Nonmonogamy (2017), and Playing Dirty: Sexuality and Waste in Early Modern Comedy (2011). D. Gilson is Assistant Professor of English at Texas Tech University, and author of I Will Say This Exactly One Time: Essays (2015) and Brit Lit (2013).Trade ReviewIn dc Talk’s Jesus Freak—their contribution to Bloomsbury’s 33? Series—Will Stockton and D. Gilson explore this 1995, genre-crossing, hit-making album by the Christian pop/rock/rap trio. As queer scholars with evangelical roots, Stockton and Gilson offer aunique understanding of how the band—with this album in particular—served to shape the theological and cultural understandings of young Christians. * Reading Religion *Table of ContentsIntroduction 1. Jesus Freak 2. Colored People 3. Between You and Me Outro: Queer Shame Acknowledgments Bibliography

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Book SynopsisA biography of Winnaretta Singer-Polignac, heiress to the Singer Sewing Machine fortune, who befriended and subsidized some of the most important musical and literary artists of the 20th Century, including Stravinsky, Proust, Ravel, Cocteau, and Colette. The American-born Winnaretta Singer (1865-1943) was a millionaire at the age of eighteen, due to her inheriting a substantial part of the Singer Sewing Machine fortune. Her 1893 marriage to Prince Edmond de Polignac, an amateur composer, brought her into contact with the most elite strata of French society. After Edmond's death in 1901, she used her fortune to benefit the arts, science, and letters. Her most significant contribution was in the musical domain: in addition to subsidizing individual artists (Boulanger, Haskil, Rubinstein, Horowitz) and organizations (the Ballets Russes, l'Opéra de Paris, l'Orchestre Symphonique de Paris), she made a lifelong project of commissioning new musical works from composers, many of them unknown and struggling, to be performed in her Paris salon. The list of works created as a result is long and extraordinary: Stravinsky's Renard, Satie's Socrate, Falla'sEl Retablo de Maese Pedro, and Poulenc's Two-Piano and Organ Concertos are among the best-known titles. In addition, her salon was a gathering place for luminaries of French culture such as Proust, Cocteau, Monet, Diaghilev, and Colette. Many of Proust's memorable evocations of salon culture were born during his attendance at concerts in the Polignac music room. Sylvia Kahan brings to life this eccentic and extravagant lover of the arts, whose influence on the 20th Century world of music and literature remains incalculable.Trade ReviewA splendid biography of the munificent princess. --Alex Ross [online at http://www.therestisnoise.com/2011/04/merci-beaucoup-domo-arigato.html] Superb new biography. . . The list of her achievements -- music dedicated to her, works commissioned by her, artists supported by her -- are all scrupulously recorded here. . . a dazzling and inspiring array. . . In Sylvia Kahan Winnaretta [Singer-Polignac] has a biographer able to explain her special mixture of arrogance, intelligence and bravery. -- Margaret Reynolds * THE TIMES *Her book is magnificently readable. The reader's complaint might be that it stopped after 550 pages and has not yet been made into a movie. * THE VILLAGER *A pleasure to read and a good reference book to keep. . . . [Winnaretta's] beautiful kingdom created a musical reality that we enjoy to this day. -- Julie Cross * JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL ALLIANCE FOR WOMEN IN MUSIC *The list of those who owed much to [the Princesse de Polignac] is simply breathtaking. . . . This biography by Sylvia Kahan [now available . . . in paperback] is easy to read as an adventure story just as much as it is a sideways glance at over half a century's cultural history. -- Geraint Lewis * GRAMOPHONE *This is a book to be referred to again and again. . . an authoritative study that will give any interested reader an overview of a fascinating artistic epoch with a complex and intriguing survivor at its helm. Underneath the forbidding exterior, 'Aunt Winnie' was a sensitive and selfless philanthropist, both acutely perceptive of genuine talent in others and wide-ranging in her patronage. These aspects shine clearly through the mine of detailed information in Sylvia Kahan's important new study. -- Robert Orledge * TIMES LITERARY SUPPLEMENT *Kahan appears to have gotten as close to Singer-Polignac as any scholar could in the many years she worked on this good book. * NOTES, March 2005 *Kahan does justice to this inspiring woman's legacy by crafting a biography that is heartfelt and stimulating. -- Eileen M. Angelini * FRENCH REVIEW, 2006 *Wonderfully researched. . . . Sensitively sets Singer Polignac's vibrant lesbianism in the context of the times. -- Andrew Green * CLASSICAL MUSIC *A pleasure to read and a good reference book to keep. . . . [Winnaretta's] beautiful kingdom created a musical reality that we enjoy to this day. -- Julie Cross * JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL ALLIANCE FOR WOMEN IN MUSIC *Table of ContentsAn International Child Life with Mother A Woman of the World The Sewing Machine and the Lyre Marriage and Music La Belle Epoque Renovations Modern Times The Astonishing Years Shelter from the Storm The Magic of Everyday Things Cottages of the Elite, Palaces of the People A Pride of Protégés Mademoiselle All Music is Modern The Beautiful Kingdom of Sounds

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Book Synopsis'From her raging, handwritten letters to late-night phone calls with David Bowie, this biography gets up close and personal with the tempestuous Nina Simone' Observer Drawing on glimpses into previously unseen diaries, rare interviews and childhood journals, and with the aid of her daughter, What Happened, Miss Simone? tells the story of the classically trained pianist who became a soul legend, a committed civil rights activist and one of the most influential, provocative and least understood artists of our time. This is the story of the real Miss Simone.Trade ReviewHer willingness to speak her mind shines out of every page * * The Times * *Arrestive telling of the high priestess of soul's life story...What makes this portrait so compelling are the extras; think of the book as a director's cut * * MOJO * *She is loved or feared, adored or disliked, but few who have met her music or glimpsed her soul react with moderation -- Maya AngelouExplores the huge impact [Nina Simone] made for civil rights through her music, as well as her activism * * Observer * *Traces a path through the sad and bewildering tangle that was Simone's life * * Telegraph * *Nina Simone was an overwhelming artist, piano player, and singer - the kind of artist that I loved and admired -- Bob DylanElectrifying . . . Captures how unique and real she was on every page -- Alicia KeysAbsorbing * * Craig Brown, Mail on Sunday * *A gripping (if often grim) portrait of a woman and her legend * * Louis Wise, Sunday Times * *Decent, respectful, conscientiously crafted and even-handed * * Uncut * *

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Book SynopsisIn 1963, it was unusual for a pop group to have a monthly magazine devoted exclusively to their career. Only Elvis Presley had been considered important enough to warrant such an honour. But then the Beatles were unusual. Within the space of that pivotal year, the Fab Four became the biggest thing in British popular culture and their worldwide fame was soon inescapable. One of the first to astutely recognise their greatness was Sean O'Mahony and the monthly magazine he launched with the full blessing of The Beatles and their manager Brian Epstein - The Beatles Book.Looking Through You presents a selection of over 300 images from the precious Beatles Book photo archive, many unpublished or unseen in their original form from the original negatives, as well as the story behind the success of the regular Beatle bulletin.With each new issue, Beatle fans worldwide would voraciously devour the contents from cover-to-cover, discovering the Fab Four's latest news and activities and most of all, savouring the exclusive B&W photographs, captured by in-house photographer, Leslie Bryce.During the magazine's six-year run only a small fraction of these photographs were printed - and then often altered in some way. The Beatles Book Monthly captured the Beatles' development from British provincial theatres - through foreign tours including their ground-breaking first American visit - and onwards to the band's withdrawal into the recording studio. It was unique in its access - as well as concert tours and television shows, the band were photographed off duty, at their homes and in the studio - locales that were generally out-of-bounds to most Beatle observers. This unique and original photographic record preserves many important moments within the Beatles' career, providing a historically important glimpse into the world's greatest ever entertainment phenomenon.

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Book SynopsisIn this book, Andy Gill assess the circumstances behind Dylan's most famous songs, tracing the artist's progress from young tyro folkie to acclaimed protest singer, and through the subsequent changes which saw him invent folk-rock and transform rock 'n' roll with symbolist poetry, before retreating into country-tinged conservatism just as his followers were engaged in the great psychedelic freak-show of the late 1960s. Even then, he couldn't help but innovate, introducing the world to another strain of popular music-country-rock-which would come to dominate the American charts through the next decade.Always one step ahead of the crowd, always pushing himself to extend the boundaries of his art, the Dylan of the 1960s remains a beacon of integrity to which fans and fellow musicians keep returning.Table of ContentsBob Dylan • Freewheelin' Bob Dylan • The Times They Are A-Changin' • Another Side of Bob Dylan • Bringing It All Back Home • Highway 61 Revisited • Blonde On Blonde • The Basement Tapes • John Wesley Harding • Nashville Skyline.

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Book SynopsisTHE SUNDAY TIMES TOP 10 BESTSELLING AUTOBIOGRAPHY FROM THE QUEEN OF ROCK 'N' ROLL_______________________'Astonishing, soul-baring - the must-read memoir by rock's greatest survivor' DAILY MAIL***The full, dramatic story of one of the most remarkable women in music history, whose legacy will never be forgotten***'Unbearably poignant' THE TIMES, Book of the Week_______________________Love's got everything to do with it.Tina Turner was the Queen of Rock 'n' Roll. In this dramatic autobiography, she tells the story of a truly remarkable life in the spotlight.From her early years picking cotton in Nutbush, Tennessee to her rise to fame alongside Ike Turner, and finally to her phenomenal success in the 1980s and beyond, Tina candidly examines her personal history, from her darkest hours to her happiest moments and everything in between.In her honest and heart-felt voice, Tina reveals:· How (love) and a kidney transplant saved her life - and how her new husband made an incredible personal sacrifice· How she has coped with the tragic suicide of her son· How ex-husband Ike Turner forced her to go to a brothel on their wedding night... and why she tried to kill herself because of Ike's mistresses· The Cinderella moment when David Bowie made Tina a star ...· ...and the day Mick Jagger ripped her skirt off!AND MUCH MOREBrimming with her trademark blend of strength, energy, heart and soul, My Love Story is a gripping, surprising memoir, as memorable and entertaining as any of her greatest hits._______________________'The book is written with a warm heart and a generous spirit... It is a thoughtful, moving reflection on a life of spectacular achievement' DAILY EXPRESS'Turner comes across as courageous, optimistic, big-hearted and generous' SUNDAY TIMES'Fascinating, dramatic, surprising' OK! MAGAZINE'An honest, thoughtful and touching reflection on a full and fulfilling life' SUNDAY EXPRESSTrade ReviewAstonishing, soul-baring – the must-read memoir by rock’s greatest survivor * Daily Mail *The book is written with a warm heart and a generous spirit… It is a thoughtful, moving reflection on a life of spectacular achievement * Daily Express *Turner comes across as courageous, optimistic, big-hearted and generous * Sunday Times *Fascinating, dramatic, surprising * OK! Magazine *An honest, thoughtful and touching reflection on a full and fulfilling life * Sunday Express *

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Book Synopsis'Whatever I did, at least I meant it . . .' Gary Moore White Knuckles chronicles the personal and professional journey of one of rock's most influential musicians: Gary Moore. Born in Belfast and rising to conquer some of the world's biggest stages, the guitarist-singer-songwriter enjoyed spells with the likes of rock giants Thin Lizzy before becoming a successful solo artist in his own right. Moore's solo career spanned three decades and millions of album sales until his untimely passing in 2011. Balancing biography with a critical analysis of Moore's songs and guitar style, White Knuckles explores the evolution of Gary Moore's music, from progressive rock and jazz fusion to metal and pure blues. It also examines his friendships and artistic collaborations with the likes of George Harrison, Philip Lynott, Peter Green, Rory Gallagher, Cream's Jack Bruce and many more. Based on interviews with Moore's friends, colleagues and fellow musicians, this definitive work catalogues the life and oeuvre of a true legend.Trade Review'An evocative and richly detailed narrative' Eternal Terror

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Book SynopsisA Resident Book of the Year'A masterpiece. Beautiful, tragic and immaculately researched.' - Matt Everitt'Elliott was one of the best songwriters of our day and a formidable musician.' - Beck'There's an undercurrent of real sadness in a lot of his music ... and that's just really the way he was.' - Steve Drozd, Flaming LipsIn 2003, Steven 'Elliott' Smith died from two stab wounds to the heart. To this day, the autopsy evidence remains inconclusive as to whether the wounds were self-inflicted or the result of homicide. Either way, this tragic end to Elliott's short-lived though prodigiously talented life became the dark denouement of a story riddled with depression, mental illness, addiction and chronic substance abuse. Yet it is also a story of worldwide critical acclaim, of Oscar nominations and of some of the finest recorded music of the late twentieth century.Now, two decades after Elliott's death, Shooting Star seeks to encapsulate the many complexities of this shy, funny, engaging, enigmatic musician and his desperately troubled soul. With contributions from those closest to Elliott who have not previously spoken about their friend, this masterful biography places the singer-songwriter's vulnerabilities and decline within the broader context of all that he achieved: the sheer, stark beauty of the records he made and the resounding impact they went on to have across a whole spectrum of contemporary music.This is the definitive account of Elliott Smith - a once-in-a-generation artist.Trade Review'A masterpiece. Beautiful, tragic and immaculately researched.' -- Matt Everitt'A new take on a harrowing tale. 4/5' -- Mojo'(A) heartbreaking biography....a remarkable musical talent who was overwhelmed by his demons.' -- The Times

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Book SynopsisThis is the first English language biography of Ottorino Respighi, the most performed Italian composer of the twentieth century. Best known for his so-called Roman trilogy, (Fountains of Rome, Pines of Rome and Roman Festivals), this book documents the story of his rise to fame and offers a fascinating insight into the active lifestyle of an internationally renowned musician, who made an important contribution to the revival of interest in early music. It also takes a closer look at Respighi’s associations with eminent figures such as Arturo Toscanini, Serge Diaghilev, Gabriele D’Annunzio and even Albert Einstein which make his story deeply engaging and take us beyond the realms of music into a world of Russian émigrés, wealthy patrons and Nobel Prize winners, while also documenting some of the early effects of fascism on art and culture.

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Book SynopsisMidge Ure is one of the most successful musicians of his generation, selling more than 20 million albums over the last five decades. During the 1970s he played in various rock and pop bands around Scotland before moving to London to join ex-Sex Pistol Glen Matlock's Rich Kids, later playing guitar for Thin Lizzy, forming Visage and joining Ultravox. In the 1980s he had phenomenal worldwide success with Ultravox and as a solo artist. He also co-wrote one of the best-selling singles of all time, Band Aid's 'Do They Know It's Christmas'. He co-founded the Band Aid charity and is still involved with it today. This book is a stunning collection of photographs taken by Midge on his travels between 1980 and 1985. Travelling with a Canon A-1 camera, he documented his work in the recording studio, on tour with Ultravox, behind the scenes whilst directing promotional videos (for Ultravox and other artists such as Phil Lynott, Fun Boy Three, Bananarama) and holidays in far-flung places and road trips. This is a fascinating travelogue of a working musician. All photographs have been carefully scanned and retouched from the original negative to show the images in their glorious best, and every element of this book has been produced to the highest specification. Midge is still active today writing and recording music, touring around the world as well as presenting TV and Radio programs.

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Book SynopsisEver been thrown off the bus in the middle of a Swedish forest or asked to play at one of the UK's biggest music festivals with musicians you've just met who are covered in blood? If so you've probably been in The Fall. Dave Simpson made it his mission to track down everyone who has ever played in Britain's most berserk, brilliant group. He uncovers a changing Britain, tales of madness and genius, and wreaks havoc on his own life.Trade ReviewRiveting stuff **** * * Q magazine * *Three decades of personal stories, of social change, shifting cultural landscapes and musical minimum wage slavery, seen through the eyes of a random collection of people whose only constant is that at some point, for some reason, they were members of The Fall. A Canterbury Tales for the MP3 generation. * * Stewart Lee * *A tremendous read. I warmly recommend it. -- Stuart Maconie * * Radio 2 * *A great book - a fucking amazingly great book . . . a simple but excellent concept . . . Absolutely brilliant. It has made me race back to all 554 Fall songs and put them on repeat. * * Everett True * *The best book yet on a band that have evolved into a cross between a large Victorian family and a rehab unit. * * The Times * *I read The Fallen for the second time. Wow. It just does your head in. It's one of the best rock or music books i've ever read. I recommend it without hesitation. It is a monster -- HENRY ROLLINSA right riveting read. -- Simon Reynolds * * Blissblog * *I hate that f***ing t**t! I just f***ing burned it! -- Mark E. SmithBrilliant and bloody awkward. Just like its subjects. * * The Word * *A British, provincial take on Apocalypse Now! where Kurtz (Smith) is encountered by Capt. Willard (Simpson) before the latter gets on the boat -- John Doran * * The Quietus * *Hilarious... horror stories... Dave Simpson's written the book we've been waiting our entire adult life to read. -- Peter Wild * * Bookmunch * *The Fall are my favourite band. I also hate my favourite band. With a passion...I vow never to go to another Fall show and yet somehow always end up at the next one. I am sick. * * Julian Cope * *An amusing study of what is without exaggeration Britain's most uncompromising band. * * Sunday Herald * *

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Book SynopsisThe Clash: trendsetters, icons, revolutionaries. They were the pioneers of British punk rock and their story is steeped in mythology. Many people have an opinion about what made them who they were - this book gives the chance to read the full story, from the band themselves.This is the first official book to be created by the band. With unprecedented access to the Clash archive, this landmark publication brings together previously unseen material - including tour posters, artwork, and photos of the band at home, on stage, in the studio and on the road - with each member telling it like it was, in their own words.Trade ReviewWhat could be more fun than a book about The Clash written by The Clash... What makes this tome more worthy than the reams of unofficial Clash literature available is that in it, the band tells their story in their own words - it's packed with little secrets and playful digs... Brilliant. * Short List *Thrilling... This is a treasure trove of hitherto undiscovered gems. Long overdue. * Classic Rock *Gorgeous... A visual and textual feast.' Irish Examiner 'A wealth of old photographs, posters and record covers that will have some of us yearning for the days when we had enough hair to sport a Mohawk. * Glasgow Herald *This book is a cracker...crammed with Clash bits and bobs. * The Sunday Times *A lavish career retrospective * Q Magazine *

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Book SynopsisCaught in a Trap draws back the veil of secrecy on the most dramatic event in the life of Elvis Presley. In October of 1975, Elvis was abducted and spirited away to a cabin in the Kentucky mountains where he was made to sing for his supper. After a week in captivity, a ransom was paid to ensure his release, a bizarre episode that was hushed up on orders from the White House, no less. This psychological thriller not only reveals the dramatic details of how Elvis was snatched but also delves into the innermost thoughts of the King of rock'n'roll. How does Elvis react when he is treated like an ordinary person, told to sweep floors and chop wood? How does he interact with his kidnappers? Will his songs grant him his freedom? And how do those close him, among them ex-wife Priscilla and manager Colonel Tom Parker, respond to the crisis? Caught in a Trap is so believable you'll be asking yourself why it has taken so long for the story to get out.

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Book SynopsisAll supremely talented musicians in their own right, together as The Police, Sting, Andy Summers and Stewart Copeland had a string of reggae-infused hits in the late seventies: 'Roxanne', 'Can't Stand Losing You', 'Message In A Bottle' and 'Walking On The Moon'. By the eighties, with the commercial and critical success of 'Don't Stand So Close To Me' and 'Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic', The Police were considered to be one of the biggest bands in the world, pushing new musical boundaries where their punk and new wave contemporaries hadn't dared to go. With the hit single 'Every Breath You Take' elevating them to greater heights of stardom, there was everything to play for. In celebration of the band's full tenure and complemented with a narrative by Laura Shenton MA LLCM Dip(RSL), this visual biography is crammed full with photos and memorabilia, all reproduced on high quality art paper.

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Book SynopsisA book of the year for the Times, the Sunday Times, the Independent, the Guardian and the Daily Mail ''Charming . . . heartbreaking, sometimes both funny and unsettling, and always - from start to end - very, very good'' RODDY DOYLE''Magical . . . as scrumptious as the home-made mayonnaise, pumpkin soup and game pie coming out of Joan''s kitchen'' DAILY MAIL, BOOK OF THE WEEK''A love letter to a remarkable childhood. A total joy'' SARAH WINMAN____________________________________________________________________________In a small corner of a field in Wales, Tiffany Murray is hiding with Boggle the dog, dreaming of her mum''s moussaka, blackberry and apple crumble, and, if she''s lucky, ice-cold lemonade. A sheep bleats. The smell of hay tickles her nose. The twang of a guitar and crack of a snare carry on the breeze.It''s the late 1970s and Tiff lives with her mum, Joan, at Rockfield, the iconic recording studios. This place of legend, where some of the most famous rock albums of all time were recorded, is the background to a freewheeling, ever-changing whirlwind of a childhood. Tiff''s days are spent running around the farm, making friends with local wildlife and helping out with the endless array of dishes her mum creates to keep the bands fed. She''s looking for a dog, she''s looking for a father; but the one constant throughout is her and Joan, building an unconventional family in the most unlikely of locations.My Family and Other Rock Stars is Tiff''s remarkable, truly unique story of growing up in a rural idyll, of Cordon Bleu cookery and of a childhood where the chances of bumping into Freddie Mercury playing piano, or a group of Hell''s Angels turning up to record for Lemmy, or even the hope of David Bowie appearing, were as normal as hopscotch and homework.____________________________________________________________________________''You will fall in love with Tiff, her hilarious non-nonsense mother Joan, and a cast of hungry rock stars from Freddie Mercury to Siouxsie Sioux. An utter treat'' RACHEL JOYCE''Full of pop gossip that''ll leave you starry-eyed, and written with a warmth and precision you''ll want to savour for as long as you can . . . I didn''t want it to end'' SÉAMAS O''REILLY''Enchanting'' INDEPEDENT, 20 BEST BOOKS OF THE YEARLonglisted for the Penderyn Music Book PrizeMy Family and Other Rock Stars was the Daily Mail book of the week 17.05.2024

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Book SynopsisYou know the songs by heart. You've traded the friendship bracelets. You've worn the cowboy boots and the bejewelled bodysuits.Now, get the inside track on this generation's biggest super star Taylor Swift.An intimate look at the life and music of modern pop''s most legendary figure, Taylor Swift, from leading music journalist Rob Sheffield.A cultural phenomenon. A worldwide obsession. An agent of emotional chaos. There''s no parallel to Taylor Swift in history: a teenage girl who turns into the world''s favorite pop star, songwriter, storyteller, guitar hero, live performer, changing how music is made and heard. An all-time great on the level of The Beatles, Prince, or David Bowie.Heartbreak Is the National Anthem: How Taylor Swift Reinvented Pop Music is the first book that goes deep on the musical and cultural impact of Taylor Swift. Nobody can tell the story like Rob Sheffield, the bestselling and award-winning author of Dreaming the Beatles, On Bowie, and Love Is a Mix Tape. The legendary Rolling Stone journalist is the writer who has chronicled Taylor for every step of her long career, from her early days to the Eras Tour. Sheffield gets right to the heart of Swift and her music, her lyrics, her fan connection, her raw power.At once one of the most beloved music figures of the past two decades and one of the most criticized, Taylor Swift is known as much for her life beyond her music as she is for her hitsthe most public of stars, yet also the weirdest and most mysterious. In the tradition of Sheffield''s Dreaming the Beatles, Heartbreak Is the National Anthem will inform and delight a legion of fans who hang on every word from Taylor and every word Rob writes on her.

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Book SynopsisA look inside the genius of a once-in-a-generation icon.From bedroom singer through environmental activist and Met Gala fashion icon to global phenomenon, this is your guide to the most influential musical artist of a generation.The Pocket Billie Eilish is an unofficial and unauthorized celebration of a totally original talent. It?s packed with facts, trivia, quotes and anecdotes and gives readers an inside look at Billie?s creative process with her brother Finneas, the stories behind her songs, her life at home and in the spotlight, and her unique style, musically and sartorially.Discover Billie?s thoughts on self-esteem, mental health, bullying, gender rights, body positivity and creativity. The perfect gift or self-purchase pick-up for the Billie Eilish superfan.Gemini PocketsFrom little guides to soothe your soul to all-access passes to the lives of pop icons, and from quizzes and puzzles for literature lovers to books on food, nature, fashion and more, Gemini Pockets are the perfect fit for your life and interests.

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Book SynopsisMatt Lee has been collecting Rolling Stones memorabilia for more than two decades. He amassed so much that he had to move house; he now has his own private museum dedicated to Stones memorabilia and he is the Guinness World Record holder for the largest Stones memorabilia collection. For the first time, Rolling Stones - Priceless showcases his collection, which spans all decades, and tells the story of the Stones through their memorabilia as never before.Table of ContentsMatt Lee's collection includes many unique, handwritten and personal items as well as tickets, posters, backstage passes, promotional items, instruments, tapes, records and clothing. All have been specially photographed for this book and are accompanied by a narrative detailing rarity and in some cases the amusing anecdotes behind how they came to be part of the collection. A regular at Stones concerts, Matt personally collects many of the pieces, as well as buying at auction and exchanging. Highlights of the collection include: the Stones' first ever contract, the band's first acetate, Bill Wyman's resignation letter, the first 'tongue' pin, a signed Shine a Light guitar, original 'Street Fighting Man' record sleeve, handwritten set lists from Mick and Keith... and thousands more.

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Book Synopsis“An engaging journey into the wild and wonderful world of drumming.”—CLEM BURKE, BlondieTo have a great band you need a great drummer. For the first time, Tony Barrell shines a long-overdue spotlight on these musicians, offering an exciting look into their world, their art, and their personalities. In Born to Drum, he interviews some of the most famous, revered, and influential drummers of our time—including Chad Smith, Ginger Baker, Clem Burke, Sheila E., Phil Collins, Nick Mason, Patty Schemel, Butch Vig, and Omar Hakim—who share astonishing truths about their work and lives. He investigates the stories of late, great drummers such as Keith Moon and John Bonham, analyzes many of the greatest drum tracks ever recorded, and introduces us to the world’s fastest and loudest drummers, as well as the first musician to pilot a “flying drum kit” onstage.Filled with fascinating insights into the trade and little-known details about the greats, Born to Drum elevates drummers and their achievements to their rightful place in music lore and pop culture.“As Born to Drum proves, there’s a lot more to be told about drums and drumming than the Rolls-Royce in the swimming pool and the pyro beneath the bass drum.”—NICK MASON, Pink Floyd“Everyone should read this book—especially if you’re not a drummer. A great insight into a great sport.”—Joey Kramer, AerosmithTrade Review"Interesting, entertaining, and insightful. Barrell finally gives drummers their due-it's more than we're all a little crazy and just want to make some noise." -- Chad Smith, Red Hot Chili Peppers "An engaging journey into the wild and wonderful world of drumming." -- Clem Burke, Blondie "As Born to Drum proves, there's a lot more to be told about drums and drumming than the Rolls-Royce in the swimming pool and the pyro beneath the bass drum ... Good advice may be found within." -- Nick Mason, Pink Floyd "Everyone should read this book-especially if you're not a drummer. A great insight into a great sport." -- Joey Kramer, Aerosmith

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Book SynopsisRod Stewart was born the working-class son of a Scottish plumber in North London. Despite some early close shaves with a number of diverse career paths, ranging from gravedigging to professional football, it was music that truly captured his heart - and he never looked back. This title tells his story.Trade ReviewHe is enjoyably gossipyabout friends such as Elton John and about his many exes — including Britt Ekland, who loved making eggy bread for his bandmates, and his former wife Rachel Hunter, the only one to have broken his heart. Written in a cheery, faintly ironic style (there’s even a chapter devoted to his haircut), this is a very enjoyable romp. * DAILY MAIL *…amiably and self-knowingly told... the tone pitched right and the jokes good…He writes articulately about music: where a drummer sits on the beat, or what makes a song bombproof. It's the work of someone who really knows his craft, and loves it. * Guardian *Behind the rock'n'roll persona, vividly portrayed in his new memoir, is a self deprecating man of manners...highly entertaining. * The Sunday Times *Quite the life you've led... the stories in here, I mean, I blushed a little * Graham Norton *It really is a rollercoaster ride...It’s a proper book. It’s not frothy. It’s not candy flossy...It is no holds barred. You wrote it yourself, it’s so obvious. It’s your voice all the way through * Chris Evans *

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Book SynopsisJohnny Thunders: In Cold Blood is the definitive portrait of the condemned man of rock n roll, from the baptism of fire and tragedy that was the New York Dolls, through the junkie punk years of the Heartbreakers, to his sudden and mysterious death in 1991. It is an unflinching account of a unique guitarist whose drug problems often overshadowed his considerable style and talent, but whose unquestionable influence on glam, punk, and more still resonates today. Nina Antonia discovered Johnny Thunders and the New York Dolls as a teenager and spent her formative years as a dedicated fan before starting work on this book in her twenties. Then, when Johnny and his manager read her early drafts, they decided she should make it an authorised biography and granted her unique access to Johnny s life. As such, it begins by painting a historical portrait of Thunders and his early life and work before shifting into the present tense as Nina vividly describes her own experiences with the real-life Johnny and his associates. First published in 1987, Johnny Thunders: In Cold Blood has been kept alive over the years by an audience that isn t always catered for. While the New York Dolls are now rightly acknowledged as having been as pivotal as the Velvet Underground, and you might catch the odd fashionista sporting a Dolls T-shirt, Johnny s dark flame burns for those who have known adversity. He is the voice of the disenfranchised; he is every gifted son or daughter who went off the rails. Like Jesse James or James Dean, he couldn t come in from the badlands of rock n roll; he wouldn t appease or kowtow to the establishment. This new edition adds a new closing chapter, bringing Thunders legacy up to date, new photographs, and a foreword by Mike Scott of The Waterboys.

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Book SynopsisLit Up Inside contains the lyrics of about one third of the songs that Van Morrison has written over his 50 year career. In this representative selection from the work of one of the most innovative and enduring songwriters of the last century, the reader will find examples of all the features of the world that Van has created through his work: the back streets and mystic avenues; memories of childhood wonder and of adult work; the chime of church bells and the playing of the radio; the generous naming of other artists and the joy of solitude; love and sharp dealing; consolation and grace.

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Book SynopsisHoward Goodall is an Emmy, BRIT and BAFTA award-winning composer of choral music, stage musicals, film and TV scores - among them Red Dwarf, QI and Blackadder - as well as a distinguished broadcaster and the author of Big Bangs: The Story of Five Discoveries that Changed Musical History. In recent years he has been England's first ever National Ambassador for Singing, the Classical Brit Composer of the Year, and Classic FM's Composer-in-Residence. He was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2011 New Year Honours for services to music education.Trade ReviewGoodall has a prodigious gift for gathering information. People who know nothing about music will learn a lot here * Sunday Tribune *Intelligent, infectious * Observer *Writing a breezy history of music is a tough nut to crack, but Goodall manages it * Independent *

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Book SynopsisWhen it was first published in 2017, Jesse Fink’s masterful biography of Bon Scott became an international sensation: it made the cover of Classic Rock magazine, threats were made against the author, and there was talk among some AC/DC fans of boycotts and book burnings. So why the uproar? The legend of the man known around the world as `Bon’ grows with each passing year. In death, AC/DC’s trailblazing frontman has become a rock icon. But so much of his story is myth. Bon: The Last Highway tells the unvarnished truth. The 1977–80 period forged the legend of AC/DC. There wasn’t a harder working band on the road in America. But, as Fink reveals in a journey that takes the reader from Austin to Miami to London, the relentless AC/DC machine was threatening to fall apart. With unprecedented access to Bon’s lovers, newly unearthed documents and a trove of never-before-seen photos, this updated edition contains a new introduction and more revelations about the singer’s death, which should dispel once and for all the idea that Scott succumbed to acute alcohol poisoning on 19 February 1980. Meticulously researched and packed with fresh information, Bon: The Last Highway is an affectionate, honest tribute to a titan of rock music.Trade Review'The most extensively researched book on AC/DC ever ... it's outstanding. This is as close as anyone is ever gonna get to the complete truth behind the legend, warts and all.' - B. J. LISKO, Canton Repository 'This one-man investigation, born of respect for the truth and for Bon Scott as a human being, blazes a new trail.' - JOE BONOMO, author of AC/DC's Highway To Hell (33 1/3 Series) 'Jesse Fink has done rock fans a great service. He dispels the many myths about how AC/DC's Bon Scott lived and died, and in doing so, brings to life one of the most influential, memorable and complex figures in rock history.' - GREG RENOFF, author of Van Halen Rising

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Book SynopsisWhen Twin Peaks debuted on the ABC network on the night of April 8, 1990, thirty-five million viewers tuned in to some of the most unusual television of their lives. Centered on an eccentric, coffee-loving FBI agent's investigation into the murder of a small town teen queen, Twin Peaks brought the aesthetic of arthouse cinema to a prime time television audience and became a cult sensation in the process.Part of Twin Peaks' charm was its unforgettable soundtrack by Angelo Badalamenti, a longtime musical collaborator of film director and Twin Peaks co-creator David Lynch. Badalamenti's evocative music, with its haunting themes and jazzy moodscapes, served as a constant in a narrative that was often unhinged and went on to become one of the most popular and influential television soundtracks of all time. How did a unique collaborative process between a director and composer result in a perfectly postmodern soundtrack that ran the gamut of musical styles from jaTrade ReviewThe Soundtrack from Twin Peaks book is thoroughly enjoyable. It is music I know backwards, but it gives me all kinds of new trajectories and connections ... This is the strength of the [33 1/3] series. * Manchester Review of Books *Norelli clearly has an enormous love for the subject and is skilled in being able to identify how Lynch has used the music to heighten the emotional impact of his show. The book is as much for the film student as it is the music lover ... [It] offers an excellent way to find one’s way back into the woods and enjoy a truly unique and evocative aural experience. * We Are Cult *Table of ContentsAcknowledgements Track Listing Welcome to Twin Peaks Beautiful Darkness There’s Always Music in the Air Falling Wrapped in Plastic She’s Full of Secrets Freshly Squeezed I’ll See You Again in 25 Years Notes Bibliography

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Book SynopsisErin Osmon presents a detailed, human account of the Rust Belt–born musician Jason Molina—a visionary, prolific, and at times cantankerous singer-songwriter with an autodidactic style that captivated his devoted fans. The songwriting giant behind the bands Songs: Ohia and Magnolia Electric Co. had a knack for spinning tales, from the many personal myths he cultivated throughout his life to the poems and ballads he penned and performed. As with too many great musicians, Molina’s complicated relationship with the truth, combined with a secretive relationship with the bottle, ultimately claimed his life. With a new foreword from singer-songwriter Will Johnson, Jason Molina: Riding with the Ghost details Molina’s personal trials and triumphs and reveals for the first time the true story of Molina’s last months and works, including an unpublished album unknown to many of his fans. Offering unfettered access to the mind and artistry of Molina through exclusive interviews with family, friends, and collaborators, the book also explores the Midwest music underground and the development of Bloomington, Indiana–based label Secretly Canadian. As the first authorized and detailed account of this prolific songwriter and self-mythologizer, Jason Molina provides readers with unparalleled insight into Molina’s tormented life and the fascinating Midwest musical underground that birthed him. It’s a story for the ages that speaks volumes to the triumphs and trials of the artistic spirit while exploring the meaningful music that Molina’s creative genius left behind.Trade ReviewThe anecdotal details from Jason Molina: Riding with the Ghost are what ring most vividly, exposing a side of Molina that rarely came through in his melancholic music.... Riding with the Ghost also enriches his songs, illuminating their characters in their own words and supplying context to the places they were set. * MTV *Among Riding with the Ghost’s most memorable passages are instances of Molina’s fandom, from his unconditional love for Sade and his evangelizing of Kraftwerk to Damien Jurado, to his edict to bandmates to study Neil Young’s After the Gold Rush. Molina’s passion rings through these pages, nowhere more distinctly than in the retelling of the fateful interaction that launched his career while studying at Oberlin College (where he was known as 'Sparky'). * Pitchfork Media Inc. *Jason Molina: Riding with the Ghost delves into each period of the artist’s life: from his first high school punk band Chronic Insanity, to his last days with heralded alt-country act Magnolia Electric Co., and the numerous iterations of his beloved folk-leaning band Songs: Ohia, as well as solo material and unreleased demos unkown to fans. It’s a fascinating look at one of the last pre-internet indie successes and the underground music scene that supported his meteoric rise. The book also examines the origin story of Bloomington, IN-based Secretly Canadian, and how the record label and Molina became inexorably linked in a nearly 17-year run as label and artist, despite major ideological and technological shifts in the landscape of independent music. It’s a book not just for Molina fans, but for music fans — a story for the ages that explores the triumphs and pitfalls of a very pure artistic spirit. * Glide Magazine *Jason Molina: Riding With the Ghost absolutely communicates just what Molina’s life meant to family, friends, collaborators and fans.... Osmon does an excellent job of painting a nuanced portrait of a complex human being.... Her interviews with former band members and those involved with the production process yield a lot of wonderful insight into Molina’s singular and demanding creative process and his prolificacy.... It was already clear from his immense output that there is endless meaning to be gleaned from Jason Molina’s body of work, but Osmon takes the story of his short, bright time on Earth, warts and all — just like a Songs: Ohia record, 'no overdubs!' — and puts it in the context of a real human life. And that unveils depths to his music that we’re only now able to explore. * Winnipeg Free Press *Osmon's biography is a must read for anyone who has more than a casual relationship with Molina's work; which, in my guess, would be anyone who has heard Molina's work.... Osmon pulls back the curtain and shows us Molina the man. * 37 FLOOD *Never short on details, it’s a ravenous fan’s dream.... Osmon provides the deepest of glimpses into Molina’s worlds. All the trinket-filled mysteries left behind by one of the greatest songwriters who ever wrote a note are captured here.... Thanks ... Osmon for a guided tour of Molina’s mythological palette, warts and all. * Popmatters *If Jason Molina has ever been important to you, then you need to read the book, because Osmon did a magnificent job detailing Molina’s life, struggles, music, and demise. So many lingering questions are answered, and questions you’d never considered are answered as well. Read it. Now. * Third Coast Review *In her new book, Riding With the Ghost, writer Erin Osmon accomplishes a tricky feat regarding the late Jason Molina... She presents Molina, whose work can so often mythic, as if carved from ancient stone, fully as a person, with faults, desires, humors, and failings. She doesn’t strip his songs of their mystery or allure, but rather illustrates the idiosyncratic and personal details that led to his remarkable words and melodies. In doing so, she gives us the gift of more fully knowing Molina, as well as his companions and friends, those who traveled alongside him through life. * Aquarium Drunkard *Riding With The Ghost...captures the heaviness and levity that coexisted in Molina’s personality, and it enriches a moving and inexhaustible artistic legacy. * Decoder Magazine *[E]mpathetic and informative.... Erin Osmon is a great biographer, writer and critic. She has used new interviews to weave an empathetic and informative story around Molina and his music, without turning him into a martyr, without trying to make him even more of a cult figure than he has become. She does not condone or condemn, simply tells it straight. Here is the story of one creative spirit who could not cope. Here is how he lived and made the music he left behind. Read and listen: it is the story of how music is made. * International Times *Erin Osmon paints an empathetic and deeply human portrait of Jason Molina, both the artist and the man. A biography that's as beautifully haunting as one of his songs. -- Bob Mehr, author, "Trouble Boys: The True Story of the Replacements"In Jason Molina: Riding with the Ghost, Erin Osmon gives us a riveting biography not only of a great musician whose work deserves to be much wider known, but a well-rounded portrait of a fascinating human being, as well as a glimpse into the creative process. It's a ride well worth taking. -- Jim DeRogatis, co-host, "Sound Opinions," and author, Let It Blurt: The Life and Times of Lester BangsDuring his all-too-short lifetime, Jason Molina created some of the most emotionally stirring, soul-enriching, and thought-provoking rock this side of Neil Young, Lou Reed, and Nick Drake. First time author Erin Osmon has crafted a meticulously researched biography infused with both passion and a keen analytic eye. During his lifetime, Molina was criminally under recognized. In a perfect world, Osmon’s loving tribute will play its part in rectifying this. -- Rob Bowman, Grammy Award–winning author, Soulsville U.S.A.: The Story of Stax RecordsJason Molina: Riding with the Ghost accomplishes a tremendous feat—an examination of Molina's life and work as rich, complex, and fearless as the music he made. Erin Osmon unpacks the mythology and gives us a portrait that is human, tangible, and deeply moving. -- Jessica Hopper, author, The First Collection of Criticism by a Living Female Rock CriticTable of ContentsChapter 1: Lorain Chapter 2: Metal Chapter 3: Oberlin Chapter 4: Secretly Canadian Chapter 5: Darcie Chapter 6: Ireland Chapter 7: Chicago Chapter 8: Lightning in a Bottle Chapter 9: The Electricians Chapter 10: London Chapter 11: Rehab Chapter 12: Indianapolis

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Book SynopsisA must have book for fans of Mick Ronson and David Bowie - the Spider from Hull who lit up the fabulous Ziggy Stardust shows with his dazzling guitar playing and powerful stage presence. This is Mick Ronson's story. And it begins in his home-town of Hull.Trade Review'Carefully crafted, it collects anecdotes and insights from family, friends and fellow musicians into his genius - and genial - character... Rupert and Garry charts Ronson's life, from the moment his mother realised the gift he had, through his early struggles to achieve his ambition, the Bowie years, and onwards to the many collaborations with top musicians as producer and arranger.' Yorkshire PostTable of ContentsFOREWARD PREFACE INTRODUCTION CHAPTER 1- Childhood and Early Years 1946-1963 CHAPTER 2 - First Bands 1963-1966 CHAPTER 3- The Rats Part One 1966- 1968 CHAPTER 4- The Rats Part Two 1968-1970 CHAPTER 5- Bowie, Hype and the Man Who Sold the World 1970 CHAPTER 6 - From Ronno to Ziggy 1970-1971 CHAPTER 7 - Ziggy Played Guitar 1972 CHAPTER 8 - Ziggy's Rise and Fall 1973 CHAPTER 9 - From Sideman to Frontman 1973-1974 CHAPTER 10 - Musician & Producer for Hire 1974-1977 CHAPTER 11- The Long Road Home 1977- 1993 CHAPTER 12 - The Legacy APPENDICES: Who's Who Mick Ronson Timeline Bands & Artists that Mick worked with as a Musician and/or Producer Mick Ronson Map of Hull Acknowledgements Bibliography Photo Credits Index

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Book SynopsisThis is the first book which deals with the school of American repetitive music, also know as minimal music. The early work of La Monte Young, Terry Riley, Steve Reich and Philip Glass is discussed in the context of traditional Western music. Minimal music thus emerges as the latest stage in a development leading from Schoenberg, Webern, Stockhausen and Cage. In considering the philosophical thinking of Deleuze and Lyotard, the representatives of the so-called French ' libidinal philosophy', and of Adorno, the author examines the degree to which the 'ecstatic dimension' is present in this music or is even consciously introduced to it.Trade Review'...Merten's book ...is both analytical and polemical, distant and personal, limited to the music itself and yet posiitoning that music in a wider aesthetic/ideological context than is customary' - Michael NymanTable of ContentsPreface by Michael Nyman, Part One: American Minimal Music: 1.1 La Monte Young, 1.2 Terry Riley, 1.3 Steve Reich, 1.4 Philip Glass, 1.5 Basic Concepts of Minimal Music, Part Two: The Historical Developments of Basic Concepts: 2.1 Arnold Schoenberg, 2.2 Webern and Post-serialism, 2.3 Stockhausen, 2.4 John Cage, Part Three: Ideology: 3.1 T W Adorno, 3.2 Libidinal Philosophy, Bibliography, Acknowledgements

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Book Synopsis"There's the sun, there's the moon, there's the air we breathe, and there's the Rolling Stones."KEITH RICHARDSSince their formation in 1962, the Rolling Stones have captivated audiences worldwide with their electrifying performances, iconic songs and rebellious spirit. Their longevity and ability to evolve with the times have cemented their status as cultural icons, garnering legions of devoted fans across generations.Known as one of the most iconic rock bands in history, the Rolling Stones have sold over 250 million albums worldwide, making them on of the best-selling music artists of all time. From their ground-breaking albums, such as "Sticky Fingers" and "Exile on Main St." to their legendary live shows, they continue to resonate with audiences, ensuring their enduring popularity in the records of music history.The Little Book of the Rolling Stones is the perfect companion for Stones fans everywhere, with a collection of bite-sized quips that capture exactly what has made the band so legendary. From insightful quotes by fellow artists, collaborators and friends, to words of wit and wisdom from Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Ronnie Wood and the rest of the band, this little book is the perfect way to keep rockin' on.Table of ContentsIntroduction. Stray Cats. Street Fighting Men. It's Only Rock 'n' Roll. Prodigal Sons. Can't Get No. The Glimmer Twins.

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Book Synopsis__________________________''Fascinating ... Haste paints a portrait of a woman who was born to triumph, not surrender'' - Harper's Bazaar''Written in elegant, lucid prose ... a treasure trove of European cultural riches and scandalous intrigue Compelling'' - Economist''Lively, well illustrated and enjoyably juicy'' - Miranda Seymour, Financial Times__________________________The life of an extraordinary artist and intellect: the composer, author and socialite Alma Mahler, whose life spanned one of the most captivating and dramatic periods in historyAlma Mahler was once at the epicentre of Vienna's artistic and intellectual life. A talented composer in her own right, she was open, generous, remarkably creative, curious, challenging and zealous in her pursuit of love. Artists, architects, musicians and writers jostled to join her coterie. Gustav Klimt was her first kiss; Gustav MTrade ReviewFascinating ... Haste paints a portrait of a woman who was born to triumph, not surrender * Harper’s Bazaar *Cate Haste’s seductively accessible biography offers a sympathetic interpretation of Alma’s life. Written in elegant, lucid prose, her book is a treasure trove of European cultural riches and scandalous intrigue … [Alma] emerges as a tough, lively, cultured and wilful woman … Compelling * Economist *Lively, well illustrated and enjoyably juicy -- Miranda Seymour * Financial Times *A welcome and engaging narrative of a life that, surely, has not yet been fully explored -- Gillian Moore * Literary Review *[An] absorbing biography ... Through reference to diaries, letters and interviews with Mahler’s granddaughter, Haste draws a portrait of a complex, highly accomplished woman … Mahler is depicted as a woman who not only facilitated the creative pursuits of her husbands, but was an intellectual force in her own right -- Hannah Beckerman * Observer *

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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Book SynopsisUnfiltered and uncensored, actress Ione Skye's memoir is a wild ride of Hollywood thrills, confessions, and desire, as well as a deeply meditative and lyrical reflections of a messy, sexy, unapologetically unconventional life.In 1987, sixteen-year-old Ione Skye landed the breakout role of Diane Court, the dream girl who inspires John Cusack's iconic boombox serenade in the hit Cameron Crowe film, Say Anything. While Skye seemed perfectly typecast as an aloof valedictorian, her reality was much messier.The love child of a magnetic '60s It Girl and the folk-singing legend Donovan, Skye chased her absent father's approval throughout her life. Wounded by his rejection, she sought warmth through infatuations and affairs with the brightest lights in her pathKeanu Reeves, River Phoenix, Matthew Perry, John Cusack, and Robert Downey, Jr., as well as '90s bad girls like Jenny Shimizu, Ingrid Casares, and Alice Temple. On the heels of a toxic teen relationship with the Red Hot Chili Peppers' Ant

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"Impressive detail, a notable addition to the extensive Music in American Life Series."--Booklist"A well-researched and rapidly consumed book."--AllAboutJazz.com"As comprehensive and appreciative as any of the past Parker literature."--The Santa Fe New Mexican"This is a wonderful, loving, yet unsparing look at Bird's life. Haddix's research is stunning."--Kim Parker"I couldn't put this book down! This is a must read! A very important book. Congratulations to Chuck Haddix for bringing more clarity to the life of Charlie Parker."--Bobby Watson, Director of Jazz Studies, UMKC Conservatory of Music and Dance"Finally, a biography that includes a detailed account of Bird's formative years. One feels that Haddix's research may open new discussions about this flawed genius, and the wonderfully detailed aspects of Parker's early life present a hitherto unknown aspect of a tragically short but immensely influential existence. Almost sixty years since Parker's death, this book is surprisingly the first comprehensive account of the life of one of the last century's foremost and yet enigmatic musicians. Essential reading for any jazz musician."--Llew Walker, creator of www.birdlives.co.uk"Balancing historical research and anecdotal information, Haddix artfully crafts a rich context for understanding the musical genius—-and enigma—that was Bird. . . . the book's pacing, numerous quotes from other musicians, and references to legal practices of the time make it hard to put down. Highly recommended."--Choice"A detailed and well-proportioned linear narrative. Assiduous about assigning dates, where possible, to previously vague areas of chronology."--Jazzwise "Clearly the most complete account of the saxophonist's early life and career. What emerges from Bird is a much more human tale that we have not heard before."--Popmatters.com "Bird makes extensive use of primary-source material, much of it hitherto unknown. . . . It sets forth the known facts of Parker's brief life in a way that is unusually thorough for so concise a book."--Commentary "A straightforward, no-frills chronicle of the alto saxophonist. Thanks to diligent research, it pieces together the disparate fragments of Parker's turbulent private life into a persuasive, coherent and convincing narrative."--Record Collector Magazine "A studiously researched overview of the man, it underscores how Parker's life was as concise as his influence was infinite."--Los Angeles Magazine

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Book SynopsisHow has a group conceived as a short-lived commodity outlived many more 'real' bands by nearly fifty years? Why are The Monkees still important, and what does this tell us about their music, their TV show, and our understanding of popular culture today? Despite being built in Hollywood, and not necessarily to last, that is precisely what their music, TV, and cinematic output has done. They in many ways unique-as the first 'made for TV' band, their success introduced methods of marketing pop that have since become standard industry practice; their 'big screen' use of film and images in live performance is likewise now a firmly established principle of concert staging; and in the way they changed the rules of the game, taking control over their own affairs at the height of the success, risking magnificent failure by doing so. The Monkees invented a new kind of TV, gave a new model to the music industry, and left behind one of the most enigmatic movies of the modern era, Head. This book is about all that and more. Beginning by exploring the origins and personalities of the four Monkees before looking in depth at their work together on screen, on stage, and on record, this is the first serious study of the band and the first to fully acknowledge their importance to the development of pop as we now know it.

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Book SynopsisWINNER OF THE 2016 NOBEL PRIZE FOR LITERATURE‘100 Songs is a good start, for anybody lucky enough to be starting out with such a genius’ The London Evening StandardA new collection of Bob Dylan’s most essential lyrics – one hundred songs that represent the Nobel Laureate’s incredible musical range through the entirety of his career so far. ‘The Nobel acknowledges what we’ve long sensed to be true; that Mr. Dylan is among the most authentic voices America has produced, a maker of images as audacious and resonant as anything in Walt Whitman or Emily Dickinson.’ Dwight Garner, New York Times 'The Nobel committee got this right – Dylan’s ongoing achievement in American song is a literary feat to celebrate in his gaudiest of ways.’ Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone Bob Dylan is one of the most important songwrit

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Book SynopsisFrom iconic musicians Tegan and Sara comes a nostalgic memoir about high school, detailing their first loves and first songs in a compelling look back at their origin story. ''Genius'' Augusten Burroughs, author of Running with Scissors''A gift'' Elliot Page, actor''Utterly charming'' Carmen Maria Machado, author of Her Body and Other PartiesBefore they became international musicians and LGBTQ+ icons, twin sisters Sara and Tegan Quin came of age in 90s Canada. They argued relentlessly, skipped school, dropped acid and fell in and out of love - sometimes with their best friends. One day they found their stepdad''s guitar and their lives changed course forever.High School is a revelatory joint memoir. It captures two sisters wrestling with their sexual and artistic identities and those breathtaking years when the future seems wondrously possible.Trade ReviewThis account of the pains and pleasures of dirtbag queer-girl adolescence is everything you could want from a memoir: honest and hilarious, dishy and sweet, smart and self-aware and utterly charming. What a gift to get this view of Tegan and Sara as sisters, as friends, and as artistic collaborators, as they were becoming musical icons, and-more importantly-themselvesElegant and evocative . . . High School tells their story from 15 to 18 when they first took drugs, got girlfriends and picked up guitars -- Rebecca Nicholson * Guardian *What a gift to read the coming of age story of the brilliant Tegan and Sara. High School gives us a glimpse into the struggles and triumphs of both sisters as individuals and an evolving band. Their vulnerability, honesty and compassion, bursts through, and I know will make countless people feel less alone. It is so important for the LGBTQ+ community to have memoirs like this to be able to recognize themselves and be inspired to follow their truth. Oh what I would have done to have this book in high school. I am endlessly grateful to Tegan and Sara for giving so much to this worldTo navigate the experiential landscape of high school is always an emotional minefield. To have Tegan and Sara unabashedly share the perspective of young lesbians is a rare and invaluable gift. The kind of empathetic education our society is starved forIt should come as no surprise to anyone who has ever listened to a song by Tegan and Sara, that while not only are they able to convey the raw and complex emotions of the high school experience, the aimlessness of suburban life and the exhilaration of finding your way out, they also speak universal truths about intimacy between families and sisters, friends and lovers. They've captured a time and a place so perfectly, I can't exactly be sure that I wasn't thereIntense, vulnerable and life-affirming. Tegan and Sara take us back through their whirlwind journey, densely packed with the intricate complications and the envious, unspoken connection of growing up an identical twinA genius memoir. Tegan and Sara are massively gifted songwriters, so it shouldn't have shocked me like it did. There's simply nothing like it. It's a completely original, utterly gripping, gorgeously written and captivating memoir that must be read. Tegan and Sara are bold, brilliant storytellers. High School is the freshest, most beautiful and fearlessly powerful coming-of-age memoirWith their music, Tegan and Sara offer listeners a glimpse at a specific time and place. In High School, they throw the door open and allow readers the opportunity to become fully immersed in their world. Tegan and Sara's stories of first loves, self discovery, and the insights into their relationship with each other are deeply moving and relatable. They never hold back from the absolute authenticity they are known for. I never wanted it to endHigh school is a drag, but it's also a revelation, a space to craft your identity and, for Tegan and Sara Quin, a destiny-defining place. Tegan and Sara have consolidated first experiences, acid trips, queer loves, and losses in their blistering new memoir High School . . . A glorious, warts-and-all coming-of-age story . . . For music fans and young queer people to hold closeCandid, tender, courageously honest, and heartbreakingly familiar; I could see myself and my own experience reflected in these stories, more so than in anything else I've ever read. Reading this book moved me deeplyHigh School highlights the indisputable fact that Tegan and Sara were never just musicians-they are master storytellers. In reflecting on that torturous span of time spent agonizing over one's body, friendships, parents, and desires, this book highlights how high school is less of a place or memory but a metaphor for uncertainty, and underlines the salvation that can only be found in music. High School foreshadows the beginning of a rich and riveting literary careerThis book is one of the most interesting and brave coming-of-age stories I have read in many years. Tegan and Sara reveal the confusion, the unraveling of personal truths, the fear, the excitement, the shame and the seclusion that many of us endure as we make our way through the world. This is also a book about how music saves people, how music gives us a voice and a reason to keep goingThis book is the LSD-fueled, wallet-chained, Kurt Cobain-inspired handbook of how to become young, queer rock stars, written by chapter-swapping twins who I wish I had read when I was in high school. This book would have changed everything. I recommend reading it under the covers with a flashlight, and hiding it from your motherHigh School embodies the singular gift of words leaping off of the page and becoming feelings, rattling around in the hearts and minds of a reader. The truth of nostalgia is that it must have multiple lenses to operate in its most flourishing form. Much like in their music, in this book, the voices of Tegan and Sara are two distinct bodies of water flowing into the same harmonious river, spilling through the echoing hallways of old high schools, through the bedrooms of first heartbreaks, through the old haunts that remind you of your own. This book is a triumph of memory, affection, and engaging writingWritten with passion and clarity in chapters that alternate between sisters, it's at once testimony to the way life seldom turns out as expected - and the strength of an emotional bond unbroken since birth * Q Magazine *A transcendent coming of age story for our times * Q Magazine *

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