Entertainment Books

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 SynopsisStanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) is widely regarded as one of the best films ever made. It has been celebrated for its beauty and mystery, its realistic depiction of space travel and dazzling display of visual effects, the breathtaking scope of its story, which reaches across millions of years, and the thought-provoking depth of its meditation on evolution, technology and humanity's encounters with the unknown. 2001 has been described as the most expensive avant-garde movie ever made and as a psychedelic trip, a unique expression of the spirit of the 1960s and as a timeless masterpiece. Peter Krämer's insightful study explores 2001's complex origins, the unique shape it took and the extraordinary impact it made on contemporary audiences, drawing on new research in the Stanley Kubrick Archive to challenges many of the widely-held assumptions about the film. This edition includes a new afterword by the author.Trade ReviewA fun, thoughtful and enjoyable read. * Irish Tech News *Table of ContentsAcknowledgements Introduction Production Context Production Process Form, Style and Theme Marketing and Reception Cultural Setting Conclusion Afterword to the 2020 edition Credits

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Book SynopsisJohn Lennon was a rock star, a school clown, a writer, a wit, an iconoclast, a sometime peace activist and finally an eccentric millionaire. He was also a Beatle - his plain-speaking and impudent rejection of authority catching, and eloquently articulating, the group''s moment in history.Chronicling a famously troubled life, Being John Lennon analyses the contradictions in the singer-songwriter''s creative and destructive personality. Drawing on many interviews and conversations with Lennon, his first wife Cynthia and second Yoko Ono, as well as his girlfriend May Pang and song-writing partner Paul McCartney, Ray Connolly unsparingly reassesses the chameleon nature of the perpetually dissatisfied star who just couldn''t stop reinventing himself.Trade ReviewConnolly, the author of Being Elvis, takes a sensible route down the path dividing the saint and the monster inthis careful, thoughtful biography. It's a well-told story, but Connolly has a substantial advantage: as a journalist for the Evening Standard and the Sunday Times, he came to know Lennon well enough to be invited repeatedly to his Berkshire house, Tittenhurst Park ... Yet Connolly wears his acquaintance lightly, never forcing himself into the narrative or sinking into the hideous mateyness that can blight rock biographies ... For Connolly, it is Lennon's insecurities that are ultimately most revealing, rooted in an unsettled childhood in Liverpool's postwar suburbs ... Connolly does all this with quiet expertise, an understated writer who collates all the details into a vivid whole ... [N]either hatchet job nor hagiography, Being John Lennon swerves dead-hero worship. What survives is the complicated, enduringly fascinating man -- Victoria Segal * Sunday Times *Connolly draws on his archive conversations with the Beatles to give a superb portrait of a dissatisfied star who couldn't stop reinventing himself * Daily Telegraph *Connolly tells the story with a fitting, powerful sense of drama. * DAILY MAIL *Connolly perfectly captures the shabby conformism and deference of post-war Britain that the Beatles would help to overturn. He handles their much-told tale with welcome concision ... He deals with the difficult subject of Yoko deftly ... there was never a Saint John - the man in Ray Connolly's account is much more human, and much more lovable * Observer *'[John Lennon] would probably enjoy this very fair biography... Connolly's book presents him as neither saint nor sinner but captures with honesty a complex and fascinating character. Lennon's is an oft-told story but Connolly still unearths nuggets about the insecurities that shaped his life, and the collaboration and rivalry with Macca that created magic * The Sun *An intimate biography that finds much to say that is new about the head Beatle * Choice Magazine *Excellent -- Helen Brown * Daily Telegraph Music Books of the Year *Ray Connolly's Being John Lennon is an excellent portrait of the man. * CHOICE MAGAZINE *

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Book SynopsisOne of the biggest names in the musical landscape of the 1970s, Steely Dan released a string of albums that pushed the boundaries of what was possible in a recording studio. With albums like `The Royal Scam' and `Aja', the songs of Walter Becker and Donald Fagen drew from their love of jazz, their ability to write memorable pop hooks and their penchant for subversive humour to produce a catalogue of unparalleled brilliance. With worldwide album sales in excess of 40 million copies, the durability of their songs has made Becker and Fagen one of the most celebrated writing partnerships in popular music. This book gives an overview of Steely Dan's career while investigating every track recorded across the nine Steely Dan studio albums, plus Becker and Fagen's six solo albums. There is also a discussion of the official live albums and joint collaborations, the duo's early, largely unreleased, recordings and other tracks recorded under the Steely Dan name, making this a comprehensive guide for both fans of the band's work or newcomers to the fascinating world of Steely Dan.

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Book SynopsisAcclaimed scholar rethinks the nature and meaning of music.

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Book SynopsisPeter Bondanella is Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Comparative Literature, Film Studies and Italian at Indiana University, USA. He is the author of many celebrated books on Italian literature and cinema, and former president of the American Association for Italian Studies (1984-87). In 2009, he was inducted into the European Academy for Sciences and the Arts for his contributions to Italian cinema and literature.

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Book SynopsisExamines just what makes the songs so affecting, how they work together as a suite, and how lyrics, melody, and arrangements combine to create an unusually potent mix. This book blends musical and literary analysis of the songs themselves, biography (where appropriate) and recording information (where helpful).Trade ReviewI've been listening to Highway 61 Revisited for 41 years now, but Mark Polizzotti's 33 1/3 book sent me back to hear all the things I've missed. His thoughtful and knowledgeable appraisal both summarizes scholarship on the album and adds new ideas and details, contributing to a deeper sense of how this landmark Dylan album came to be. -- Ira Robbins * Trouserpress.com *A few pages into Mark Polizzotti's Highway 61 Revisited, I was amazed by how much he knew. A few pages after that, I was amazed by how much I didn't. The whole book is a marvel of research and insight, doled out in equal measure. Something was indeed happening in the grooves of this seminal Bob Dylan album-and after reading this compact yet loaded analysis, you will know what it is, Mr. Jones. -- David BianculliAs one of the greatest albums in the history of recorded music, a turning point that forever grafted the depth and integrity of folk music into the flourishing tree of rock and roll, Bob Dylan's Highway 61 Revisited has long deserved the kind of focused treatment that Mark Polizzotti gives it with his examination for the always excellent 33 1/3 series....The sheer volume of annotated quotes and behind the scenes revelations that Polizzoti has dug up is mind numbing, but the material flows together well, and the studious nature of the examination is never less than enlightening. It's an essential read for anyone who wants to engage the mythology behind the man and the album. -- Matt Fink * Under the Radar *Polizzotti's book does an excellent job gathering information from the cream of the Dylan books and coming up with his own conclusions as he examines what might be Dylan's finest hour ... While hardcore Dylanites might nitpick with some of his conclusions, Polizzotti's book offers an opinionated, engaging primer to a classic album that gave some new insight to this Dylan fan. It's often beautifully written, with the author's palpable awe for Dylan coming through. * Blogcritics *Polizzotti's illuminating new analysis of Dylan's landmark 1965 album...speculates on the genesis of the songs, examines their lyrical content and, more prosaically, outlines the recording process. With considerable insight, he places the great album in the context of what was happening in Dylan's world in the mid-1960s. This might seem like an oft-ploughed furrow but, armed with a formidable intellect, Polizzotti makes some telling original observations. He writes with intelligence and flair. And his text has a depth which would fully engage you over several slow, careful reads. * Dylan Daily *I can recommend Mark Polizzotti's short book Highway 61 Revisited...You might think everyone had written plenty about this album already... but the enviable achievement of this book as a whole is to say fresh things, and with a nicely clipped, energetic turn of phrase...[Some passages] fundamentally offer a truth I've never quite heard said before, even after more than 40 years of talk and writing. -- Michael Gray * bobdylanencyclopedia.blogspot.com *This is a small book (only 161 pages) that punches well above its weight. The author, Mark Polizzotti, knows his stuff, and has researched in detail: the bibliography and endnotes demonstrate the depth of his reading, and the text itself is densely packed with minutiae about the recording of the album. He is especially strong on the dissection of the musical layers in each of the album's songs, examining what each musician brings to individual tracks, and I'm sure I won't be alone in coming away from many of his descriptions of the songs' evolutions in the studio with a new understanding of what actually went on...It is more than enough for me that Polizzotti writes calmly and insightfully, in an elegant and highly readable style that manages to be balanced, generous and enthusiastic all at the same time, no mean feat...As a monograph this book works extremely well in its concision, being timely proof that books about Dylan do not need to be able to double as doorstops to be worthwhile. If you prefer your writers on Dylan not to be long-winded or pompous (or continually belittling others), then this will be a book you will appreciate. It's a good read, first and foremost. It would also serve as an excellent introduction to Highway 61 to any Dylan newcomer, who would be delighted, I'm sure, to find it in their Christmas stocking. * bobdyanisis.com *For me, the most rewarding thing about the book was Polizzotti's personification of many of the people involved in making Highway 61 Revisited...Dylan's life during this period has been documented so thoroughly at this point, in films like Don't Look Back and No Direction Home and books like Chronicles Vol. 1, but Polizzotti manages to stay focused and has delivered a book that is as insightful as it is concise. * Being There *Polizzotti's key contribution is to return our attention to the music, to remind us that however much we scrutinize the lyrics, Dylan's musical contribution is just as important...[He] leads us into the studio, reviews the recording sessions, and analyzes the various takes. In doing so, he shows how a song develops musically—much like looking at early drafts of a novel. Studied in this way, our understanding of each song is enriched. -- Louis P. Mazur * American Quarterly *

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Book SynopsisThough "Nevermind" was Nirvana's most commercially successful album, and the record that broke them - and the grunge phenomenon - internationally, "In Utero" has increasingly become regarded as the band's best album, both by the critics and the band members themselves. This work tells the story behind the creation of "In Utero".

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Book Synopsis"Dusty in Memphis", Dusty Springfield's beautiful and bizarre magnum opus, remains as fine a hybrid of pop and rhythm and blues as has ever been made. In this book, Zanes explores his own love affair with the record.Trade ReviewWarren Zanes was the lead guitarist of the Del Fuegos,a band praised by, among others, the inventor of rock & roll, Sam Phillips. After the Fuegos self-immolated, Warren entered into an academic career and is now Dr. Zanes. Never mind-he still knows what counts. What counts? Genuine feeling, which this shapely small volume is full of...Warren is a greatly gifted good heart, and I love him. Read his book, listen to his record, and you will too. * Stanley Booth, author of The True Adventures of the Rolling Stones *Sure, there are informative interviews with producer Jerry Wexler, and of course Zanes parses songs like ‘Son of a Preacher Man' and ‘Breakfast in Bed.' But it's the twists and turns, the oddly illuminating vagaries in between, that make the book such a compulsive read. Zane's approach is apropos for a record that was something of a masquerade—but was no less authentic or affecting for it. -- Mike Miliard * The Boston Phoenix, 7/8/04 *A heartfelt dive into the world of 60s R&B...dazzling. * Pop Culture Press *Zanes' dry analysis of Dusty Springfield's classic white soul album is coupled with revealing interviews with Jerry Wexler, the man behind the song selection, and Stanley Booth, the album's original liner notes writer. * Uncut *The inaugural volume, Dusty in Memphis by Warren Zanes, sets the template for the series beautifully. -- Joe Pettit * Ugly Things, Issue 25 *

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Book SynopsisA collection of twenty-four interviews with women in electronic music and sound cultures, including club and radio DJs, remixers, composers, improvisers, instrument builders, and performance artists.Trade Review“[Rodgers] conducted thoughtful, detailed interviews with a wide range of artists. . . . Even when I don't much care for the artist Rodgers is talking to . . . the discussion is lively and interesting. . . . Rodgers clearly understands many disparate modes of music making, and sounds equally authoritative whether she's talking about elaborate programming schemes, the language of analog synthesizers, or record buying.” - Peter Margasak, Chicago Reader“One of the best music books of 2010, Tara Rodgers’s Pink Noises, gave an accessible window into what looks to be many years of research into gender, identity and electronic music. . . .” - Frances Morgan, The Quietus“Pink Noises is an extremely well informed, informative and inspiring discussion of some of the most crucial aspects and developments in electronic music. The innovators and actors behind these developments happen to be women and Pink Noises thereby highlights the astounding male centeredness in standard accounts and representation in electronic music.” - Anna Gavanas, Dancecult“[A] vitally needed book, and it really is wonderful to read so many women talking passionately about the subject.” - Emily Manuel, Bitch“Pink Noises touches upon nearly every aspect of female involvement in the evolution of electronic music and sound. . . . This book would be worthwhile if only for its excellent, clearly written glossary of essential terms and its basic primer on the history of the speed-of-light changes of a mega-industry and tools that most westerners use—in our current climate of relatively affordable consumerism: (if not necessarily civilization)—on a virtually daily basis and that we take for granted.” - Deborah Frost, Women’s Review of Books“Pink Noises is an original and important contribution to discourse inelectronic music, musicology, and gender studies. Rodgers’s unique background as both electronic musician and scholar allows her to ask incisive questions about both creative process and cultural situation. And the introductory essay is nothing less than groundbreaking in its attempt to birth an alternate historiography for electronic music and to theorize the language and systems of electronic music.” - Betsey Biggs, Women & Music“Pink Noises is a breath of fresh air when you look at how many electronic music books are about more of the same: boys with toys. From the Middle Eastern–inflected electronica of DJ Mutamassik, to the Punjabi rhythms of DJ Rekha, to the academix of Pamela Z and Pauline Oliveros, Tara Rodgers’s examination of women as central figures in the creative processes of twenty-first-century art and music is a must-read for anyone who cares about the future of music in our hyper-connected and hyper-post-everything contemporary life.”—Paul D. Miller, aka DJ Spooky“What does it mean to be a female electronic musician? This seemingly simple question lies at the heart of Pink Noises, Tara Rodgers’s compelling exploration into the relationship between technology and gender. . . . Rodgers’s book serves as both an introduction to the world of music and technology, even providing an extensive glossary, and inspirational manifesto, revealing that to succeed as an artist is to follow one’s own unique path, no matter what.” -- Nick Zurko * Tom Tom Magazine *“Pink Noises is an extremely well informed, informative and inspiring discussion of some of the most crucial aspects and developments in electronic music. The innovators and actors behind these developments happen to be women and Pink Noises thereby highlights the astounding male centeredness in standard accounts and representation in electronic music.” -- Anna Gavanas * Dancecult *“Pink Noises is an original and important contribution to discourse in electronic music, musicology, and gender studies. Rodgers’s unique background as both electronic musician and scholar allows her to ask incisive questions about both creative process and cultural situation. And the introductory essay is nothing less than groundbreaking in its attempt to birth an alternate historiography for electronic music and to theorize the language and systems of electronic music.” -- Betsey Biggs * Women and Music *“Pink Noises touches upon nearly every aspect of female involvement in the evolution of electronic music and sound. . . . This book would be worthwhile if only for its excellent, clearly written glossary of essential terms and its basic primer on the history of the speed-of-light changes of a mega-industry and tools that most westerners use—in our current climate of relatively affordable consumerism: (if not necessarily civilization)—on a virtually daily basis and that we take for granted.” -- Deborah Frost * Women's Review of Books *“[A] vitally needed book, and it really is wonderful to read so many women talking passionately about the subject.” -- Emily Manuel * Bitch *“[Rodgers] conducted thoughtful, detailed interviews with a wide range of artists. . . . Even when I don't much care for the artist Rodgers is talking to . . . the discussion is lively and interesting. . . . Rodgers clearly understands many disparate modes of music making, and sounds equally authoritative whether she's talking about elaborate programming schemes, the language of analog synthesizers, or record buying.” -- Peter Margasak * Chicago Reader *“One of the best music books of 2010, Tara Rodgers’s Pink Noises, gave an accessible window into what looks to be many years of research into gender, identity and electronic music. . . .” -- Frances Morgan * The Quietus *"I love opening this book and flipping to a random interview. Each one is extremely personal but also technical and conceptual, exploring the artist's unique relationship to sound and space. It's refreshing to read about these women's musical journeys in the context of a male-dominated field like electronic music." -- Lyra Pramuk * Artforum *Table of ContentsAcknowledgments ix Introduction 1 Part 1. Time and Memory 25 Pauline Oliveros 27 Kaffe Matthews 34 Carla Scaletti 43 Eliane Radigue 54 Part 2. Space and Perspective 61 Maggi Payne 63 Ikue Mori 73 Beth Coleman (M. Singe) 81 Maria Chavez 94 Part 3. Nature and Synthetics 105 Christina Kubisch 107 Annea Lockwood 114 Chantal Passamonte (Mira Calix) 128 Jessica Rylan 139 Part 4. Circulation and Movements 157 Susan Morabito 159 Rekha Malhotra (DJ Rekha) 169 Giulia Loli (DJ Mtuamassik) 178 Jeannie Hopper 190 Part 5. Language, Machines, Embodiment 201 Antye Gueie (AGF) 203 Pamela Z 216 Laetitia Sonami 226 Bevin Kelley (Blevin Blectum) 235 Part 6. Alone/Together 243 Le Tigre 245 Bev Stanton (Arthur Loves Plastic) 255 Keiko Uenishi (o.blaat) 263 Riz Maslen (Neotropic) 273 Glossary 283 Discography 295 References 301 Index 313

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Book SynopsisA biography of one of the most important writers in English of the late twentieth century and early twenty-first century. It offers fresh insights into his life and work, concentrating on the themes, patterns, relationships, ideas and language common to his life and creative output.Trade Review"William Baker's Harold Pinter affords readers with a comprehensive, career-spanning analysis of the Nobel Laureate's life and art. A deft and eminently rewarding exploration of one of postwar literature's great masters, Baker's study will become the standard-bearer for our understanding and enjoyment of Pinter's time-eclipsing work." - Professor Ken Womack, Penn State University, USATable of ContentsIntroduction and Acknowledgements; 1. Growing Up; 2. Ireland, Precarious Existence and Marriage; 3. Early Plays; 4. Success; 5. Turning Points; 6. The 1970s and 1980s; 7. The 1990s and Beyond: Political Engagement; 8. Conclusion: Cancer, The Nobel Prize, Mutations of Mortality, Poetry; Bibliography; Index.

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Book SynopsisIn this remarkable and entertaining book, John Perry gets to the heart of Hendrix's unique talent, guiding the reader through each song on the album, writing about his live performances and talking to peers and contemporaries. Part of a new series of short books about critically acclaimed and much-loved albums of the last 40 years.Trade Review... Perry is quite the raconteur. His blow-by-blow commentary on Hendrix and company's musical dialogue throughout the album's tracks leaps off the page like an epic martial arts battle. -- Joe Pettit * Ugly Things, Issue 25 *...engaging...Perry is an astute critic and someone who, as a musician, gives credibility to his commentary on the studio process. Best, he brings a fan's fervor to his revivification of a significant moment in Hendrix's three-plus year recording career... -- Mike Miliard * The Boston Phoenix, 7/8/04 *If you already have three Hendrix recordings (or 300) and are moving to by a fourth, take the $10 instead and pick up this nutshell book of how the his third studio album was made, by guitarist / writer Perry who lives in London and whose head seems screwed on pretty tight - he neither wanted to fuck Hendrix or compete with him, just love him. Midway [though] reading this little book you're going to be pulling off the shelf Paris 1966 Olympia Theater Live Recordings, if you know what's good for you, and play it loud. This is the best capsulized 100 or so pages ever written on the late & great ‘Jimmy James.' * Long House Publishers & Book Sellers, 2004 *...any fan of the Hendrix sound will consider it an essential guide. * The Bookwatch, September 2004 *This is actually two books in one: a track-by-track analysis of "Ladyland," heavy on guitar-geek esoteria like detuning and wah-wah technique (if you have to ask, don't bother), preceded by an overview of Hendrix's life and career around the time of the album. Which, since his career as a headliner lasted only four short years, makes for a pretty good introduction to rock's greatest plank-spanker * Austin American-Statesman, 10/17/04 *...an inspired new series...sleekly designed...good news for sentimental fools that just can't let go. -- Janet Steen * Details Magazine, Jan/Feb 04 *

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Book SynopsisAn exploration of Radiohead's game-changing album. Rather than simply reinforcing Kid A's canonical status, it situates the album in the temporal, examining it from various philosophical and cultural interpretations of time in order to arrive at its political and social stakes.Trade Review"A growing Alexandria of rock criticism - Los Angeles Times, 2008 Ideal for the rock geek who thinks liner notes just aren't enough - Rolling Stone One of the coolest publishing imprints on the planet - Bookslut"Table of ContentsKid Aesthetics; Kid Advertising; Kid Apolitical; Kid Association; Kid Ascension.

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Book SynopsisDescribed, variously, as the perfect fusion of poetry and garage band rock and roll, Horses belongs as much to the world of literary and cultural criticism as it does to the realm of musicology. This book demonstrates how Horses transformed the possibilities of both poetry and rock music.Trade ReviewArmed with an amazing depth of knowledge and insight on Smith's life from childhood to the release of her debut masterpiece, Shaw contributes yet another stellar entry in this excellent series of books. -- Jer Fairall * Popmatters *

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Book SynopsisWhen an Irish busker and a young Czech mother meet through a shared love of music, their songwriting sparks a deep connection and a tender, longing romance that neither of them could have expected. Based on the much-loved Oscar-winning film, Once is an extraordinary, original and irresistibly joyous celebration of love, friendship and music. With music and lyrics by Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová, it has a book written by Enda Walsh. Once won eight Tony Awards when it opened on Broadway in 2012, including Best Book and Best Musical. It opened in Dublin in February 2013 before transferring to the West End.Trade Review'Miraculously retains the intimate feeling and freshness of fringe... it's funny, it's truthful, it sings. If London audiences don't love it to bits I disown them' * The Times *'Wins you over with its simplicity, charm and air of melancholy' * Guardian *'There is genuine warmth and inclusiveness to this show... best of all is Enda Walsh's script, which has great, puckish fun applying a bit of Brechtian silliness to the romcom formula' * Time Out *'Quiet, wistful, tender... it has a delicate soulfulness and a truthful charm' * Evening Standard *'Charmingly funny and affecting... demonstrates the power of music both to express deep psychic hurt and to perform a cure of sorts' * Independent *'Walsh captures the fragile charm of the original movie in a book bursting with unexpected humour... offers a glimmer of sophistication to audiences tired of back-catalogue musicals and asinine plots' * The Stage *'The musical has a masterful, even revelatory, book by the Irish playwright Enda Walsh... it is no traditional screen-to-stage adaptation. Rather, it's a textbook example of how to do it right.' * Chicago Tribune *'Original and emotionally exhilarating.' * Washington Post *

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Book SynopsisThis volume concentrates on the composer's vocal music, including the late Rueckert Lieder, the 8th Symphony and Das Lied von der Erde.A monument in Mahler studies, this volume concentrates on the composer's vocal music and, in particular, on some of his most famous, most original and best loved compositions: the late Rueckert orchestral songs and Kindertotenlieder; Das Lied von der Erde, one of the composer's supreme masterpieces, and the vast Eighth Symphony. Much new ground is broken but the author bases his conclusions on a meticulous examination of the principal manuscript sources, especially those for Das Lied. He offers an unprecedented exploration of the original Chinese texts for that work and indeed of the whole Oriental dimension of Mahler's last and greatest song-cycle. Time and time again, the composer's sketches back up the author's reading of these massive scores and there will be few among this book's readers who will not find a familiar passage or movement sharply illuminated by fresh insights and information. The scope of the book, despite its concentration, is immensely wide; and so is the readership it addresses: Mahler scholars, performers, and general readers. DONALD MITCHELL was Founder Professor of Music at the University of Sussex. He is currently Visiting Professor at Sussex and York, and formerly at King's College, London.Trade ReviewHe is...an enthusiast, and his enthusiasm, which lights up every page, is reinforced by an unsurpassed knowledge of his subject. However well one thinks one knows Das Lied von der Erde, one's knowledge and understanding of it will be enhanced by reading this book. -- Michael Kennedy * MUSICAL TIMES *Anyone genuinely interested in this composer should acquire this book at the earliest opportunity. It is magnificently produced, as befits the depth of scholarship the author continues to impart to his subject. * MUSIC AND MUSICIANS *No book I have read on any composer brings one closer to the act of composition itself, to imagining the creative decisions that occupied Mahler, especially in Das Lied... If ever a book forced one to reconsider every detail of a masterpiece it is this. * NEW STATESMAN *

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Book SynopsisInspired by the fabled journals in which acclaimed filmmaker Guillermo del Toro records his innermost thoughts and unleashes his vivid imagination, Insight Editions has created a replica sketchbook aimed at the director's legion of fans. Similar in design to del Toro's leather-bound volumes, this sketchbook features an inspirational message from the director along with selected examples of his incredible art.

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Book SynopsisAuthor Barry Stone has served his apprenticeship as a western movie geek and aficionado. The Magnificent Seven, The Wild Bunch, Red River - for 50 years the western has been the only genre in a life that 'just ain't big enough for two'. He has written on the history of cinema for the illustrated reference book Historica, is a regular attendee to western premieres for FOX Studios Australia, and was recently a guest of the Museum of Western Film History in Independence, California.Intrigued by the idea of frontier wilderness, of law and order vs lawlessness, and a firm belief that 'the better the bad guy, the better the film', he goes beyond the American south-west to pay homage to the Italian and even Australian western - and, after much deliberation, he ranks them in order.

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Book SynopsisA singer once said His pitch was right on the nose: his word enunciation letter perfect: his understanding of a song thorough. He will be missed very much, not only by myself, but by his fans all over the world. The singer was the legendary Frank Sinatra, the man he spoke about: Matt Monro.  Matt Monro: The Singer''s Singer, is the highly-anticipated story of one of Britain''s most iconic singers, tracing Matt Monro''s life from his poverty stricken upbringing in post-war Britain to his day job as London bus driver to the steady rise to fame that saw the singer battling the highs and lows of the entertainment industry to become one of Britain''s best-loved entertainers. This is the man behind the image, the man who rubbed shoulders with some of the most famous names in the business, who recorded the very first James Bond theme song (From Russia with Love) and the international hits Softly as I Leave You, Born Free, Walk Away aTrade Review"If I had to choose three of the finest male vocalists in the singing business, Matt would be one of them." (Frank Sinatra)"

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Book Synopsis(Faber Piano Adventures ). The 2nd Edition of the Level 3A Lesson Book is an exciting, educational refresh that launches students into early intermediate playing. More choices are given for in-depth instruction of technique, theory, transposition, and creativity. Outstanding new repertoire includes pieces by Tchaikovsky, Turk, Reinagle, plus traditional songs and Faber originals.

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Book SynopsisMarianne Novy is a Professor of English at the University of Pittsburgh, USA and has been teaching Shakespeare from a feminist perspective there since 1971.Trade ReviewUsing close reading, social context, and some intriguing nuggets of performance history, Novy's book is as illuminating as it is readable. It is also rendered all the more urgent by her inclusion of current gender issues. * Times Literary Supplement *Table of Contents1. Introduction 2. Likeness and Difference 3. Desire 4. Marriage 5. Motherhood 6. Language 7. Between Women 8. Work Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisThe latest hot camera is pretty irrelevant if one can''t understand what''s happening on screen. The key to any narrative is in the dialogue and voice over, but if this is unintelligible or difficult to hear, viewers will soon lose interest. With real world applications and a narrative to keep the reader's interest, Production Sound Mixing is the indispensable guide for film and video audio recording. Written by veteran sound mixer John J. Murphy, the book offers a step by step collaborative journey through the basic physics of sound, concluding with a practical guide of the latest techniques and equipment available to all who are interested in the best audio for their projects. Structured to mimic a 14-week semester, each chapter begins with an audio problem to be solved and ends with a solution drawn from information gleaned from past chapters. Suggested movie scenes that demonstrate the relevant audio techniques will also be included. Equally applicable to studio and locationTrade ReviewAn excellent, comprehensive, and contemporary primer for those interested in becoming sound recordists or mixers. John J. Murphy’s Production Sound Mixing guides you through all you need to know to understand sound recording and technique. * Bill Linsman, Associate Professor of Film and Television, Boston University, USA, and Former Professional Sound Recordist and Mixer *Full of detailed, specific, practical knowledge as well as tips that only pros can teach, Production Sound Mixing is a valuable resource with a relaxed, readable style. With professional—but not overly technical—insights, John M. Murphy covers the physics of sound, equipment, work practice, and troubleshooting for faculty, students, and amateurs in sound production. * Peter Kiwitt, Assistant Professor, School of Film and Animation, Rochester Institute of Technology, USA, and Direcor Member of the Directors Guild of America *I've waited years for this book: it is far and away the most useful book on production audio for first-time students that I've encountered. * Piers Storey, University of Suffolk, UK *Comprehensive guide to the theory, technology and working practices involved in capturing location sound. With plenty of diagrams and an accessible style, this will be of huge value to Film sound students and aspiring professionals. * Simon Waite, Staffordshire University *Table of ContentsPreface Acknowledgements Introduction Chapter 1: What is Sound? Chapter 2: Microphones: The Basic Types and How They Work Chapter 3: The DSLR Shoot: Making the Most of What’s at Hand Chapter 4: The Audio Mixer Chapter 5: Choosing a Location Chapter 6: Booming: The View from Above Chapter 7: Wireless Microphones: What They Are, How They Work, and How and Why We Use Them Chapter 8: Interviews! Chapter 9: On the Set Chapter 10: Prep Is Everything: Your Basic Kit Chapter 11: Synchronization Chapter 12: Post-Production: Where Does It GO From Here? Chapter 13: Opportunities for Sound Work in Film/Video Chapter 14: Stereo: When Two Become One Appendix Glossary Index

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Book SynopsisBLACK SABBATH FAQ: ALL THAT'S LEFT TO KNOW ON THE FIRST NAME IN METAL

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Book Synopsis*** ***THE TRUE STORY BEHIND THE OSCAR-WINNING, GOLDEN-GLOBE-WINNING FILM. ''Exactly the sort of tribute Mercury himself would have wanted'' Spectator ''No one has captured better than Lesley-Ann Jones the magical, enchanting dualism of Freddie Mercury''The Times''Truly definitive, truly Freddie, an energetic, entertaining and essential account''Sir Tim Rice''This book grabs you with its opening, then builds. Insight and anecdote in perfect harmony'' Simon Napier-Bell''At last a massive tribute to a massive talent''Steve Harley, Cockney RebelThis is the definitive biography of Freddie Mercury, written by award-winning rock journalist Lesley-Ann Jones, who toured widely with Queen and formed lasting friendships with the band. Now, having secured access to the remaining band members and those who were closest to Freddie from childhoodTrade ReviewNo one has captured better than Lesley-Ann Jones the magical, enchanting dualism of Freddie Mercury. * The Times *Lesley-Ann Jones asserts that Freddie Mercury's was a "big, extravagant, multifaceted life", and the rock journalist has certainly done a sterling job of documenting it here. * Daily Telegraph, Australia *'A timely update coinciding with the 40th anniversary of Queen and the 20 years since their frontman's death'. * The Sun *Exactly the sort of tribute Mercury himself would have wanted ... full of perceptive and moving insights. * Spectator *Rock journalist Lesley-Ann Jones is lucky enough to have known the man. She toured widely with Queen and formed lasting friendships with the band. It took a while for everyone to open up, but she eventually gained access to Freddie's colleagues and friends, and so we have this thoroughly researched portrait of the man behind the rock legend. * Brisbane Times *

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Book SynopsisExplores how a tiny acoustic record has puttered and purred its way into the millennium. This book contains interviews of producer Joe Boyd, string arranger Robert Kirby, and the marketing team behind the VW commercial.Trade ReviewThe latest addition to the evergrowing 33 1/3 series (now up to volume 51) is an in-depth look at Nick Drake's final album "Pink Moon". Tackling a 28 minute album of sparse folk by an artist whose life went largely undocumented (there are no known video clips or interviews with Drake) is a daunting task, but Petrusich handles the job nicely by telling the story through interviews with the people who knew Drake and worked with him musically, as well as testimonials from current artists who have felt his influence. She also does a great service to the readers by not painting Drake as some romantically doomed poetic soul, like so many other writers have done in the past. In fact, she does an excellent job of dispelling many Drake myths (ex: he didn't anonymously leave the tapes for Pink Moon at Island's reception desk without saying a word), and even points out flaws in the album (many of the vocals are garbled). The most interesting part of the book is the final third which focuses on Pink Moon's 21st Century revival thanks to a 2000 Volkswagon commercial featuring the title track. While many make the argument that using a song to push a product cheapens the artistry of the song, "Pink Moon" was used to such great effect that it has simultaneously become synonymous with Volkswagon. More importantly, thanks to commercial exposure, annual sales of the album jumped from 6,000 to 74,000 in the year that it hit the airwaves - exposing Drake's work to a new generation. Perhaps the best praise I can give the book is that after I finished reading it I put it down and listened to Pink Moon. * Losing Today.com *One of my favourites in Continuum's 33 1/3 series of books on seminal albums. * Largehearted Boy, August 2008 *Is an ambitious project...Petrusich is up to the task, and her travels weave an essential sense of place into her exploration of the evolution of Americana music. -- Julian Koster * Largehearted Boy, August 2008 *[A] fascinating read and a worthy inclusion in the pantheon of great books about great records. -- Matthew van DeWitt * Skyscraper magazine *

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Book SynopsisThis fascinating biography provides a detailed portrait of the high-energy, charismatic international superstar and frontman of the ever-popular band, Bon Jovi. The book charts Jon''s relationship with the other band members who have their fair share of rock and roll stories - sex, booze, burnouts, health and women problems. Although rock music is Jon Bon Jovi''s first love, he has more recently developed an interest in acting - starring in various hit TV shows such as Ally McBeal and Sex and the City and attracting critical acclaim for his role in World War II hit film, U-571. He has also scored film music, with his score for Young Guns earning him an Oscar nomination. Bestselling writer Laura Jackson explores the personality, character, drive and the determination that have taken him from playing New Jersey clubs through all the groupie excess and glamorous indulgence to where the band is today. Two new chapters in this updated edition detail his recent work for char

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