Musicians, singers, bands and groups Books

Book SynopsisPresents a thorough history of Slint, and the Louisville scene that surrounded the band, leading up to and focusing on the creation of their masterpiece, Spiderland. This book attempts to break through some of the mystery surrounding Spiderland and the band that made it.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 ContentsIntroduction; Part 1 - The Early Years; Part 2 - Slint, pre-Spiderland; Part 3 - Recording Spiderland; Part 4 - Track by Track Epilogue.

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Book SynopsisVs. is the sound of a band on fire. The same confluence of talent, passion, timing, and fate that made grunge the world's soundtrack also lit a short fuse beneath Pearl Jam. The band combusted between late 1992 and mid-1994, the span during which they planned, recorded, and supported their sophomore record. The spotlight, the pressure, the paceit all nearly turned the thriving act to ash.Eddie Vedder, the reluctant public face of the band, responded by lashing out lyrically. Jeff Ament, Mike McCready, and Stone Gossard, who beheld success with varying degrees of anxious satisfaction, attacked their instruments in solidarity. Dave Abbruzzese welcomed the rock-star lifestyle, and left his mark on the record with more than just potent percussion.Vs. roils with furyand at times, gently steamsover the trappings of fame, human faults, and societal injustice. The record is a thrashing testament to Pearl Jam's urgent creativity and greater-good interests, and the band's logisticaTrade Review[Pearl Jam's Vs.] reminds the reader of the genius of the album. Those of a certain age will be taken back to their youth in its revisiting. And it brings to light some facts one might have missed or not been privy to at the time, creating a fuller, more perspective-full view of the album looking back. * Under the Radar Magazine *Table of ContentsIntroduction: My Generation Loved Their Town BAND VS. FAME 1. Grunge Glory & Growing Pains 2. Vedder Under Pressure BAND VS. WORLD 3. Five Against One: “Go” / “Leash” 4 Seeds of Activism: “Animal” / “Rats” / “Daughter” / “Dissident” / “W.M.A.” 5. Taking (and Throwing) Punches: “Blood” / “Indifference” BAND VS. SELF 6. The Once and Future Producer: “Rearviewmirror” / “Better Man” / “Crazy Mary” 7. Rhythm and Blues: “Glorified G” BAND VS. FUTURE 8. Not Changing at All: “Elderly Woman Behind The Counter In A Small Town” 9. The Means to Make Amends Thanks Notes

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Book SynopsisShelved for over 20 years, Sam Cooke's Live at the Harlem Square Club, 1963, stands alongside Otis Redding's Live in Europe and James Brown's Live at the Apollo as one of the finest live soul albums ever made. It also reveals a musical, spiritual, emotional, and social journey played out over one night on the stage of a sweaty Miami club, as Cooke made music that encapsulated everything he had ever cut, channeling forces that would soon birth A Change is Gonna Come, the most important soul song ever written. This book covers Cooke's days with the Soul Stirrers, the gospel unit that was inventing a strand of soul in the 1950s, and continues on to his string of hit singles as a solo artist that reveal far more about this complex man and the complex music he was always fashioning. A writer and an agent of social change, he absorbed the teachings of Billie Holiday and Bob Dylan while reconciling his own identity and what fans expected of him. Fleming explores how thisTrade ReviewFleming’s ability to think historically, musicologically and even autobiographically allows him to tease out some of the depths of the recording. * Spectrum Culture *Table of Contents1. The Man Who Went 2. Soul Rest, Soul Launch 3. A Little Night Music 4. Under the Trees and Over in Overtown 5. Circle Sounds 6. Promissory Party

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Book SynopsisThe extraordinary life of one of the world’s greatest music and literary icons, in the words of those who knew him best.Poet, novelist, singer-songwriter, artist, prophet, icon—there has never been a figure like Leonard Cohen. He was a true giant in contemporary western culture, entertaining and inspiring people everywhere with his work. From his groundbreaking and bestselling novels, The Favourite Game and Beautiful Losers, to timeless songs such as “Suzanne,” “Dance Me to the End of Love,” and “Hallelujah,” Cohen is a cherished artist. His death in 2016 was felt around the world by the many fans and followers who would miss his warmth, humour, intellect, and piercing insights. Leonard Cohen, Untold Stories chronicles the full breadth of his extraordinary life. The first of three volumes—The Early Years—follows him from his boyhood in Montreal to university, and his burgeoning literary career to the world of music, culminating with his first international tour in 1970. Through the voices of those who knew him best—family and friends, colleagues and contemporaries, rivals, business partners, and his many lovers—the book probes deeply into both Cohen’s public and private life. It also paints a portrait of an era, the social, cultural, and political revolutions that shook the 1960s. In this revealing and entertaining first volume, bestselling author and biographer Michael Posner draws on hundreds of interviews to reach beyond the Cohen of myth and reveal the unique, complex, and compelling figure of the real man.Trade ReviewA Globe and Mail Top 100 Book of 2020“Posner undertook dozens and dozens of interviews . . . creating a unique oral history, as if they’re in a room together, sharing memories and stories. . . . They’re linked together with a light narrative voice that gives this biography a very intimate and personal feel.” — Toronto Star“The life of Leonard Cohen—poet, novelist, artist, Zen monk, and oh, yes, singer-songwriter—is too vast to be contained within one book. Thankfully, Posner is giving us three. . . . Posner draws on hundreds of interviews to explore Cohen’s private and public lives, his complexities and contradictions, and, of course, his inarguable charisma. Serve yourself some tea and oranges and settle in.” — Zoomer“Through these stories, a unique portrait of a young Leonard Cohen is revealed, with insights into not only his extraordinary life but also his timeless poetry and music.” — ANNE MURRAY, Grammy Award–winning singer“Posner masterfully weaves an abundance of interviews with Cohen’s family, friends, and myriad lovers to create an intricate tapestry and, ultimately, produces the most revealing portrait of the legendary songwriter and wordsmith to date.” — NICHOLAS JENNINGS, journalist and bestselling author of Lightfoot“Out of a welter of stories—from those who encountered Leonard Cohen as associate, friend, or lover—Michael Posner has shaped a fascinating multi-faceted portrait. Posner is indeed Cohen’s Boswell, no doubt about it.” — SEYMOUR MAYNE, poet, editor, and translator“Offers an impressively thorough excavation of stories, including some gems and, well, dirt. Together, [Posner’s] various positions and perspectives create a cubist portrait of the Montreal-born icon as a young man—and simultaneously an artist, intellectual, prankster, bon vivant, workaholic, and dabbler in everything . . . If Cohen’s your man and you’re his fan, you’ll want this book.” — Maclean’s“Posner masterfully weaves the story of the iconic musician’s life through hundreds of interviews with the people who knew him best, including family members, business partners, and lovers alike.” — Chatelaine“Leonard Cohen’s posthumous album in 2019 proved he still had something profound to say, even in death. This book likewise confirms that hundreds of others have their own tales to tell about the master songwriter. The first of three volumes, it covers his early life via a myriad of fascinating interviewees, from rabbis to lovers. . . . Give it to anyone who misses Cohen.” — Evening Standard“As the anecdotes accumulate up until 1970, they build a compelling picture of the worlds around [Cohen]—affluent Montreal suburbia, Canadian Jewish summer camps, beatnik coffeehouses, jetset bohemia—grounding his myth in solid context, enriching it with casual detail. . . . As with any good oral history, the stories and opinions slowly coalesce like pointillist dots, shifting into a complex portrait of a man stepping into his myth, becoming brilliant.” — MOJO Magazine“Sex, drugs, and poetry permeate this oral history of Leonard Cohen. . . . This book offers a seductive blend of sometimes contradictory insights.” — Library Journal“A detailed account of Cohen’s fascinating early life and career. For serious Cohen fans, it’s a page-tuner.” — Canadian Jewish Record“[The] multiple perspectives capture man and myth in tandem. For all of his gift for words, Cohen would have struggled to tell his story better himself.” — Uncut Magazine

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Book Synopsis'You never knew what you were going to be confronted with when you went on Later' Nick CaveLater is a voyage of discovery for us as well as the viewers' Dave GrohlDave Grohl and Alicia Keys loved it, Björk treasured it, Ed Sheeran's life was changed by it, Kano felt at home while Nick Cave was horrified but inspired, and they all kept coming back.This first-hand account of the BBC's Later with Jools Holland takes you behind the scenes of one of the world's great musical meeting places. Legends including Sir Paul McCartney, Mary J. Blige and David Bowie found a regular welcome, alongside the next generation of superstars including Adele, Ed Sheeran and Amy Winehouse. Part of what has made the show so special is the format all those bands, singers, stars and newbies brought together to listen as well as to perform in Jools' circle of dreams. But there's always been plenty of mayhem alongside the magic of convening a room full of musicians hosted by one of their own.Written by the show's co-creator and 26-year showrunner, music journalist Mark Cooper, this is the story of how Later grew into a musical and TV institution. It was Mark who had to explain to Jay-Z why he couldn't just do his numbers and split, who told Seasick Steve why he had to play Dog House Boogie' on the Hootenanny and persuaded Johnny Cash that he simply had to come in, even when The Man in Black wasn't feeling well.From Stormzy to Björk, from Smokey Robinson to Norah Jones, from Britpop to trip hop, here is the word on how Later began, evolved and has endured, accompanied by exclusive interviews with some of the show's regular stars as well as the unique pictorial record of Andre Csillag who photographed the show for over 20 years. A must-read for music fans everywhere, Later with Jools Hollandpulls back the curtain on classic performances to reveal that the show is just as magical, if even more chaotic, than you imagined.Trade Review‘Excellent’ Jools Holland

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Book SynopsisFULLY UPDATED AND REVISED, INCLUDING TWO NEW CHAPTERS TO BRING THE STORY UP TO DATESomeone called and said Kurt died. I just f*****g lost it.'He has sold over 50 million albums. He's been in bands that have changed popular music forever. He saw his best friend commit suicide. He starts supergroups. He's the nicest guy in rock.From Nirvana to Foo Fighters, from brotherhood to bitter rivalry, from breathless highs to lifeless lows, Paul Brannigan gives an unparalleled, intimate and extraordinary account of the life and times of Dave Grohl.In 1990, little-known punk-metal upstarts Nirvana added a new drummer to the band. They were soon to become a global phenomenon but as we all know, things went wrong. Dave''s friend Kurt, frontman of Nirvana, took his own life, plunging the band and their future into chaos. His friends' grief was mirrored by worldwide sorrow to an unprecedented degree.Defying expectations, a knack that was soon to become his trademark, Grohl refused to see it as the enTrade Review‘Grohl and his groups dissected with gumption.’ **** Mojo ‘Brannigan draws on his own interviews with Grohl, among others, to plot a compelling journey… ending with Foo Fighters headlining stadia. A big-hearted, fascinating read.’ Q ‘A rich history of recent pop music as it moves from punk and hard-core to grunge to indie bands’ New York Times ‘Impeccably-researched, thoroughly entertaining, and packed with rich new insights, This is a Call will enjoy a place among the absolute best music biographies of the past twenty years.’ LitReactor.com ‘A fascinating read… doesn’t skimp on entertaining anecdotes, juicy gossip or evidence of Grohl’s immense songwriting talent.’ Alternative Press ‘Brannigan not only offers a penetrating portrait of Grohl the man but also presents an indelible portrait of the American underground-rock scene.’ Booklist ‘Brannigan salutes a musician who’s surfaced, prosperous and sane, from the perils of an extended punk-rock adolescence that not all of his friends survived. Reverent and informative.’ Kirkus Reviews ‘Dave Grohl’s tale covers so many bases after 30 or so years in the business that it takes a biographer of consummate skill to get it all down on paper without missing anything out. Fortunately, ex-Kerrang! editor Paul Brannigan has what it takes…What lingers most is the expert way in which so many disparate slices of history are interlaced. After reading This Is a Call, you’ll know much more than you did before about the way that US hardcore merged into Seattle grunge, and how rock shed its skin in the 90s…It’s info such as that which makes this book essential.’ Record Collector

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Book SynopsisSteven Patrick Morrissey is one of the most original and controversial voices in the history of popular music. With The Smiths, he led the most influential British guitar group of the 1980s, his enigmatic wit and style defining a generation. As a solo artist, he has continued to broach subjects no other singer would dare.Worshipped by some, vilified by others, Morrissey is a unique rock and roll creation. The 300,000 words of Mozipedia make this the most intimate and in-depth biographical portrait of the man and his music yet. Bringing together every song, album, collaborator, key location, every hero, book, film and record to have influenced his art, it is the summation of years of meticulous research. Morrissey authority Simon Goddard has interviewed almost everybody of any importance, making Mozipedia the last word on Morrissey and The Smiths.Trade ReviewGenius ... the fullest portrait of Morrissey yet put to paper. Goddard has become what Hunter Davies is to The Beatles or Jon Savage is to punk; the number one authority on the subject * Q magazine *The next best thing to Morrissey’s autobiography * GQ magazine *A superb achievement * Mojo *The perfect gift for any Morrissey fan * Daily Telegraph *A witty, well-informed collection of fact and anecdote, full of fascinating bits and pieces * Uncut *

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Book SynopsisDiscover the untold history of reggae legends of Bob Marley and the original Wailers.The perfect must-read if you loved the film One Love.Over one dramatic decade, a trio of Trench Town R&B crooners, Peter Tosh, Bunny Wailer and Bob Marley, swapped their 1960s Brylcreem hairdos and two-tone suits for 1970s battle fatigues and dreadlocks to become the Wailers - one of the most influential groups in popular music. Now one of our best and brightest non-fiction writers examines the story of the influential reggae band.Charting their complex relationship, their fluctuating fortunes, musical peak, and the politics and ideologies that provoked their split, Colin Grant shows us why they were not just extraordinary musicians, but also natural mystics. And, following a trail from Jamaica through Europe, America, Africa and back to the vibrant and volatile world of Trench Town, he travels in search of the last surviving Wailer.''In Grant'Trade ReviewBy the end, the three central characters, the force that they became together and the forces that drove them apart... are more vividly portrayed than in any previous biography. What's more, Grant's clear, concise book, as well as revealing the Wailers in the light of their own culture, helps us to see into the heart of Jamaica itself, through the lives of three of its sons * Daily Telegraph *Grant has pulled off a remarkable feat in the telling of their individual stories... An absorbing read that sheds new light on the famous triumvirate -- Linton Kwesi Johnson * Wasafiri *The main merit of this perceptive work is that, by not making Marley its focus, it gets closer to the truth about him than most other biographers... Colin Grant has composed a highly evocative and original account of a misunderstood group, and the misunderstood man at its core * Literary Review *Provides a lively introduction to the life and times of the Wailers and, incidentally, to the neo-African religions and animist cults of beautiful, bedevilled Jamaica * Sunday Times *In Grant's hands life in Trench Town in the 1960's is energetic and theatrical, rich in comedy and tragic irony... Grant's original and stylish second book... This brilliant book is not just about Jamaica, but about ourselves, no longer the country of The King's Speech but a post-imperial nation many of whose citizens have a buried history. Read it also for Grant's acute descriptions of its characters * Guardian *

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Book SynopsisWagner was one of the few major composers who studied philosophy seriously. Bryan Magee places the composer''s artistic development in the context of the philosophy of his age, and gives us the first detailed and comprehensive study of the close links between Wagner and the philosophers - from the pre-Marxist socialists to Feuerbach and Schopenhauer. Magee explores the relationship between words and music, between the conscious and the unconscious mind, between art and philosophy. It tackles soberly and judiciously the Wagner whose paranoia, egocentricity and anti-semitism are repugnant, as well as the Wagner of artistic genius. The resulting text illuminates Wagner and the music-dramas in altogether new ways.

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Book SynopsisIn Pick a Pocket Or Two, acclaimed author Ethan Mordden brings his wit and wisdom to bear in telling the full history of the British musical, from The Beggar's Opera (1728) to the present, with an interest in isolating the unique qualities of the form and its influence on the American model.Trade ReviewThe volume is meticulously researched, well organized, and eminently useful. It is highly recommended. * Debra Greschner, Journal of Singing *An excellent resource for those interested in the performing arts. * R. D. Johnson, emeritus, SUNY College at Oneonta, CHOICE *Musical theater aficionados are indebted to Mordden for his informative, well-written, lively volumes on musical theater. His oeuvre provides a superb chronicle of the American musical stage. In the present volume, Mordden crosses the Atlantic to examine the English musical theater. * R. D Johnson, CHOICE *An enjoyable read [...] the discography at the end of the book is especially entertaining. * Nick Wakeham, Musical Theatre Review *That Pick a Pocket Or Two is worthwhile will come as no surprise to anyone who's read, re-read and RE-re-read any or all of the works of this great musical theater historian. But an added bonus in each book is Mordden's distinctively great sense of humor. * Peter Filichia, Masterworks Broadway *Table of Contents1. Beginnings: In the Days of My Youth 2. G & S: Our Loving Frivoliyt 3. Toy Town: The Edwardian Musical 4. Charleston Mad: The 1910s and 1920s 5. And then a Violin Began to Play: Ivor Novello 6. Dancing with a Ghost: The 1930s and 1940s 7. Imagine the Duchess' Feelings: Noël Coward 8. It's Sort of Romantic: The 1950s 9. Behind the Times: Sandy Wilson and Julian Slade 10. Sweep My Off My Feet: The 1960s 11. The Little Things We Used to Do: The 1970s and 1980s 12. To Love Another Person is to See the Face of God: Pop Opera 13. With One Look I'll Be May: Andrew Lloyd Webber 14. A Little Bit Naughty: The Last Thirty Years Discography Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisTable of ContentsPermissions and Credits Acknowledgments Ralph Vaughan Williams: Man and Music—An IntroductionByron Adams and Daniel M. Grimley Vaughan Williams and CambridgeJulian Rushton Vaughan Williams and the Royal College of MusicErica Siegel Vaughan Williams’s “The Letter and the Spirit” (1920)Introduced and Annotated by Ceri Owen Modernist Image in Vaughan Williams’s JobPhilip Rupprecht “Finest of the Fine Arts”: Vaughan Williams and FilmAnnika Forkert Pilgrim in a New-Found-Land: Vaughan Williams in AmericaByron Adams Vaughan Williams’s Lecture on the St. Matthew Passion (1938)Introduced and Annotated by Eric Saylor Vaughan Williams’s Common GroundSarah Collins and Daniel M. Grimley Tracing a Biography: Michael Kennedy’s Correspondence Concerning The Works of Ralph Vaughan WilliamsIntroduced and Annotated by Daniel M. Grimley and Byron Adams “His own idiom”: Vaughan Williams’s Violin Sonata and the Development of His Melodic StyleO. W. Neighbour Critical Reception: Early Performances of the Symphony No. 9 in E MinorIntroduced and Annotated by Alain Frogley Goodness and Beauty: Philosophy, History, and Ralph Vaughan WilliamsLeon Botstein Index Notes on the Contributors

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"Beautifully written and lavishly illustrated, with both modern photographs and 18th-century images, Exploring the World of Bach is an invaluable guidebook for any traveler wishing to explore Bach's Germany and Germany's Bach… A sophisticated and original piece of scholarship (including a superb bibliography and valuable appendix) which will be of great value to both Bach experts and novices for years to come."--Early Music America "An extraordinary accomplishment and an indispensable resource for anyone interested in the life and works of J. S. Bach. The authors combine in a single volume the results of the latest research and biographical studies in the form of an illustrated guide of the towns in which Bach lived and which he visited." --Don O. Franklin, The American Bach Society"For the academic, student, or aficionado who might not be able to travel to Germany, this resource provides an excellent gateway into the geopolitical world where Bach lived, produced music as performer and director, and composed."--Notes "It is equal parts social history, travelogue, memoir, and biography, making for a surprisingly engaging look at one of the most iconic musicians of all time." --RoguesPortal"The book is clear, intelligent, authoritative, and readable. Also, it is stocked with photos. . . . You may wonder whether Robert and Traute Marshall themselves have followed Back through Bach Country. They have. Every step. I wish I had done it with them. But you can do it, in a sense, through this book. . . . I esteem what the Marshalls have done."--Jay Nordlinger, The New Criterion"This book deserves a wide audience of both specialists and general readers." --BACH: Journal of the Reiemenschneider Bach Institute"This highly informative, practical, beautifully illustrated, and altogether inviting travel guide to Bach country has no equivalent. Robert and Traute Marshall describe both the principal stations and the lesser known places where Johann Sebastian Bach and members of this distinguished family of musicians lived and worked in a wonderful way. History is truly brought to life for the traveling music lover. Small as it is in terms of geographic extent, Bach's world becomes truly monumental and memorable in this extremely useful book."--Christoph Wolff, author of Johann Sebastian Bach: The Learned Musician"The vivid descriptions and images of the places where Bach visited or lived, and the latest in musicological research, make this book essential reading for everyone who wants to know more about his music, life, and world."--Mark Kroll, harpsichordist and author of Johann Nepomuk Hummel: A Musician's Life and World

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"A rich contribution to Arkansas cultural history." --Arkansas Historical Quarterly "The Heart of a Woman thus conveys the tenacity and resilience of two groundbreaking practitioners: it is the culmination of a lifetime's scholarship and the first monograph to tell Price's story in such depth and breadth. . . . A call to take Brown's work forward, to make audible the fullness of Price's compositional voice, and to render this resurgence into permanent visibility." --Journal of American Musicological Society "The Heart of a Woman is more than a biography. It is an interdisciplinary work whose analytical explorations of race, gender, and class in American classical music is anchored by extensive musicological, archival, and oral history research on one of America's most prolific twentieth-century composers." --Journal of African American History Table of ContentsCoverTitleCopyrightContentsForeword by Guthrie P. Ramsey Jr.AcknowledgmentsSourcesIntroductionPart I: Southern Roots1. Family Ties2. Little Rock: “The Negro Paradise”3. The Pursuit of Education: Elementary and High School4. The New England Conservatory of Music5. Return to Little Rock6. Clark University and MarriagePart II: The “Dean” of Negro Composers of the Midwest7. VeeJay and the Black Metropolis8. "My Soul’s Been Anchored in de Lord"9. Black Satin Clothes at the Fair10. Spirituals to Symphonies: A Century of Progress11. The Symphony in E Minor12. O Sing a New Song13. The Piano Concerto in One Movement14. Performing Again15. Professional Recognition: Reconciling Gender, Class, and Race16. The WPA Years17. The Chicago Renaissance18. The Symphony No. 319. Final Years: The Heart of a WomanPostscriptAfterword by Carlene J. BrownNotesSelected BibliographyDiscographyFor Further ReadingIndexBack Cover

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Book Synopsis"One of the most entertaining and informative books of the year...to be enjoyed not only by rock fans, but by anyone interested in popular culture and social change."--NPR.orgTrade ReviewAssociated Press "Fire and Rain: The Beatles, Simon & Garfunkel, James Taylor, CSNY, and the Lost Story of 1970 is a worthy addition to anyone's collection of such music histories...the nuanced account of the struggles inherent in making music is more than enough to satisfy, as are the delightful surprise connections and asides scattered throughout the book... I couldn't help but be riveted by the account of this group of immensely talented people who also, when they weren't at each other's throats, seemed like they'd be cool to hang out with." Entertainment Weekly A "Best New Summer Read" Chicago Reader "Its principal task is to dive into the 60s hangover on a day-to-day level, describing the tensions that drove U.S./UK rock culture--emblematized by the four artists in the subtitle--toward the sweet, consoling embrace of Let It Be, Bridge Over Troubled Water, Sweet Baby James, and Deja Vu, ... Browne renders this somnambulant period with such care that he makes it seem alive." Mojo "Highly readable ... shifts between the key points smoothly. He unearths some little-told stories along the way." Named one of the "Best Rock Books of the Year" by Rolling Stone Kirkus Reviews "Through the lens of four fabulously successful musical acts, a Rolling Stone contributing editor looks at the moment 1960s idealism "began surrendering to the buzz-kill comedown of the decade ahead...A vivid freeze-frame of Hall of Fame musicians, some of whom would go on to make fine records, none ever again as central to the culture." Parade "This juicy, fascinating read transports you back to a turbulent year...Browne artfully describes the creation of these classic songs in a way that makes them seem brand-new." New York Daily News "Through rich anecdotes and incisive analysis...the book threads traces of politics, but music remains its worthy focus. The form of the book, told chronologically over four seasons, lends it the compacted, real-time drama of an episode of '24'." New York Post "Behind-the-scenes, fly-on-the-wall looks at [the artists] make it a worthwhile read."

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Book SynopsisFormed in 1969 by ex-members of Frank Zappa''s Mothers of Invention, Little Feat created groove-heavy music that was an irresistible mix of rock, blues, R&B, country, jazz, soul, and funk. Fronted by the doomed, enigmatic, and charismatic vocalist and slide guitarist Lowell George, they recorded such classic studio albums as Sailin''shoes and Dixie Chicken , as well as what many consider to be one of the best live albums of all time: Waiting for Columbus . After George''s tragic death in 1979 and a long period of silence, the band later re-formed in 1987, delighting concert crowds with tight renditions of their beloved songs, including their signature outlaw trucker anthem Willin''.Acclaimed journalist Ben Fong-Torres, working with surviving band members and their friends and associates, has based Willin'' on hours of brand-new interviews with all the key players, resulting in the definitive, first-ever biography of this beloved rock ''n'' roll institution.

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Book SynopsisAs is the case with so many musicians, the life of Warren Zevon was blessed with talent and opportunity yet also beset by tragedy and setbacks. Raised mostly by his mother with an occasional cameo from his gangster father, Warren had an affinity and talent for music at an early age. Taking to the piano and guitar almost instantly, he began imitating and soon creating songs at every opportunity. After an impromptu performance in the right place at the right time, a record deal landed on the lap of a teenager who was eager to set out on his own and make a name for himself. But of course, where fame is concerned, things are never quite so simple.Drawing on original interviews with those closest to Zevon, including Crystal Zevon, Jackson Browne, Mitch Albom, Danny Goldberg, Barney Hoskyns, and Merle Ginsberg, Nothing''s Bad Luck tells the story of one of rock''s greatest talents. Journalist C.M. Kushins not only examines Zevon''s troubled personal life and sophisticated,

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Book SynopsisPicking up where Under the Big Black Sun left off, More Fun in the New World explores the years 1982 to 1987, covering the dizzying pinnacle of L.A.''s punk rock movement as its stars took to the national -- and often international -- stage. Detailing the eventual splintering of punk into various sub-genres, the second volume of John Doe and Tom DeSavia''s west coast punk history portrays the rich cultural diversity of the movement and its characters, the legacy of the scene, how it affected other art forms, and ultimately influenced mainstream pop culture. The book also pays tribute to many of the fallen soldiers of punk rock, the pioneers who left the world much too early but whose influence hasn''t faded.As with Under the Big Black Sun, the book features stories of triumph, failure, stardom, addiction, recovery, and loss as told by the people who were influential in the scene, with a cohesive narrative from authors Doe and DeSavia. Along with many ret

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Book SynopsisYears after its release, Neutral Milk Hotel''s In the Aeroplane Over the Sea remains one of the most beloved and best-selling albums in all of indie music, hailed as a classic so influential as to be almost synonymous with the ongoing vinyl revival. But despite its outsized impact, a question looms even larger: why did frontman Jeff Mangum, just as the record propelled him to the brink of music superstardom, choose instead to disappear entirely? The mystery has perplexed listeners for decades-until now.In barely two years, Neutral Milk Hotel rose from house show obscurity in Athens, Georgia, to widespread hype and critical acclaim, selling out rock clubs across the country and gracing the tops of numerous year-end best-of lists. But just as his band was reaching the escape velocity necessary to ascend from indie rock success to mainstream superstar, Mangum hit the eject button. After the 1998 release of Aeroplane and a worldwide tour to support it, Mangum stopp

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Book SynopsisA landmark biography that reclaims Ella Fitzgerald as a major American artist and modernist innovatorTrade Review"[A] worthy new biography" -- Christopher Bray - Daily Mail"Thoughtful and thorough... trace[s] the singer through the vast variety of songs she sang, songs that not only defined Fitzgerald's career but which came to define what it is to be a jazz singer." -- The Wall Street Journal

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Book SynopsisAn authoritative work offering a fresh look at Beethoven’s life, career, and milieu. “Magisterial” —New York Review of Books.Trade Review"Why are not more musicians' biographies written like this?"Mitsuko Uchida, Books of the Year, The Guardian "If I were to keep only one book on Beethoven this would be a strong contender." Philip Borg-Wheeler, Classical Music "Lockwood writes like an angel, lucid, enthusiastic, stirring and enlightening. Beethoven has found his ablest interpreter." Jonathan Keates, The Spectator "Professor Lockwood's insight and scholarship are profound..." Michael Graubart, The Musical Times "...Professor Lockwood's original perspectives, his formidable knowledge and his elegant style will prove an invaluable new source." Alexander Waugh, Literary Review "...marvellously illuminating." Michael Church, Financial Times "The greatest strength of Lockwood's book-and it has many strengths-is the unusually enlightening way in which this scholar discusses Beethoven's music." The Times Literary Supplement

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Book SynopsisMeet Phil Collen. You may know him as the lead guitarist in Def Leppard, whose signature song Pour Some Sugar on Me is still as widely enjoyed as when it debuted in 1988. Maybe you've heard of him as the rock star who gave up alcohol and meat more than 25 years ago. Most likely you've seen him shirtless - in photos or in real life - flaunting his impeccably toned body to appreciative female fans.But it wasn't always like this. Collen worked his way up from nothing, teaching himself guitar from scratch as a teenager by imitating his heroes. He slogged it out in London-based pub bands for years, long before Def Leppard formed and transformed from unknowns to icons (all thanks to a little album called Pyromania), from playing openers in near-empty arenas to headlining in those same stadiums and selling them out every night. But as Collen discovered, true overnight success is a myth. Like the other band members, he had to struggle and fight his way to the top; in tTrade ReviewWild...packed with juicy tales about everyone's favourite nine-armed pop-metal superband * Rolling Stone *Raw and captivating… Collen proves that he is one man who was able to go beyond the ordinary and redefine the rock and roll genre of music… Fans get to know Collen on a more intimate basis, thanks to this authentic memoir. This book garners 5 out of 5 stars * Digital Journal *

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Book SynopsisListening to Van Morrison represents Greil Marcus''s quest to trace Morrison''s particular genius through seminal moments in his long career, beginning in 1965, breaking open in 1968 with the incomparable Astral Weeks, and continuing in full force to this day. This is a portrait of a perplexing, mysterious and terrifyingly gifted artist and vocalist at the height of his powers, written by one of our most thoughtful cultural critics.

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Book SynopsisBenjamin Britten was one of the greatest composers of the twentieth century. He wrote a feast of music from an early age, first achieving international fame in 1945 with his opera Peter Grimes; now more operas by Britten are performed worldwide than by any other composer born in the twentieth century. In this incisive guide, John Bridcut discusses Britten''s music and explores his musical influences, his complex personality, his emotional and professional relationships, and the fascinating nooks and crannies of his daily life, normally overlooked. An indispensable source of fresh insights into this towering figure in British music, this is an updated edition of the Faber Pocket Guide to Britten, including the full text of Britten''s speech On Receiving the First Aspen Award.

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Book SynopsisThe Wu-Tang Clan is American hip-hop royalty. Rolling Stone called them the best rap group ever' and their debut album is considered one of the greatest of all time. Since 1992, they have released seven gold and platinum studio albums with sales of more than 40 million copies. So how did nine kids from the Brownsville projects go from nothing to global icons? Remarkably, no one has told their storyuntil now. Raw is the incredible first-person account of one boy's journey from the Staten Island projects to international stardom. Part social history, part confessional memoir, U-God's intimate portrait of his life - and those of his Wu-Tang brothers is a brave and unfiltered account of escaping poverty to transform the New York hip-hop scene forever.

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Book SynopsisA PITCHFORK MUSIC BOOK OF THE YEARA radical, literary and intimate insight into one of the twentieth century's most vital vocalists. ''Tongson serves up a number of astute observations about fantasy, projection, longing, normalcy, and aberrance.'' MAGGIE NELSON''Deftly weaves memoir, history, and cultural criticism to highlight the dynamic relationship between artists and listeners.''PITCHFORKIn the ''60s and ''70s, America''s music scene was marked by raucous excess, reflected in the tragic overdoses of young superstars such as Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin. At the same time, the uplifting harmonies and sunny lyrics that propelled Karen Carpenter and her brother, Richard, to international fame belied a different sort of tragedy the underconsumption that led to Karen''s death at age thirty-two from the effects of an eating disorder.In Why Karen Carpenter Matters

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Book SynopsisPatti Smith arrived in New York City at the end of the Age of Aquarius in search of work and purpose. Through her poetry, her songs, her unapologetic vocal power, and her very presence as a woman fronting a rock band, she kicked open a door that countless others walked through. No other musician has better embodied the nothing-to-hide rawness of punk, nor has any other done more to nurture a place in society for misfits of every stripe.Why Patti Smith Matters is the first book about the iconic artist written by a woman. The veteran music journalist Caryn Rose contextualizes Smith's creative work, her influence, and her wide-ranging and still- evolving impact on rock and roll, visual art, and the written word. Rose goes deep into Smith's oeuvre, from her first album, Horses, to acclaimed memoirs operating at a surprising remove from her music. The portrait of a ceaseless inventor, Why Patti Smith Matters rescues punk's poet laureate from strong woman clic

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Book SynopsisLeslie's story of talent, determination and a little bit of luck will take you on a fascinating journey from humble beginnings through this hardest of businesses to dizzying heights.Trade Review

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Book SynopsisThis seminal work by master saxophonist John Harle offers players of all levels the most in-depth approach to playing the saxophone. In this beautifully presented, two-volume boxed set, Harle reveals his ground-breaking techniques for encouraging fluent and natural playing - transforming the musical experience of students and professionals alike

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Book SynopsisDiscover where it all began in the inspiring story of Stacey Solomon''s life before becoming an Instagram cleaning sensation''Very honest and very open . . . Brilliant. I advise anyone to go and read it'' Louise Redknapp_______From X Factor star to Queen of the Jungle, Stacey Solomon has never been far from our screens . . .As a kid, Stacey always dreamed of becoming a star. But at 17, it looked like her dream was shattered when she unexpectedly became pregnant.Always the fighter, new single mum Stacey rallied, found a college with a crèche for her son Zachery and waitressed at night, determined that he should have the opportunities she didn''t.And then the X Factor came along, where she stunned Britain with her astonishing voice. She went from hard-up single mum to X Factor favourite, Queen of the Jungle and much-loved TV presenter in just two years.Stacey Solomon''s My Story So Far is a fantastic and inspi

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Book SynopsisThe spectacular revival of serious music in England is a chief feature of the history of British culture from the turn of the twentieth century and after. For some two centuries the art form had stagnated in England, which was referred to, notoriously, by a German commentator as ''the land without music''. But then came a great renaissance. In the three linked essays that make up this book, Keith Alldritt, the most recent biographer of Vaughan Williams, examines the several phases and genres of this revival. A number of composers including Gustav Holst, Arnold Bax and William Walton contributed to the renewal. But this book presents the renaissance as centrally a continuity of enterprise, sometimes of riposte, running from Elgar to Vaughan Williams and then to Benjamin Britten. Their concern was with music at its most serious, though not unceasingly humourless. All three explored music''s frontier with philosophy. They also probed the psychological impact of the unprecedently v

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Book SynopsisUsing his trademark wit, insight and verve, icon Henry Rollins shares journals from his gruelling world tours of 1997 and 1998, as well as a record of the fulfilment of his longstanding dream to journey through Africa. He takes us on a rollercoaster of highs and lows, frustrations and exhilaration - from roving gangs of baboons in Kenya to haggling with immigration officials in Madagascar and his thoughts on meeting his childhood heroes, Black Sabbath - and finds a way to make his unique experiences accessible and meaningful to us all.Trade ReviewAn intelligent and perceptive man * Guardian *A post punk renaissance man. * MTV *

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Book SynopsisEngelbert Humperdinck has been a legend in the international music industry for over 40 years. He has sold over 150 million records and his remarkable voice and extraordinary talent has endeared him to millions of fans around the globe.Katie Wright is a highly regarded Los Angeles-based showbusiness writer constantly featured in US Weekly and People magazines.Trade ReviewThere are many fascinating aspects to this story ... He writes with astonishing candour ... insightful and curiously unsentimental * Ireland on Sunday *His wife Patricia bravely speaks out for the first time to reveal how she has stood by her man. * Daily Express *The love god has got plenty to share. * Daily Mirror *

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Book SynopsisAn updated edition of the most comprehensive account of the Rolling Stones'' work yet published, with the full story of every recording session, every album, and every single released during their nearly 60 year career.The Rolling Stones have been recording and touring since 1963, selling more than 200 million records worldwide. While much is known about this iconic group, few books provide a comprehensive history of their time in the studio. In The Rolling Stones All the Songs, authors Margotin and Guesdon describe the origin of every song the band has released, details from the recording studio, what instruments were used, and behind-the-scenes stories of the great artists who contributed to their tracks.Organized chronologically by album, this massive, 760-page hardcover begins with their 1963 eponymous debut album recorded over five days at the Regent Studio in London; through their collaboration with legendary producer Jimmy Miller in the ground-breaking albums from 1968 to 1973; to their later work with Don Was, who has produced every album since Voodoo Lounge. Packed with more than 500 photos, All the Songs is also filled with stories fans treasure, such as how the mobile studio the group pioneered was featured in Deep Purple''s classic song Smoke on the Water or how Keith Richards used a cassette recording of an acoustic guitar to get the unique riff on Street Fighting Man.

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Book SynopsisThis first-of-its-kind catalog of Elton John’s decades-long career tells the story of one of rock's all-time greatest artists, album-by-album and track-by-track. Organized chronologically and covering every album and song that EGOT-winner Sir Elton Hercules John has ever released, Elton John All the Songs draws upon years of research to tell the behind-the-scenes stories of how each song was written, composed, and recorded, down to the instruments used and the people who played them. Spanning more than fifty-years of work from Elton and his longtime collaborator, Bernie Taupin, this book details the creative processes that resulted in seminal albums like Goodbye Yellowbrick Road, Madman Across the Water, and Tumbleweed Connection, as well as Academy Award wins for 1995's Lion King and 2020's Rocketman. Newer work like The Lockdown Sessions, which released in 2021, is also f

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Book SynopsisThe second volume in Alan Walker's magisterial biography of Franz Liszt.Trade Review"Alan Walker's biography of Liszt ... has been widely hailed as a groundbreaking work of scholarship... Not only did his dogged research correct numerous, mostly damaging preconceptions aobut Liszt, but his cogent musical analyses made the case for the importance of the music... Love him or hate him as a saint or a sinner, Liszt still has the capacity to stir great passions ... and Mr. Walker has done a great service in correcting many misconceptions and thus raising the question about the true character of Liszt."-Johanna Keller, The New York Times. January 14, 2001 "You can't help but keep turning the pages, wondering how it will all turn out: and Walker's accumulated readings of Liszt's music have to be taken seriously indeed."-D. Kern Holoman, New York Review of Books "A conscientious scholar passionate about his subject. Mr. Walker makes the man and his age come to life. These three volumes will be the definitive work to which all subsequent Liszt biographies will aspire."-Harold C. Schonberg, Wall Street Journal "What distinguishes Walker from Liszt's dozens of earlier biographers is that he is equally strong on the music and the life. A formidable musicologist with a lively polemical style, he discusses the composer's works with greater understanding and clarity than any previous biographer. And whereas many have recycled the same erroneous, often damaging information, Walker has relied on his own prodigious, globe-trotting research, a project spanning twenty-five years. The result is a textured portrait of Liszt and his times without rival."-Elliot Ravetz, Time "The prose is so lively that the reader is often swept along by the narrative... This three-part work ... is now the definitive work on Liszt in English and belongs in all music collections."-Library Journal

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Book SynopsisTable of ContentsI. Introduction 1. Arvo Pärt and the Art of Embodiment | 3 Peter C. Bouteneff, Jeffers Engelhardt, and Robert Saler 2. The Sound—and Hearing—of Arvo Pärt | 8 Peter C. Bouteneff II. History and Context 3. Sounding Structure, Structured Sound | 25 Toomas Siitan 4. Colorful Dreams: Exploring Pärt’s Soviet Film Music | 36 Christopher J. May 5. Arvo Pärt’s Tintinnabuli and the 1970s Soviet Underground | 68 Kevin C. Karnes III. Performance 6. The Pärt Sound | 89 Paul Hillier, in conversation with Peter Bouteneff 7. The Rest Is Silence | 107 Andrew Shenton IV. Materiality and Phenomenology 8. Vibrating, and Silent: Listening to the Material Acoustics of Tintinnabulation | 129 Jeffers Engelhardt 9. Medieval Pärt | 154 Andrew Albin 10. The Piano and the Performing Body in the Music of Arvo Pärt: Phenomenological Perspectives | 177 Maria Cizmic and Adriana Helbig V. Theology 11. Presence, Absence, and the Ambiguities of Ambiance: Theological Discourse and the Move to Sound in Pärt Studies | 197 Robert Saler 12. The Materiality of Sound and the Theology of the Incarnation in the Music of Arvo Pärt | 208 Ivan Moody 13. Christian Liturgical Chant and the Musical Reorientation of Arvo Pärt | 220 Alexander Lingas 14. In the Beginning There Was Sound: Hearing, Tintinnabuli, and Musical Meaning in Sufism | 232 Sevin Huriye Yaraman List of Contributors | 243 Index of Terms | 247 Index of Persons | 252 Works by Other Composers | 256 Works by Arvo Pärt | 257

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Book SynopsisOffers an account of how the Bomb Squad produced a singular-sounding record - the engineering, sampling, scratching, constructing, deconstructing and reconstructing. This title delves into the original songs that were sampled and recontextualized. It shows which of the four Bomb Squad members had the most personal relationship with each sample.Table of Contents1. "Yes....The Rhythm, The Rebel" 2. "This Is A Sampling Sport" 3. "Back...Caught You Looking For The Same Thing" 4. "Beat Is The Father Of Your Rock'n'Roll" 5. "Consider Yourselves Warned" 6. "All In, We're Gonna Win" 7. "Def Jam Tells You Who I Am" 8. "Here We Go Again" Works Cited

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Book SynopsisBob Dylan: Outlaw Blues is a major new biography, a story of the life of a man that intrigues his audience - both young and old. Bob Dylan's past and present is comprehensively detailed in this new book which will be published in July 2020, that is, in Bob Dylan's eightieth year.Trade Review`There simply aren't enough books about Bob Dylan. So complex is he as a human being, a songwriter, a poet, a guitarist, a pianist, a vocalist (never a mere singer), enough words can never be written about him. Dylan is to this day - inscrutable and unfathomable. Thank you, Spencer, for this, I feel some corners have been brightened, yet still you've left us plenty to ponder for ourselves, such is any great writer's wish.' Ian McNabb

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Book SynopsisBob Dylan born in Duluth in Minnesota, grew up in Hibbing, Minnesota and cut his musical teeth in the folk scene of Dinkytown, Minnesota. This book brings together wonderful stories from each of these key locations and provides detailed information about the roots and the early life of Bob Dylan.

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Book Synopsis'Little Richard' is a fun-packed biography about a unique musician, singer and songwriter. An influential and charismatic man he lived his life as though he were continually on stage. On page after page, you will be exclaiming 'Ooh! My Soul'. Come and meet Lucille, Long Tall Sally, Miss Ann and Good Golly Miss Molly. Come and enjoy the company!Trade Review'I have known and admired Spencer Leigh's work as a music historian for many years. When he describes music and musicians of a bygone age, we become aware of so much more than the songs and performers - the era itself returns to life and we are reminded that all art, notably popular art, is inspired by, and inseparable from, its time and place, and if we don't understand that background, the story is far from complete', Sir Tim Rice

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Book SynopsisPopstar and polymath James Maker's Polari Prizewinning memoir, remastered with new chapters and photographs. If you hadn't heard of Raymonde or RPLA - fronted by James in the 80s and 90s - you might mistake AutoFellatio for fiction, its facts more fantastical than any novel as we follow him from Bermondsey enfant terrible to Valencian grande dame.Trade Review"Glitteringly epigrammatic, it’s a glam-rock Naked Civil Servant in court shoes. But funnier. And tougher." – Mark Simpson; "Pistol sharp, loaded with witty one-liners and peppered with Maker’s scatter gun observations on life, music and the meaning of good hair." – Paul Burston

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Book SynopsisMahler in Context explores the institutions, artists, thinkers, cultural movements, socio-political conditions, and personal relationships that shaped Mahler''s creative output. Focusing on the contexts surrounding the artist, the collection provides a sense of the complex crosscurrents against which Mahler was reacting as conductor, composer, and human being. Topics explored include his youth and training, performing career, creative activity, spiritual and philosophical influences, and his reception after his death. Together, this collection of specially commissioned essays offers a wide-ranging investigation of the ecology surrounding Mahler as a composer and a fuller appreciation of the topics that occupied his mind as he conceived his works. Readers will benefit from engagement with lesser known dimensions of Mahler''s life. Through this broader contextual approach, this book will serve as a valuable and unique resource for students, scholars, and a general readership.Trade Review'… a gold mine for those interested in all aspects of Central European culture from around 1900. Highly recommended.' M. Dineen, ChoiceTable of ContentsPreface and acknowledgements: List of abbreviations: Part I. Formation: 1. Family life Stephen McClatchie; 2. A childhood in bohemia: early teachers and friends Reinhold Kubik; 3. Music in Iglau, 1860–75 Timothy Freeze; 4. Student culture in 1870s Vienna Caroline A. Kita; 5. Viennese musical associates, 1875-1883 Charles Youmans; 6. Becoming a conductor: the early years in Mahler's career Peter Revers; 7. Between 'Thrice Homeless' and 'To the Germans in Austria': political conditions in Mahler's Europe Margaret Notley; Part II. Performance: 8. Operatic and orchestral repertoire Anna Stoll Knecht; 9. Collaborators Anna Harwell Celenza; 10. A perfect storm: Mahler's New York Joseph Horowitz; 11. Celebrity Eva Giloi; Part III. Creation: 12. The composer 'goes to press': Mahler's dealings with engravers and publishers in Vienna around 1900 Renate Stark-Voit; 13. Mahler and program music Constantin Floros; 14. Intertextuality in Mahler Vera Micznik; 15. The symphony, 1870-1911 David Larkin; 16. Mahler and the visual arts of his time Martina Pippal; 17. Mahler and modernism Marilyn L. McCoy; 18. Reception in Vienna Kevin C. Karnes; 19. Mahler's press from London to Los Angeles Karen Painter; Part IV. Mind, Body, Spirit: 20. Organized religion Stephen McClatchie; 21. German idealism Morten Solvik; 22. Nietzsche Lesley Chamberlain; 23. Fechner Michael Heidelberger; 24. Literary enthusiasms Jeremy Barham; 25. Romantic relationships Charles Youmans; 26. Mahler and death Carl Niekerk; Part V. Influence: 27. Posthumous reputation, 1911 to World War II Stephen Downes; 28. Mahler and the second Viennese school Wolfgang Rathert; 29. The Mahler revival James L. Zychowicz; 30. Broader influence Thomas Peattie; 31. Adorno Roger Allen; 32. Influences in literature Matthew Werley; 33. Mahler on disc Richard Wattenbarger; 34. Film and recent popular culture Peter Franklin.

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Book SynopsisA philosophical look at heavy metal''s dark masters of reality, Black Sabbath Black Sabbath is one of the world''s most influential and enduring rock bands. Dubbed the Beatles of heavy metal by Rolling Stone, they helped to define a genre with classic songs like Paranoid, Iron Man, and War Pigs, songs whose lyrics reveal hidden depth and philosophical insight. Their songs confront existential despair, social instability, political corruption, the horrors of war, and the nature of evil. This book explores the wide range of profound ideas in the band''s music and lyrics to help you understand Black Sabbath as never before. Discusses and debates essential Black Sabbath topics and themes, such as the problem of evil, War Pigs and the nature of just war theory, whether or not Sabbath is still Sabbath without Ozzy, and whether evil is in the ear of the beholder Gives you new perspectives on Black Sabbath''s music and lyrics Provides a deeper aTrade Review“This is a thoroughly enjoyable read, shedding a lot of light on the members, music, and society with regards to everything from religion to family.” (Sacramento Book Review, 1 June 2013) “This is a thoroughly enjoyable read, shedding a lot of light on the members, music, and society with regards to everything from religion to family.” (City Book Review, 1 March 2013) “Black Sabbath & Philosophy is a wholly absorbing read large . . . A long-overdue work, and a rewarding one both for fans and those curious about the philosophical gravity behind all those murky riffs.” (PopMatters, 11 January 2013) “Much like Black Sabbath themselves, this wide-ranging, amusing book entertains and makes your brain ache in equal measure.” (Record Collector, 1 December 2012) “A book to dip into, that will get you thinking and almost certainly have you going back and listening to your old Black Sabbath albums in a different light. Highly recommended.” (Get Ready to Rock, 20 November 2012) Table of ContentsIntroduction: “What Is This That Stands Before Me?” x Acknowledgments: They Sold Their Souls for Rock ‘n’ Roll xii Part I Necessary Evil 1 1 Beyond Good and Evil: Facing Your Demons With Black Sabbath and Existentialism 3 William Irwin 2 Masters of a Better Possible Reality: Conquering Evil With Love 12 Liz Stillwaggon Swan 3 “Is It the End, My Friend?” Black Sabbath’s Apocalypse of Horror 20 Brian Froese Part II Playing Devil’s Advocate 31 4 Black Sabbath and the Sound of Evil 33 Joel McIver 5 The Worst of All Possible Worlds: Schopenhauer Meets Sabbath 41 James Heathers 6 Tony Iommi’s Hand of Doom: From Plastic Fingertips to Creative Freedom 51 Ken Pepper Part III The Dark Art of Metal 61 7 The Art of Black Sabbath: Aristotle Joins the Band 63 Greg Littmann 8 Black Sabbath and the Problem of Defining Metal 76 Søren R. Frimodt-Møller 9 Saint Vitus Dance: The Art of Doom 87 Manuel Bremer and Daniel Cohnitz 10 Gods, Drugs, and Ghosts: Finding Dionysus and Apollo in Black Sabbath and the Birth of Heavy Metal 96 Dennis Knepp Part IV Is It Still Sabbath Without Ozzy? 111 11 It’s Not Sabbath Unless Ozzy’s the Singer (But It’s Fine If You Disagree) 113 James Bondarchuk 12 Fightin’ Words: Sabbath Doesn ’ t Need the Ozzman 126 Wesley D. Cray 13 The Name Remains the Same—But Should It? 140 Mark D. White Part V Symptoms of The Universe 149 14 Wicked World: The Politics of the Supernatural in Black Sabbath 151 Erich Christiansen 15 “Demons, Dreamers, and Madmen”: Is Ozzy Going Insane? 163 Kevin McCain 16 “As the War Machine Keeps Turning”: Just War Theory, Pacifism, and the War on Terror 171 Jacob M. Held 17 Stop Stereotyping Sabbath: Sex, Subjugation, and Stupidity 182 Robert Arp Contributors: Children of the Grave 190 Index: The Writ 195

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Book SynopsisA fresh biography of legendary entertainment manager Colonel Tom Parker, with a contrarian and corrective point of view.Colonel Tom Parker, often reviled in his time, led the strategy from the earliest days of Elvis''s career. Together, they built the most legendary partnership in show business. For the first time, Colonel Parker''s story is told by an insider, Greg McDonald, who worked under Parker for years. Never-before-heard stories of Parker''s collaboration with Elvis reveal the man behind the legend and the strategies that made Elvis a commercial groundbreaker.Ingrained lore has it that Parker took advantage of poor country boy Elvis to sign the singer who became The King. But Elvis and the Colonel shows that Elvis was not foolish when it came to business arrangements. This book is full of stories of innovations Parker made with his star client, including:--ingenious merchandising (eg, selling both I love Elvis and I hate Elvis buttons)<

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Book SynopsisThis is Martha Wainwright’s heartfelt memoir about growing up in a bohemian musical family and her experiences with love, loss, motherhood, divorce, the music industry and more. Born into music royalty, the daughter of folk legends Kate McGarrigle and Loudon Wainwright III and sister to the highly-acclaimed singer Rufus Wainwright, Martha grew up in a world filled with such incomparable folk legends as Leonard Cohen, Anna McGarrigle, Richard and Linda Thompson, Pete Townsend and Emmylou Harris. It was within this loud, boisterous, musical milieu that Martha came of age, struggling to find her voice until she exploded onto the music scene with her 2005 debut and critically acclaimed album, Martha Wainwright, which contained the blistering hit, ‘Bloody Mother F*cking Asshole’, which the Sunday Times called one of the best songs of that year. Her successful debut album and the ones that followed such asTrade Review'First class family drama… Tales of rivalry, love, drugs and difficult births litter the singer-songwriters gripping account of life in a dysfunctional music dynasty… very little feels off-limits in this slim but jam-packed book, full of very good times in the circus that is a performer’s life as well as very bad times... This is a memoir full of talented, headstrong people recycling their pain as songcraft; of ambitions pursued or curtailed, and of love frequently tinged with other things – rivalry, frustration, not measuring up. For all the epigenetic baggage, though, it is above all the story of Wainwright’s gutsy, instinctual pursuit of her own muse.' * Observer *'A hilariously candid memoir … the revered singer-songwriter’s autobiography shows her to be one of a kind… Acerbic, often hilarious and more candid that it should be… her transparency is the book’s golden ticket… In short, she has had a life worth documenting. At the end of 244 remarkable pages, she signs off with a typical self-effacing line: “Perhaps I am someone whose luck gets better halfway though. That would be good.” It would be good, and she would deserve it.' * Guardian *'Witty and honest… Like her music, Wainwright’s searingly honest and entirely charming memoir, aptly titled Stories I Might Regret Telling You, dissects these familial bonds and her bohemian childhood… Wainwright, a mother of two, writes movingly about relationships, divorce, the termination of pregnancy and the trials, tribulations and rewards of having children.' * Press Association *‘With disarming candour and courage, Martha tells us of finding her own voice and peace as a working artist and mother. Her story is made more unique because of the remarkably gifted musical family she was born into.’ -- Emmylou Harris'It’s like reading extremely private diary entries through your laced fingers. From page one, chapter one, Wainwright pulls no punches (her father, singer Loudon Wainwright III, informed his daughter when she was a teenager that “he didn’t want me at first and pressured my mother to have an abortion”). It continues with equal measures of directness and poignancy … . Neither the industry in which she works nor her family gets off lightly, and that includes Wainwright herself, who is to candid self-reflection as a moth is to a flame. The family ties, however, are the most vicariously gratifying to read … Confessional and contemplative to the nth degree, you won’t regret reading it, either.' * Irish Times *‘I have been listening to Martha Wainwright for at least twenty years, admiring her from afar. Her new memoir, Stories I Might Regret Telling You, made me feel like I was sitting in a corner of one of her New York apartments, reading her private diaries under a blanket with a flashlight . . . I was sucked in from the first page, though occasionally I winced because it was all so relatable . . . I turned the last page and felt like I had made a new friend, the kind you wish you were cool enough to have but never had the courage to pursue. My only disappointment? Her memoir wasn’t long enough. I can’t wait for volume two.’ -- Jann Arden, singer, songwriter, TV star and bestselling author‘What a wonderful gift this book is! Martha Wainwright has opened the door to let us into the fabled, glamorous family that is the McGarrigle-Wainwrights and reveals what it is like to be the black sheep of the bunch, the earnest, glorious underachiever who has always been the most loveable of them all. Her warm, rich writing displays the sweetness her songwriting possesses and, at the same time, is filled with the humor, panache and gutsy feminism of her live performances. Wainwright shows us how a big, dysfunctional brood can also be a blessing, filled with gifts that make the heart grow bigger. A surprising and brilliantly relatable book.’ -- Heather O'Neill, bestselling author of The Lonely Hearts Hotel‘A beautiful and clear-eyed memoir, full of music, friendship, love, and heartache. Somehow at once sizzling and wise, as undeniable as the singer who wrote it.’ -- Sean Michaels, Scotiabank Giller Prize–winning novelist and founder of Said the Gramophone

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