Musicians, singers, bands and groups Books

Book SynopsisA Book of the Year in Rolling Stone, Uncut, Mojo, The Telegraph and the Glasgow HeraldThis troubadour life is only for the fiercest hearts, only for those vessels that can be broken to smithereens and still keep beating out the rhythm for a new song.Last Chance Texaco is the first-ever no-holds-barred account of the life of two-time Grammy Award-winner Rickie Lee Jones, in her own words. It is a tale of desperate chances and impossible triumphs, an adventure story of a girl who beat the odds and grew up to become one of the most legendary artists of her time, turning adversity and hopelessness into timeless music.With candour and lyricism, the 'Duchess of Coolsville' (Time) takes us on a singular journey through her nomadic childhood, to her years as a teenage runaway, through her legendary love affair with Tom Waits, and ultimately her longevity as the hardest working woman in rock and roll. Rickie Lee's stories are rich with the infamous characters of her early songs - 'Chuck E's in Love,' 'Weasel and the White Boys Cool,' 'Danny's All-Star Joint' and 'Easy Money' - but long before her notoriety in show business, there was a vaudevillian cast of hitchhikers, bank robbers, jail breaks, drug mules, a pimp with a heart of gold, and tales of her fabled ancestors.In this electrifying and intimate memoir by one of the most remarkable, trailblazing and tenacious women in music are never-before-told stories of the girl in the raspberry beret, a singer-songwriter whose music defied categorization and inspired pop culture for decades.Trade Review[A] gripping, lovely memoir...thrilling, funny, scary, sad, packed full of life and extraordinary characters....As a portrait of the artist as a young woman, this book could not be any more enthralling or fun to read. -- Nick Hornby * The Believer *a vivid memoir that traces the arc of her often turbulent life from unsettled childhood to uneasy fame...If Last Chance Texaco is haunted by the long shadows of the past, it is also a story of forgiveness and acceptance...Reading her wild and wonderful book, one senses that, in a very real way, music was a calling that saved her life. -- Sean O'Hagan * Observer *Throughout her pre-fame life she experienced moments of great adventure and shocking personal peril, all of which she has poured into her magnificent memoir...Very little seems off the table in this free-spirited book...It is at turns hair-raising, funny, melancholic and joyous. -- Ted Kessler * The New Cue *In this raw and roving life story, Jones depicts a child who recognized her humanity and worth even when others wouldn't, and a woman whose confidence helped her rise above heroin addiction, music-industry sexism and the traumas of her youth. * Washington Post *Candid, cosmic, so cool... An impassioned and cinematic trip through Jones's eventful life. I shouldn't be surprised that Jones manages to carry her originality, intimacy, and volcanic expressiveness into book form. * Boston Globe *Terrific... The prose is rich and rhythmic, filled with lines that are pithy ('Rickie Lee is a Frank Capra movie that had been overtaken by Stanley Kubrick') and poetic ('childhood traumas leave their dirty footprints on the fresh white snow of our happy-ever-afters')... Jones is as fearless in prose as she is on stage. * Minneapolis Star-Tribune *one of the most remarkable [memoirs] I've read from a musician, a first-person commentary on the life and early career of this extraordinary artist, full of romance and adventure, misadventure and indiscipline, anecdote and reflection - just the stuff we want from those free spirits who live the life so that we don't have to, inviting us to stand and watch in fascination, half admiring and half appalled. -- Richard Williams * The Blue Moment *One of the most compelling memoirs I've ever read... What really sucks you in, and lifts you up, is the dazzling magic of her prose. * Please Kill Me *This tender, fierce, intimate memoir is testament that Jones has lived a life as brave, idiosyncratic, and rich as her music - with love, heartbreak, addiction, and magic, sprinkled throughout. * O, the Oprah magazine *What makes this an inspiring memoir is her absorbing storytelling, facility with language and fealty to integrity - commerce be damned. * Mojo *In gorgeous prose ("I did drugs like I did everything else. On fire, with no back door") interspersed with her lyrics, this is as distinctive as she is, a rich, bracing, and candid memoir dancing with the love of language. * Booklist (starred review) *Table of Contents1: What Were the Skies like When You Were Little? 2: Juke Box Fury 3: On Saturday Afternoons in 1963 4: A Summer Song 5: The Winston Lips of September 6: The Moon Is Made of Gold 7: Gravity 8: You Never Know When You're Making a Memory 9: The Summer of 1969 10: Walk on Guilded Splinters 11: Olympia 12: Surfer Girl on the Waterbed 13: Turn Her Over and Go . . . 14: Doyt-Doyt-Venice Beach 15: Easy Money 16: Young Blood 17: The Man with the Star 18: Rickie Lee Jones 19: Saturday Night Live 20: The Bus Stop Blues 21: Jazz Side of Life 22: It Must Be Love

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Book SynopsisTelling the compelling story of the seventeenth century Naples orphans who emerged from the city's conservatori as masters of the European musical world, Child Composers in the Old Conservatory explores their training in the partimento tradition, and advocates for its revival in modern music education.Table of ContentsPreface 1. Introduction Part I - Children in Need 2. Little Boys on Their Own 3. Masters Take Up the Challenge 4. Child Labor 5. Institutionalized Apprenticeship 6. Social Class Part II - Technologies of Traning 7. Schemas and Exemplars 8. Solfeggi and the Acquisition of Style 9. Partimenti and the Power of Improvisation 10. Counterpoint and Collocation 11. Intavolature and the Techniques of Instruments. 12. Dispositions and the Mastery of Complexity Part III - Trial by Contest 13. Little Masters, Real Masters, and Masterpieces 14. The Contest Piece as a Probe of Memory 15. Affordance and the Musical Habitus 16. Predicting Creativity Within a Tradition 17. A Sickly Young Woman Speaks Elegant Harmony Part IV - Transforming Commonplaces 18. The Oval and Cross 19. A Framework for Elaboration 20. The Beaux-Arts Framework 21. A Beaux-Arts Framework for Music 22. Learning Old Music in an Age of Digital Reproduction Appendix A: For Further Study Appendix B: Movimenti, Schemas, and Exemplars Index of Names

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Book Synopsis'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 Born into music royalty, daughter of Kate McGarrigle and Loudon Wainwright III and sister to singer Rufus Wainwright, Martha grew up in a world filled with incomparable folk legends. With the same emotional honesty that has come to define her music Martha describes her tumultuous public-facing journey from awkward, earnest and ultimately rebellious daughter, through her intense competition and ultimate alliance with her brother, Rufus, to the heartbreaking loss of their mother and finally discovering her voice as an artist.   With candour and grace she writes of becoming a mother herself and making peace with her past struggles with Kate and her younger self. Ultimately, this book offers a thoughtful and

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Book SynopsisTHE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER & A ROUGH TRADE BOOK OF THE YEAR 2022SHORTLISTED FOR THE PENDERYN MUSIC BOOK PRIZE''The story of a band that''s always on the brink: of stardom, of madness, of brilliance, of disgrace'' Miranda Sawyer, Observer''You begin to wonder why more biographies aren''t tackled with such invention'' Record Collector''This book is a rarity'' Mark Lanegan''One of the finest music books in aeons'' Kevin Barry''A bruising, exhilarating read, which captures the nihilistic energy of this strange and brilliant band'' Independent''Destined to become a classic of the genre'' Louder Than War''A fastidious portrait of chaos, displacement and bad acid'' Mojo''Music book of the year? Already? Don''t bet against it'' Crack Magazine''Read it and writhe'' Spider StaceyFrom the mountains of Algeria to the sTrade ReviewThe story of a band that's always on the brink: of stardom, of madness, of brilliance, of disgrace . . . The excess disguises the true heart of Ten Thousand Apologies which is a sort of yearning, a search for enlightenment, a way to live but especially for a home -- Miranda Sawyer * Observer *A jaw-dropping rollercoaster of tragi-comic mishaps and gargantuan drug consumption * Rolling Stone UK *A bruising, exhilarating read, which captures the nihilistic energy of this strange and brilliant band * Independent *A fastidious portrait of chaos, displacement and bad acid * Mojo **** *The tale is told by award-winning writer Adelle Stripe in a striking third-person prose that gives Ten Thousand Apologies a novelistic tone, interspersed with frontman Lias Saoudi's raw, dark, mocking recollections that are also very, very funny at times . . . you begin to wonder why more biographies aren't tackled with such invention . . . There's no great redemption but it offers a quietly triumphant denouement that's more palatable than boring atonement * Record Collector **** *From Algeria to London and everywhere in between, Ten Thousand Apologies makes most books about the artist as a young man, the music biz and being in a band just a little bit pallid. Music book of the year? Already? Don't bet against it * Crack Magazine *Destined to become a classic of the genre * Louder than War *This book is a rarity, the kind I hold near and dear to my heart. The story of The Fat White Family is equal parts high comedy and deep tragedy, just like life itself -- Mark LaneganA unique concoction, full of beautiful lies and ecstatic truths - one of the finest music books in aeons -- Kevin BarryRead it and writhe -- Spider StaceyDestined to become a classic of the genre * Louder than War *

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Book SynopsisThe true story of beloved Cambodian singer Ros Serey Sothea, whose “Golden Voice” helped define Cambodia’s Golden Age of music until her mysterious disappearance in the killing fields of Pol Pot’s Khmer Rouge. Developed in partnership with Sothea’s family.There is a saying in Cambodia: Music is the soul of a nation. Perhaps no one embodied that spirit more than Ros Serey Sothea, a young woman who would forever change the landscape of Cambodian music as the Queen with the Golden Voice. From a humble rice farmer to nationally recognized singer, Sothea’s success captured the hearts of the Khmer people. Throughout her career, she recorded over 500 songs, her signature angelic voice soaring over genres from traditional ballads to psychedelic rock and beyond. As the Cambodian civil war raged, Sothea's singing career continued to flourish, even when she served in the army as one of the country's first female paratroopers. After years of bloody conflict, the communist Khmer Rouge seized control, murdering artists and destroying their music, bringing Cambodia's golden age into a dark era of silence. Sothea’s fate is unknown. Ros Serey Sothea's golden voice lives on in the popular music of Cambodia to this very day. Gone but not forgotten, her legacy continues to inspire. The Golden Voice tells the story of Sothea’s life, developed alongside the surviving family who knew her, and accompanied by an interactive soundtrack.Trade Review“A delicate balance between biography, storytelling, and history to immerse the reader...Comics about the history of Cambodia and its people are having a bit of a moment, and this is a beautiful addition readers won’t want to miss.” -- Booklist Starred Review"A very beautiful graphic novel that deserves to see the light of day. Such a poignant life story." -- Tian Veasna, author of the Eisner Award-nominated Year of the Rabbit"Ros’ brilliant but short life makes for an excellent avenue to explore this tumultuous period of Cambodian history and demonstrates the ways that music can capture the spirit of a people—even after the musician is gone." -- Kirkus Review"This is such a beautiful and powerful book about one of my idols. The drawings and the included soundtrack makes the story so real and emotional. Everyone should know the amazing life and golden voice of Ros Serey Sothea." -- Chhom Nimol, Lead singer of Cambodian rock band Dengue Fever“The Golden Voice will tug at your heartstrings if you dare to listen to Ros Serey Sothea’s storytelling through her most beautiful and memorable classic songs along with other Cambodian legendary rock luminaries whose songs have been masterfully selected for the wonderful novel.” -- Chanrithy Him, international speaker and author of the internationally acclaimed, award-winning memoir When Broken Glass Floats: Growing Up Under the Khmer Rouge

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Book SynopsisDrawing upon extensive new first hand interview material from Debbie Harry, Chris Stein and many other significant players in the band's long history, a huge archive of personal materials and unpublished interviews, Blondie: Parallel Lives is the definitive eye-witness account of the group's long and often tumultuous existence. Beginning with their childhoods, backgrounds and influences, the book is also an evocative homage to the unique New York scene of the 1970s. It charts the development of Blondie to their massive popular success and eventual break up. How Debbie Harry set her career aside to nurse Chris through a debilitating and life-threatening genetic disease. It recounts the group's 1997 reformation, subsequent renaissance with their No Exit album, the controversies surrounding the 2006 induction to the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame, ending in the present with the release of Panic of Girls. Co-author Kris Needs established a friendship with Harry, Stein and the rest of the band that endures to this day. As a trusted confidante, he now recounts the full story.

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Book Synopsis__________________________________'A remarkable novel, elegant, wise, and beautifully constructed.' Roddy DoyleTommy Mays, Titan Records' biggest act, is verging on a mid-life crisis; learning the hard way that a life of fame and fortune comes at a price. But things are looking up for his support band, The Burn, which could be a career-changer for Theo, Titan's young A&R executive. Meanwhile, secretary Cynthia has her eyes on Titan's latest rising star, singer-songwriter Lenore Lamont. But with a billboard in Times Square, is Lenore starting to feel the pressure?Set in the sleek offices, high-tech recording studios and hip downtown clubs of New York, The Words of Every Song depicts the realities of making it in an industry where glamour and fame can often conceal the harsh realities for those hoping to hit the big-time.Trade ReviewThis is a remarkable novel, elegant, wise, and beautifully constructed. I loved the book, and admired the work and spark that went into it.Impressive ... Moore crafts a clever cycle of interconnected short stories about players in New York City's music industry. * People *The kind of book you want to read twice. The first time you read it for the well-told story, the second time for another look at the inventive way [Moore] tells it. * Boston Now *Imagine having happened upon Dylan singing in Harvard Square, or having caught one of Joni Mitchell's early shows at an empty club. This is how I felt reading Liz Moore's lyrical and powerful debut novel, like I was witnessing a timeless artist on the verge of transcendence. The Words of Every Song is a virtuoso performance. These beautifully rendered characters are melodies that echo in your head, chords that reverberate in your heart, and, long after you've turned the last page, you can still hear the audience calling for an encore.Sweet, wistful, artfully arranged: like the best mix tape anyone ever made for you. * Kirkus starred review *

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Book SynopsisWill Hagle is a writer from Champaign who lives in Los Angeles.Trade ReviewHagle’s Madvillainy is one of the best of the series because it jettisons the stale rules of music writing (no forced canonization needed here!) in favor of a narrative structure that echoes the album’s aesthetics. * Southwest Review *Table of Contents1. The Daily Daily vs. Music Journalism 2. Preface 3. MF DOOM 4. Madlib 5. Like a Folklore Legend 6. Madvillain 7. The Next Decade(s) Acknowledgments Notes

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Book SynopsisFrom the author of the million-copy selling Shout!: The Beatles in Their Generation and the bestselling John Lennon: The Life comes a revealing portrait of George Harrison, the most undervalued and mysterious Beatle. Despite being hailed as one of the best guitarists of his era, George Harrison, particularly in his early decades, battled feelings of inferiority. He was often the butt of jokes from his bandmates owing to his lower-class background and, typically, was allowed to contribute only one or two songs per Beatles album out of the dozens he wrote. Now, acclaimed Beatles biographer Philip Norman examines Harrison through the lens of his numerous self-contradictions.  Compared to songwriting luminaries John Lennon and Paul McCartney he was considered a minor talent, yet he composed such masterpieces as ‘While My Guitar Gently Weeps’ and ‘Here Comes the Sun’, and his solo debut album ‘All Things MuTrade Review‘Norman has fashioned an authoritative portrait of Harrison that leaves you liking and feeling sympathy for his subject while being fully aware of the tetchiness…that was never far away' -- Will Hodgkinson * The Times *'You've got him' -- Pattie Boyd'Norman captures the creativity, the humanity, and the great humor of the man in this keen and lovely tribute' * Booklist, Starred Review *‘(a) fleet and confident new biography…Norman is hardly the first writer to unspool Harrison’s life…but his status as a respected chronicler of The Beatles, and 1960s culture more broadly, makes this biography a significant addition to an otherwise over-saturated field’ * The Telegraph *‘A deep dive by the acclaimed Beatles biographer paints a revealing portrait of perhaps the most undervalued band member…A fascinating story about a man of contrasts, and a must-read for fans of the Fab Four' * Woman & Home *‘Beatles chronicler Philip Norman turns his attention to the shadowy George Harrison…Norman sheds light on his poor but happy childhood in Wavertree, Liverpool, and traces the path to The Beatles with assurance' * Daily Express *‘You have taken your readers right down the steps and into the Cavern as it really was’ -- Bill Harry, editor of Mersey Beat'a fully realised portrait of a complex man: spiritual but peevish, brilliantly talented, but for ever shadowed by the Lennon/McCartney axis' * The Times, Books of the Year *‘[A] partial re-evaluation of the most underated Beatle [which] contains valuable input from Harrison's second wife Olivia and their son Dhani' * Uncut *

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Book SynopsisDiscover the fascinating story behind the rise of a new pop icon: Dua Lipa.When Dua Lipa was eleven, her music teacher told her she wasn’t good enough to join her school choir – her husky voice couldn’t reach the high notes.Now, she’s a global star. Her songs are pop anthems, streamed billions of times; she’s collaborated with everyone from Calvin Harris and Miley Cyrus to Madonna and Elton John; she’s won Grammys, BRITs and MTV awards; and she’s the biggest homegrown talent to emerge from the UK music scene since Ed Sheeran and Adele. Dua’s rise has been all the more impressive given that her Kosovan parents arrived in London as refugees, but her determination, hard work and undeniable voice have seen her transcend these humble beginnings, all while remaining fiercely proud of her heritage.In this revealing biography from the publishers of Harry, Ariana and Adele, pop music journalist Caroline Sullivan charts Dua’s incredible journey to pop superstardom. Spanning everything from her mainstream breakthrough to her sold-out Future Nostalgia Tour, and exploring her influences, activism and high-profile personal life, it paints the most complete portrait yet of this icon in the making.

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Book SynopsisMichael Jackson: provocateur, icon, enigma. Who was he, really? And how does his spectacular rise, his catastrophic fall, reflect upon those who made him, those who broke him, and those who loved him? Almost ten years on from Jackson's untimely death, here is Margo Jefferson's definitive and dazzling dissection of the King of Pop: a man admired for his music, his flair, his performances; and censured for his skin, his erratic behaviour, and, in his final years, for his relationships with children.Trade ReviewA startlingly forthright consideration of what drove Jackson then and what drives our thinking of him now * Esquire *Dazzling * Tatler *Margo Jefferson's excellent, empathic take on the singer, encapsulating the pressures of being a child star, the most famous person on the planet and having a complicated legacy that can sometimes make people forget about the music -- ‘Best Summer Books’ selected by Nikesh Shukla * Observer *Margo Jefferson's take on his life covers all its complexities -- ‘Best Summer Books’ selected by Richard Fitzpatrick * Irish Examiner *A sizzling summer read * Daily Mail *Succinct, analytical, non-linear, echoing a style of Susan Sontag perhaps or early Joan Didion * Quarterly Review *

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Book Synopsis‘When I first heard about this Faith No More biography, I didn’t know what to think. But I have to give credit where it is due, it’s a quality piece. The man has done his research and it shows. It provided me with more than a few revelations … and I’m in the band.’ – Bill Gould, Faith No MoreSmall Victories: The True Story of Faith No More is the definitive biography of one of the most intriguing bands of the late twentieth century. Written with the participation of the group’s key members, it tells how such a heterogeneous group formed, flourished, and fractured, and how Faith No More helped redefine rock, metal and alternative music. The book chronicles the creative and personal tensions that defined and fuelled the band, forensically examines the band’s beginnings in San Francisco’s post-punk wasteland, and charts the factors behind the group’s ascent to MTV-era stardom.Small Victories strips away the mythology and misinformation behind their misanthropic masterpiece Angel Dust, explores the rationale behind the frequent hiring and firing of band members, and traces the unraveling of the band in the mid-1990s. It also examines the band’s breakup and hiatus, explores their unwelcome legacy as nu-metal godfathers, and gives a behind-the-scenes view of their rebirth.Based on meticulous research and hundreds of interviews with current and former band members and other key figures, Small Victories combines a fan’s passion with a reporter’s perspicacity.

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Book SynopsisWith shimmering outfits, poetic texts and energetic performances David Bowie delighted millions of fans. As Ziggy Stardust, Major Tom or the Thin White Duke he proved his innovative power and eagerness to experiment. Bowie showed the world that, to stay true to yourself, you have to keep on reinventing yourself. On the occasion of the 5th anniversary of Bowie’s death, photographer Masayoshi Sukita presents an extraordinary illustrated book on the celebrated musician, actor and producer. During their 40-year cooperation Sukita captured the essence of Bowie – in iconic black-and-white photos and extravagant portrait photos. The best of them were chosen for this book and topped off with informative texts. The musician and his photographer – a different Bowie biography "Bowie was not like other rock’n’rollers, he had that certain something, and I knew, I wanted to turn that into pictures." – This is how Sukita remembers meeting the exceptional musician for the first time in 1972. Sukita's work mirrors the artist’s eventful life as well as eventful times. Through his camera he looks at manipulative strategies of self-presentation, of creating fictional characters, that commenced in the '70's art and music and were brought to perfection by David Bowie. A kaleidoscope of timeless portraits, far from the usual rock star snapshots! Text in English and German.

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Book SynopsisNo artist offered a more incisive and accurate portrait of the troubled landscape of the 1970s than David Bowie. Cultural historian Peter Doggett explores the rich heritage of Bowie''s most productive and inspired decade, and traces the way in which his music reflected and influenced the world around him. From ''Space Oddity'', his dark vision of mankind''s voyage into the unknown terrain of space, to the Scary Monsters album, Doggett examines in detail Bowie''s audacious creation of an ''alien'' rock star, Ziggy Stardust, and his increasingly perilous explorations of the nature of identity and the meaning of fame.Mixing brilliant musical critique with biographical insight and acute cultural analysis, The Man Who Sold The World is a unique study of a major artist and his times.Trade ReviewThrilling...takes its place next to Revolution in the Head on the short shelf of necessary reading about pop. Praise doesn't come any higher * Observer *A meticulous and engaging insight into the golden years of one of pop's true innovators. For those who love Bowie - a must -- Mark RadcliffeAn astonishing and absorbing work that expertly unpicks this explosively creative time in Bowie's life... Ultimately, Doggett's insight and enthusiasm should send you back to the music. If you do so the book will ensure you experience something entirely new * Sunday Times *Compels you to listen to Bowie's best-known songs afresh and his less obvious songs anew * Time Out *This is a book, which can be dipped into as a fine song-by-song guide, but even more so, as an excellent cultural history * Mojo *

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Book SynopsisREVISED, UPDATED AND WITH A NEW FOREWORD BY PAUL ABBOTTThis edition of Suburban 100 includes new lyrics from the critically acclaimed albums, 22 Dreams and Wake Up the Nation, which has been nominated for the Mercury Music Award.Paul Weller first burst onto the national music scene with The Jam in 1977 and was quickly marked apart from his contemporaries as a brilliant lyricist. In a writing career that has now spanned three decades, his songs have been acclaimed, imitated and loved by many. Suburban 100 - the first selection of Paul Weller''s lyrics - draws on songs written for The Jam, The Style Council and solo releases that, together, tell stories of life and love, rage and romance. The youthful frustrations of small-town life that fuelled Weller''s early writing is palpable, as is the angry but poignant response to Thatcher''s Britain. His lyrics, rooted in English suburban culture, explore the hopes, dreams and

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Book SynopsisJames Gavin is the author of Intimate Nights: The Golden Age of New York Cabaret and a frequent contributor to the New York Times and other publications. He lives in New York.Trade ReviewMuch of Baker's work was unique and remains haunting. All the more haunting after reading this book * Sunday Independent *Detailed and perceptive * Economist *It reads like true life... Gavin is very good * Time Out *Detailed... Critically assured and never allows the cool of the icon to occlude the venality of the individual * Scotland on Sunday *Baker's impact lives on even now - sexy, angelic, needy, icy and enigmatic... Gavin's book captures Baker's journey from the golden promise of his youth to his seedy end in Amsterdam in mesmerising detail * Irish Independent *

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Book SynopsisWhat was I fighting for? Even now I'm not sure. Something so old and so deep, it has no words, no shape, no logic.Viv Albertine has always been obsessed with the truth: the truth about family, power, and her identity as a rebel and outsider. But at what cost? In this brutally honest memoir she relentlessly exposes human dysfunctionality: the impossibility of intimacy, and the damage wrought upon us by secrets and revelations, siblings and parents. Written with Albertine's unique vulnerability and intelligence, To Throw Away Unopened is a startling self-portrait and a testament to rebuilding oneself and facing the world again.

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Book SynopsisA radical new book by journalist, critic and BBC Radio 3 broadcaster Kate Molleson, which fundamentally changes the way we think about classical music and the musicians who made it on a global scale.''Wonderful . . . This is a book of discovery that speaks of music as a life force, that urges us to live our lives through music. ''COSEY FANNI TUTTI''A marvellous book that opens our ears to sonic worlds that will enrich and delight us, whoever and wherever we are.''IAN McMILLAN''A clear-eyed, utterly fascinating exploration of outsiders in classical music. Molleson''s excellent book challenges and enlightens.''SINÉAD GLEESONThis is the impassioned and exhilarating story of the composers who dared to challenge the conventional world of classical music in the twentieth century.Traversing the globe from Ethiopia and the Philippines to Mexico, Jerusalem, Russia and beyond, journalist, critic and BBC Rad

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Book SynopsisA ROUGH TRADE, THE TIMES, CLASH BOOK OF THE YEARThe dramatic story of Solange: a musician and artist whose unconventional journey to international success was far more important than her family name. ''Why Solange Matters is a significant and sober treatise on popular music . . . This book is more than necessary.''THURSTON MOORE''The author''s prose sparkles . . . This is a book about what freedom could look like for Black women.''CALEB AZUMAH NELSON, OBSERVER''Invigorating . . . much more than a dry thesis and at times something nearer to personal reverie.''IAN PENMAN, LONDON REVIEW OF BOOKS''A love letter to quirkly black creatives . . . [Phillips''] vibrant writing reminds us how Solange lit the flame of creativity within many Black women.'' gal-demGrowing up in the shadow of her superstar sister, Beyoncé, and deTrade Review'Every once in a while, a musician comes along who so beautifully, so poignantly speaks that Black women remember that we are more than our vulnerability. In Why Solange Matters, Stephanie Phillips gracefully positions Solange amongst that elite cohort. From Houston to London and many places in between, Phillips presses our ear to the street in order to reveal how Solange broke the mold and released us all.' - Shana Redmond, author of EVERYTHING MAN: THE FORM AND FUNCTION OF PAUL ROBESON

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Book SynopsisIn 2000–2001, Michael Jackson sat down with his close friend and spiritual guide, Rabbi Shmuley Boteach, to record what turned out to be the most intimate and revealing conversations of his life. It was Michael’s wish to bare his soul and unburden himself to a public that he knew was deeply suspicious of him. The resulting thirty hours are the basis of The Soul of Michael Jackson. There has never been, and never will be, anything like them. In these searingly honest conversations, Michael exposes his emotional pain and profound loneliness, his longing to be loved, and the emptiness of his fame. You discover why he was suspicious of women and how only children provided the innocence for which he so desperately longed. In his own words, he takes us into the jarring moments of his childhood and speaks of the measures he took to try and heal. He divulges how he came to be alienated from his strong religious anchor and describes his views on the nature of faith. Michael brings us into his tortured yet loving relationship with his siblings. He opens up about his father and his yearning for a time when they might finally reconcile. He talks about his most personal friendships and shares with us his terror of growing old. Despite his unprecedented fame and recent death, there remain unanswered questions about his life. The answers, presented here in The Soul of Michael Jackson, will both intrigue and move you. You will be surprised, riveted, and troubled as you peer into the soul of a tragic icon whose life is an American morality tale and whose flame was extinguished much too early.

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Book Synopsis This is the most in-depth exploration of Metallica's songs ever written.From their widely circulated demo, No Life 'til Leather, all the way to their 10th studio album Hardwired... to Self-Destruct - Metallica have earned the title of the biggest heavy metal band on the planet. Their albums, including the hugely influential Master of Puppets, are now considered classics of rock and metal, while singles such as Enter Sandman, Fade to Black and For Whom the Bell Tolls have stood the test of time. Follow the epic journey of the godfathers of thrash metal, song-by-song, and see how they became one of the biggest selling bands in the world.No stone is left unturned across more than 500 pages, illustrated with incredible photography throughout, from the inspiration behind the lyrics and melodies to the recording process and even the musicians and producers who worked on each track.Uncover the stories behind the music in this truly definitive book - a must-have for every Metallica fan.

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Book SynopsisWhilst these records were being conceived, rehearsed, recorded and produced, Thom Yorke and Stanley Donwood made hundreds of images. These ranged from obsessive, insomniac scrawls in biro to six-foot-square painted canvases, from scissors-and-glue collages to immense digital landscapes. They utilised every medium they could find, from sticks and knives to the emerging digital technologies.The work chronicles their obsessions at the time: minotaurs, genocide, maps, globalisation, monsters, pylons, dams, volcanoes, locusts, lightning, helicopters, Hiroshima, show homes and ring roads. What emerges is a deeply strange portrait of the years at the commencement of this century. A time that seems an age ago - but so much remains the same.Trade ReviewA celebration of the ideas, both written and drawn, that were behind the creation of the Radiohead albums Kid A and Amnesiac . . . Includes faxes, notes, scribblings and sketches that musician Yorke and artist Donwood exchanged in the run-up to the creation of two iconic albums * * Independent * *The themes they [explore] (global warming, government surveillance, the corrosive power of the internet) are still strikingly relevant * * Scotsman * *These companion art books show the depth of Radiohead singer Thom Yorke and visual artist Stanley Donwood's decades-long creative partnership . . . Filled with rare artwork, early drafts, poetry and even a glossary to many of their inspirations, these works shed light on some of their more cryptic mysteries, while folding in new shadows to consider * * Variety * *

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Book SynopsisWhat do Postman Pat, Tommy Cooper, Norman Wisdom and George Best have in common with being abandoned in a Costa Rican jungle after a severe bout of flatulence? Indeed, how are they also connected to trying to buy an Australian brewery just to get a beer, owning twenty-two cars, an American soccer team and a Swiss mail-order pornography company?The common feature is of course a certain Richard Wakeman.The Further Adventures of a Grumpy Old Rock Star takes you, the privileged reader, on a trip of absurd excess, a cultural car crash of side-splitting hilarity and an unforgettable glimpse (again) into the life of one of Britain's most legendary showmen, rock stars and all-time great raconteurs.Trade ReviewThis highly entertaining read gives an unforgettable glimpse into the life of one of the UK's most legendary showmen, rock stars and raconteurs ... A light-hearted romp through the pomposity of the music business and the joy of being alive * RAF News *

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Book SynopsisThe definitive biography of Chuck Berry, legendary performer and inventor of rock and roll. Best known as the groundbreaking artist behind classics like "Johnny B. Goode," "Maybellene," "You Never Can Tell" and "Roll Over Beethoven," Chuck Berry was a man of wild contradictions, whose motives and motivations were often shrouded in mystery. After all, how did a teenage delinquent come to write so many songs that transformed American culture? And, once he achieved fame and recognition, why did he put his career in danger with a lifetime's worth of reckless personal behaviour? Throughout his life, Berry refused to shed light on either the mastery or the missteps, leaving the complexity that encapsulated his life and underscored his music largely unexplored--until now. In Chuck Berry, biographer RJ Smith crafts a comprehensive portrait of one of the great American entertainers, guitarists, and lyricists of the 20th century, bringing Chuck Berry to life in vivid detail. Based on interviews, archival research, legal documents, and a deep understanding of Berry's St. Louis (his birthplace, and the place where he died in March 2017), Smith sheds new light on a man few have ever really understood. By placing his life within the context of the American culture he made and eventually withdrew from, we understand how Berry became such a groundbreaking figure in music, erasing racial boundaries, crafting subtle political commentary, and paying a great price for his success. While celebrating his accomplishments, the book also does not shy away from troubling aspects of his public and private life, asking profound questions about how and why we separate the art from the artist. Berry declined to call himself an artist, shrugging that he was good at what he did. But the man's achievement was the rarest kind, the kind that had social and political resonance, the kind that made America want to get up and dance. At long last, Chuck Berry brings the man and the music together.Trade Review'RJ Smith’s powerful and passionate portrait of Chuck Berry reveals the troubled man behind the iconic swagger and blazing guitar. To know Chuck Berry is to know racial conflicts in America. Smith makes sure you know both.' Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, NBA Legend & New York Times bestselling author Chuck Berry was one of the first people I knew that was true to life. Just like this book showing the truth to his life. I knew him from the 1950s onward and I can honestly say that RJ truly captured the essence of Chuck Berry as I knew him. You couldn’t have a better book on the life and career of my ol’ friend.' Bobby Rush, GRAMMY Award Winning blues artist, Blues Hall of Famer, and author of I Ain’t Studdin’ Ya 'A hungry ear drives Smith's wondrous, brilliant book. Not only does he capture the excitement of Berry's music, he hears the awe of those in its thrall, from his rock & roll heirs to rivals, fans, and mystified bystanders throughout the twentieth century. Smith writes history as though it's a series of tall tales—how else to conjure Berry's brilliance as well as complexities, the unheralded highs and lows, the myth and the man, the man and the strange nation that produced him.' Hua Hsu, staff writer at the New Yorker and author of Stay True

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Book SynopsisIf given another chance to write for the series, which albums would 33 1/3 authors focus on the second time around? This anthology features compact essays from past 33 1/3 authors on albums that consume them, but about which they did not write. It explores often overlooked and underrated albums that may not have inspired their 33 1/3 books, but have played a large part in their own musical cultivation. Questions central to the essays include: How has this album influenced your worldview? How does this album intersect with your other creative and critical pursuits? How does this album index a particular moment in cultural history? In your own personal history? Why is the album perhaps under-the-radar, or a buried treasure? Why can't you stop listening to it? Bringing together 33 1/3's rich array of writers, critics, and scholars, this collection probes our taste in albums, our longing for certain tunes, and our desire to hit repeat--all while creating an expansive must-listen list fTrade ReviewThere's plenty inside The 33 1/3 B-Sides to keep readers glued to the meanings behind popular music and if you enjoy the 33 1/3 series, this book is the perfect complement to read from time-to-time between music texts. Your new favorite record might be waiting in the margins of any of these essays. * PopMatters *There’s lots of love on display in this collection of writings, along with many other emotions. This is a book to keep beside a favourite chair and to dip in and out of when the mood takes you. * Americana UK *Table of ContentsPreface Introduction: Superfluous, Redundant, Enduring - Prince’s Emancipation (1996) Will Stockton Reintroduction: Trivial, Derivative, Tenacious - Christina Aguilera’s Mi Reflejo (2000) D. Gilson Part One Juvenilia 1 Leonard Cohen’s Songs of Love and Hate (1971) Drew Daniel 2 The New York Dolls’ Too Much, Too Soon (1974) David Smay 3 The Rolling Stones' It's Only Rock 'n Roll (1974) David Masciotra 4 The Durutti Column’s The Return of the Durutti Column (1980) Philip Shaw 5 R.E.M.’s Chronic Town (1982) Gina Arnold 6 Rites of Spring’s Rites of Spring (1985) Will Fulton 7 Jane’s Addiction’s Nothing’s Shocking (1988) Rolf Potts 8 Del Amitri’s Waking Hours (1989) Alex Green 9 Sinéad O’Connor’s I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got (1990) Tara Murtha 10 De La Soul’s De La Soul Is Dead (1991) Shawn Taylor 11 Digable Planets’ Reachin’ (A New Refutation of Time and Space) (1993) Walter Biggins 12 Billy Idol’s Cyberpunk (1993) Sean Maloney 13 Guided by Voices’ Mag Earwhig! (1997) Matt LeMay 14 The Smashing Pumpkins’ Adore (1998) Jovana Babovic 15 The Weakerthans’ Left and Leaving (2000) Daniel Couch Part Two Marginalia 16 Robert Johnson’s King of the Delta Blues Singers (1961) Jeffrey T. Roesgen 17 The Doors’ Strange Days (1967) Clare Nina Norelli 18 The Dells’ There Is (1968) Joe Bucciero 19 Shirley and Dolly Collins’ Anthems in Eden (1969) Sam Inglis 20 Hank Thompson's Smoky the Bar (1969) Joe Bonomo 21 Von Freeman’s Doin’ It Right Now (1972) Aaron Cohen 22 John Cale’s Paris 1919 (1973) Mark Polizzotti 23 Bert Jansch’s L.A. Turnaround (1974) John Perry 24 The Cars’ Candy-O (1979) Susan Fast 25 Ian Dury and The Blockheads’ Laughter (1980) Terry Edwards 26 Frankie Armstrong, Brian Pearson, Blowzabella, and Jon Gillaspie’s Tam Lin (1984) Allan Moore 27 Scritti Politti's Cupid & Psyche 85 (1985) Dan LeRoy 28 Negativland’s Escape From Noise (1987) Kembrew McLeod 29 Frank Black’s Frank Black (1993) Zeth Lundy 30 Rodan’s Rusty (1994) Michael T. Fournier 31 Kenickie’s At the Club (1997) Emily Mackay 32 Guy’s Guy (1988) Patrick Rivers 33 Sleep’s Dopesmoker (2003) Erik Davis 34 The Blood Brothers’ Crimes (2004) Ethan Hayden 35 Boris’s Pink (2006) Paula Mejia 36 Stars of Lid’s And Their Refinement of the Decline (2007) Walter Holland 37 The Range Rats’ The Range Rats (2010) Michael Blair 38 Daniel Lopatin’s Chuck Person’s Eccojams Vol. 1 (2010) Marvin Lin Part Three Memorabilia 39 The Band’s Rock of Ages (1972) Steve Matteo 40 Bruce Springsteen’s Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band Live at the Geneva Theater (1974) Bruce Eaton 41 Talisker’s Dreaming of Glenisla (1975) John Cavanagh 42 The Village People’s Can’t Stop the Music: The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (1980) Rebecca Wallwork 43 Haruomi Hosono’s Philharmony (1982) Bryan Waterman 44 Hirokazu Tanaka’s Metroid (1986) Andrew Schartmann 45 Various Artists’ Music from the Motion Picture Pulp Fiction (1994) Evie Nagy 46 Various Artists’ Casino Soundtrack (1995) Kevin Courrier 47 Wesley Willis’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Will Never Die (1996) Phillip Crandall 48 Nine Inch Nails’ The Fragile (1999) Luis Sanchez 49 Bob Dylan’s Love and Theft (2001) Pete Astor 50 Silver Jews’ Bright Flight (2001) Hayden Childs 51 The Original Broadway Cast Recording Featuring Green Day’s American Idiot (2010) Cyrus R.K. Patell 52 Perfume's LEVEL3 (2013) Jordan Ferguson 53 Dawn of Midi’s Dysnomia (2015) Charles Fairchild Permissions Notes

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Book Synopsis"AS ICONIC PHOTOGRAPHER, ADVENTUROUS FAN AND INSIDEREYE-WITNESS, KEVIN CUMMINS HAS ALWAYS BEEN WHERE THE CULTURALACTION IS. MIXING MEMORY & DESIRE WILL MAKE YOU SEE DAVID BOWIE INA SURPRISING AND STIMULATING NEW WAY." -PAUL MORLEY"DAVID BOWIE WAS ON A CREATIVE JOURNEY THROUGH MUSIC,FASHION AND ART. A JOURNEY UNPARALLELED IN POPULAR CULTURE.WHAT A PRIVILEGE IT IS FOR US THAT KEVIN CUMMINS WAS THERE TOCAPTURE THIS JOURNEY. HIS WONDERFUL BOOK SHOWS US EXACTLYWHY BOWIE WAS SO UNIQUE." -NOEL GALLAGHER"KEVIN BRILLIANTLY CAPTURES THE ESSENCE OF THE GREAT MAN INTHESE REMARKABLE PHOTOGRAPHS. CUMMINS IS SO ADEPT AT BREAKINGDOWN THE BARRIER OF THE CAMERA, YOU SENSE BOWIE IS COMPLETELYAT EASE WHEN THEY WORKED TOGETHER" -GOLDIE'Whether you know him as Ziggy Stardust, Major Tom, or just David Jones, there is a David Bowie for everyone. Through Cummins's photos, each of these iconic personas is brought before our eyes.' DAILY MAILThe career of celebrated photographer Kevin Cummins began on 29th June 1973 when, as a nineteen-year-old photography student, he photographed David Bowie. That image is now in the renowned photography collection of the V&A Museum and marked the beginning of Kevin Cummins' four-decade-long visual chronicle of David Bowie's remarkable career. David Bowie: Mixing Memory & Desire includes some of the best portraits of Bowie ever taken, the majority of which have never been published until now. From those legendary Bowie gigs in the early 1970s, through to a poignant image taken outside his apartment in New York in 2016, Cummins has captured the many faces of Bowie and created a book that is essential for Bowie fans everywhere.

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Book Synopsis'It's much more interesting to be a little bit broken and talk about your vulnerabilities.'An intimate, funny and frank account of the moments behind the music, the truth behind the headlines and the fascinatingly complicated man behind the imperious entertainer, Robbie Williams.Bestselling author Chris Heath has been working closely with Robbie for many years to create a personal and raw account of fame, fortune, family and music. This vivid and detailed portrait shows the real highs and lows of Robbie's life as he found his way forward, one that is unprecedented in its intimacy and honesty.Long-awaited by millions, Reveal is the uncensored and compelling portrait of Robbie as you've never seen him before.

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Book SynopsisWhen the world's greatest pop band played their final public concert, in January 1969, there were no tickets or posters printed. When John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr emerged at lunchtime from the headquarters of their own company, Apple, five storeys above London's Savile Row, only a select group of people knew what the hell was happening.The rooftop concert was one of the Beatles' most spontaneous acts. Beatles on the Roof studies the rooftop concert in penetrating detail, uncovering new truths and debunking old myths about the event. Nobody knew it yet - not even the band - but this was the last time they would play live to the public.

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Book SynopsisAndras Schiff is one of the most important pianists of our time. This stimulating account of his life and work, told in two parts, takes readers on an intimate journey from Schiff''s childhood in Hungary through to the present day.In conversationw with Martin Meyer, Schiff discusses a diverse range of topics from his experiences with anti-Semitism and communist rule to his musical training with maestros such as Pál Kadosa and Ferenc Rados, as well as his thoughts on playing techniques and musical interpretation.In a collection of Schiff''s writings we are enthralled by a guided tour of Bach''s ''Goldberg'' Variations, sobered by Schiff''s public defiance against nationalistic and racist attitudes - to the extent that he refused to perform in Haider''s Austria or Orban''s Hungary - and delighted by the playful ''Ten Commandments'' for concertgoers.More than a memoir, this is a seminal compilation of the thoughts and experiences of one of the greatest musiciansTrade ReviewAndras Schiff proves just as articulate, as cultured and as provocative a musical thinker as he is at the piano throughout this highly recommendable book -- Jed Distler * GRAMOPHONE *Schiff proves just as thoughtful and appealing a character on the page as he does on the concert platform . . . Schiff writes with warmth and eloquence . . . a compelling read, offering rich insight into the life and ideas of one of the great musicians of our time * BBC Music Magazine *

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Book SynopsisAcross five decades and counting, New Zealand-born singer/songwriter and Crowded House founder Neil Finn has become one of the best-loved figures in popular music, crafting enough hits along the way -- Weather With You, Locked Out, I Got You, Fall At Your Feet, It s Only Natural, and of course Don t Dream It s Over -- to forge his very own one-man Great Antipodean Songbook. One fateful day in April 1977, teenage Neil received a transcontinental phone call that would change his life. It was his older brother, Tim, calling from London, England, with a simple question: Do you want to join the band? That band, the art-rock combo Split Enz, would provide the launchpad for a career that has taken in widespread international success with Crowded House, as a solo artist, back with Tim in The Finn Brothers, and as a touring member of Fleetwood Mac. There have been bumps along the road, including repeated clashes with Tim and the tragic death of original Crowded House drummer Paul Hester, but taken as a whole, Finn s story is one of the most inspiring musical sagas of modern times. Australian author and journalist Jeff Apter has observed Neil s career from close quarters since the late 70s, from frantic early Enz gigs to private listening parties to huge reunion shows and numerous points in between, giving him the perfect perspective to write this intimate, even-handed biography.Trade ReviewEssential reading for Finn fans and anyone interested in those golden days. -- Malcolm Knox, author of Bluebird. An engaging portrait of the powerhouse behind Crowded House. -- Sydney Morning Herald

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Book SynopsisThe long-awaited, never-before-told, no-holds-barred memoir from the legendary Aerosmith frontman. Finally, all the lurid tales of debauchery, sex, drugs and rock n'' roll are told straight from the horse''s lips as The Demon of Screamin'' describes his unimaginable highs and unbelievable lows as lead singer of the biggest rock band in the world.Prolific frontman, rock icon and sex symbol, Steven Tyler is a living legend. With his raw, sharp-edged vocals, musical versatility and unprecedented song writing skills, Tyler has, as lead singer of Aerosmith, sold millions of records and played sell-out concerts to as many as 450,000 people. Now, at last, he tells his own story, taking us on a wild rollercoaster ride through the bust-ups, binges, orgies and good old American excess in the jaw-droppingly honest, in-your-face way that only Tyler can.Following a fateful meeting with his ''mutant twin'' Joe Perry in the summer of 1970, Aerosmith was formedand the rest, as they say, is rock historTrade Review‘Steven Tyler is one of the greats of American music’ Sir Paul McCartney ‘The book is sticky with sex…and drugs…plus he squeezes maximum mileage from obsessive punning and compulsive wordplay.’ Classic Rock

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Book Synopsis''For those who like their rock biogs thick with tales of heroic over-indulgence, OPEN UP AND BLEED is hard to beat'' - Irish Evening Herald Iggy Pop''s life has been one of extraordinary highs and terrifying lows. Infamous for his wild ways, he is also a towering figure of the rock scene - hugely influential, charismatic and provocative. Every ''mad, bad, dangerous to know'' rock star owes a debt to him, and the stories of his shocking behaviour are legendary. But Iggy Pop is also, to a large extent, a construct, the alter ego of the quietly spoken and intriguing Jim Osterberg: the kid voted ''Most Likely to Succeed'' by his classmates. So what turned this charming, well-mannered, straight-A student into a poster child for rock ''n'' roll debauchery?Iggy Pop: Open up and Bleed reveals the truth behind the myths. Former MOJO editor Paul Trynka tracked down the star''s friends, family, lovers and fellow musicians, conducting over two hundred and Trade ReviewWith its recurring themes of drug addiction, public masochism and self-sabotage, Iggy's story effectively tells itself, but Trynka captures the essential duality of a man as well-versed in Greek art as he is in panhandling for heroin on Sunset Boulevard ... [an] entertaining and insightful study of one of rock's most enduringly remarkable characters Q IGGY POP has all the rock 'n roll bases covered: drugs, long hair, funny body, formerly straight-A student. Lie back and think of California' TATLER 'Former MOJO editor Paul Trynka has put in impeccable research to tell the story of how the shy, studious Jim Osterberg transformed into the force of nature that is Iggy Pop' IRISH EVENING HERALD 'For those who like their rock biogs thick with tales of heroic over-indulgence, OPEN UP AND BLEED is hard to beat '

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Book Synopsis'An absolutely masterly work' Stephen FryAlex Ross, renowned author of the international bestseller The Rest Is Noise, reveals how Richard Wagner became the proving ground for modern art and politicsan aesthetic war zone where the Western world wrestled with its capacity for beauty and violence.For better or worse, Wagner is the most widely influential figure in the history of music. Around 1900, the phenomenon known as Wagnerism saturated European and American culture. Such colossal creations as The Ring of the Nibelung, Tristan und Isolde, and Parsifal were models of formal daring, mythmaking, erotic freedom, and mystical speculation. A mighty procession of writers, artists, and thinkers, including Charles Baudelaire, Virginia Woolf, Isadora Duncan, Vasily Kandinsky, and Luis Buñuel, felt his impact. Anarchists, occultists, feminists, and gay-rights pioneers saw him as a kindred spirit. Then Adolf Hitler incorporated Wagner into the soundtrack of Nazi Germany, and the composer came to be defined by his ferocious anti-Semitism. His name is now almost synonymous with artistic evil.Wagnerism restores the magnificent confusion of what it means to be a Wagnerian. A pandemonium of geniuses, madmen, charlatans, and prophets do battle over Wagner's many-sided legacy. The narrative ranges across artistic disciplines, from architecture to the novels of Philip K. Dick, from the Zionist writings of Theodor Herzl to the civil-rights essays of W. E. B. Du Bois, from O Pioneers! to Apocalypse Now. In many ways,Wagnerism tells a tragic tale. An artist who might have rivalled Shakespeare in universal reach is implicated in an ideology of hate. Still, his shadow lingers over twenty-first century culture, his mythic motifs coursing through superhero films and fantasy fiction. Neither apologia nor condemnation, Wagnerism is a work of intellectual passion, urging us toward a more honest idea of how art acts in the world.Trade Review‘Ross does a good and very full job in tracing the obsession of different times and places, and the intellectual flavour each wave took … excellent, and extraordinarily thorough’ Philip Hensher, Spectator ‘An absolutely masterly work … A miraculous synthesis. Ross’s writing is an art that conceals art, propelling the reader on and on’ Stephen Fry “Wagnerism is as magnificently realized as it is monumentally ambitious, a cultural history of the modern world that Richard ‘Wagner and his protean art helped mightily to create … Ross is the ideal guide: lucid, astoundingly erudite, scrupulous, generous, profound, objective and engaged, and enormously entertaining’ Tony Kushner, playwright of Angels in America ‘With rhetorical flourishes and an eye for detail Ross extols the art made by Wagnerians who were able to meet “the Meister” on their own terms’ The Times ‘Wagnerism is a hugely exhilarating read, and a virtuoso feat of scholarship and supple writing: Ross is such a companionable guide, connecting ideas so casually and unspooling stories so fluidly that you can almost lose sight of the ferocious erudition that undergirds every page. I can’t think of a better or more profound work about the long, complicated shadow of cultural influence’ Patrick Radden Keefe, author of Say Nothing ‘Goes far beyond the man himself, using its subject to springboard into a breathlessly entertaining and dizzyingly diverse survey of art, politics and culture over the past century and a half. Ultimately, it’s a book about how humans are inspired by art, and like all of Alex Ross’s writing, it bottles that strange lightning and inspires us in turn’ Rian Johnson, director of The Last Jedi and Knives Out ‘Love him or hate him, Wagner has been unavoidable … By presenting an honest assessment of the problem, Wagnerism supplies, if not answers, then at least the right questions.’ Economist

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Book SynopsisCompelling new biography' Daily ExpressFascinating stories'Daily MirrorA well-researched, entertaining look at Ed Sheeran Sheeran fans will relish this well-told biography.' Publishers WeeklyEd Sheeran is a true inspiration. His moving and uplifting songs forge a lasting connection with the millions of people around the world who love him and his music.He was the thirteen-year-old guitarist in a school rock band when he decided to become a singer-songwriter, even though he could barely hold a tune and had never written a song. Within a year, he had recorded an album in his bedroom.Bestselling biographer Sean Smith traces the astonishing journey of the shy little boy with a stammer who, avoiding flashy showmanship, grew up to be a global phenomenon.Through compelling new research and interviews, he tells the story of Ed's remarkable mum and dad who gave their son the courage to pursue his dream, the friends and mentors who encouraged him and the lovers who inspired his most famous songTrade ReviewPraise for George: ‘A celebration of his life, as well as his music. Brill.’ Closer ‘Incredibly moving insight into a man who is without doubt part of the soundtrack to my childhood’ – Shelley Fallows at Lovereading Praise for Adele: ‘Fans will be engrossed’ OK Magazine Praise for Kim: “A kind but astute biography. Four stars.” Mail on Sunday “An honest account offering a unique insight on the Krazy world of the Kardashians." The Sun Praise for Tom Jones: “Jaunty and well-researched … the most complete and entertaining portrait of the Welsh superstar to date” – The Mail on Sunday (Event Magazine) “A lavishly appointed, no-holds-barred biography.” – MailOnline

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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 SynopsisElliott Smith was one of the most gifted songwriters of the nineties, adored by worshipful fans for his subtly melancholic words and melodies. The sadness had its sources in the life. There was trauma from an early age, years of drug abuse and a chronic sense of disconnection that sometimes seemed almost self-engineered. Smith died violently in Los Angeles in 2003, under what some believe to be questionable circumstances, of a single fatal stab wound to the chest. By this time fame had found him, and record buyers who shared the listening experience felt he spoke directly to them from beyond: lonely, lovelorn, frustrated, fighting until he could fight no more. And yet, although his achingly intimate lyrics carried the weight of truth, Smith remained unknowable. In Torment Saint, William Todd Schultz gives us the first proper biography of the rock star, a decade after his death, imbued with affection, authority, sensitivity and long-awaited clarity.Torment Saint Trade ReviewBrilliant, raw fuel for Schultz to add carefully collated detail and song deconstruction to explore a man in harrowing free-fall towards his 2003 suicide. **** * Mojo *A clear-eyed and devastating new biography … as heartbreaking and well-crafted as one of Elliott Smith's songs * LA Times *Elliott Smith, whose soul presides over the lives of melancholy indie rockers, gets the wake song he deserves in William Todd Schultz’s Torment Saint * Vanity Fair *In Torment Saint, William Todd Schultz has written his own kind of love song - an account of Smith's life that does full justice to his memory and the impressive legacy of his art ... Both persuasive reckoning with Elliott's inner demons and - much more important - a full appreciation and celebration, of his undeniable genius * Bookforum *Torment Saint will likely go down as the definitive biography of the singer/songwriter. A full portrait of a troubled man who made beautiful music and left us far too soon * Paste *A tale as complex, dense, and poetic as Elliott himself * Amanda Palmer *You can try to look for answers in his heart-rending music, but, ultimately, up until now, little has been known about his life … Torment Saint is perhaps the first proper biography of the singer * Independent *

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Book SynopsisJames Rhodes' passion for music has been his absolute lifeline. It has been the thread that has held him together through a life that has encompassed pain, conflict and turmoil. Listening to Rachmaninov on a loop as a traumatised teenager or discovering an Adagio by Bach while in a hospital ward - such exquisite miracles of musical genius have helped him survive his demons, and, along with a chance encounter with a stranger, inspired him to become the renowned concert pianist he is today.This is a memoir like no other: unapologetically candid, boldly outspoken and surprisingly funny - James' prose is shot through with an unexpectedly mordant wit, even at the darkest of moments. An impassioned tribute to the therapeutic powers of music, Instrumental also weaves in fascinating facts about how classical music actually works and about the extraordinary lives of some of the great composers. It explains why and how music has the potential to transform all of our lives.Trade ReviewThe Supreme Court overthrew an injunction unanimously in May 2015, saying: 'A person who has suffered in the way that [James Rhodes] has suffered, and has struggled to cope with the consequences of his suffering in the way that he has struggled, has the right to tell the world about it. And there is a corresponding public interest in others being able to listen to his life story in all its searing detail -- THE SUPREME COURTThrilling and harrowing . . . Unsurpassed and unsurpassable * * SUNDAY TIMES * *The publishing sensation of the year * * MAIL ON SUNDAY * *You might expect James Rhodes to have been crushed by his experiences. On the contrary I don't think I've ever read an autobiography which is this exuberant, this full of life, this addictively readable -- MARK HADDONA poet once said great books help you to live your life. They also help you survive your ruin, and James Rhodes's Instrumental is a masterpiece of creative endurance. His passion is his programme, his heart is his true instrument, and you might not read a more moral or more loving book this decade -- ANDREW O'HAGANA searingly honest, moving and compelling account of a life damaged by abuse but saved by music. James Rhodes is a rare and gifted spirit with something vital to tell us all. This is a tough but beautiful book -- VICTORIA HISLOPA mesmeric combination of vivid, keen, obsessive precision and raw, urgent energy -- ZOE WILLIAMS * * GUARDIAN * *There is an insight, often startling but always valuable, on almost every page . . . a tough, riveting read * * THE TIMES * *Instrumental is no 'misery memoir' . . . I have rarely read so cogent account of the nature of victimhood . . . Visceral and palpable . . . Among the most powerful pages I've read all year * * SCOTLAND ON SUNDAY * *Bravo to a survivor who refused to be silenced . . . What really marks this book out is his confrontation with the unsaid (or rarely said) aspects of child sexual abuse and mental illness . . . Some of these thoughts verge on the taboo and it takes clarity, courage and intelligence to say them as plainly and honestly as Rhodes does * * INDEPENDENT * *We're locked inside his head for long periods and it's a manic place to be. But he is brilliant . . . and insightful . . . James Rhodes writes at full volume -- BLAKE MORRISON * * GUARDIAN * *An important memoir . . . enlightening * * Psychologist * *An all-access pass to the sublime * * Los Angeles Review of Books * *Rhodes proves that art and beauty do help; that life can be conquered day by day * * El Pais * *A hand-grenade of a book * * Stern Magazine * *

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Book Synopsis''The sharpest memoir written by one of the Beatles' inner circle.'' ObserverDerek Taylor''s iconic memoir is a rare opportunity to be immersed in one of the most whirlwind music sensations in history: Beatlemania. As Time Goes By tells the remarkable story of Taylor''s trajectory from humble provincial journalist to loved confidant right at the centre of the Beatles'' magic circle. In charming, conversational prose, Taylor shares anecdotes and reminiscences so vivid and immediate that you find yourself plunged into the beating heart of 1960s counterculture. Whether watching the debut performance of ''Hey Jude'' in a country pub or hearing first-hand gossip about a star-studded cast of characters, Taylor''s unique narrative voice forges an autobiography like no other. Reissued here in a brand new edition with a foreword by celebrated writer Jon Savage, this long-admired memoir is a cult classic of the genre awaiting a new readership.

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Book SynopsisWith hits including `Child in Time’, and the iconic `Smoke on the Water’, Deep Purple established themselves as one of Britain’s greatest rock bandsFrom the moment he saw Elvis Presley on screen, Ian Gillan, a working class teenager from Hounslow, was inspired to become a rock star. That wish was to come true when the opportunity arose to join Deep Purple, and global fame soon followed. The ensuing years were thrilling but punishing. The band recorded six albums in just four years and tensions within the band, as well as issues with alcohol, brought Ian to breaking point. Ian describes the rock `n’ roll lifestyle in disarming detail while never taking himself too seriously, making this an entertaining read for any rock fan.

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Book SynopsisFor 13 years, Peter Hince lived the rock 'n' roll dream. As head roadie for Queen he had a front row seat and backstage pass to some of the greatest moments in music.Now, he is opening up his incredible archive and sharing hundreds of photographs and mementoes – many never seen before – as well as stories and memories from life inside rock 'n' roll history.Queen Uncovered is packed with images and ephemera from this truly unique collection, covering life on the road and in the studio, backstage and on-stage, relaxing at parties, filming iconic music videos and much more besides.

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Book SynopsisBen Folds is an internationally celebrated musician, singer-songwriter and former front man of the alternative rock band, Ben Folds Five, beloved for songs such as ‘Brick’, ‘You Don’t Know Me’, ‘Rockin’ the Suburbs’ and ‘The Luckiest’.      In A Dream About Lightning Bugs Folds looks back at his life so far in a charming, funny and wise chronicle of his artistic coming of age, infused with the wry observations of a natural storyteller. He opens up about finding his voice as a musician, becoming a rock anti-hero, and hauling a baby grand piano on and off stage for every performance.      From growing up in working class North Carolina childhood amid the race and class tensions that shaped his early songwriting to painful life lessons he learned the hard way, he also ruminates on music in the digital age, the absurdity of life on the road, and the challenges of sustaining aTrade Review'I read this in one glorious, giant gulp. As a fan of [Ben’s] work and a musician, this is truly a gift.’ -- Jamie Cullum"A Dream About Lightning Bugs reads like its author: intelligent, curious, unapologetically punk, and funny as hell. This intimate look at his life from his own unique perspective is a rare and unforgettable gift that does what Ben Folds always has done for me as an artist and a friend: encourages me to be more myself, with a lot of swear words." -- Sara Bareilles"Delightful...Singer-songwriter Folds explores the ways in which music shaped his life and offers glimpses into the process of making music....Folds's fans will take great pleasure in this charming and insightful memoir." * Publishers Weekly *‘I’m gonna learn to read for this’ -- Josh Groban"Besides being super talented, and an incredibly poignant and multifaceted musician, Ben Folds is a fantastic author. I couldn't put this book down - and not just because I taped it to my hand. Ben takes us into his mind and into his process from the very beginnings of his childhood to where he is today - one of the greatest musicians and writers that has ever graced the art." -- Bob Saget"A masterfully written memoir, and so much more. Folds imbues this literary work with keen insight and humor to create an elegant and moving tribute to art and life itself." -- Daniel Levitin, author of #1 New York Times bestseller This Is Your Brain on Music and The Organized Mind

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Book Synopsis'The Stone Roses have become folk heroes, frozen in time. John Squire.Names that will forever be remembered for creating their defining album The Stone Roses and a unique but inimitable baggy style.Their phenomenal story was first documented by the man who was with them every step of the way: John Robb.Trade ReviewBrother John Robb knows. He was there! * Ian Brown *I've read this book three times now and finally it has a happy ending * Noel Gallagher *An essential read * ShortList *A must for Roses fans and musos alike * The Big Issue *An exciting, substantial and hyperbolic study of THE most important pre-Oasis Britrock outfit * Vox *

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Book SynopsisJohnny Rogan is the author of over twenty books, including highly acclaimed biographies/musical studies of the Byrds, the Smiths, Van Morrison, Neil Young, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, John Lennon and Morrissey. His groundbreaking Starmakers & Svengalis: The History Of British Pop Management was adapted for a six-week BBC series. Morrissey & Marr: The Severed Alliance was one of the best-selling and most controversial rock biographies of its time, receiving various music biography of the year awards, and has been in print continuously for over twenty years. More recently, Van Morrison: No Surrender was chosen by the Sunday Timesas one of its Top 10 Music Books of the Year. He is currently completing an epic two-volume study, Byrds: Requiem For the Timeless.Trade ReviewAs definitive a view of the man as anyone could hope for * The Times *In the tradition of the most interesting biographies, a troubled subject makes for a gripping read * Evening Standard *Rogan is exceptionally good at painting a picture of the moment he is exploring ... engrossing ... you're left with a sympathetic understanding of [Davies'] ways and motives * New Statesman *It’s [Ray Davies’s] quirks that make him a worthy study, and Johnny Rogan is the man for the job, a writer renowned for going to extraordinary lengths to research his subjects … a social history as well as character study. Rogan illuminates the labyrinth of Swinging Sixties record labels, managers, bookers and pluggers, and spares no blushes in his depiction of the young Kinks * Irish Times *Masterfully teases out the warring impulses wrestling in [Davies’s] psyche … [Rogan is] adept at relating the social history of the 1950s and 1960s to Davies’s brooding character and lyric obsessions ... He uncovers psychological traumas everywhere and is fascinating on the bitchy rivalries between 1960s pop titans … Such tales make this ... oceanically researched biography go with a swing * Sunday Times *

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