Popular music Books

Book Synopsis''Mightily entertaining'' - Heat People ask me how come I''m still alive, and I don''t know what to say. When I was growing up, if you''d have put me up against a wall with the other kids from my street and asked me which one of us was gonna make it to the age of sixty, with five kids and four grandkids and houses in Buckinghamshire and California, I wouldn''t have put money on me, no f**king way. But here I am: ready to tell my story, in my own words, for the first time. A lot of it ain''t gonna be pretty. I''ve done some bad things in my time. But I ain''t the devil. I''m just John Osbourne: a working class kid from Aston, who quit his job in the factory and went looking for a good time.Trade ReviewPacked with outrageous, hilarious, disgusting and wholly improbable incedents * Guardian *A must-read for fans of vicarious rock'n'roll insanity * Scotland on Sunday *Every page of this hugely entertaining, sometimes painfully frank autobiography seems to have at least one punch-line to a good joke * Uncut *Mightily entertaining * Heat *A frank and honest account that will make you laugh out loud . . . A brilliant read * Sun *Gripping, funny and sad * Q *

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Book SynopsisIn this intimate and open account nothing like any rock-and-roll memoir you've ever read Alex Van Halen shares his personal story of family, friendship, music and brotherly love in a remarkable tribute to his beloved brother and band mate. In his rough yet sweet voice, Alex recounts the brothers' childhood, first in the Netherlands and then in working class Pasadena, California, with an itinerant musician father and a very proper Indonesian-born mother the kind of mum who admonished her boys to always wear a suit no matter how famous they became a woman who was both proud and practical, nonchalant about taking a doggie bag from a star-studded dinner. He also shares tales of musical politics, infighting, and plenty of bad-boy behaviour. But mostly his is a story of brotherhood, music, and enduring love.I was with him from day one, Alex writes. We shared the experience of coming to America and figuring out how to fit in. We shared a record player, an 800 square foot house, a mom and

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Book SynopsisThe long-awaited memoir from founder and lead-singer of definitive noughties pop-punk band Sum 41, Deryck Whibley.

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Book SynopsisTHE INSPIRATION FOR THE MAJOR MOTION PICTURE A COMPLETE UNKNOWN.One of the music world?s pre-eminent critics takes a fresh and much-needed look at the day Dylan ?went electric? at the Newport Folk Festival.On the evening of July 25, 1965, Bob Dylan took the stage at Newport Folk Festival, backed by an electric band, and roared into his new rock hit, Like a Rolling Stone. The audience of committed folk purists and political activists who had hailed him as their acoustic prophet reacted with a mix of shock, booing, and scattered cheers. It was the shot heard round the world?Dylan?s declaration of musical independence, the end of the folk revival, and the birth of rock as the voice of a generation?and one of the defining moments in twentieth-century music.In Dylan Goes Electric!, Elijah Wald explores the cultural, political and historical context of this seminal event that embodies the transformative decade that was the sixties. Wald delves deep into the folk revival, the rise of rock, and the tensions between traditional and groundbreaking music to provide new insights into Dylan?s artistic evolution, his special affinity to blues, his complex relationship to the folk establishment and his sometime mentor Pete Seeger, and the ways he reshaped popular music forever. Breaking new ground on a story we think we know, Dylan Goes Electric! is a thoughtful, sharp appraisal of the controversial event at Newport and a nuanced, provocative, analysis of why it matters.?In this tour de force, Elijah Wald complicates the stick-figure myth of generational succession at Newport by doing justice to what he rightly calls Bob Dylan?s ?declaration of independence? . . . This is one of the very best accounts I?ve read of musicians fighting for their honor.? ?Todd Gitlin, author ofThe SixtiesandOccupy NationTrade Review"Provides a deeply researched and entertaining chronicle of the culture clash that Dylan sparked from the Newport stage." -- David Remnick, The New Yorker "It is a great work of scholarship, brimming with insight - among the best music books I have ever read." -- The Guardian "Wald contextualizes the deeply divisive event in illuminating detail ... a major contribution to modern musical history." -- Booklist (starred review) "Wald is a superb analyst of the events he describes. And his analyses fly in the face of conventional wisdom. Even his introduction includes enough startling context to indicate 'Dylan Goes Electric!' will be seeing the old story with new eyes." -- Janet Maslin, New York Times "Wald's personal knowledge seems encyclopedic ... An enjoyable slice of 20th-century music journalism." -- Kirkus Reviews "Anyone interested in Dylan, folk music, or rock and roll will adore this volume. It might not resolve the questions of what really happened in Newport in 1965, but it comes very close." -- Library Journal "In this tour de force, Elijah Wald complicates the stick-figure myth of generational succession at Newport by doing justice to what he rightly calls Bob Dylan's 'declaration of independence' ... This is one of the very best accounts I've read of musicians fighting for their honor." -- Todd Gitlin, author of The Sixties and Occupy Nation "What Wald reveals about that most mystified of singer-songwriters and the folk and rock worlds that then surrounded and elevated him changed my own view of a moment I thought I had all figured out-and of the songwriterly 1960s as a whole." -- Ann Powers, author of Weird Like Us: My Bohemian America and, with the artist, Tori Amos: Piece by Piece "Devastatingly smart analysis ... Wald is a remarkably sharp and graceful writer, capable of drawing extraordinary connections between artists, genres, and cultural moments. There's simply no one better when it comes to unpacking not just the mechanics of American music, but the mythology of American music." -- Amanda Petrusich, author of Do Not Sell At Any Price: The Wild, Obsessive Hunt for the World's Rarest 78rpm Records "Elijah Wald's book reflects the many directions in which America's music scene evolved in those extraordinary years, 1963-1970-I can't recommend it enough." -- George Wein, Founder of the Newport Folk Festival "Concise and entertaining ... a great story, masterfully told, of how the times were, indeed, a-changin'-and why." -- Ed Ward, rock and roll historian for NPR's Fresh Air with Terry Gross and author of Michael Bloomfield: The Rise and Fall of an American Guitar Hero "Easily the definitive account of Newport '65." -- CounterPunch Magazine "There is no shortage of books about Bob Dylan ... but Elijah Wald's heavily researched book manages to offer new information and unique insight into the social context of this controversial moment in music history." -- Buzzfeed

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Book SynopsisAn unprecedented publishing event - the first volume in a series of memoirs by one of the most important and influential musicians and songwriters of our time.

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Book SynopsisWisdom and musings on creativity and life from one of the world’s most beloved musicians, producers, and mentors—the legendary multi-award-winner Quincy Jones12 Notes is a self-development guide that will affirm that creativity is a calling that can and should be answered, no matter your age or experience. Drawing from his own life, and those of his many creative collaborators past and present, Quincy Jones presents readers with lessons that are hardworking and accessible yet speak to the passion of self-expression. He includes sections as deep as how to transform grief into power, and as practical as how to set goals and articulate intentions through daily affirmations. Weaving his story throughout, Jones lets readers in on his own creative process, as well as the importance of letting honesty, hard work, and good relationships drive your career.

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Book SynopsisThe long-awaited memoir, generously illustrated with never-before-seen photos, from the iconic Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, Rush bassist, and New York Times bestselling author of Geddy Lee''s Big Beautiful Book of Bass.Geddy Lee is one of rock and roll''s most respected bassists. For nearly five decades, his playing and work as co-writer, vocalist and keyboardist has been an essential part of the success story of Canadian progressive rock trio Rush. Here for the first time is his account of life inside and outside the band.Long before Rush accumulated more consecutive gold and platinum records than any rock band after the Beatles and the Rolling Stones, before the seven Grammy nominations or the countless electrifying live performances across the globe, Geddy Lee was Gershon Eliezer Weinrib, after his grandfather was murdered in the Holocaust.As he recounts the transformation, Lee looks back on his family, in particular his loving parents and their horrific experiences as teenagers during World War II.He talks candidly about his childhood and the pursuit of music that led him to drop out of high school.He tracks the history of Rush which, after early struggles, exploded into one of the most beloved bands of all time.He shares intimate stories of his lifelong friendships with bandmates Alex Lifeson and Neil Peart?deeply mourning Peart?s recent passing?and reveals his obsessions in music and beyond.This rich brew of honesty, humor, and loss makes for a uniquely poignant memoir.Trade Review"As someone who has spent his life telling made-up stories that are obliged to sound somewhat plausible, I am deeply envious of Geddy Lee. And it’s not only the improbable, absurd, wondrous and at times heartbreaking true story that life has gifted him that I envy, but also the warmth, care, artfulness, hard-earned wisdom and—always—the gently skewed humor with which he tells it. He’s one of my musical heroes, for reasons that are there on record, but with this book everyone can see why for so long he has also been one of my heroes as a man." — Michael Chabon "An effin' good read." — Associated Press “There was never a band like Rush. Geddy Lee doesn’t want to forget it. It took a series of losses for the high-voiced rock star to confront his personal history. It all came out in his new memoir.” — The Washington Post “A page-turner . . . gives readers a fly-on-the-wall, tick-tock perspective . . . and also provides a backstage pass into Lee’s inner monologue as he balanced rising fame and enduring fears.” — Toronto Star “My Effin’ Life is joyously thoughtful and engaging.” — The Boston Globe “The main takeaway from Geddy Lee's new memoir, My Effin’ Life, is that anything can happen as long as you live your life with an honest conviction.” — Vulture “The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer—who played bass, keyboards, and sang on the progressive rock band's biggest hits—holds nothing back in his highly-anticipated memoir.” — Entertainment Weekly

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Book SynopsisA lover of books like The Alchemist and The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success, Russ delivers a short, potent, inspirational, raw, and honest book that gives readers a way to find self-belief and unlock their potential.

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Book SynopsisMotley Crue's bestselling "The Dirt" - penned with collaborator extraordinaire Neil Strauss - set a new bar for rock 'n' roll memoirs. This book covers various topics on Motley Crue - the voice of a barely pubescent Generation X, the anointed high priests of backward-masking pentagram rock, and the creators of MTV's first power ballad.

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Book SynopsisThe Godfather of New York City hardcore and founding member of Agnostic Front invites you into his lower east side pad to regale you with tales from his extraordinary life among mobsters, punk rockers, and a bevy of iconic artists and personalities—none of whom is as interesting or fascinating as the inimitable Vinnie Stigma!Born Vincent Capuccio on December 3, 1955, Vinnie Stigma—as his countless friends and fans lovingly refer to him—is the founder and guitarist of New York City’s legendary hardcore band Agnostic Front. He’s also one of the Big Apple’s earliest punk rockers, having frequented such eclectic downtown haunts as Max’s Kansas City, The Electric Circus, and of course, CBGB while it was still known as Hilly’s on the Bowery during the early 1970s. The Most Interesting Man in the World stretches from Vinnie’s upbringing in Little Italy amongst the tight-knit Italian families, as well as some prominent wiseguys, to teaming up with Cuban-born vocalist Roger Miret to carry punk’s angrier successor across the globe; from no-show jobs in his youth obtained by people who “protected” him, to lighting up some of the world’s biggest stages. However, Vinnie Stigma is not your run-of-the-mill rocker of many decades. He has dabbled in cooking, professional wrestling, acting, martial arts, yoga, and other creative disciplines. He is a father and a cancer survivor who helped pioneer skinhead and tattoo culture in America, and has mentored hundreds of fledgling musicians and artists. Vinnie insists he is an entertainer first and foremost, which he learned from his childhood idols Jimi Hendrix, Bruce Lee, and Frank Sinatra. Featuring vintage photos throughout, a handful of signature Italian recipes, even a four-page comic book and crossword puzzle, The Most Interesting Man in the World is a journey through a life unlike any other. No one sees or experiences the world quite like Vinnie Stigma.

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Book SynopsisA chronicle of the career of Meotley Creue, one of rock music's most provocative and notorious bands, provides an insider's view of rock stardom.

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Book SynopsisWinner of the 2010 Non-Fiction National Book Award Patti Smith''s definitive memoir is an evocative, honest and moving coming-of-age story of her extraordinary relationship with the artist Robert Mapplethorpe.Sharp, elegiac and finely crafted'' Sunday TimesTerrifically evocative ... The most spellbinding and diverting portrait of funky-but-chic New York in the late ''60s and ''70s that any alumnus has committed to print'' New York TimesRender, harrowing, often hilarious'' VogueIn 1967, a chance meeting between two young people led to a romance and a lifelong friendship that would carry each to international success never dreamed of. The backdrop is Brooklyn, Chelsea Hotel, Max''s Kansas City, Scribner''s Bookstore, Coney Island, Warhol''s Factory and the whole city resplendent. Among their friends, literary lights, musicians and artists such as Harry Smith, Bobby Neuwirth, Allen Ginsberg, Sandy Daley, Sam Shepherd, William Burroughs, etc. It was a heightened time politically and culturally; the art and music worlds exploding and colliding. In the midst of all this two kids made a pact to always care for one another. Scrappy, romantic, committed to making art, they prodded and provided each other with faith and confidence during the hungry years--the days of cous-cous and lettuce soup. Just Kids begins as a love story and ends as an elegy. Beautifully written, this is a profound portrait of two young artists, often hungry, sated only by art and experience. And an unforgettable portrait of New York, her rich and poor, hustlers and hellions, those who made it and those whose memory lingers near.Trade Review‘The most beautiful, incredible autobiography - it will make you ache for a time and a place that you probably never knew, New York in the 1970s' * Nick Hornby *‘A sharp, elegiac and finely crafted tribute to their childlike, pre-fame romance, set against the thrilling back drop of New York's countercultural blast' * Sunday Times *‘Terrifically evocative ... The most spellbinding and diverting portrait of funky-but-chic New York in the late '60s and '70s that any alumnus has committed to print' * New York Times *‘A tender, harrowing, often hilarious portrait of young lovers forging their paths in an eccentric milieu of Beat poets, Warhol socialites, and transvestites, rock stars and artists ... Much has been written about that time, but Just Kids offers new insight' * Vogue *Just Kids is not just one of the great rock-star memoirs – and there are a few – but one of the all-time greats. Smith’s book is part youthful rapture, part elegy, part artists’ handbook. And entirely sublime * Guardian Australia: 15 Great Celebrity Memoirs *It’s a book about women, and desire, and not necessarily fitting in the box of sexuality. I really love reading stories by women that really understand the complexity and the messiness of women * Russh *

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Book Synopsis**SHORTLISTED FOR THE MAN BOOKER INTERNATIONAL 2018**WHO IS VERNON SUBUTEX?An urban legend.A fall from grace.The mirror who reflects us all.Vernon Subutex was once the proprietor of Revolver, an infamous music shop in Bastille. His legend spread throughout Paris. But by the 2000s his shop is struggling. With his savings gone, his unemployment benefit cut, and the friend who had been covering his rent suddenly dead, Vernon Subutex finds himself down and out on the Paris streets.He has one final card up his sleeve. Even as he holds out his hand to beg for the first time, a throwaway comment he once made on Facebook is taking the internet by storm. Vernon does not realise this, but the word is out: Vernon Subutex has in his possession the last filmed recordings of Alex Bleach, the famous musician and Vernon''s benefactor, who has only just died of a drug overdose. A crowd of people from record producers to online trolTrade ReviewBold and sophisticated, this thrilling, magnificently audacious picaresque is about France and is also about all of us; how loudly we shout, how badly we hurt. It is the story of now. -- Eileen Battersby * Irish Times *An enthralling read. The story of one man, one city, it speaks of our entire world. A compelling, vital read, beautifully and vibrantly translated. -- Nell LeyshonDisturbing and compelling . . . I loved and hated Vernon but I couldn't leave him alone . . . Relentlessly brilliant. Reading it was like being on a runaway train - you know it will probably end in disaster but you might as well enjoy the thrill of the ride - it's unputdownable. -- Victoria HislopAn energetic, diverting romp . . . Brimming with sex, violence and deviant behaviour . . . [and] a multitude of sharply delineated characters . . . Often surprises us with its psychological acuity. -- David Mills * Sunday Times. *Vernon Subutex is a great novel because, quite simply, it disturbs you. Despentes is an extraordinary writer -- François Busnel * Express *Part social epic, part punk rock thriller, Vernon Subutex is a remarkable portrait of contemporary society... written with a fury that hits right to the bone -- Christine Ferniot * Télérama *Sex, drugs and 90s punk rock: Vernon Subutex is the Comédie Humaine for our time, produced by the furious talent of Virginie Despentes -- Laurence Houot * Culturebox *A masterful blending of characters, voices and plots with an undeniable sense of changing rhythms. This is not just a novel, it's an electrocardiogram -- Etienne de Montety * Figaro *A mind-blowing portrait of contemporary French society -- Nelly Kaprièlian * Les Inrocks *A vast mural of the world today. We all knew Despentes could write, but we were not expecting this -- Frédéric Beigbeder * Figaro magazine *

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Book SynopsisThe life of the Man in Black is revealed through his lyrics and by rare photographs and ephemera, in this beautifully illustrated official hardback edition, fully authorised by the Cash estate and featuring 125 of his most iconic songs. Johnny Cash is one of the most beloved and influential country stars of all time, selling more than ninety million records, blending country, rock, blues, and gospel in his music and having been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the Country Music Hall of Fame, and the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Now, Cash''s fifty years of songwriting have been collected for the first time ever. An essential collectible that sheds new light on Cash''s life and work, this book includes rare visual material in addition to remembrances from Cash''s son, John Carter Cash, and family historian Mark Stielper. Released for the twentieth anniversary of the legendary musician''s passing, it is a landmark moment in music pu

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Book SynopsisIn a definitive and “excellent homage to a star who left this planet too soon” (Questlove), the life, career, tragic death, and evolution of Aaliyah into a music legend are explored—now updated with new material featuring in-depth research and exclusive interviews.By twenty-two years old, Aaliyah had already accomplished a staggering amount: hit records, acclaimed acting roles, and fame that was just about to cross over into superstardom. Like her song, she was already “more than a woman” but her shocking death in a plane crash prevented her from fully growing into one. Now, two decades later, the full story of Aaliyah’s life and cultural impact is finally and lovingly revealed. Baby Girl features never-before-told stories, including studio anecdotes, personal tales, and eyewitness accounts on the events leading up to her untimely passing. Her enduring influence on today’s artists—such as Rihanna, Drake, Normani, and many more—is also celebrated, providing Aaliyah’s discography a cultural critique that is long overdue. “There’s no better way to pay your respect to R&B’s true angel than to lose yourself in the pages” (Kim Osorio, journalist and author of Straight from the Source) of this “dazzling biography” (Publishers Weekly) that is as unforgettable as its subject. This book was written without the participation of Aaliyah’s family/estate.

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Book Synopsis''This book is a must for everyone interested in illuminating the idea of unexplainable genius'' - QUESTLOVEEqual parts biography, musicology, and cultural history, Dilla Time chronicles the life and legacy of J Dilla, a musical genius who transformed the sound of popular music for the twenty-first century.He wasn't known to mainstream audiences, and when he died at age thirty-two, he had never had a pop hit. Yet since his death, J Dilla has become a demigod, revered as one of the most important musical figures of the past hundred years. At the core of this adulation is innovation: as the producer behind some of the most influential rap and R&B acts of his day, Dilla created a new kind of musical time-feel, an accomplishment on a par with the revolutions wrought by Louis Armstrong and James Brown. Dilla and his drum machine reinvented the way musicians play.In Dilla Time, Dan Charnas chronicles the life of James DeWitt Yancey, from his gifted Detroit childhood to his rise as a sought-after hip-hop producer to the rare blood disease that caused his premature death. He follows the people who kept Dilla and his ideas alive. And he rewinds the histories of American rhythms: from the birth of Motown soul to funk, techno, and disco. Here, music is a story of what happens when human and machine times are synthesized into something new.This is the story of a complicated man and his machines; his family, friends, partners, and celebrity collaborators; and his undeniable legacy. Based on nearly two hundred original interviews, and filled with graphics that teach us to feel and "see" the rhythm of Dilla''s beats, Dilla Time is a book as defining and unique as J Dilla''s music itself.Financial Times Music Book of the Year 2022

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Book SynopsisA behind-the-scenes, in-depth look at the making of one of the greatest sonic masterpieces and most commercially successful albums of all time.Over three decades after its release, Pink Floyd's The Dark Side of the Moon' remains one of the most acclaimed albums of all time. Its sales total around 30 million copies worldwide. In its first run, it took up residence in the US charts for a mind-boggling 724 weeks. According to recent estimates, one in five British households owns a copy.This, however, is only a fraction of the story. Dark Side' is rock's most fully realised and elegant concept album, based on themes of madness, anxiety and alienation that were rooted in the band's history and particularly in the tragic tale of their one time leader Syd Barrett.Drawing on original interviews with bass guitarist and chief songwriter Roger Waters, guitarist David Gilmour, and the album's supporting cast ,The Dark Side of the Moon' is a must-have for the millions of devoted fans who desire tTrade ReviewPraise for ‘The Dark Side of the Moon’: ‘A fascinating read.’ Observer 'John Harris's account of the making of the Floyd's 35 million-selling concept album, "The Dark Side of the Moon", has come along at just the right time … Harris's book is good enough to make me want to sit down and, for the first time, give "The Dark Side of the Moon" a proper, prejudice-free listen.' New Statesman ‘[A] clear-sighted examination of Floyd’s famous epic … Harris’ admirably concise study sidesteps the usual mythologising to provide a detailed and coherent retelling of how “The Dark Side” … came into being. ****’ Q Magazine

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Book SynopsisSteven Patrick Morrissey was born in Manchester on May 22nd 1959. Singer-songwriter and co-founder of the Smiths, Morrissey has been a solo artist for twenty-six years, during which time he has had three number 1 albums in England in three different decades. This book deals with his work and life.Trade ReviewFive stars. With typical pretension, Morrissey's first book has been published as a Penguin Classic. It justifies such presentation with a beautifully measured prose style that combines a lilting, poetic turn of phrase and acute quality of observation, revelling in a kind of morbid glee at life's injustice with arch, understated humour ... It is recognisably the voice of the most distinctive British pop lyricist of his era -- Neil McCormick * Daily Telegraph *A brilliant and timely book ... What is so refreshing about Morrissey's Autobiography is its very messiness, its deliriously florid, overblown prose style, its unwillingness to kowtow to a culture of literary formula and commercial pigeon-holing ... Autobiography is a true baggy monster, a book in which a distinctive prose style is allowed to develop ... A rococo triumph ... Overwhelmingly this is a book to be thankful for ... In the ways that matter, Autobiography reads like a work of genuine literary class -- Alex Niven * Independent *Sharply written, rich, clever, rancorous, puffed-up, tender, catty, windy, poetic, and frequently very, very funny. Welcome back, Morrissey -- Michael Bonner * Uncut Magazine *Rancorous, rhapsodic, schizophrenic: Autobiography delivers a man in full -- Andrew Male * Mojo *If one is willing to accept that a Morrissey book could be a classic, then the book justifies its status remarkably early on. ... As a work of prose Autobiography is a triumph of the written word * Louder than war *Funnier than the Iliad ... A triumph -- Colin Paterson * Today Programme, BBC Radio 4 *One of the autobiographies of this or any year ... A wonderfully entertaining read. He's as witty, acerbic and opinionated as you'd expect, but there's a welcome self-awareness throughout that makes the dramatic flourishes and hyperbolic dismay all the more hilarious. He may have more flaws than Manchester's Arndale Centre but he's just brilliantly, uniquely Morrissey * Daily Mirror *Morrissey's Autobiography is brilliant and relentless. Genius, really -- Douglas CouplandWell, so far Morrissey's book is an absolute masterpiece; no doubt the whole stinking country will hate it. -- Frankie BoyleThis is the best book ever. Like ever * Wonderland *Carried along on quite extraordinary prose * Time Out *The Best Music Biog Ever ... In the world of rock autobiographies, Morrissey's is nigh-on perfect -- Ben Hewitt * NME *Practically every paragraph has a line or two that demands to be read aloud to the mirror, tattooed on foreheads, carved on tombstones * Rolling Stone *Morrissey is a pop star of unusual writing talent * The New York Times *Autobiography is a rich and substantial work, the figure emerging at its centre both compelling and complex. Those who know his music will be unsurprised by the qualities of Morrissey's prose, which is ornate, windswept, elusive yet never tricksy, and full of unexpected twists and thrusts. He writes with understanding (albeit often with a tout comprendre c'est rien pardonner caveat) and is most of all straightforwardly moving; never more so than when writing about his childhood -- Gwendoline Riley * Times Literary Supplement *Autobiography doesn't disappoint. In its pages Morrissey manages to perform the neat trick of deconstructing his own myth while at the same time adding to it. Old scores are settled and anyone who ever crossed the singer is neatly decapitated herein by withering, barbed prose. Things could have gone very differently for Morrissey. He could have ended up cleaning canal banks or delivering the post for a living. Both of these outcomes would have left the world a far duller place. Autobiography is the man in his own words and, Morrissey being Morrissey, this means that we are presented with an account that is real and fantastic, unapologetically romantic and brutally honest. The die-hard fans have read the book already but for anyone with even a passing interest in what makes one of the most individual and unflinching voices in British pop music tick, Autobiography is essential * Loud and Quiet magazine *

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Book SynopsisA biography of the influential jazz pianist, Bill Evans. Peter Pettinger, himself a concert pianist, describes Evans's life, his personal tragedies and commercial successes, his music making, his technique and compositional methods, his approach to ensemble playing, and his legacy.Trade Review"Pettinger understands what sets the pianist apart, and explains with a minimum of technical language and just enough musical transcriptions to get his key points across. . . This is an ideal companion for those who want to 'understand' Evans in the most important way, through listening."—Bob Blumenthal, Boston Globe"Peter Pettinger writes frankly in his fine new biography of what was no secret to Evans's appalled colleagues: The most influential jazz pianist of the past half-century was addicted to drugs—first heroin, then cocaine—for much of his adult life."—Terry Teachout, New York Times Book Review"[A] fine new biography . . . packed with . . . shrewd critical commentary."—Terry Teachout, New York Times Book Review"Peter Pettinger sets out to catalog and explain Evans’ wide-ranging genius. . . . The making of every important Evans recording is discussed, and as he follows the extreme ups and downs of a career vexed by heroin addiction and other problems, Pettinger shows how the personal helped shape the artistic sensibility of this jazz innovator."—Tom Moon, Philadelphia Inquirer"Pettinger . . . has thoroughly researched Evans’s life, reading the available literature and tracking down the pianist’s associates for commentary, and he has listened assiduously to the Evans catalog, which is no small feat given its enormousness."—Adam Bresnick, Wall Street Journal"Pettinger provides a portrait of Evans that will serve as a foundation for further investigation of this quiet jazz giant. Recommended for jazz fans and music buffs."—Library Journal"Pettinger is eminently qualified to assay Evan’s evolution as a pianist, and students of Evan’s music will no doubt enjoy the author’s references to Evan’s scores and academic excursions."—Publishers Weekly"A fine new biography. . . . Pettinger, a concert pianist, is brilliant in describing, with a technical precision which is nonetheless accessible to the non-musician, what Evans was up to. Its a good read."—S.D. Feeney, Face Magazine"Pettinger's book is a reliable guide, but its chief asset is the late author's insight and enthusiasm for a unique performer."—Brian Priestly, Piano"One of the great perfectionists of jazz has been given a biography worthy of gifts."—Michael Kerrigan, The ScotsmanSelected as a 1998 Notable Book of the Year by the New York Times Book ReviewWinner of the 1999 ASCAP–Deems Taylor Award in the Pop Books Category"Peter Pettinger’s book on pianist Bill Evans is one of the best jazz biographies I have ever read. It is beautifully and lovingly written, meticulously researched, and filled with deep insight into Evans’s personality and musicmaking."—Barry Kernfeld, author of What to Listen for in Jazz"This book is likely to become a classic. There is nothing quite like it in the history of jazz. A concert pianist looks at the work of a jazz pianist whom many authorities consider one of the greatest musicians of the twentieth century. Pettinger hears all sorts of subtleties as only a fellow pianist can. He is also a felicitous and interesting writer. This is a brilliant piece of extended analysis."—Gene Lees

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Book SynopsisPart of the "You're The Voice" series, this book features arrangements of classic Billie Holiday songs for piano, voice and guitar and a short artist biography. It includes an accompanying CD that contains full backing tracks for each song, professionally arranged and recorded to recreate the sounds of the original recording.Table of ContentsWelcome To The Jungle; It's So Easy; Nightrain; Out ta Get Me; Mr. Brownstone; Paradise City; My Michelle; Think About You; Sweet Child O' Mine; You're Crazy; Anything Goes; Rocket Queen

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Book SynopsisThe romantic musical comedy-drama film La La Land is the winner of six Oscars, seven Golden Globes and five BAFTAs. This artist-approved selection of 10 songs from the Oscar-winning music by Justin Hurwitz, Benj Pasek and Justin Paul has been expertly arranged for intermediate solo piano, including the Oscar winning City of Stars.Table of ContentsAnother Day of Sun; Someone in the Crowd; Mia & Sebastian's Theme; A Lovely Night; City of Stars; Planetarium; Start a Fire; Engagement Party; Audition (The Fools Who Dream); Epilogue

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Book SynopsisTable of ContentsA Foggy Day; A Night In Tunisia; Ain’t Misbehavin’; April In Paris; Believe, Beleft, Below; Blue And Sentimental; Blue In Green; Blue Monk; Embraceable You; Ev’ry Time We Say Goodbye; God Bless The Child; Good Bait; Honeysuckle Rose; How High The Moon; I Can’t Get Started; I Can’t Give You Anything But Love; I Get A Kick Out Of You; I Got Rhythm; I Think It’s Going To Rain Today; I’ve Got You Under My Skin; It Ain’t Necessarily So; It’s Only A Paper Moon; The Kerry Dance; Let There Be Love; Let’s Call The Whole Thing Off; Lilac Wine; Little Girl Blue; Lullaby Of Birdland; Magic; Misty; Moanin’; My Baby Just Cares For Me; My Foolish Heart; My Funny Valentine; My Wish; Night Train; One For My Baby (And One For The Road); Please Send Me Somebody To Love; Portrait Of Jenny; Prelude No. 3; P.S. I Love You; Round Midnight; Satin Doll; The Seventh Son; Stella By Starlight; Stormy Weather; Summer Song; Summertime; Swanee; Sweet Sixteen Bars; Take The ‘A’ Train; They Can’t Take That Away From Me; Unsquare Dance; The Way You Look Tonight; What Is This Thing Called Love; Where We Used To Live; Witchcraft

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Book Synopsis***NOMINATED FOR THE NME BEST BOOK AWARD 2017 *** The first and only OFFICIAL book from ZAYN, for his ultimate fans. Zayn''s autobiography features exclusive, never-before-seen photographs alongside his story. -------------------------------- ''This book is my diary of a period that I would like to share with you all. I hope that there are things in the book that contextualise some of the moments and memories we have all shared together. There are things I address in the book that are very personal to me, things that I have never told anyone, things I still find hard to talk about. It''s a part of a journey I''m still on'' - ZAYN ZAYN opens up with this collection of thoughts, inspiration, and never-before-seen personal photographs. After five years of massive success with One Direction, ZAYN launched his career as a solo artist with Mind of Mine, becoming one of the most successful artists in the world. NowTrade ReviewThe first and only official book from ZAYN. Global superstar ZAYN shares a photographic journey of his life since leaving One Direction. from the publisher's description

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Book SynopsisThe Eagles wrote the soundtrack to the Seventies and Eighties - and even now their albums top the charts. But backstage, there were no peaceful, easy feelings...Don Felder was just a poor boy from Florida, but when he joined the Eagles he soared into the stratosphere. Alongside former bandmates Don Henley, Glenn Frey, Randy Meisner, and Felder''s childhood friend Bernie Leadon, he sold tens of millions of records (Eagles: Their Greatest Hits: 1971-1975 is the bestselling album of all time), performed before countless adoring fans, and co-wrote the renowned hit ''Hotel California''. His guitar-playing ability lifted the band from mere popularity to iconic status. And now Don Felder finally breaks the Eagles'' decades of public silence to take fans behind the scenes - where drugs, greed and endless acrimony threatened to tear the band apart almost daily.Maybe there was too much talent. Maybe the personalities clashed with the egos. Whatever the reason, ther

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Book SynopsisThe once-in-a-generation memoir of a rock legend - the No. 1 Sunday Times bestseller.''Electrifying'' New York Times''A masterpiece'' The Word''Funny, poignant, brutally honest'' Sunday Telegraph''Densely packed with incident... immensely readable'' Sunday Times''Once you begin this, wild, wild horses couldn''t drag you away''Independent''Life is pretty faultless as the quintessential depiction of the man in full and his extraordinary life and times to date'' The Times''I was hooked from the start''Harper''s BazaarAs a member of the Rolling Stones, Keith Richards created the riffs, the lyrics and the songs that roused the world, and over four decades he lived the original rock and roll life: taking the chances he wanted, speakiTrade ReviewA masterpiece, the most sustained, colourful and rambunctious rampage through his [Keith's] 67 years imaginable * THE WORD MAGAZINE *Funny, poignant, brutally honest, engagingly colloquial, Life is pure Keith Richards, as good a rock memoir as you are likely to read. * SUNDAY TELEGRAPH *Densely packed with incident ... immensely readable * SUNDAY TIMES *This is a good, gossipy read. But the best stuff is Keith on music. Check out his wonderful passage on Charlie Watt's drumming * EVENING STANDARD *Dark, honest and gleefully indiscreet from the first page to the last, it puts some of today's painfully dull musicians to shame * SHORTLIST *Once you begin this, wild, wild horses couldn't drag you away * INDEPENDENT *A hilarious, ribald and often shocking tale told elegantly and with much candidness * CATHOLIC HERALD *I was hooked from the start * HARPER'S BAZAAR *LIFE may be the best rock star autobiography ever * CLASSIC ROCK *A memoir so full of incident it feels like the author's lived three lives, not one * SUNDAY TIMES *The fact that Keith is still alive to tell the story is incredible * SUNDAY EXPRESS S MAGAZINE *LIFE is pretty faultless as the quintessential depiction of the man in full and his extraordinary life and times to date * THE TIMES *Electrifying... the intimate and moving story of one man's long strange trip over the decades, told in dead-on, visceral prose without any of the pretence, caution or self-consciousness that usually attend great artists sitting for their self-portraits * NEW YORK TIMES *Keith comes across as a thoroughly decent man, with just a hint of the devil. His relationship with Jagger is complex and fascinating * EVENING STANDARD *a masterpiece, the most sustained, colourful and rambunctious rampage through his [Keith's] 67 years imaginable -- Mark Ellen * THE WORD *densely packed with incident ... immensely readable -- Lynn Barber * SUNDAY TIMES *Funny, poignant, brutally honest, engagingly colloquial, Life is pure Keith Richards, as good a rock memoir as you are likely to read. -- Sally Cousins * SUNDAY TELEGRAPH *This is a good, gossipy read. But the best stuff is Keith on music. Check out his wonderful passage on Charlie Watt's drumming. -- William Leith * LONDON EVENING STANDARD *Dark, honest and gleefully indiscreet from the first page to the last, it puts some of today's painfully dull musicians to shame. * SHORTLIST *Once you begin this, wild, wild horses couldn't drag you away. -- Boyd Tonkin * INDEPENDENT *A hilarious, ribald and often shocking tale told elegantly and with much candidness. * CATHOLIC HERALD *I was hooked from the start -- Giles Deacon * HARPER'S BAZAAR *Life may be the best rock star autobiography ever. * CLASSIC ROCK *A memoir so full of incident it feels like the author's lived three lives, not one. * SUNDAY TIMES *The fact that Keith is still alive to tell the story is incredible. -- Chris Tarrant * THE SUNDAY EXPRESS S MAGAZINE *

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Book Synopsis''Mark Lewisohn knows the Fab Four better than they knew themselves'' The GuardianThis extended special edition of Mark Lewisohn''s magisterial book Tune In is a true collector''s item, featuring hundreds of thousands of words of extra material, as well as many extra photographs. It is the complete, uncut and definitive biography of the Beatles'' early years, from their family backgrounds through to the moment they''re on the cusp of their immense breakthrough at the end of 1962.Designed, printed and bound in Great Britain, this high-quality edition consists of two beautifully produced individual hardbacks printed on New Langely Antique Wove woodfree paper, with red-and-white head and tail bands and red ribbon marker. The two books will sit within a specially designed box and lid featuring soft touch and varnish finishes. The whole product comes shrinkwrapped for extra protection. Mark Lewisohn''s biography is the first true and accuTrade ReviewA radical event and a joy to read - Lewisohn tells the tale with such authoritative command of the evidence and so intimate a grasp of the Beatles' daily lives that the reader emerges knowing - with a certainty denied all previous generations - that this is how it really happened.Lewisohn's work stands as a monumental triumph, a challenge not merely to other Beatles biographers but to the discipline of biography itself. If only all important subjects had their Lewisohn * Washington Post *Lewisohn's work stands as a monumental triumph, a challenge not merely to other Beatles biographers but to the discipline of biography itself. If only all important subjects had their Lewisohn * Washington Post *A triumph. Not only an enthralling account of the Beatles' origins, far superior to anything that has gone before, but also an essential piece of social history. Lewisohn has set out to do the Beatles justice and write the definitive history. I think he is succeeding * The Times *Mark Lewisohn raises the biographical bar to stratospheric heights. This first volume suggests he is on the verge of achieving what was heretofore considered impossible: blowing the cobwebs off one of the late 20th century's hoariest cultural myths, scraping away decades' worth of accumulated crud and revealing detail no one previously suspected was there * Literary Review *An epic unprecedented in rock 'n' roll biography, and a great read ... Does far more than enrich with mind-boggling detail, there's a surprise on every page ... The detail is sharp and incisive ... It's the kind of book where want-to-know and need-to-know is wrapped into a narrative that unfolds brilliantly and, for once, justifies that 'real story of the Beatles' billing * Mojo *Positively a page turner, both for excitement and anticipation - Lewisohn has enhanced the story as a beautifully flowing factual tale that reads like a classic novel. Nobody but nobody could begin to match this work of joy and detail; and reassuringly, nobody ever will. This is the best work ever produced on the subject of the Beatles. A five star review is an insult, it merits an unheard of ten -- Colin Larkin * Best Things On Earth *The accomplishments of the Beatles has given rise to a near deification of them as both people and myth. Lewisohn brings that story back down into the world of real people. Tune In clears the air of myth and legend, leaving as much reality as a biography can offer. Every single page brings the Beatles back into focus and moves them away from legend. Common myths fall apart under Mr. Lewisohn's research * New York Journal of Books *Presents the Beatles story in a way it's never been seen before: truthfully and completely. The end result is a herculean effort, a fast-moving page-turner overflowing with warm humor, passion, and (of course) music. Likely to become a principle text in 20th-century studies, a sort of Complete Shakespeare with a much better soundtrack. For anyone who loves music, this book is the genuine ultimate * VH1.com *The saga is clearer and richer here than it's ever been. Lewisohn writes in novelistic detail and with the obvious conviction that none of the previous Beatles biographies have ever been good enough * Entertainment Weekly *This is Torah! Huge on a massive scale, the most altruistic thing anybody's done in the arts since the Beatles, and it needed to be done. God keep Mark Lewisohn alive to finish what he's started -- Howie Edelson * US radio writer/producer *Tune In is brilliant in describing the addictive power of rock and roll when there was no imaginable alternative in a doomed town. Mark Lewisohn's achievement lies with the fact that he never tries to 'explain'. He is not argumentative but turns up the colours in a world that has faded to grey * Herald Scotland *The best book I read all year. I expected data collection. I got data, but also interpretation at a very high level, obsessive reporting and high quality music criticism. Lewisohn's a writer as much or more than an assembler of information. This is a great book, there's nothing like it in music and damned little anywhere else (it makes The Power Broker seem superficial) -- Dave Marsh * Rock & Rap Confidential *Lewisohn amasses and investigates facts without sacrificing an iota of the excitement. In its close focus and historical ambition, the trilogy may be compared to Robert Caro's biography of Lyndon Johnson, or John Richardson's Life of Picasso; it is unlikely to be surpassed * Daily Telegraph *A game-changing study which raises the bar in a genre characterised by pap or pretension. A meticulous piece of work - I can't wait for volume two * Independent *I can think of no greater praise for Tune In than to say that it gives the Beatles the beginnings of the biography they deserve. It is hard to imagine the subsequent volumes, covering more familiar ground, matching the gripping quality of this constantly surprising work * Financial Times *With imagination, energy and a gripping plotline, Lewisohn manages to put flesh and blood on the story as never before * Sunday Times *Packed with revelations and demystifications -- James Woodall * The Economist *A major event in music publishing . . . the definitive account of the Beatles * GQ *I doubt anyone expected to be surprised about the Beatles again, but the story only needed supersizing. I continued reading with bewildered pleasure * Daily Telegraph *Fills in vital details that had been missing from the existing Beatles canon and corrects mistakes that have been reprinted for years. A definitive history of the band * Wall Street Journal *The widest possible angle on an extensive and engrossing group biography built on a well-raked mountain of exacting new research ... expertly controlled and propelling * New York Times *Epic in its scope, forensic in its detail, Tune In is like reading the Beatles' story for the very first time. Lewisohn's art is to tell the story compellingly: his prose has a vibrancy that sustains a remarkable page-turning momentum throughout its entire length. And what a story! Tune In leaves the reader breathless * R2/Rock ’n’ Reel *Lewisohn manages to fill in blanks that no one knew were empty * New Yorker *An epic on an unprecedented scale . . . Lewisohn has no serious rival * Irish Times *This is the story told in Proustian detail . . . The first edited-down volume, is largely a delight, and the story is told so definitively that, after this, that really should be it. Secondary sources are comprehensively mined; letters, public records and business documents have been found in places no one else ever thought to look . . . Lewisohn is a Beatles oracle * Guardian *Lewisohn has done an astonishing job. I can't wait for volume two * Independent *

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Book SynopsisThe final word on the only name synonymous with heavy metal - Black Sabbath. 'An epic tale, told the way it should be' RECORD COLLECTORTrade ReviewThe band's uppers and downers are recounted here with amusing and sobering appraisal, making this an entertaining read for long-standing fans and newcomers alike. * GUITARIST *Wall has a marvellous turn of phrase... required reading for all fans, regardless of their preferred era. * IRISH NEWS *Wall delivers the book he was born to write. * CLASSIC ROCK MAGAZINE *...the book's research was super, getting the balance between fact and fiction spot on destroying a lot of the myths surrounding the band and also giving great insight into the Bill Ward debacle. -- Kevin Bell * Waterstones.com *..the real advantage that Wall enjoys over all the other Sabbath biographers is that he worked for the musicians as a PR and knew them all personally... as a result (he) is able to portray the Sabbath members as they really are. ...It's an epic tale, told the way it should be. -- Joel McIver * RECORD COLLECTOR *

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Book Synopsis''Unflinching, forthright and full of wry humour as the man himself, and there''s little praise greater than that'' CLASSIC ROCK''Wall''s vision of Lemmy as a Rock''n''Roll stalwart who made no concessions is vivid to the last'' GUARDIANIn ''The Ace of Spades'', Motörhead''s most famous song, Lemmy, the born-to-lose, live-to-win frontman of the band sang, ''I don''t want to live forever''. Yet as he told his friend of 35 years, former PR and biographer Mick Wall, ''Actually, I want to go the day before forever. To avoid the rush...''. This is his strange but true story. Brutally frank, painfully funny, wincingly sad, and always beautifully told, LEMMY: THE DEFINITIVE BIOGRAPHY is the story of the only rock''n''roller never to sell his soul for silver and gold, while keeping the devil, as he put it, ''very close to my side''. From school days growing up in North Wales, to first finding fame in the mid-60s with the Rockin'' Vicars; from being JimTrade ReviewWall's vision of Lemmy as a Rock'n'Roll stalwart who made no concessions is vivid to the last * GUARDIAN *'Lumme! Who is this lovely, likeable Lemmy?' * MAIL ON SUNDAY *LEMMY is as unflinching, forthright and full of wry humour as the man himself, and there's little praise greater than that. * CLASSIC ROCK *

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Book SynopsisIn The Most Beautiful, a title inspired by the hit song Prince wrote about their legendary love story, Mayte Garcia for the first time shares the deeply personal story of their relationship and offers a singular perspective on the music icon and their world together: from their unconventional meeting backstage at a concert (and the long-distance romance that followed), to their fairy-tale wedding (and their groundbreaking artistic partnership), to the devastating losses that ultimately dissolved their romantic relationship for good. Throughout it all, they shared a bond more intimate than any other in Prince''s life. No one else can tell this story or can provide a deeper, more nuanced portrait of Prince--both the famously private man and the pioneering, beloved artist--than Mayte, his partner during some of the most pivotal personal and professional years of his career. The Most Beautiful is a book that will be returned to for decades, as Prince''s music lives on with gTrade ReviewIn this vivid memoir, she tracks back through her time with the late musician, capturing a more human side to the man who gave the world so much pleasure through his music, A clear-eyed, compassionate look at a remarkable man. * SUNDAY BUSINESS POST *

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Book Synopsis''Probably the most ambitious, generous and thorough volume about a musician to see publication'' Mouth MagazineThe authorised companion to the music of Nick Drake, compiled, composed and edited by Cally Callomon and Gabrielle Drake, with contributions from Nick''s friends, critics, adherents, family and from Nick Drake himself.Remembered For A While is not a biography. It is, rather, an attempt to cast a few shards of light on Nick Drake the poet, the musician, the singer, the friend, son and brother, who was also more than all of these. We hope it will accompany all those in search of an elusive artist, whose haunting presence defies analysis.The book contains:* In-depth interviews with many of Nick''s friends, most notably Paul Wheeler, Nick''s close friend from Cambridge days, a singer-songwriter who, of all Nick''s friends, perhaps best understood, from personal experience, Nick''s journey through musical creation to dTrade ReviewSometimes painfully honest, often emotional, occasionally funny, sometimes dry and scholarly - always deeply engaging - Remembered for a While is probably the most ambitious, generous and thorough volume about a musician to see publication. Put simply, this is the authoritative resource for fans and future historians who may find themselves considering Nick Drake. In its absolute integrity and its sheer dignity, it is second only to his music * Mouth Magazine *A beautiful book * Guardian Family *This authorised companion to the wistful genius with a troubled mind includes contributions from friends, collaborators, critics and family * Telegraph Books of the Year *From the beautifully tactile cover onwards this musical companion is a genuine delight, featuring never seen before photos, family scrapbook press cuttings, handwritten lyrics, letter extracts from Nick to his parents and also from his father Rodney's diary...Sad but ultimately celebratory, this beautiful publication is the closest any book has yet come to capturing the 'real' Nick Drake * Total Music Magazine *Gabrielle Drake's beautifully put-together tribute to her brother Nick Drake . . . I loved looking at the unseen photos and listening to the unreleased John Peel session that came with the book * Jack Steadman, Observer Books of the Year *Exactly 40 years after his death, acres have been written about Drake, but nothing authorised had come from the Drake estate. This gorgeous new book, co-compiled by his sister Gabrielle rectifies this. It is not a biography, but a deeply considered collection of essays, lyrics, photos and extracts, including from the diary of Drake's father as the folk singer sank into his fatal depression * Sunday Times *I'll be dipping in and out of the sumptuous Nick Drake: Remembered For A While for years to come * Daily Telegraph *Forty years on from his passing and the fragile music and sturdy myth of Nick Drake still haunt the culture . . . This legacy is only enhanced by Remembered for a While . . . a poetic, delightful and fascinating mix of never before seen photos, hand-written lyrics and scrapbooked press clippings as well as interviews with friends and family and excerpts from Drake's letters. A beautifully made and exquisite book built solely out of love for it's subject, Remembered for a While is a perfect companion to the songs that inspired it * Loud and Quiet Magazine *This beautifully packaged book has the imprimatur and approval of his actress sister Gabrielle, as well as contributions from the likes of Monty Don * Belfast Telegraph *A superb book that anyone touched by Nick's music will find fascinating * The Idler Book of the Week *Beautifully packaged and laid out . . . A fitting tribute to a unique musician * Sunday Herald *This book is magnificent . . . An informative and emotionally affecting framing of the life and work of a doomed young man, this book is a labour of love * Irish Times *A beautiful book * Observer *Praise for Nick Drake * . *One of the most beloved English singers of all time * Daily Telegraph *I am a huge admirer of his records * Brad Pitt *Every indie band in America lists Nick Drake as an influence * Green Gartside, lead singer of Scritti Politti *Rock has known a million morose young poets . . . by the law of averages, they were bound to spawn at least one genuine genius. They did. His name was Nick Drake * NME *

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Book Synopsis''Absolutely hilarious'' - Neil Gaiman''One of the funniest musical commentators that you will ever read . . . loud and thoroughly engrossing'' - Alan Moore''A man on a righteous mission to persuade people to lay down your souls to the gods rock and roll.'' - The Sunday Times''As funny and preposterous as this mighty music deserve'' - John HiggsThe history of heavy metal brings brings us extraordinary stories of larger-than-life characters living to excess, from the household names of Ozzy Osbourne, Lemmy, Bruce Dickinson and Metallica (SIT DOWN, LARS!), to the brutal notoriety of the underground Norwegian black metal scene and the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal. It is the story of a worldwide network of rabid fans escaping everyday mundanity through music, of cut-throat corporate arseholes ripping off those fans and the bands they worship to line their pockets. The expansive pantheon of heavy metal musicians iTrade ReviewOne of the funniest musical commentators that you will ever read. A History of Heavy Metal is a comprehensive, landmark analysis of an enormous area of music that has been too long without such a thing, and has the massive advantage of the funny being turned up to twelve. A loud and thoroughly engrossing love-story. * Alan Moore *Loud, unapologetic and full of love, Andrew O'Neill's essential and much-needed History of Heavy Metal is as funny and preposterous as this mighty music deserves. * John Higgs - author of The KLF: Chaos, Magic and the Band who Burned a Million Pounds *This, then, is the work of a fan first and foremost, driven by his prejudices and passions . . . a man on a righteous mission to persuade people to "lay down your souls to the gods rock and roll", as Newcastle's Venom would have it. * The Sunday Times *O'Neill's knowledge is nothing short of impressive. His chronological expedition through the ages, as seen through his own eyes, is backed up by constant witticisms and footnotes of in-jokes and opinions. He has obviously gone to great effort to leave no plectrum unturned in the pantheon of heavy metal. * TeamRock.com *

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Book Synopsis*THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER*The brand new memoir from the Sunday Times bestselling author of The Road Beneath My Feet. Taking 36 songs from his back catalogue, folk-punk icon Frank Turner explores his songwriting process. Find out the stories behind the songs forged in the hedonistic years of the mid-2000s North London scene, the ones perfected in Nashville studios, and everything in between. Some of these songs arrive fully-formed, as if they''ve always been there, some take graft and endless reworking to find ''the one''. In exploring them all, Turner reflects with eloquence, insight and self-deprecating wit on exactly what it is to be a songwriter. From love songs and break-up songs to political calls-to-arms; songs composed alone in a hotel room or in soundcheck with the Sleeping Souls, this brilliantly written memoir - featuring exclusive photos of handwritten lyrics and more - is a must-have book for FT fans and anyone curious about how to write music.Trade ReviewIt is moments of honesty and personal revelation such as this that make Try This at Home come alive; the sense that we are getting real insight into someone's life and the way they have tried to make sense of it . . . this fascinating section illustrates the impact of putting your beliefs into lyrics. * The Times *

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Book Synopsis''An attempt to retell an oft-told tale, this time informed by a desire to suck the hot air out of the more inflated earlier versions . . . this late-arriving history is perhaps the most reliable, and certainly the most entertaining, of all'' GuardianFew bands are as shrouded in the murky haze of rock mythology as The Doors, and parsing fact from fiction has been a virtually impossible task. But now, after fifty years, The Doors'' notoriously quiet guitarist is finally breaking his silence to set the record straight. Through a series of vignettes, Robby takes readers back to where it all happened: the pawn shop where he bought his first guitar; the jail cell he was tossed into after a teenage drug bust; his parents'' living room where his first songwriting sessions with Jim Morrison took place; and the many concert venues that erupted into historic riots. Both a time capsule of the 1960s counterculture and a moving reflection on what it means to find onesel

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