Popular music Books

Book SynopsisI can confirm that should you ever find yourself on stage playing the bass guitar with three left hands, it is usually the one in the middle that is the real one. The other two are probably phantoms. Playing the Bass with Three Left Hands tells the story of one of the most revered British bands of the 1980s: Spacemen 3. As the decade turned and acid house hit the mainstream, the band imploded spectacularly, going their separate ways just as they were on the cusp of breakthrough success. Here, Will Carruthers tells the story of his time in a wholly dysfunctional yet hugely influential band, in one of the funniest and most memorable music memoirs.

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Book SynopsisThe Jam - Paul Weller, Bruce Foxton and Rick Buckler - were the ultimate 'angry young men' of pop. Leading the Mod Revival of the 1970s in thrilling new directions, their tight live shows, razor-sharp style and perfectly crafted songs earned them a devoted following and a string of number one hits. By 1982 The Jam were bigger than ever, but the pressure of success was taking its toll. At the peak of their powers, Paul Weller made the shock decision that was far from welcomed by the rest of the group, let alone the fans: The Jam were to split up and go their separate ways. This richly illustrated and revealing oral history of their final year, led principally by the voice of drummer Rick Buckler, contains a number of previously unseen images and untold stories, taking us from the recording and release of their final studio album, The Gift, to The Jam's last appearances together. In addition to Buckler's memories of the time, The Jam 1982 also brings together testimonies from Gary Crowley, producer Peter Wilson, A&R manager Dennis Munday, photographer Neil ‘Twink’ Tinning, Eddie Piller, Paolo Hewitt, Mat Osman, Belle Stars singer Jennie Matthias (‘The Bitterest Pill’), touring musicians Jamie Telford and Steve Nichol and others, to tell the tale of a single, fateful year: the year The Jam, for better or worse, went out at the very top of their game.

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Book SynopsisLondon teemed with top-rated singers and musicians during the '60s and '70s, whether they were squatting, playing gigs or investing in multi-million pound mansions. Follow McCartney and co. to the quiet flat on Green Street that was their refuge before the Beatlemaniacs sought them out. Wind back time to when Loog Oldham locked Mick and Keith in their flat and demanded they compose a song. From the zany to the tragic - it was in St Mary Abbot's Hospital, Kensington where Jimi Hendrix was pronounced dead - this is a guidebook like no other, a pilgrimage dedicated to the rock 'n' roll greats. Also in the series: Vinyl London ISBN 9781788840156, London Peculiars ISBN 9781851499182, and Art London ISBN 9781788840385.Trade Review"It is all about those important addresses, the ones where rock stars lived and died, where iconic groups were formed, videos were filmed, gigs were played, arguments took place. It is about the place where jobbing musicians become legends, where those truly iconic albums were recorded." - fashionmommy's Blog

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Book SynopsisChris, also an investigative news-writer, has written for Rolling Stone, Details, the Telegraph and The Sunday Times amongst many others. His subjects have varied from Madonna and Lisa-Marie Presley to politicians, murderers and artists. Chris and Robbie have spent nearly two years working on this book.Trade ReviewThe definitive book on Robbie Williams * Heat *A phenomenal piece of journalism... an absorbing essay on fame and the music industry * Observer *Perceptive, sympathetic and sometimes shocking. It is also - because Williams is a genuinely amusing man - wonderfully funny * Sunday Telegraph *The most lustrous and scrupulously observed anatomy of the madness of top-flight 21st century celebrity existence that it has ever been my deep joy to read * Independent on Sunday *It's all there, the inside story that the fans have guessed at and the tabloids have done their best to invent...Until Mrs Williams finally does appear, nobody is going to get closer to Robbie than this * Sunday Times *

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Book SynopsisJust For One Day takes you on Louise Wener''s musical odyssey from awkward 80s suburban pop geek to 90s jet-set Britpop goddess. Of course, once she''s living the dream at the height of Britpop''s glory, things aren''t quite how they appeared from the other side.With her band Sleeper, Louise goes from doing gigs in toilets to gigs in stadiums, and on to the big interviews, constant touring and endless excess via Top of the Pops.These are the hilarious adventures of a girl''s journey through Britpop, from the embarrassments of growing up to trying to remember what on earth it was you really wanted while eating Twiglets backstage and enviously eyeing up Damon Albarn''s plate of foreign cheeses.PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED AS DIFFERENT FOR GIRLSTrade ReviewThis book is absolutely wonderful - I just read four passages out loud to the Word staff - to actual applause! -- Mark Ellen * The Word *Wise, funny and loving - a brilliant memoir about Britpop and possibly the best rock biography since Nik Cohn's AwopBopAlooBop-AlopBamBoom * Tony Parsons *Funny, readable and filled with proper gossip. Most importantly, it's a perceptive and tenacious look at what it was really like to be a girl among the blokes in that era -- Alexandra Heminsley * The New Review, Independent on Sunday *Wener charts the story of her rise from suburban schoolgirl to 1990s pin-up with Indie group Sleeper. Her tone is warm, funny and self-deprecating - and she's not afraid to prick a few egos along the way * Daily Mirror *An amusing insight into the banality of band life, and a cautionary tale about the cost of getting what you always wanted * The Quietus *

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Book SynopsisDonovan''s autobiography charts his life from a post-war, Glaswegian childhood to the height of an international career as one of the leading figures of the 1960''s music scene.Always feeling like an outsider he found relief through music and poetry. The book reveals how he came to be influenced by Buddhist teachings and the music of Woody Guthrie and Joan Baez. The book explores the significance of falling deeply in love with the woman who was to become his muse, and the profound sense of loss he felt when their relationship came to an end, and how the loss affected him both personally and creatively.A leader of the folk revival in both Britain and America, the book recounts how he rose to be an international star, releasing songs such as Mellow Yellow and Catch the Wind, and his most successful album, Sunshine Superman. Donovan is acknowledged as one of the most significant cultural icons of the 1960''s.The book provides a frank accountTrade ReviewAnyone who lived through that time, or anyone curious to know what the 'magic' or theswinging 60s where about, will enjoy this trip through 'histories of ages past' with the original Hurdy Gurdy Man. * The Guardian *Entertaining and indisputably personal account * MOJO *Three cheers for the Hurdy Gurdy man for approaching his autobiography as a serious book rather than a quick cash-in or headline grabbing confessional...a pleasing trip back to a time, not so long ago, when every gentle heart believed peace was a real possibility * The Telegraph *An unqualified delight * The Observer *Touching, illuminating and frank * The New York Times *

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Book SynopsisTHE SUNDAY TIMES BOOK OF THE YEARWinner of Non-Fiction Book of the Year, British Book Awards (Nibbies), 2022A self-portrait in 154 songs, by our greatest living songwriter''More often than I can count, I''ve been asked if I would write an autobiography, but the time has never been right. The one thing I''ve always managed to do, whether at home or on the road, is to write new songs. I know that some people, when they get to a certain age, like to go to a diary to recall day-to-day events from the past, but I have no such notebooks. What I do have are my songs, hundreds of them, which I''ve learned serve much the same purpose. And these songs span my entire life.''In this extraordinary book, with unparalleled candour, Paul McCartney recounts his life and art through the prism of 154 songs from all stages of his career - from his earliest boyhood compositions through the legendary decade of The Beatles, to Wings and his solo albums to the present. Arranged alphabetically to provide a kaleidoscopic rather than chronological account, it establishes definitive texts of the songs'' lyrics for the first time and describes the circumstances in which they were written, the people and places that inspired them, and what he thinks of them now. Presented with this is a treasure trove of material from McCartney''s personal archive - drafts, letters, photographs - never seen before, which make this also a unique visual record of one of the greatest songwriters of all time.We learn intimately about the man, the creative process, the working out of melodies, the moments of inspiration. The voice and personality of Paul McCartney sings off every page. There has never been a book about a great musician like it.Each volume is 480 pp, not available separatelyTrade ReviewThe Lyrics is a triumph. It is hugely readable, devoid of rock cliché, and full of fresh stories and opinions that even devoted fans won't have encountered before. The pictures of McCartney and of handwritten lyrics, many of them never previously published, are worth the entry ticket on their own and the quality of the boxed product makes it a tactile pleasure and fun to possess. All that, and its highly original organisation, means you never get bogged down in a period of his life you don't find interesting ... The Lyrics is McCartney at his best. -- Daniel Finkelstein * The Times *I know it all... or so I thought until I read Paul McCartney's magical treasure trove of a book ... Touching... bountiful -- Craig Brown * Mail on Sunday *His composing methodology is revealed as a kind of innocent and endless curiosity ... this mighty tome is billed as the closest thing to an autobiography McCartney will ever write. It comprises 154 songs, with hundreds of fascinating photos and handwritten lyrics from McCartney's collection, and an informal, thoughtful text assembled from conversations conducted with acclaimed Irish poet Paul Muldoon ... McCartney is a playful and brilliant wordsmith ... His book of lyrics is charming -- Neil McCormick * Daily Telegraph *Reading "The Lyrics" is like standing in a master chef's kitchen as he prepares a dish, adding a dash of this and a spoonful of that and talking to us so winningly ... there's nothing like listening to Macca (as McCartney was known in his Liverpool days) talk about the rise of a band composed largely of working-class teens who changed the world forever ... charming -- David Kirby * Washington Post *With a gravity, reverence and sense of occasion that hasn't been seen since the Levites rolled out the Ark of the Covenant, the complete lyrics of Paul McCartney are published at last ... This vast, absorbing book is studded with McCartneyisms that make you rub your eyes -- John Walsh * Sunday Times *Describing it as a book doesn't quite capture the object. It is two books, two separate volumes, in a gorgeous box. It weighs 8kg on my bathroom scales. It's a big thing of great beauty, and going back and forth through it is a hugely satisfying experience ... no matter where you start, or continue, McCartney seems to be waiting, ready to continue his warm, vivid, erudite stroll through his life and lyrics ... the life - McCartney's - seems more believable when examined in these glimpses. There is a modesty hiding in the book's bulk, and raw, gentle honesty ... There are 154 sets of lyrics in this book, and it's almost impossible to read most of them without hearing the melodies and trumpet bits. But it is well worth trying. Read, not heard, Lady Madonna is a different experience. I read it and thought of Zola's best novels. -- Roddy Doyle * Irish Times *he provides a fascinating new insight into his life at the time they were written, and the lives of his fellow Beatles ... This, then, is a book for dipping into and sampling at leisure. It allows us to see some of the most familiar songs ever written in new and surprising ways ... [it] will not only thrill Beatles obsessives but fascinate anyone who has ever sung along to a Lennon and McCartney tune. Which must, surely, include half the world or more. -- Christopher Stevens * Daily Mail *a feast for the eyes. Dyed-in-the-wool Beatles fans will be bowled over by the sheer profundity of unpublished photographs, previously unseen lyrics sheets, journal entries, paintings, and the like. Indeed, The Lyrics easily represents the finest collection of illustrations associated with McCartney's life and work. And it's beautifully rendered, to boot. Drop-dead gorgeous as books go -- Kenneth Womack * Salon *the two things it reveals - an unrelenting work ethic and the picture-painting imperative of the storyteller - are the twin pillars of his life's work, as revealed here in random reflections on 154 selected songs spanning 64 years ... it's this up-front abdication of control, of responsibility and ultimately of authorial meaning that makes McCartney's story, and his open-handed attitude to a monumental body of work, so engaging. -- Michael Dwyer * Sydney Morning Herald *Nothing comes close to Paul McCartney's breezeblock of a title ... Combine this monumental lyrics collection with Peter Jackson's Get Back and many Beatles fans won't come out again until the clocks go forward. Paul McCartney says this is as close as he will get to an autobiography and no wonder - his life is in every line of these songs. Each alphabetical entry (a smart arrangement that opens up a trove of lesser known McCartney lore) is not only accompanied by a wealth of wonderful photographs and memorabilia (the lyrics to Carry That Weight on Apple notepaper!), but also McCartney's own recollections and analysis. "Mostly, we were writing to the world," McCartney says about I Want to Hold Your Hand. The Lyrics makes it a pure joy to reach out for these songs once again. -- Victoria Segal * The Sunday Times Book of the Year *a rich, enjoyable and beautifully presented treat -- John Aizlewood * i Newspaper *To read over the words to these 154 songs is to be impressed not merely with McCartney's productivity but with the fertility of his imagination and the potency of his offhand, unfussy style ... giddy playfulness and unguarded experimentation. They're a joy to read because they exude the joy their maker took in their making. -- David Hajdu * The New York Times *The text is accompanied by beautifully reproduced illustrations, including personal snapshots, formal portraits and memorabilia. The result is a hybrid of collected lyrics, memoir and picture book, a composite form resembling the all-round character of McCartney's musicality ... The Lyrics is a rewarding portrait of an exceptional songwriter. -- Ludovic Hunter-Tilney * Financial Times *From All My Loving to Your Mother Should Know, the former Beatle illuminates a life spent puzzling how to get from the beginning of a song to its end -- David Hepworth * Observer *Paul McCartney's storied career has been a long and winding road paved with songwriting gold. Thankfully, these fab volumes do it justice -- The Sunengrossing ... reading it is like watching genius - which McCartney undoubtedly was and fitfully remains - in the process of creation, summoning something out of nothing -- David Honigmann * Spectator *The Lyrics is stunningly beautiful and a masterpiece of book design, a true joy for bibliophiles. Paul McCartney has fashioned, through the explorations of his songs with the poet Paul Muldoon, a fascinating insight into his life and creative genius. The booksellers of Waterstones are proud to celebrate this magnificent and deeply original book. -- James Daunt, WaterstonesThis lavishly produced two-volume boxed-set, which took five years to compile, is destined to be under many Christmas trees. -- Roger Lewis * Daily Mail *The Beatles used to chuck lyric sheets in the wastebasket after recording a song: Linda McCartney fished them out and saved them. The Lyrics is the deluxe version of her scrapbook, a ... handsome, two-volume compendium of Paul McCartney's work as a lyricist, accompanied by photos and Macca's engaging reminiscences. -- Ludovic Hunter-Tilney * Financial Times, Best books of 2021 *Paul McCartney never wrote an autobiography. He argued that his remarkable life story is "all in the songs" - the hundreds upon hundreds of timeless, instantly engrossing classics that have become the soundtrack to Western culture. One hundred and fifty-four of these musical gems are gathered in The Lyrics - a gripping commentary on the inspiration for the tunes, their making and the characters they portray. ... McCartney's commentary throughout feels candid, enlightening and at times philosophical. His insight into the makeup and meaning of the lyrics is illuminating and entertaining, adding layers of depth to the already rich texture. -- Hannah Gal * The Critic *Sir Paul has arranged 154 favourite compositions alphabetically, with lots of glossy photos. But in the essays that accompany each song, his underlying purpose is to affirm his status as a writer ... what fan will not enjoy a meander that feels like a long private audience with one of the Fab Four? * Economist *Paul McCartney's delicious The Lyrics is a treasure trove. Gloriously illustrated with old snaps, posters with the Beatles' bottom-of-the-bill, handwritten set lists, lyrics on scraps and exhausting tour lists criss-crossing Britain. -- Celia Imrie * Waitrose Weekend *The Lyrics is sumptuously made to a standard associated with high-end art publishers. It is lovely to hold and to touch and to look at. There are countless beautifully reproduced photographs, of McCartney - who in his younger years ravished the lens - his mother, father, brother and aunties, his wives, his children, his friends and notable collaborators. Many of the pictures are published for the first time. There are also handwritten lyric sheets festooned with doodles, scribbled diary entries, gig posters, newspaper reports, pictures of first pressings ... This book is ... more like an autobiography, done McCartney's way. Rather than publish a conventional life story, he has opted to tell this life through songs and pictures ... His eloquence is found in his art: next to the splendour of the songs ... The book showcases McCartney's lyrics ... the songs make up a larger canvas, or mosaic, that the artist himself is only now stepping back to contemplate. -- Ian Leslie * New Statesman *Stating in the introduction to this two-volume gift edition that he has no intention of writing a memoir, Paul McCartney presents his songs as the next best thing, leaving us to mine their words as a guide to his life and world view. -- Will Hodgkinson * The Times *These two beautifully produced hardbacks give a lot of bang for your buck. Macca recalls the inspiration behind 154 of his songs and the collaborative process of writing them, his stories taking in Lennon, Linda and fame, and there's a trove of photographs and memorabilia from his personal archive. He says the time has never been right to write a full memoir, but this collection is brimming with insights into the man and the music. -- Charlotte Heathcote * Daily Express *

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Book SynopsisA funny, fierce, and uninhibited musical chronicle of the convulsive recent past, from one of our finest cultural criticsTrade Review“Mr. Marcus is a world-class cultural spelunker . . . More Real Life Rock [is] a one-of-a-kind guide to rock music’s resonance in every aspect of our lives.”—David Kirby, Wall Street Journal “For decades, Greil Marcus has attempted to define the whole of American culture as his life’s work. From hip-hop to opera, from outer space to political unrest, from black to white, from a thousand years ago until tomorrow. This collection of essays, critiques, questions, and revelations shows how far a brilliant, active, open and observant mind can go toward understanding an amalgamated culture that has never understood itself.”—Walter Mosley“This new collection of Marcus’ long-running column continues his role as a great chronicler of the highways and byways of American culture. This book feels like reading the diary of a friend who had noticed things I’d missed and seen deeper into what I‘d noticed.”—Morgan Neville“The world is moving so fast that some days it feels impossible to stop, listen and look. In ten years, fifty years, or tomorrow, Greil Marcus’s Real Life Rock Top 10 will be there for you, pointing the way to things you missed, but even better, opening doors to new ways of thinking about everything you thought you knew.”—Stephanie Zacharek“Marcus’ enthusiasm is contagious; he doesn’t only share his knowledge, he wants you to go out and experience it firsthand. This record of short reviews and previews reads like a poetry volume and connects the dots between so many contemporary subjects.”—Christian Marclay“Marcus brings an acute, intellectually dexterous, aesthetically and politically informed attention to the music in question. These essays are an astounding contribution to both music and cultural history.”—Thomas Lutz, Los Angeles Review of Books

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Book SynopsisBeast: John Bonham and the Rise of Led Zeppelin is the first-ever biography of the iconic John Bonham, considered by many to be one of the greatest (if not THE greatest) rock drummer of all time. Bonham first learned to play the drums at the age of five, and despite never taking formal lessons, began drumming for local bands immediately upon graduating from secondary school. By the late 1960s, Bonham was looking for a more solid gig in order to provide his growing family with a more regular income. Meanwhile, following the dissolution of the popular blues rock band The Yardbirds, lead guitarist Jimmy Page sought the company of new bandmates to help him record an album and tour Scandinavia as the New Yardbirds. A few months later, Bonham was recruited to join the band who would eventually become known as Led Zeppelin-and before the year was out, Bonham and his three bandmates would become the richest rock band in the world.In their first year, Led Zeppelin released two

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Book SynopsisThe honest and revealing story of John Lennon's childhood by his sister Julia. Trade Review'A tragic story . . . also a tenderly evoked memoir of a Liverpool childhood' * The Independent *'Honest and poignant, this enjoyable read offers fans a new perspective on their idol' * The Sun *'A moving account of the Beatle's childhood by his half-sister . . . fascinating' * Observer Music Monthly *'Philip Larkin's much-quoted lines about sex being invented in 1963 "between the end of the Chatterley ban/ And the Beatles first LP" stand corrected here. Perhaps life was dull in Hull and Coventry, but on this account there was plenty of passion in Liverpool' * The Irish Times *'A poignant powerful tale that throws new light on the Lennon legend' * The Scottish Sunday Post *'An unusual treat' * Aberdeen Evening Express *'His sister's important new account chronicles the pivotal childhood years that provided the source of both Lennon's rich creativity and personal vulnerability' * Good Books Guide *

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Book SynopsisThe most intriguing stories of creative endeavour, volatile relationships, excessive lifestyles and bizarre events from the world of rock, as told by Hipgnosis co-founder, creative designer, photographer and filmmaker Aubrey Powell in twenty thematic chapters.Trade Review'Powell is an engaging raconteur' - Literary Review'Brutally honest, entertaining and revealing insider stories' - Creative Review'Gorgeously designed... Excess runs through most of these stories the way drugs flowed through the veins and lungs of the musicians back then' - New York Journal of Books'Adventures in the golden age of the gatefold' - UncutTable of ContentsPreface – The Initial Spark Syd Barrett – Laying Ghosts To Rest Space Cowboys Working With Animals – Dead Or Alive One Giant Step – Led Zeppelin, Houses Of The Holy Going Over To The Dark Side Peter Gabriel – The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway and Going It Alone Paul McCartney – Venus And Mars 10cc – Life Is A Minestrone Pink Floyd – Wish You Were Here Americana – A Brutal Landscape The Grand Tour Peter Grant – The Gatekeeper If Pigs Could Fly – Pink Floyd, Animals Moroccan Roll On High With Paul McCartney Miami Vice/Hawaii Versa – 10cc, Look Hear? (or: Are You Normal) Tragedy – Barry Gibb Designs That Slipped Through The Net The Icing On The Cake – Pink Floyd: Their Mortal Remains

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Book SynopsisThe sound of Wichita Lineman' was the sound of ecstatic solitude, but then its hero was the quintessential loner. What a great metaphor he was: a man who needed a woman more than he actually wanted her. Written in 1968 by Jimmy Webb, Wichita Lineman' is the first philosophical country song: a heartbreaking torch ballad still celebrated for its mercurial songwriting genius fifty years later. It was recorded by Glen Campbell in LA with a legendary group of musicians known as the Wrecking Crew', and something about the song's enigmatic mood seemed to capture the tensions in America at a moment of crisis. Fusing a dribble of bass, searing strings, tremolo guitar and Campbell's plaintive vocals, Webb's paean to the American West describes a telephone lineman's longing for an absent lover, who he hears singing in the wire' and like all good love songs, it's an SOS from the heart. Mixing close-listening, interviews and travelogue, Dylan Jones explores the legacy of a recor

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewFaber are to be loudly applauded for their vision and generosity in putting this collection together. The Peaceful Piano Playlist without doubt includes an enterprising and impressive range of composers and music, with plenty to appeal to those players who stream similar playlists online and are drawn to this musical genre. In practice, I should think that even a fairly advanced player would take quite a while to work their way through all 35 pieces included here; the book represents superb value for money and is undoubtedly one that players will want to keep returning to. To summarise, Faber Music have brilliantly encapsulated a very current musical zeitgeist with this collection, and it deserves to simply fly off the shelves! www.pianodao.com, June 2019Table of ContentsI Giorni (Ludovico Einaudi); Ab Ovo (Joep Beving); Written On The Sky (Max Richter); Gymnopédie No. 3 (Erik Satie); Mass (Re-Imagined) (Phoria); Pathétique Sonata, 2nd Movt (Ludwig van Beethoven); Earnestly Yours (Keaton Henson); The Tearjerker Returns (Chilly Gonzales); Chord Left (Agnes Obel); Engagement Party (Justin Hurwitz); Last Song (Alexis Ffrench); Clair de Lune (Claude Debussy); Throes (Half Moon Run); Aria (BWV 988) (J.S. Bach); Merry Christmas Mr Lawrence (Ryuichi Sakamoto); What We Are (Anne Lovett); Adagio in G minor (Tomaso Albinoni); Faith’s Song (from Keeping Faith) (Laurence Love Greed); Flora (Henrik Lindstrand); Pavane pour une Infante défunte (Maurice Ravel); Prelude in C (BWV846) (J.S. Bach); Inizio (Ludovico Einaudi); Strata (Poppy Ackroyd); Piano Piece, Imperfect Moments Pt. 4 (Johannes Brecht); To The Order Of The Night (Balmorhea); Mandus (Jessica Curry); Prelude in B minor (Op.28 No.6) (Frederic Chopin); The Departure (from The Leftovers) (Max Richter); Petrichor (Keaton Henson); New Moon (Alexandre Desplat); Piano Sonata No. 12 in F, K332, Adagio (Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart); Träumerei (Robert Schumann); Variations on the Kanon (George Winston); Meeting Points At 2AM (dné); Clouds (Pam Wedgwood)

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"The infinite mind of Pharrell Williams has at long last been commemorated in book form."---Navi Ahluwalia, Hypebae"[Pharrell-isms] aims to capture the creative process that underpins each of [Pharrell’s] endeavors through quotes said by the larger-than-life personality. . . . Sleek."---Shawn Ghassemitari, Hypebeast"[Pharrell-isms] gives audiences a glimpse into [Williams’s] life mantras and some of the most iconic sayings he has been heard uttering in interviews and speeches from the last decade."---Joyce Li, Hypebeast"If you are a fan of Pharrell Williams or looking for some inspiration and motivation, Williams’ Pharrell-isms may be worth checking out."---Diane Pernet, A Shaded View on Fashion"Present[s] a full picture of how a musical genius and fashion trendsetter sees and interacts with the world."---Christopher Pierznik, The Passion of Christopher Pierznik

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Book SynopsisMod defined an era and created a lasting impression on the world of fashion. This book presents a richly illustrated celebration of all things Mod; from the suits and the scooters, to the music, movies, riots and revivals.Trade Review'A lavish labour of love that details the rise, fall, rise and final levelling out of the British movement in words and stunning pictures.' RECORD COLLECTOR 'Strong on illustrations and first hand anecdotes from assorted '60s faces - a good chapter on scooters.' MOJO

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

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Book SynopsisThis re-release of Elton John at 75 (2022) celebrates the rocker’s life in a beautifully produced retrospective detailing 75 key releases and life events. Table of ContentsIntroduction PART 1: Chasing the dream, 1947–1970 PART 2: Superstar, 1970–1976 PART 3: Change it up to shake it up, 1977–1989 PART 4: I’m still standing, 1990–1997 PART 5: National treasure, 1998–Present INDEX IMAGE CREDITS About the author Bibliography

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewSeated next to Stephen Sondheim in the front row of the American musical theater pantheon is the prolific and prodigiously talented composer/lyricist Stephen Schwartz (b. 1948). Throughout a career spanning four decades that includes such hits as Godspell, Pippin, and Wicked, Schwartz has been honored with multiple Tony nominations, three Grammys, and three Academy Awards. Musical theater scholar Laird has written an in-depth study focusing on Schwartz’s projects and music. Acknowledging Carol de Giere’s biographical contributions in her 2008 book, Defying Gravity, the author concentrates on the music and musical styles of Schwartz’s theater and film work. Arranged chronologically, the title begins with an introduction to Schwartz with individual chapters on Godspell; his collaboration with Leonard Bernstein on Bernstein’s Mass; Broadway and off-Broadway shows Pippin, The Magic Show, The Baker’s Wife, Working, Rags, and Children of Eden; Schwartz’s work on animated features for Disney and DreamWorks; then the success of the musical Wicked; his opera, Seance on a Wet Afternoon, and works outside Broadway and Hollywood. VERDICT Laird offers a definitive musical analysis of Schwartz’s incredible career to date. A trenchant investigation that is both erudite and accessible, this book is an essential acquisition for all academic, professional, and large public library collections. * Library Journal, Starred Review *Laird has crafted a scholarly yet accessible review of composer/lyricist Schwartz’s work. While sentences like 'The choral writing is in four parts with a few passing tones' will only resonate with readers who have studied music, there is still lots here for fans of musical theatre—and even a few tidbits for Disney and Dreamworks fans who are fond of the musical scores of Pocahontas and The Prince of Egypt. Laird’s most insightful coverage is of Schwartz’s work on Godspell and Pippin, composer’s earliest successes. Interviews with Schwartz reveal both insider secrets and fun trivia, including that Godspell’s most famous song, 'Day by Day,' is modeled on Burt Bacharach and Hal David’s 'What the World Needs Now.' * Publishers Weekly *Laird has a fine list of publications, e.g., Leonard Bernstein: A Guide to Research. Here he presents a comprehensive biography of Schwartz and a guide to all his works—for the musical stage, film, concert stage, and opera. Schwartz is multitalented, and the author chronicles his achievements ‘as a composer, lyricist, director, and theatrical creator.’ Productions included range from Godspell (1971) to the opera Séance on a Wet Afternoon (2009). Particularly strong are Laird's descriptions of the changing versions of each production as it progressed toward the stage, with close attention to the many musical styles Schwartz employs. Throughout the volume Laird notes that this new work supplements but does not replace two earlier books: his own Wicked: A Musical Biography (2011) and Carol de Giere's Defying Gravity: The Creative Career of Stephen Schwartz from Godspell to Wicked (2008). Those volumes should be consulted, especially for more details on Wicked. Excellent notes and bibliography. Summing Up: Recommended. Large performing arts collections. * CHOICE *Several years ago, the author, a music professor and writer on Broadway musicals, interrupted his writing of a book on all of Stephen Schwartz’ musicals to concentrate on this composer/lyricist’s latest Broadway success, Wicked. The result was Wicked: A Musical Biography. . . .He later returned to and completed the original project, which became this detailed analysis of the complete works of Schwartz with individual chapter devoted to each of his shows beginning with Godspell (1971) and continuing through such works as Bernstein’s Mass (1971) (for which he wrote the lyrics), Pippin (1972), The Magic Show (1974), The Baker’s Wife (1976), and his only opera Séance on a Wet Afternoon (2009). The longest chapter (almost 60 pages) is devoted to a work not yet seen on Broadway but performed widely in schools and churches, the Biblical epic, Children of God (1991). Each of these chapters supplies detailed material on the individual show: its genesis, development, personnel involved, tryouts, rewrites, casts and cast changes, the contents of individual acts and scenes, a thorough analysis of each song used, revivals, foreign productions, and its critical receptions (with quotes from reviews). . . .The book also contains an introductory chapter on Schwartz’s life, a chapter on his film work (mainly lyrics for several Disney features), and a concluding chapter on his work outside of Broadway and Hollywood. The work is up to date. . . .It is also extremely readable and thoroughly researched; for example, the book concludes with a separate 65-page section of footnotes, sources, Websites, and interviews used. There is also a detailed index and a few black-and-white photographs scattered throughout the text. This is an excellent and enjoyable book on this important contemporary Broadway figure. . . .This work is highly recommended for theater collections. * American Reference Books Annual *Table of ContentsAcknowledgments Introduction Chapter 1: An Introduction to Stephen Schwartz Chapter 2: Godspell Chapter 3: Leonard Bernstein’s Mass Chapter 4: Pippin Chapter 5: The Magic Show Chapter 6: The Baker’s Wife Chapter 7: Working Chapter 8: Rags Chapter 9: Children of Eden Chapter 10: Animated Features for Disney and Dreamworks Chapter 11: Geppetto Becomes My Son Pinocchio: Geppetto’s Musical Tale Chapter 12: Wicked Chapter 13: Séance on a Wet Afternoon Chapter 14: Stephen Schwartz’s Works Outside of Broadway and Hollywood Epilogue Bibliography

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Book Synopsis'Bowie, Cambo & All the Hype' traces the extraordinary and pivotal friendship between David Bowie and drummer John Cambridge, from the time when Bowie made his first major career breakthrough in 1969 to his death from cancer in 2016.Trade Review'You were a great player in that early transition from drumming David's acoustic sound to the full-on rock sound that eventually gave birth to Ziggy. You have a big story to tell.' Tony Visconti;'There is no doubt about it; with that extended gesture of friendship and belief (in both David Bowie and Mick Ronson) John Cambridge single-handedly altered the trajectory of popular music.’Kevin Cann, Bowie authority, author and designer. A warm, engaging first-hand account of a pivotal time in David Bowie’s career, full of fascinating insight and turn-of-the-’70s detail.’ Rob Hughes, music journalist, Uncut

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Book SynopsisPhil Swern (Author) Best regarded for building one of the biggest private record collections in the world, Phil "The Collector" Swern has, in his own right, achieved over a dozen entries into The Guinness Book Of Hit Singles as a record producer with acts such as The Pearls, R & J Stone and The Seashells. In the mid-eighties, Phil collaborated as a writer and performer on Capital's You Ain't Heard Nothing Yet and later helped set up the Capital Gold Network. He produced Pick of the Pops for Radio 1 in the late 1980s and early 1990s, and has produced the show for Radio 2 since 1997. Phil also co-writes Ken Bruce's daily pop quiz PopMaster, for which he has compiled several successful bestselling books.Neil Myners (Author) Neil Myners, having studied music to degree and post-grad levels, has, since 1995, produced BBC Radio 2's coverage of Paul McCartney's return to the Cavern, The Brit Awards and the Ivor Novello Awards. He was both m

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Book SynopsisJerry Lee Lewis has lived an extraordinary life. He gave rock and roll its devil''s edge with hit records like ''Great Balls of Fire''. His incendiary shows caused riots and boycotts. He ran a decade-long marathon of drugs, drinking, and women, and married his thirteen-year-old second cousin, the third of seven wives. He also nearly met his maker, at least twice. He survived it all to be hailed as one of the greatest music icons. For the very first time, he reveals the truth behind the Last Man Standing of the rock-and-roll era.Trade ReviewThere's plenty of richness in Rick Bragg's retelling of the Killer's life . . . Hits all the legendary moments, both high and low . . . Worth reading -- STEPHEN KINGRick Bragg's biography of Jerry Lee Lewis really is the business. The words on the page perfectly match the music and the man -- RODDY DOYLE * * author of PADDY CLARKE HA HA HA * *I loved every amphetamine-laced, whiskey-soaked, gun-shot page of it . . .This thing moves. It rocks -- ANN PATCHETTNo one in rock and roll has ever made music and lived life with the ferocity of Jerry Lee Lewis, and no writer is better suited than Rick Bragg to tell Lewis's story. The result is a biography with the memorable language and narrative drive we expect only from the finest novels. Jerry Lee Lewis: His Own Story is the best book on rock and roll I have ever read -- RON RASHJerry Lee Lewis is a fascinating guy, a really opinion-splitting kinda legend, and this is his autobiography -- NOEL FIELDING, My Life in Suitcase - Five Touring Essentials * * NME * *The paradox of a man defining himself through his faith while leading a far from virtuous life, drives Rick Bragg's exhaustive biography . . . There's vernacular lyricism to the way Bragg paints the key moments in Lewis's life . . . Bragg's fascination for Jerry Lee Lewis wins through, and his shining a light on the eternal dichotomy between sin and salvation makes for a fascinating, distinctly American story . . . Rick Bragg's pacey, extensively researched biography draws a portrait of a bullish man doing all the things he believes God will forgive him for, repenting, and doing them all over again * * The Times * *As an intimate portrait of the original rock 'n' roll wild child, it's probably the closest look that we will ever have of one of pop music's greatest talents and most mysterious enigmas * * Record Collector * *Hell-raising takes centre stage * * GQ * *Beautifully written * * Mail on Sunday * *[Bragg] tells the full story of a long and extraordinary life with critical honesty, describing the triumphs, disasters and scandals, the women, the drink and drugs * * Daily Express * *Like Byron, he seems mad, bad and dangerous to know, but his art at least reflects him truthfully * * Independent * *Absorbing . . . a thumpingly good yarn . . . thrillingly readable * * Daily Mail * *Bragg's book really soars . . . a compelling read -- George Byrne * * Irish Independent * *Compelling . . . Bragg's book really soars . . . gives us a sense of the vastly differing sides of the man * * Belfast Telegraph * *Excellent . . . just the sort of weighty tome you'd hope Elvis would have got around to by now * * Sunday Express * *Great insight: Bragg understands the God-fearing Southern man's push-pull of good and evil, the mutually-exclusive-for-Lewis need for rock 'n' roll and redemption and the resulting emotional turmoil that ultimately defines him * * Mojo * *Attempting a biography of rock 'n' roll's most notorious figure is no mean task, but Pultizer Prize-winner Rick Bragg has done an admirable job, aided by Jerry Lee-Lewis himself . . . a fascinating account of a wild, wild talent * * Classic Rock * *This is epic Southern storytelling at its most gripping * * Chicago Tribune * *This is Lewis' version of his own story, filtered through Bragg's gift for language and his feel for the South . . . His Own Story casts one of rock n' roll's outlandish lives in a new light, giving Lewis the voice in words he always had in the notes that came from the ivory keys * * USA Today, 4 star review * *Irresistible * * Wall Street Journal * *Bragg's account does not pull punches, nor does it need to. Bragg successfully grasps the meaning of Jerry Lee Lewis and the music he begat * * All About Jazz * *There are reams of books out there about the Killer, but this is the one you want. In it, Rick Bragg tells the warts-and-all story of a troubled man, part saint, part sinner, who helped change the world * * Loud and Quiet Magazine * *

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Book SynopsisPick and roll your way through bluegrass banjo basics The banjo nearly defines the bluegrass sound, and you'll be playing your own favorite tunesor maybe writing some new oneswith the help of this book. Bluegrass Banjo For Dummies is the place to start if you're ready to start learning banjo or upgrade your skills to play in the bluegrass style. Written by an expert musician and educator, this book makes it easy to start plucking your 5-string banjo using common bluegrass techniques. You'll also have access to over 100 online audio files, and 35 video lessons, so you can see and hear the techniques in practice. This book serves as your first step to becoming a bluegrass banjo player, even if you're completely new to playing musical instruments. Choose the right banjo, pick up the basics, learn classic banjo licks, and morethe easy way. Learn how to read banjo tablature and perform on a five-string banjo Get insight on playing as part of a bluegrassTable of ContentsIntroduction 1 Part 1: Getting Started with Bluegrass Banjo 5 Chapter 1: Bluegrass Music and the Banjo 7 Chapter 2: Finding the Perfect Bluegrass Banjo and Getting the Gear You Need 21 Chapter 3: Hitting the Ground Running: Tuning, Reading Music, and Making Chords 37 Chapter 4: Fretting and Picking 51 Part 2: Let’s Roll! Scruggs-Style Banjo Essentials 69 Chapter 5: Picking Techniques: Roll Patterns 71 Chapter 6: Fretting Techniques and Putting the Hands Together 89 Chapter 7: Getting Bona Fide: Playing Licks and Classic Tunes 109 Chapter 8: Working Up Your Own Scruggs-Style Solos 135 Part 3: Playing in the Band: Backup Essentials 165 Chapter 9: Getting Started: Playing Down-the-Neck Backup 167 Chapter 10: Taking It Higher: Playing Up-the-Neck Backup 181 Part 4: Progressive Banjo: Melodic and Single-String Styles 205 Chapter 11: Melodic-Style Banjo 207 Chapter 12: Single-String Banjo 227 Part 5: Keeping Your Banjo in Top Shape 243 Chapter 13: Setup Essentials and Live Performance: Getting the Best Sound from Your Banjo 245 Chapter 14: All Strings Considered: Choosing and Changing Strings 261 Part 6: The Part of Tens 275 Chapter 15: Ten (or So) Groundbreaking Bluegrass Banjo Players 277 Chapter 16: Ten Strategies to Make You a Better Player (Right Now!) 285 Part 7: Appendixes 291 Appendix A: A Guide to Chords, Notes, and Major Scales 293 Appendix B: Audio Tracks and Video Clips 301 Index 311

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

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"Stoned Beyond Belief is an exploration of every corner of the pot galaxy, from highly scientific botanical analyses and the study of pot’s medicinal benefits to a guide to the wild world of weed paraphernalia. It’s also a very personal tribute to a substance Bronson refers to as life-changing, horizon-expanding, a conduit for happiness, a connector." -- Blackout Hip Hop

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Book Synopsis “Mixtape Potluck never wavers from its earnest stated intent: to help readers plan the best possible dinner party.” —Eater “Thank you, Questlove, for this inspired book on a theme that is having a resurgence.” —Martha Stewart, from her foreword What if Questlove threw a dinner party and everyone came? Questlove is best known for his achievements in the music world, but his interest in food runs a close second. He has hosted a series of renowned food salons and conversations with some of America’s most prominent chefs. Now he is turning his hand to creating a cookbook. In Mixtape Potluck Cookbook, Questlove imagines the ultimate potluck dinner party, inviting more than 50 chefs, entertainers, and musicians and asking them to bring along their favorite recipes. These recipes are usually enough to feed a dozen or more. Here are: Zooey Deschanel’s bok choy and cucumber Trade Review“Don’t forget to pick up a copy of Questlove’s Mixtape Potluck to add to your cookbook collection! It’s really one-of-a-kind and from my opinion as a cookbook lover, it’s kind of the one we have been waiting for.” -- Drew Barrymore

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Book Synopsis''They call me a madman but compared to Pete Way, I''m out of my league.'' - Ozzy OsbourneThere are rock memoirs and then there is this one. A Fast Ride Out of Here tells a story that is so shocking, so outrageous, so packed with excess and leading to such uproar and tragic consequences as to be almost beyond compare. Put simply, in terms of jaw-dropping incident, self-destruction and all-round craziness, Pete Way''s rock''n''roll life makes even Keith Richards''s appear routine and Ozzy Osbourne seem positively mild-mannered in comparison. Not for nothing did Nikki Sixx, bassist with LA shock-rockers Motley Crue and who ''died'' for eight minutes following a heroin overdose in 1988, consider that he was a disciple of and apprenticed to Way.During a forty-year career as founding member and bassist of the venerated British hard rock band UFO, and which has also included a stint in his hell-raising buddy Ozzy''s band, Pete Way has both scaled giddy heightTrade ReviewA tale of rock'n'roll excess par excellence -- Tim Jones * Record Collector *An entertaining romp that is also informative . . . A thoroughly absorbing autobiography, worthy of the subject * Classic Rock *His story . . . is never less than entertaining, screamingly funny and . . . deeply moving . . . an extraordinary insight into a bygone era when prodigious talent coupled with breathtaking prodigality to produce some of the most unforgettable performances in the history of rock n roll * Tribune *

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Book Synopsis''A must for fans and rock buffs'' The Sun''Fascinating read'' PowerplayJudas Priest formed in Birmingham in 1969. With its distinctive twin-guitar sound, studs-and-leather image, and international sales of over 50 million records, Judas Priest became the archetypal heavy metal band in the 1980s. Iconic tracks like ''Breaking the Law'', ''Living after Midnight'', and ''You''ve Got Another Thing Coming'' helped the band achieve extraordinary success, but no one from the band has stepped out to tell their or the band''s story until now.As the band approaches its golden anniversary, fans will at last be able to delve backstage into the decades of shocking, hilarious, and haunting stories that surround the heavy metal institution. In Heavy Duty, guitarist K.K. Downing discusses the complex personality conflicts, the business screw-ups, the acrimonious relationship with fellow heavy metal band Iron Maiden, as well as how JTrade ReviewA must for fans and rock buffs * The Sun *A fascinating read . . . pulls no punches * Powerplay *

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Book SynopsisA ROUGH TRADE BOOK OF THE YEAR 2023A GUARDIAN MUSIC BOOK OF THE YEAR 2023The Cure are arguably the biggest alternative rock band in the world. Between 1985 and 2000 every album they released went to at least Gold in the UK, the US or both. In America they have earned four Platinum albums, and they are estimated to have sold 30 million albums worldwide. Their iconic status as elder statesmen of Alternative Rock remains undiminished - if anything, their tireless touring has ensured that it has grown with every passing year - and lead singer Robert Smith is an endlessly fascinating figure to successive generations of fans. The Cure''s influence reverberates through genres including Emo, Goth, Industrial and Indie Rock.The book is an encyclopaedic A-Z of The Cure examining and riffing on miscellaneous trivia, biographies of the band members past and present, summaries of each album and selected songs, details of the band''s various tours and filmTrade ReviewA ROUGH TRADE BOOK OF THE YEAR 2023A GUARDIAN MUSIC BOOK OF THE YEAR 2023It will be hard to find a more all-encompassing repository of Cure wisdom than this one * Record Collector *Simon Price is a goth aficionado, and his encyclopaedic knowledge of The Cure was a pleasure to study and absorb - highly recommended for superfans or anyone with an interest in one of our most treasured bands of the past four decades * Tim Burgess *An extraordinary piece of work * Elis James *Price's immersion in their story is impressive, and his writing is always lively... a goldmine of information * Irish Times *Beautifully written and meticulously researched, Price's passion for his subject is obvious... a stunning tribute to the alt-rock icons * Classic Pop *An essential compendium of Cure-lore * MOJO *Simon Price is a goth aficionado, and his encyclopaedic knowledge of The Cure was a pleasure to study and absorb - highly recommended for superfans or anyone with an interest in one of our most treasured bands of the past four decades * Tim Burgess *

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Book Synopsis''A great writer'' ''A music journalist of integrity'' ''There''s only one Ted Kessler!''Paul Weller Billy Childish Liam GallagherPaper Cuts is the inside story of the slow death of the British music press. But it''s also a love letter to it, the tale of how music magazines saved one man''s life. Ted Kessler left home and school around his seventeenth birthday, determined ''to be someone who listened to music professionally''. Paper Cuts tells how Kessler found redemption through music and writing and takes us on a journey alongside the stars he interviewed and the work-place dramas he navigated as a senior staffer at NME through the boom-time ''90s and on to the monthly Q in 2004, where he worked for sixteen years before it folded with him at its helm as eTrade ReviewPaper Cuts is a wonderfully funny and moving book about a life devoted to music and music magazines. With all the ensuing chaos that that creates. And the heartbreak and salvation of a life lived in song. Artists notoriously have a fractious relationship with music journalists. Hate them even. But I was always happy to see Ted -- Florence WelchI read Paper Cuts in two sittings, over 24 hours. It's fucking brilliant. The stories! The telling! Ted Kessler's unmistakable voice. The spirit. The heart. Also rattled my consciousness, man -- Terri White, author of Coming UndoneI love how Ted writes: incisive, relatable, funny and sad but shot through with optimism and wise good humour. I'm maybe the perfect audience for his memoir, since I've been harassed in public for having a stupid haircut, experienced the ridiculousness of the interview set-up and also worked in the sitcom-silly world of magazine publishing myself. But it's also a great document of a time when you could find an entry into music journalism with just raw talent and enthusiasm, headed nowhere and having fucked up your life before it's properly begun. Why writing about music could often be a brilliant job, despite the humiliations and disappointments, the pressures and frustrations, and what happens when the twats eventually take over. Ted's encounters with famous names show both sides' vulnerabilities without any bullshit point-scoring ego getting in the way of the story. Which is rare for a music journalist, and what makes him a rare gem -- Miki BerenyiThe world I once inhabited - the world of print, vinyl and face-to-face interviews - vanished in a blast of broadband. It happened so quickly and so silently I almost forget that world had ever existed. Ted Kessler's restless eye for detail conjures it back to boozy, smoky, noisy life. Then he turns it all around and points it into the future. Not just a good book, but an important one -- Frank Cottrell-Boyce, bestselling author and screenwriterTed Kessler is one of the last great swashbuckling music journalists and this account of the crazy boom years to the slow collapse of the print press is fascinating. He is from the from a similar broad minded nest of Bohemians that I was forged and those lines about his upbringing resonated the most. A masterclass of effortless writing about something he genuinely loves -- Baxter DuryPaper Cuts is a rollicking good read. A searingly honest self-appraisal that charts Kessler's turbulent formative years, before hurtling forward into a morass of drugs, dysfunction, dead end jobs, under-achievement and, eventually, petty larceny. There are two rich seams that run through Kessler's life however; the love of music and his innate talent as a writer (and editor). Those talents, and his ability to survive adversity and hardship, are vividly highlighted in this most entertaining book -- Jah WobbleTed Kessler and all the music writer crew that cut their teeth under indie's golden age are as much the songs from that era as the songs themselves. Paper Cuts humanises Ted and his peers whilst taking you back to the largely unsurpassed musical utopia of a late 1980's England. I always thought Ted was posh: clearly not. From disgraced Till Dipper to the gobbyist music writer I know, I found so many parallels with this story. It's really, really good -- Jason Williamson, Sleaford ModsThis is such a brilliantly absorbing and entertaining book about the joys of a life lived in music. As good a left-field guide to the last few decades of alternative pop as you'll find, too. A special book by one of the very best music writers -- Felix White, author of It's Always Summer SomewhereFor 30 years Ted Kessler was in the music press's front row. His hair-raisingly honest, helter-skelter memoir tells you how it all went wrong and why it was worth it anyway. Paper Cuts moves like a great band biography - struggle, triumph, chaos, collapse - only the band is the British music press -- Dorian Lynskey, author of The Ministry of Truth and 33 Revolutions Per MinuteFrom unemployable petty criminal with 'low morals' and a fright-wig, to NME staffer barrelling through the 90s, to editor of the good ship Q (with an iceberg on the horizon), Paper Cuts is a rollicking, deftly-told inside story: of how music can save your life, how magazines really work, how mad The Stars are and how big-wigs ruin everything. Compelling, passionate, bracingly honest, Kessler takes aim at...mostly himself -- Sylvia Patterson, author of I’m Not With The BandTed's funny, knows his stuff. A great writer -- Paul Weller

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

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Book SynopsisWelcome to The Periodic Table of Hip Hop. Instead of hydrogen to helium, here you''ll find James Brown to Kendrick Lamar - 94 artists that have defined Hip Hop arranged following the logic of The Periodic Table of Elements.MCs, DJs, rappers and producers are the elements here, and this expert guide orders them to reveal their contrasts and connections, along with key movements and moments in the history of this music genre.Includes: James Brown, P-Funk, Kool Herc, Melle Mel, Sugarhill Records, Fab Five Freddy, Whodini, Run DMC, Rick Rubin, LL Cool J, Kendrick Lamar and Jay Z and many, many more...

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Book SynopsisThe ultimate Christmas gift for this 'Noël'!Show your loyalty to the ultimate Rock 'n' Roll Stars with this Supersonic celebration of the Gallagher brothers. Featuring Liam and Noel's most outrageous quotes and the quizzes and questions you need to prove you deserve to be at the concerts more than anyone else, this is the ultimate celebration of the band that defined an era. Learn:Where Oasis recorded their iconic first albumWhat Noel said about Liam after the band broke up in 2009Which Oasis song is Liam's favouriteAnd more

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Book SynopsisThe definitive survey of the work of one of the greatest American photographers.

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

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Book SynopsisDo you stop for PopMaster?Get ready to take on the ultimate PopMaster challenge from the minds behind BBC Radio 2's iconic quiz. Every weekday morning over eight million people across the nation stop what they're doing, fix themselves a cuppa and settle in to listen to the PopMaster quiz on The Ken Bruce Show. Now it's your turn to join the throng and pit your musical knowledge against expert question setters Phil Swern and Neil Myners.Ultimate PopMaster is an endlessly entertaining collection of brainteasers, featuring a foreword from the Pop Master himself, Ken Bruce, and 1,500 brand new questions that get progressively harder as you work your way through the book. Discover a surprise twist when you reach the final quiz, in which you'll get the chance to become ultimate PopMaster champion.Covering music from 1958 to 2020, this official quiz companion has something for everyone. So, whether you're a pop anorak or incidental music fan, get stuck in on your own or with friends and family, and watch the hours fly by. Who had a top 10 hit in 1997 with 'The James Bond Theme' as featured in the movie Tomorrow Never Dies? Which legendary soul singer was the subject of the 2015 number one hit by Charlie Puth featuring Meghan Trainor? Which group of comedians had a Top 10 hit in 1975 with Black Pudding Bertha (The Queen Of Northern Soul)?

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Book SynopsisAnna is starting to think she made a mistake in moving to Hull. Steph sees her city changing and misses her dad. Both are looking for somewhere to call home and something to believe in. And Sheila? She’s determined to bring people together again, the only way she knows how – karaoke! ‘Cause what we need right now is to get up on our feet, grab a mic together and belt out a ballad after a pint or five. From Pride in Poland and Windass at Wembley, to City of Culture and Brexit Britain, Us Against Whatever is an electrifying cabaret about the places we keep in our hearts, with support from Hull’s finest voices – you!

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Book SynopsisA Telegraph Book of the YearA Guardian Book of the YearA Shindig Book of the Year A Virgin Radio Book of the YearAwarded the certificate of merit in the 2023 Association for Recorded Sound Collections Awards for ExcellenceIn 1970, pop was in trouble. The Beatles were no more. Pink Floyd devoted themselves to progressive epics. Led Zeppelin dismissed anything beyond their 'musical statements' as childish frippery. Thankfully, help was on its way.This comprehensive chronicle by music historian Will Hodgkinson explores how an unlikely mix of backroom songwriters, revitalised rockers, actors, producers, teen stars and children turned pop into the dominant sound and vision of the 1970s.While bands such as the Eagles and Fleetwood Mac were ruling the albums chart, the singles chart was swinging along to the tune of million-selling blockbusters by the likes of Brotherhood of Man, the Sweet and the Wombles. These were the songs you heard on Radio 1, during Saturday-night TV, at youth clubs, down the pub and even emanating from your parents' record player...It was never cool, but it was the real soundtrack of the decade.Against a rainy, smog-filled backdrop of three-day weeks, national strikes, IRA bombings and the Winter of Discontent, this unrelenting stream of novelty songs, sentimental ballads, glam-rock stomps and blatant rip-offs offered escape, uplift, romance and the promise of eternal childhood - all released with one goal in mind: a smash hit.In Perfect Harmony takes the reader on a journey through the most colour-saturated era in music, examining the core themes and camp spectacle of '70s singalong pop, as well as its reverberations through British culture since. This is the pioneering social history of a musical revolution.Trade Review'Will has painted a colourful picture of my life in this business, and in fact paints a colourful picture of the entire '70s in Great Britain.' -- Suzi Quatro'Instead of walking the byways and backwaters of '70s pop, Will Hodgkinson heads straight down the high street. So many of these names that soundtracked everyday life turn out to have been overlooked and their stories undocumented - the results of Hodgkinson's research are hugely entertaining and informative. A terrific read and a valuable book, too.' -- Bob Stanley'Full of bold characters and strange stories, In Perfect Harmony might start out Middle of the Road but it takes audacious left turns all the way. 4/5' -- Mojo'A delightful, perceptive celebration of that decade's chartbusters, which the canon tends to ignore. A splendid, overdue rehabilitation for the era's junkshop geniuses. 4/5' -- Record Collector'Highly entertaining, a treasure trove of primary colours ... awash with startling trivia.' -- Daily Mail'Epic.' -- The Scotsman'What a wonderful book, polished and classy, with a genuine insight into the world of '70s singalong pop and the awesome magic of an unforgettable "tune" .' -- Thereza Bazar'Such a fluid, well-written read ... every page a new surprising story of hits we took for granted.' -- Miki Berenyi'A thorough, accurate and insightful recreation of the times and the tunes ... A wonderful work.' -- Paul Williams'A glorious cavalcade of the sort of acts who are used in BBC Four documentaries about punk and the Winter of Discontent to illustrate the inevitability of Thatcherism - but actually serve to remind us of the ingenuity and sheer wackiness of that much-maligned decade, the 1970s.' -- Travis Elborough'Will Hodgkinson has written a very thorough, thoughtful and hugely entertaining book detailing the cultural and musical heritage of the UK in the 1970s.' -- Barry Blue'An authoritative read.' -- Shindig'An illuminating and marvellously entertaining delight.' -- Hot Press

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Book Synopsis

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