Popular music Books

Book SynopsisIn the late 1970s, aggressive, young bands are forming across Britain. Independent labels are springing up to release their music. But this isn''t the story of punk. Forget punk. Punk was a flash in the pan compared to this. This is the story of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal, a musical movement that changed the world. From this movement - given the unwieldy acronym NWOBHM - sprang streams that would flow through metal''s subsequent development. Without NWOBHM there is no thrash metal, no death metal, no black metal. Without the rise of Iron Maiden, NWOBHM''s standard bearers, leading the charge to South America and to South Asia, metal''s global spread is slower. Without the NWOBHM bands - who included Def Leppard, Motorhead, Judas Priest, Diamond Head and many others - the international uniform of heavy metal - the ''battle jacket'' of a denim jacket with sleeves ripped off, and covered with patches (usually sewn on by the wearer''s mum), worn over a leather biker jacTrade Review[Denim and Leather] captures a moment in time and a genre of music that had a brief moment in the sun . . . The book is an honest portrayal, directly from the horse's mouth . . . The interesting thing is that it was people trying to discover their own identities . . . The book sums it up by the people who experienced it * Phil Collen, Def Leppard *There is a real tenderness to Michael Hann's perception of music, a perception that has balance of forthright investigation and humane intrigue, neither meek nor ruthless as interviewer and writer, he serves the outsider with empathy and grounded wonder. Hann's perspective on the New Wave of British Heavy Metal leads Denim and Leather to be what I want as a music fan: a revelation of the overlooked and a celebration of the underdog. Which is what the genre was all about in the first place! Magic * Joe Talbot, Idles *The influence of British metal extends far beyond the amount of newsprint miles expended on it. Denim and Leather acts both as the oral history its fans deserve and a deeply evocative primer for those of us who weren't paying attention at the time. With Denim and Leather, Michael Hann has masterfully interwoven dozens of disparate narratives to create a deeply evocative oral history of a hugely misunderstood chapter in British music history. Denim and Leather voyages beyond music history and into the realm of sociology to honour the importance of the misunderstood movement whose history it exists to tell - in the process creating a deeply evocative primer for both fans and the merely curious * Pete Paphides, author of Broken Greek *Finally, a book about one of the most overlooked and unfairly derided movements in music history. There is so much in here, metal music that shaped everything that came afterwards, joy, pathos, humour and darkness. I learned so much; now excuse me while I go brush up on Witchfynde * Frank Turner *Denim and Leather is enthralling and entertaining for both hardcore fans and novice listeners of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal. I previously did not know much beyond the biggest bands in the genre, but I found this book captivating and consistently amusing. Michael Hann talks to all the major players in the NWOBHM, who are often contradictory, sometimes delusional, and usually very charming. The book opened my eyes and ears to a lot of music I didn't previously know, and helped me contextualize exactly what was so unique about this music and the scene around it * Craig Finn, The Hold Steady *Part of the book's charm is Hann's rendering of local accents, even as his interviewees hold forth on their lurid flirtations with the dark side... [an] entertaining and poignant oral history * Financial Times *A number of lively vignettes... fascinating and entertaining * Telegraph *

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Book SynopsisThe Minutemen have enjoyed something of a revival, due to a chapter in Michael Azerrad's book Our Band Could Be Your Life, and a documentary film, We Jam Econo, showcasing the band's legacy. This book sheds light on the band's remarkable music and on an album. It includes interviews with Mike Watt, the band's bass player, and with others.Trade ReviewHow do you showcase the Minutemen's Double Nickels On The Dime, a sprawling opus of a punk record, spanning more than 40 songs over four LP sides? It's a formidable task that could easily get out of hand, but Michael T. Fournier takes a simple, no-nonsense approach in this installment of the Continuum 33 1/3 series, and this sensibility takes us into the heart and soul of the band and their crowning achievement. Fournier dives right into the band's history, giving us a short overview of the basics; how they formed, the band members' various personalities, and how they got to the point of releasing Double Nickels. The band was notorious for using inside jokes and obscure references, which played itself out in the theme of the record. Fournier breaks down their overall approach, including an interesting bit on how the album name and cover photo played off of Sammy Hagar's I Can't Drive 55, of all things. He also explains the structure of the album and how each separate side came into being, with each band member getting a side, and leftovers ending up on the last side, nicknamed Chaff. From there, Fournier goes into each song on the album, providing back stories and anecdotes, including interviews with bassist Mike Watt himself. The book does a great job of pulling back the layers of quirkiness that the band painted themselves in, shining light on some of the mysteries of one of the 80s greatest indie punk records. * Mish Mash Music Reviews *Table of ContentsChapter 1: History Lesson Chapter 2: History Lesson (Part II) Chapter 3: Arena Rock Is The New Wave: Side D. Chapter 4: Punk Rock Is The New Nostalgia: Side Watt Chapter 5: Dance Rock Is The New Pasture: Side George Chapter 6: Chump Rock Is The New Cool: Side Chaff

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Book SynopsisThe band to introduce the blues to the British mainstream and who continue to sell millions of records 40 years on. This bleak album is now regarded as their finest hour. Includes Rocks Off.Trade Review"'A brilliant idea' The Times; 'Neat' Nick Hornby; 'Pocket-size books about favourite albums is a nice idea, akin to TV's Classic Albums and with an equal amount of care and attention.' The Guardian (Friday Review)"

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Book SynopsisHow one man discovered B. B. King, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Elvis Presley, and how his tiny label, Sun Records of Memphis, revolutionised the world.Trade ReviewAuthor Peter Guralnick has no equals when it comes to researching the characters around Fifties andSixties rock music, and this biography has been many years in the writing. ...(a) valuable and fascinating book. -- Ray Connolly * DAILY MAIL - Book of the Week *In the hands of a storyteller as deft as Peter Guralnick it effortlessly engages the reader throughout. -- Lou Glandfield * TIMES LITERARY SUPPLEMENT *Guralnick's book is exhaustive but exhilarating. Writing about music is notoriously difficult ... Guralnick manages to do so with ease, so that every description of a recording gets you scurrying to YouTube, to check if he's right. He invariably is. It's a big book about a huge personality whose influence on popular music has been enormous. -- JOHN CLARKE * THE INDEPENDENT *Guralnick brilliantly captures the period, its attitudes and its characters in a book that is essential reading for anyone interested in popular music. -- Edward Argyle * DAILY EXPRESS *Getting to know Sam, Mr. Guralnick explains, opened up "a world in which I had clearly not grown up but to which I so desperately sought admittance, as historian, as writer, as fan." So began the quest that has produced the gold-standard Presley bio and now a complete portrait of his inspiration.Mr. Guralnick has captured what was different, real and raw about a great artist. His Sam Phillips comes out perfectly imperfect. -- PRESTON LAUTERBACH * WALL STREET JOURNAL *

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

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Book SynopsisThis comprehensive book is devoted to the history of Deep Purple & centred on the band's breakthrough album 'Deep Purple In Rock'. It covers early rehearsals, concerts & recording sessions and concentrates on a crucial 2-year period for them starting in mid-1969 as they sacked founding members and searched for replacements.

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Book SynopsisA page turnerand then some!' Chris EvansAn absorbing memoir.' Classic Rock MagazineA very enjoyable rock-n-roll memoir that is not just for fans, but for anyone interested in this classic era of the British rock scene' The AfterwordA fascinating insight into the golden-age of 1970s and 80s rock and roll told through the eyes of music legend Bernie Marsden and, most notably, his role in establishing one of the world's most famous rock bands of all time Whitesnake.A compelling journey in the company of a masterful (and mercifully ego-free) musician. I saved it like a cherished slab of vinyl.' Ian RankinTouring with AC/DC. Befriending The Beatles. Writing one of the world's most iconic rock songs.This is the story of a young boy from a small town who dreamt of one day playing the guitar for a living and ended up a rock n' roll legend.It follows Bernie Marsden's astonishing career in the industry from tours in Cold War Germany and Franco's Spain, to meeting and befriending George HarrisTrade ReviewA page turner…and then some!’ Chris Evans ‘An absorbing memoir.’ Classic Rock Magazine ‘A rollicking memoir by one of the prime exponents of Seventies and Eighties British hard rock, full of the kind of bad behaviour and back-stabbing you’d expect but written with a real sense of fun’ Choice Magazine ‘A very enjoyable rock-n-roll memoir that is not just for fans, but for anyone interested in this classic era of the British rock scene, and that highlights the fact that, as well as being a first-class guitarist, the author is first and foremost a music fan’ The Afterword ‘Fabulous anecdotes and stories…a fascinating, affectionate and humorous account of the crazy, creative life of a great musician.’ Bob Harris ‘Bernie Marsden is a musical treasure…I don't think people know ALL he has done and just how much he was a part of the early British rock scene to present day. It's all in here. READ THIS BOOK!’ Steve Lukather, Toto ‘Guitar hero, rock legend, and mega-hit songwriter…a true living legend. This memoir gives a fascinating personal look into one of Britain’s most brilliant musicians, and some of the greatest rock music ever created.’ James Jared Nichols ‘Hugely entertaining.’ Paul Jones ‘One of the iconic musicians of his generation.’ Pat Cash

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Book SynopsisIt didn't take long after Jimi Hendrix's death for the artist to become a myth of music. He has been surrounded by a shroud of intrigue since he first came into the public eye, and the mystery has only grown with time. Much has been written and said about him by experts and fans and critics, some of it true and some of it not; Starting at Zero will set the record straight. This is Hendrix in his own words.The lyricism and rhythm of Jimi Hendrix's writing will be of no surprise to his fans. Hendrix wrote prolifically throughout his life and he left behind a trove of scribbled-on hotel stationary, napkins and cigarette cartons. Starting at Zero weaves the scraps and bits together fluidly with interviews and lyrics revealing for the first time a continuous narrative of the artist's life, from birth through to the final four years of his life. The result is a beautifully poetic, charming and passionate memoir as smooth and memorable as Hendrix's finest songs.The pieces of

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Book SynopsisHow has a group conceived as a short-lived commodity outlived many more 'real' bands by nearly fifty years? Why are The Monkees still important, and what does this tell us about their music, their TV show, and our understanding of popular culture today? Despite being built in Hollywood, and not necessarily to last, that is precisely what their music, TV, and cinematic output has done. They in many ways unique-as the first 'made for TV' band, their success introduced methods of marketing pop that have since become standard industry practice; their 'big screen' use of film and images in live performance is likewise now a firmly established principle of concert staging; and in the way they changed the rules of the game, taking control over their own affairs at the height of the success, risking magnificent failure by doing so. The Monkees invented a new kind of TV, gave a new model to the music industry, and left behind one of the most enigmatic movies of the modern era, Head. This book is about all that and more. Beginning by exploring the origins and personalities of the four Monkees before looking in depth at their work together on screen, on stage, and on record, this is the first serious study of the band and the first to fully acknowledge their importance to the development of pop as we now know it.

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Book SynopsisMulatu was the first Ethiopian jazz music-maker to study abroad and thus be exposed to Western musical trends. When he returned to Addis Ababa he pursued his dream of drawing on the musical heritage of his homeland a heritage that has been buffeted by Ethiopia s turbulent history to produce a unique, compelling blend of music: Ethiopian sounds with a twist . In the late 1960 s, his Ethio jazz introduced, among other new ideas, the Afro-Latin soul where he played conga, piano, vibraphone and innovative musical arrangements. These included compositions of popular Ethio jazz music which took on a modern, funk, jazz-infused quality that soon had recording companies knocking at his door.

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Book SynopsisAndy Miller traces the circumstances surrounding The Village Green Preservation Society released in November 1968, and celebrates the songs pieced together by a band who were on the verge of disintegration and who refused to follow fashion.Trade ReviewThis detailed tome leads the reader through the often fraught construction of what is now regarded as Davies's [sic] masterpiece- and, like the best books of its ilk, it makes the reader want to either re-investigate the album or hear it for the first time. * Blender Magazine, October 2003 *Miller takes an in-depth look at the Kinks' nostalgic and autobiographical album, released in 1968 , at the worst possible time, when rock was all about rebellion and psychedelia...This is the sort of focus that my make you want to buy a copy, or dig out your old one. * Rob Mackie, The Guardian *A compelling portrait...Miller's insight into the album's thematic structure is as eloquent as any writing on The Kinks * Philadelphia City Paper *...this is a charming and valuable addition to the series. * Joe Pettit, Ugly Things, Issue 25 *So thorough is Miller's survey of the period. * Pop Culture Press *Kinks commander Ray Davies once described the Beatles as "the boy next door only better." Miller notices this is a deeply autobiographical comment, and he's unquestionably in the tank for both that boy and that boy's nostalgia-driven magnum opus. But Miller tempers his enthusiasm with research, with and detailed-if-straightforward analysis of the songs, the time, the players and the fascinating history of the very English temperament that produced this most English of magnum opuses. * Austin American-Statesman, Oct. 17, 2004 *One of the hallmarks of the 33 1/3 series is the track-by-track runthrough, during which the author proceeds, often in painstaking detail, to describe each song on a given album in order. Occasionally this can be redundant or tedious, but one of the first great examples is in Andy Miller’s book on the Kinks’ finest hour. -- Stephen M. Deusner * Pitchfork *

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Book Synopsis''THE BOOK THAT EVERY REGGAE FAN SHOULD READ'' John Masouri, Echoes''Rodigan can still claim a currency few presenters of his vintage can match. Perhaps it''s because while his wider musical and professional milieu has been in constant change, his boundless enthusiasm has been constant. Reggae''s been lucky to have him'' Ian Harrison, MOJO''Rodigan was a major part of my childhood, he played the hottest tunes and in a style that just resonated with me and millions like me. Being able to contribute anything to a man that filled my life with such joy is an honour, respect, David Rodigan'' Ian Wright''David is a pioneer in Reggae music. As a selector and radio personality, his vast knowledge of Jamaican music and its culture has helped to educate and fascinate music lovers around the world; he''s an amazing son of the music, and an icon. We couldn''t have made it this far without him'' ShaggyThis is the unlikely Trade ReviewIn my lifetime, David Rodigan has been one of the most respected broadcasters and DJs in any music genre. He always will be. His passion and energy for the music are unparalleled -- Trevor NelsonPeople use the word "legend" too lightly, but when it comes to this man, he's just a don gargan! Beyond legend * Goldie *Today the world has finally gotten to know that Sir David Rodigan is the very best at what he does. Not just playing the music, but loving it with a world of musical knowledge. We love you David, ride on ... -- Freddie McGregorRodigan's insatiable appetite for Reggae in all its guises and permutations has been a gift to Great Britain. Life without Rodigan would be unimaginable. He waged war against the marginalisation of Reggae and fought to infuse radio listeners with his own indefatigable passion. We are forever in his debt -- Vanessa FeltzWhen I think of Rodigan I immediately think - mum preparing the food, me doing the hoovering with the shake & vac, Rodigan in the background on the radio and me skanking to some riddim. The word legend is banded about far too often these days and often unwarranted, but for this man, it's the perfect way to sum him up. Thanks to YouTube these days you can now see how he went to Jamaica and clashed with various sound systems and coming out victorious 'nuff times. The utmost respect for a true icon, Mr David Rodigan -- Rio FerdinandThere a very few DJs who have made the sort of contribution to the music industry as David Rodigan. He invited me onto his Capital Radio show in the early 80s and he was as impressive in real life as his persona suggested. Rodigan has had a profound effect on generations of Reggae lovers and has taken the genre to the four corners of the globe. Bob Marley, Dennis Brown, Gregory Isaacs et al sang the music we loved but we needed someone to make the connection between the artist, the music and the people and no one did that better than David Rodigan -- Gareth CrooksAs a teenager growing up, my weekend wasn't complete unless I listened to David Rodigan playing all the tunes I loved and still love today. Nuff respect due -- Les FerdinandAn enjoyable history of Jamaican music in Britain -- Graeme Thomson * Uncut *The book that every reggae fan should read ... it's the story of a genuine, if unlikely, British reggae institution whose love of the music illuminates every page. It's as easily digestible, engaging and informative as the man's radio broadcasts -- John Masouri * Echoes *David Rodigan is the outside world's greatest ambassador of Jamaica's musical heritage, whose enthusiasm and keen insight has enlightened and entertained millions internationally over the past four decades. Now, in his revelatory self-titled autobiography, he takes us behind the scenes to sometimes harrowing, more often exhilarating events and encounters, interacting with nearly all of reggae's finest creators, sharing professional insights and guiding us through the music's evolution from ska to grime. Never has a book taken us so skillfully through this ethereal world with such candor, grit and honesty. Essential reading for everyone who calls themselves a fan of Jah Music - -- Roger Steffens, Founding Editor, Beat magazine; Founding Chairman, Reggae Grammy Committee

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Book SynopsisIn 1960, photographer William Claxton and noted musicologist Joachim E. Berendt traveled the United States hot on the trail of jazz. Through music halls and marching bands, side streets and subways, they sought to document this living, breathing, beating musical phenomenon that enraptured America across social, economic, and racial lines. The result of Claxton and Berendt’s collaboration was Jazzlife, much sought after by collectors and now revived in this fresh TASCHEN volume. From coast to coast, from unknown street performers to legends of the genre, this defining jazz journey explores just what made up this most original of American art forms. In New Orleans and New York, in St. Louis, Biloxi, Jackson, and beyond, Claxton’s rapturous yet tender images and accompanying texts examine jazz’s regional diversity as much as its pervasive vitality and soul. They show the music makers and the many spaces and people this music touched, from funeral parades to concert stages, from an elderly trumpet player to kids who hung from windows to catch a glimpse of a passing band. With portraits of Charlie Parker, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Muddy Waters, Gabor Szabo, Dave Brubeck, Stan Getz, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Miles Davis, Charles Mingus, Thelonious Monk, John Coltrane, and many more, this is as much a compelling slice of history as it is a loving personal tribute.Trade Review“Even in its new incarnation, Jazzlife remains a book unique in the jazz literature, and not only for its physical dimensions. Pore over its pages, and you're seeing jazz — and related music — practically everyone who mattered turns up in these pages.” * The Chicago Tribune *

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Book SynopsisWINNER OF THE 2016 NOBEL PRIZE FOR LITERATURE‘100 Songs is a good start, for anybody lucky enough to be starting out with such a genius’ The London Evening StandardA new collection of Bob Dylan’s most essential lyrics – one hundred songs that represent the Nobel Laureate’s incredible musical range through the entirety of his career so far. ‘The Nobel acknowledges what we’ve long sensed to be true; that Mr. Dylan is among the most authentic voices America has produced, a maker of images as audacious and resonant as anything in Walt Whitman or Emily Dickinson.’ Dwight Garner, New York Times 'The Nobel committee got this right – Dylan’s ongoing achievement in American song is a literary feat to celebrate in his gaudiest of ways.’ Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone Bob Dylan is one of the most important songwrit

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Book SynopsisFrom behind the drums to behind the lens, in PHOTOGRAPH Ringo Starr opens his archives to share memories of his childhood, The Beatles and beyond.Rare and unseen photographs taken by Ringo, with others reproduced from his family albums, are showcased here for fans of The Beatles and anyone passionate about modern music. Accompanied by Ringo''s original manuscript of over 15,000 words, PHOTOGRAPH gives unprecedented insight into the life of one of the world''s greatest musicians.From Pwllheli to Delhi, obscurity to superstardom, join Ringo on his travels in his photographic memoir.

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Book SynopsisOn February 21st 2012, five members of an obscure feminist post-punk collective called Pussy Riot staged a performance in Moscow's Cathedral of Christ the Saviour. Dressed in their trademark brightly coloured dresses and balaclavas, the women performed their song 'Punk Prayer - Mother of God, Chase Putin Away!' in front of the altar. The performance lasted only 40 seconds but it resulted in two-year prison sentences for three of the performers - and has turned Pussy Riot into one of the most well-known and important protest movements of the last five years. This necessary and timely book is an account of the Pussy Riot protest, the ensuing global support movement, and the tangled and controversial trial of the band members. It explores the status of dissent in Russia, the roots of the group and their adoption - or appropriation - by wider collectives, feminist groups and music icons. Masha Gessen has unique access to the band and those closest to them. Her unrivalled understanding of the Russian protest movement makes her the ideal writer to document and explain the rage, the beauty and the phenomenon that is Pussy Riot.Trade ReviewLively and sympathetic... A vivid account of the three women's arrest and then the harrowing absurdity of their trial that summer... Keenly observed and often moving -- Tony Wood * Guardian *Powerful... This is scrupulous and sensitive journalism -- AD Miller * Daily Telegraph **** *Immensely readable... It brilliantly traces the evolution of Pussy Riot -- Angus Roxburgh * Mail on Sunday ***** *Gessen's sharp pen draws a caustic picture of the show trials in the summer of 2012 [and] prison correspondence provides a vivid picture of the continuing awfulness of the Russian penal system... Valuable * Economist *Powerful... this is a hotly anticipated book by one of Russia's most influential opposition journalists. It's a pacy telling of what is an extraordinary story -- Carole Cadwalladr * Observer *A fine, full, deeply sympathetic portrait of a particular kind of courage, a punk dissidence that is at once frail and mighty -- John Lloyd * Financial Times *A powerful indictment of the return to Soviet-era tactics to silence dissent... Enlightening [and] poignant -- Lucy Popescu * Tablet *Thorough... Much here will be new to the reader. All of it is infuriating * New York Times *[It] is written in a dry, raised-eyebrow deadpan, which allows post-Soviet repression to indict itself and adeptly captures the bluster and headiness of activist idealism.... Moving * LA Times *[An] angry, clear and intimate look at the women behind Pussy Riot. Gessen's portraits are touching and a little sad -- Ben Judah * Sunday Times *Gessen pulls together a psychological portrait of the three ring-leaders -- Arifa Akbar * Independent *Gripping... a lucid account of the history of the group and their aims -- Andrzej Lukowski * Metro *Gessen's clinical and thorough depiction of Pussy Riot is as personal as it is political -- Una Mullally * Irish Times *Vividly told -- Maria Alekhina * Sunday Herald *You really need to read this in-depth look at what it means be young, fearless and angry in the new Russia * Twin Factory *A solid piece of journalism... It reveals [Pussy Riot] as clever, funny, brave and idealistic. And it reveals Russia as a country still held back by a giant anchor dug into its Soviet past -- Giles Whittel * The Times *Gessen makes a forceful case for Pussy Riot... As a Russian-American steeped in the same ideas that inspired Pussy Riot, [she] is a useful guide -- Daniel Trilling * New Statesman *[This] offers an engaging and thoughtful exegesis of the events and personalities behind Pussy Riot. It is a lively addition to the canon of Russian prison literature. Gessen presents a scathing portrait of Putin-era judicial system -- Fernanda Eberstadt * TLS *

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Book SynopsisNow in paperback: In the latest book in the multimillion-selling Killing Series, Bill O''Reilly and Martin Dugard tell the larger-than-life stories of Elvis Presley, John Lennon, and Muhammad Ali.In the latest book in the multimillion-selling Killing Series, Bill O''Reilly and Martin Dugard tell the larger-than-life stories of Elvis Presley, John Lennon, and Muhammad Ali.The King is dead. The Walrus is shot. The Greatest is no more.Elvis Presley, John Lennon, and Muhammad Ali. These three icons changed not only the worlds of music, film, and sports, but the world itself. Their faces were known everywhere, in every nation, across every culture. And their stories became larger than lifeuntil their lives spun out of control at the hands of those they most trusted.In Killing the Legends, Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard explore the lives, legacies, and tragic deaths of three of the most famous people of the 20th century. Each experien

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Book SynopsisFeaturing forewords from bandmates Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, this is the official and fully authorised biography of the world's most revered and celebrated drummer.Mid-1962. The newly formed Rolling Stones are on the hunt for a permanent drummer. Their sights are set on Charlie Watts, a jazz musician already well-known within London's rhythm and blues clubs. Fortunately for future Stones fans the world over, they persuade him to take on the job. Once installed at the drum seat, Charlie would not miss a beat for the rest of his life. He was there throughout the swinging sixties as the Stones reached superstardom and for the well-documented debauchery of the 1970s, typified by the iconic album Exile on Main St. Battling his own demons by the eighties, Charlie emerged unscathed, cementing his reputation as the thoughtful, cultured but no less compelling counterpoint to his more raucous bandmates.For almost 60 years through all the band bust-ups, bereavements and changes in personneTrade Review‘An affectionate portrait, one that recognises Watts as musician, colleague, family man, obsessive collector and immaculate dresser.’ Sunday Times ‘Sexton, a longtime Stones chronicler, tells Watts’s story with warmth and diligence’ Observer ‘Exhaustively researched… crammed with telling incidental information’ Telegraph ‘The book that every Stones fan will want to read this Christmas, largely because, like its subject, it’s sharp, straightforward and blessed with significant dry wit … an essential purchase’ Classic Rock ‘A book as gentle, fascinating and companionable as the man himself’ Mojo ‘Favours substance over flash, presenting an affectionate account of a devoted family man and friend, a particularly British type of eccentric, who just happened to play drums for the Rolling Stones.’ Irish Independent

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Book SynopsisIn this era of lavish box sets and extravagant vinyl reissues, the sheer economy of Talk Talk's output feels terrific, refreshing and just right. During the group's ten-year lifespan, they released just five studio albums, but in the process, redefined contemporary music and spawned a whole new movement that would come to be known as 'post rock', influencing legions of bands in their wake, including the likes of Elbow, Mogwai and Sigur Ros. Leader Mark Hollis's determination to carry out his musical vision would see the group mutate from a synth-pop/new romantic outfit moulded in the shadow of Duran Duran, into the most determinedly unique and unclassifiable art pop act of the late 20th century. More than 30 years later, the group's astonishing last three albums are still blowing minds and being studiously examined by those who seek to break their mysterious code. This book examines the whole of Talk Talk's oeuvre song by song, telling their bizarre and somewhat unlikely story along the way as we cast light on the essence of the group through their work. While a book on this compelling band necessarily discusses the tortured genius of singer/guitarist/writer Mark Hollis, it also casts light on the surprising apres-Talk Talk careers of foundational members Lee Harris and Paul Webb as well as that of producer/keyboardist Tim Friese-Greene.

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Book SynopsisTake a journey into the extraordinary world of healing sound and embark upon a powerful exploration of the science and magic of crystal singing bowls.Fascinating discoveries in science and medicine are revealing the many ways sound affects us at both a biological and an emotional level. At a time when people are seeking solace and healing as never before, distinguished musician and crystal singing bowl master teacher Jeralyn Glass has penned an intriguing narrative that impactfully shows how you can embrace the healing power of music.Sacred Vibrations shares the remarkable story of the Glass's rise to acclaim as a Broadway and opera singer who graced some of the world's most celebrated stages. We walk with her as she shares her exploration of the healing power of music that traces its roots to primitive humanity. We learn from the wisdom and scientific research of her friends and colleagues who are bringing the study of sound and music to an epic cresce

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Book SynopsisA moving and inspiring memoir of families lost and rediscovered, by a founding member of legendary band Midnight Oil. For fifty years, songwriter, guitarist and keyboard player Jim Moginie was a driving force behind one of Australia's most iconic rock bands, Midnight Oil. As they made their way through the nascent domestic punk scene and the uncharted musical territory of the Western Desert to the concert halls of Europe and America, the band members developed a feeling of 'five against the world'. For Jim, this de facto family was a bulwark against a nagging sense that something was missing from his life: he'd long known that his biological mother had given him up for adoption as a baby. While Midnight Oil grappled with the challenges of chart success, their political activism and global tours, Jim's quest to find his birth family increasingly led him in different directions, to the quiet suburbs of Canberra and the meandering rivers and verdant hills of rural Ireland - and emotion

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Book SynopsisA rare collection of more than 200 full-color and black-and-white souvenir photographs and memorabilia that bring to life the renowned jazz nightclubs of the 1940s and 1950s, compiled by Grammy Award-winning record executive and music historian Jeff Gold and featuring exclusive interviews with Quincy Jones, Sonny Rollins, Robin Givhan, Jason Moran, and Dan Morgenstern.In the two decades before the Civil Rights movement, jazz nightclubs were among the first places that opened their doors to both Black and white performers and club goers in Jim Crow America. In this extraordinary collection, Jeff Gold looks back at this explosive moment in the history of Jazz and American culture, and the spaces at the center of artistic and social change. Sittin’ In is a visual history of jazz clubs during these crucial decades when some of the greatest names in in the genre—Billie Holiday, Charlie Parker, Ella Fitzgerald, Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, Louis Armstrong, Oscar Peterson, and many others—were headlining acts across the country. In many of the clubs, Black and white musicians played together and more significantly, people of all races gathered together to enjoy an evening’s entertainment. House photographers roamed the floor and for a dollar, took picture of patrons that were developed on site and could be taken home in a keepsake folder with the club’s name and logo.Sittin’ In tells the story of the most popular club in these cities through striking images, first-hand anecdotes, true tales about the musicians who performed their unforgettable shows, notes on important music recorded live there, and more. All of this is supplemented by colorful club memorabilia, including posters, handbills, menus, branded matchbooks, and more. Inside you’ll also find exclusive, in-depth interviews conducted specifically for this book with the legendary Quincy Jones; jazz great tenor saxophonist Sonny Rollins; Pulitzer Prize-winning fashion critic Robin Givhan; jazz musician and creative director of the Kennedy Center, Jason Moran; and jazz critic Dan Morgenstern.Gold surveys America’s jazz scene and its intersection with racism during segregation, focusing on three crucial regions: the East Coast (New York, Atlantic City, Boston, Washington, D.C.); the Midwest (Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, St. Louis, Kansas City); and the West Coast (Los Angeles, San Francisco). This collection of ephemeral snapshots tells the story of an era that helped transform American life, beginning the move from traditional Dixieland jazz to bebop, from conservatism to the push for personal freedom.Trade ReviewA great book…A story that needs to be told! — Sonny Rollins Vivid and beautiful... — Los Angeles Times Unprecedented...explores a seminal period in jazz culture, including how [jazz clubs] broke racial barriers...an incredible trove of unseen photos and memorabilia as well as exclusive interviews with Sonny Rollins, Quincy Jones and Dan Morgenstern, among others. — JAZZIZ Magazine Sending big-time props to my brother, Jeff Gold, on the release of his new book, Sittin' In—the first book exclusively dedicated to the story of America’s jazz clubs...This book covers the incredibly important role jazz played in integration, as jazz clubs were among some of the first places that allowed integration during the Jim Crow era, on stages & in the audiences. It was never about the color of your skin...jazz was & is simply about, “Can you play, sucka!” & that’s exactly what this book is about! — Quincy Jones A vibrant history of jazz clubs...beautifully designed...meticulously laid out and researched. — AllMusic/The Year’s Best Music Books Sittin’ In is fabulous: well thought out, beautifully put together, and artfully done with superb taste. A treasure. — Herb Alpert A beautiful book...highly, highly recommended. — Tell Me Everything with John Fugelsang/SiriusXM Absolutely fascinating...a thoroughly entertaining, coherent, visually enticing package. — Analog Planet Sittin’ In is in a word—exquisite. Meticulously laid out and extensively researched, it’s a deep dive into this amazing period of American cultural history. These venues and this amazing music were among the best vehicles for integration the country ever had. This was an America really making a go of bringing people together. It wasn’t legislation. It was Jazz. And it worked. We are incredibly lucky to have Sittin’ In. The musicians in these pages made some of the most sublime music you will ever hear. Seek it out if you have not already. — Henry Rollins Without a doubt a MAJOR contribution to jazz history in so many ways. An explosion of never-before-seen images, an expert history of the music it celebrates, and lengthy and superb interviews with a killer-row of musicians and scholars. Truly a must-have for anyone for whom swing is the thing. — Loren Schoenberg, Former Executive Director/Current Senior Scholar of the National Jazz Museum in Harlem Any research project of this depth and breadth deserves celebration, especially when it focuses on places and ideas that are usually dismissed in most jazz histories and studies. So valuable, and so browsable—to use a book industry term, one I have affection for, that basically says, "jump in anywhere and carry on from there..." That's this book. With inspired, insightful interviews with Quincy Jones, Sonny Rollins, Jason Moran, and others. — Ashley Kahn, author of Kind of Blue: The Making of the Miles Davis Masterpiece, A Love Supreme: The Story of John Coltrane's Signature Album, and The House That Trane Built: The Story of Impulse Records This book is a revelation. In these unique images of mid-century jazz clubs, the camera is turned on the audience—showing the hidden history of racial integration. — Jon Savage, author of England's Dreaming: Sex Pistols and Punk Rock; The Searing Light, the Sun and Everything Else: Joy Division, 1966: The Year the Decade Exploded; and Teenage: The Creation of Youth Culture You definitely feel like you’re back in the era when looking at these photos...just fascinating. — Press Play with Madeline Brand/KCRW Los Angeles This marvelous book is a must tor anyone interested not only in the history of jazz and American city culture but also tor it's wondrous design...Take the trip! It just might blow your mind... — Nels Cline/Wilco and The Nels Cline Singers Book of the year! Easily! — Johan Kugelberg, author of The Velvet Underground: New York Art and Punk: An Aesthetic Sittin' In is a book that has a lot to say, with or without words…It champions and shines a long overdue light on a golden era of our society. Jazz is the backdrop and, as it still does today, feeds the very soul. But here we take a closer look and see that the jazz culture was, and is, a powerful spirit of our humanity. — All About Jazz This wondrous book is most appreciated...The real joy here is just looking at all of the photos of “regular” jazz fans sitting in booths, just hanging out and enjoying themselves in clubs. Souvenir photos of people gathering in booths, as well musicians on stage reveal a culture and worldview of life’s simpler pleasures. The writings, as well as the wonderful photos and illustrations all seem to shout out “this is what you are missing in life” and makes me pray for a return of people putting the real meaning into the term “jazz club”. — Jazz Weekly Serious jazz fans should have this book…A sharp, clear explanation of a long-gone era of musical and social exploration. — The Arts Fuse ...a swinging book, with amazing interviews and pictures about jazz clubs. You really might want to check it out. — Penn Jillette This handsome book looks back not only to the distant years of clubs long gone, but to a seemingly equally distant time...when we could gather freely with one another, relax, and enjoy the best live music in the land. — Wall Street Journal ...offers an unprecedented look inside the jazz clubs from this era across the United States. Drawing on an incredible trove of never-before-seen photos and memorabilia, [Gold] gives us a glimpse at a world that was rich in culture, music, dining, fashion, and more. — LA Weekly ...serves as a welcome escape for those yearning to see live music again. — Jewish Insider This is a terrific book about the history of jazz clubs and the great artists who played them. Highly recommend! — Billy Crystal Jeff Gold's Sittin' In is a terrific new book documenting the jazz clubs of the 1940s & 1950s...the photographs are a treasure, and the text is fascinating. Even if you aren't an aficionado of the jazz of this era, or of jazz in general, the stories of the time and of this culture (let alone the lasting impact on music) make this one well worth owning. — Benmont Tench What a great book—I’m staggered by the archival material that’s been researched. — Bill Wyman The images testify not just to jazz’s popular peak but to a now-distant optimistic moment of promise in American life...These images bequeath a rarely published view of Black American middle-class life at mid-century: relaxed, elegant, and urbane...You also come away struck by how singular this postwar moment was. Finally, though, you come away refreshed by the spirit of what once was, a spirit that rebukes and shames where we seem to be today. — The New York Review of Books Excellent. — The Daily Beast

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Book SynopsisDon Black is the man behind some of the late twentieth century's greatest musical numbers and one of Andrew Lloyd Webber's frequent collaborators - this is his memoir.Trade ReviewAmong the brilliant stories and wonderful behind-the-scenes glimpses of a life and career in show-business is some great advice, the best of which is don't use fifty words when you can use five. So I won't. Here's what I think of Don's book . . . It's bloody brilliant . . . Read it! * Michael Ball *Warm, unpretentious and never lacking in humour * Mojo *One of the joys of Black's memoir is his close-up view of the abnormality of the people he has worked with. He has a sharp eye and turn of phrase . . . Black may well be one of the sanest guys in the room. He's one of the kindest too * Herald *Remarkable life story . . . entertaining new memoir . . . Refreshingly for a showbiz autobiography, the book is as economical and fat free as his lyrics * Waitrose Weekend *Emotional and poignant * Jewish Telegraph *. . . a compelling memoir. Breezy and unpretentious, The Sanest Guy in the Room is a delightful collection of memories, insider information and after-dinner anecdotes * The Times *Somewhere between a memoir and an extended love letter to his late wife, Shirley - who died in 2018, after a marriage that lasted 60 years - it details his remarkable career as a songwriter . . . as down-to-earth and charming as the book's title suggests * Guardian *Breezy memoir . . . good, fast read * Jewish Chronicle *Deeply moving * Radio Times *He sprinkles his memoir with warm reminiscences and self-deprecating anecdotes . . . you'll come away fromthis entertaining book with a new appreciation for a craft that's too often overlooked * Mail on Sunday *

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Book SynopsisIn Fender Telecaster and Stratocaster, guitar historian Dave Hunter profiles these two beloved guitars' conception, design, numerous variations, and famous players. This amazing story, updated for the brand's 75th anniversary, is illustrated with exclusive archival images, studio shots, and memorabilia.Table of ContentsIntroduction by Tony Bacon PART I: LEO AND THE ORIGIN OF FENDER PART II: THE TELECASTER History of the Telecaster Telecaster Tone and Construction Artist Profiles Jimmy Bryant, Paul Burlison, James Burton, Luther Perkins, Muddy Waters, Albert Collins, Steve Cropper, Michael Bloomfield, Roy Buchanan, Waylon Jennings, Roy Nichols & Merle Haggard, Buck Owens & Don Rich, Clarence White, Jimmy Page, Syd Barrett, Keith Richards, Wilko Johnson, Bill Kirchen, Mike Campbell, Bruce Springsteen, Joe Strummer, Andy Summers, Danny Gatton, Redd Volkaert, Pete Anderson, Jerry Donahue, Chrissie Hynde, Jim Campilongo, Marty Stuart, Bill Frisell, Vince Gill, D. Boon, G.E. Smith, Brent Mason, Duke Levine, Frank Black (a.k.a. Black Francis), Jonny Greenwood and Thom Yorke, Graham Coxon, John 5, Brad Paisley PART III: THE STRATOCASTER History of the Stratocaster Stratocaster Tone and Construction Artist Profiles Bill Carson, Eldon Shamblin, Pee Wee Crayton, Mary Kaye, Ike Turner, Buddy Guy, Buddy Holly, Dick Dale, The Ventures, Hank Marvin, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, George Harrison, Jeff Beck, Ritchie Blackmore, David Gilmour, Rory Gallagher, Robbie Robertson, Wayne Kramer, Lowell George, Randy Bachman, Ronnie Wood, Robin Trower, Dave Murray, Bonnie Raitt, Mark Knopfler, Yngwie Malmsteen, Richard Thompson, Nils Lofgren, Jimmie Vaughan, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Eric Johnson, Robert Cray, The Edge, John Mayer, Sonny Landreth Index About the Author

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Book SynopsisTHE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER''A unique and thoughtful musical memoir'' Observer''Gritty coming-of-age story . . . plenty of anecdotes to keep us hooked, and his memories of Joy Division''s Ian Curtis are poignant'' Daily MirrorBefore he was responsible for some of the most iconic drumming in popular music, Stephen Morris grew up in 1960s and ''70s industrial Macclesfield, on a quiet road that led seemingly to nowhere. Far removed from the bright lights and manic energy of nearby Manchester, he felt stifled by suburbia and feared he might never escape. Then he joined Joy Division - while they were still known as Warsaw - a pioneer of the rousing post-punk sound that would revolutionise twentieth-century rock.Following two landmark albums and widespread critical acclaim, Joy Division were at the height of their powers and poised to break the US, when lead singer, Ian Curtis, committed suicide.Part memoir,Trade ReviewA unique and thoughtful musical memoir * Observer *Gritty coming-of-age story . . . plenty of anecdotes to keep us hooked, and his memories of Joy Division's Ian Curtis are poignant * Daily Mirror *Record Play Pause tells a familiar story . . . but Morris brings a freshness to it * Glasgow Herald *Self-deprecating, unembittered and happy to occupy the role of technically-minded synergist, Morris is a frank and humorous narrator uninterested in grudges . . . Hugely mirthful in northern English ways, Stephen recalls his youth with frustration and fondness . . . Familiar ground and personalities are (inevitably) revisited, but the author's dry wit ensures a singular perspective and winning detail . . . Arguably the most human of the Joy Division memoirs, Record Play Pause shows that even after 40 years there are still new ways to engage with and illuminate this most analysed of groups * Mojo *

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Book Synopsis'We were reflecting on our own career as it was happening. It's not that we weretrend-conscious, we were doing exactly what we would have been doing anyway.' - Jim Morrison'We didn't sit down and have a meeting to say, Hey, we want to change theminds of people.' We didn't say it but we enjoyed doing it.' - John Densmore'The Doors is bigger than any of us, and that only happens once in a lifetime andnot to many people. It's an honour to be one of The Doors.' - Robby Krieger'We were just a bunch of psychedelic guys trying to spread the word and the feel ofwhat it was like to be high in Venice back in the mid-sixties. And boy, was it a good feeling to watchthat sun set into the middle of the ocean and feel that peace, and to feel at one with the universe.' - Ray Manzarek?Night Divides the Day is the definitive chronicle of The Doors, offering an intimate and richlyillustrated exploration of the band's legendary journey. Featuring interviews with Robby Kriegerand John Densmore and meticulously sourced archival text from Jim Morrison and Ray Manzarek,this 50,000-word, 344-page manuscript comes to life with a treasure trove of rare, unpublished photographs,exclusive memorabilia and intricate recording and production notesall drawn from The Doors'personal archives and private collections. In this deeply intimate narrative, the band members recount their evolution from their early days playing localclubs on the Sunset Strip in Los Angeles to the iconic, and sometimes infamous, moments that defined theircareer. From the electrifying release of anthems like Light My Fire', The End' and Riders on the Storm', to thenotorious Dinner Key Auditorium performance in Miami, the book captures the essence of their meteoric riseand the cultural impact they left in their wake. Featuring new and insightful contributions from a diverse array of artists, including Van Morrison, NileRodgers, Slash, Nancy Sinatra and more, the book is anchored by a foreword from Nirvana bassist KristNovoselic and an afterword by maestro Gustavo Dudamel. These unique voices offer fresh perspectives on TheDoors' influence and legacy. Granted unprecedented access to the band's archives, Night Divides the Day is a visual and narrative feast. Thebook showcases a stunning collection of historical artifactschildhood photographs, handwritten song lyrics,poster art, movie stills and previously unseen album cover outtakes. Images of the band in the recording studio,along with work from celebrated photographers and trusted insiders, transport readers behind the scenes and onthe road with The Doors. In addition, rare and invaluable items from the band's history, including vintage instruments and recordingequipment, are specially photographed to enrich this kaleidoscopic portrait of one of rock music's mostlegendary bands. Night Divides the Day is the ultimate account of The Doors, capturing their incredible story and enduringlegacy in a way that has never been seen before.

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Book SynopsisAdele touches the hearts of millions of people who love her for her music and share the real and honest emotion she brings to each and every song. In a cynical age, she is a phenomenon.In Adele, bestselling biographer Sean Smith talks to those close to her as he follows her astonishing journey to fame that began on the gritty streets of Tottenham. Through compelling new research and interviews, he reveals that there is far more to Adele than the superstar we all think we know.He uncovers the story of her complex family relationships; the ill-starred love affair between her mother and father; her devastation at the untimely death of her grandfather; and her seemingly unpromising future in a gang-ravaged area of South London.She found salvation at the BRIT School before a series of unhappy love affairs provided the inspiration for her record-breaking albums. He describes how she conquered America and how it all could have been ended by a dramatic vocal injury. Instead, she has made an amTrade Review‘She’s touched the hearts of millons of people through her emotional tunes, and now author Sean Smith reveals the story behind one of the UK’s most successful exports. Having gained intimate access to the individuals closest to her, Smith exposes the star’s multifaceted life, from a string of miserable relationships in her early years to conquering America. Fans will be engrossed by the highs and lows of the second highest-paid woman in pop (behind Taylor Swift), concluding with her enjoying life as a new mother to son Angelo, alongside partner Simon Konecki.’– 4 star review, OK! Magazine

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Book SynopsisRecognizing one of the most-honored performers of all time, A Celebration of Dolly Parton: The Activity Book is 2021's follow-up to A Celebration of David Attenborough: The Activity Book and The Unofficial Michelle Obama Activity Book.Spanning Dolly's long and illustrious career, TheActivity Book includes:Illustrations and graphics to color-in dedicated to Dolly's Greatest HitsAnagrams of our favorite Dolly songsA solution for when the daily 9 to 5 grind is transported to the working-from-home environmentA tour of Dollywood: try to spot Dolly among the throngs of visitors and maze your way around to reunite her with her missing guitarInspirational word clouds, quizzes, puzzles, games, drawings, facts, emotional rollercoaster graphs and much, much moreNot just a musician, Dolly has used her vast fame and fortune for good: setting up The Dollywood Foundation, the My People Fund and, perhaps most famously, The Imagination Library which provides free books to children throughout their chil

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Book SynopsisSit back, relax, and relive the memories of over 90 more classic albums selected by Tim Burgess from his legendary Listening PartiesIn less than 2 years, tens of thousands of music lovers have pressed play at the same time as legendary musicians to share the communal experience of a Listening Party. Over 1,000 online events, fans and artists – from McCartney to Blondie, Joy Division to Iron Maiden – have shared insightful recollections, intimate conversations and behind-the-scenes revelations. This follow-up to the bestselling The Listening Party Volume 1 gathers together over 90 more of the most essential parties and celebrates the unique power of a Listening Party to connect music creators with listeners. It’s an appropriate tribute to the unifying power of music and how it continues to enthrall millions around the world every single day. Hey Twitter, let's all say a big thanks to Tim for these brilliant events this year! We r

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Book SynopsisFROM THE MILLION-COPY BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF ABOUT A BOY 31 Songs is best-selling author Nicky Hornby''s ultimate desert island disksThrough thirty-one songs that he either loves or has loved, Nick Hornby tells us what music means to his life. These personal and passionate pieces - refreshingly free of pretension - are a celebration of the joy that certain songs have given him. Together with additional writings on music from his column in the new Yorker - seen in the UK for the first time - 31 Songs is for Hornby what many of us have always wanted: a soundtrack to accompany life.Winner of The National Book Critics Circle award, this funny and touchingly personal book is a must for music fans everywhere.''Original, well written and wholly lacking in pretension...as good a book about pop music as I have read in many years and the most accomplished of Hornby''s books so far'' Spectator''Funny

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Book SynopsisIn The Heart of Rock & Soul, veteran rock critic Dave Marsh offers a polemical guide to the 1,001 greatest rock and soul singles ever made, encompassing rock, metal, R&B, disco, folk, funk, punk, reggae, rap, soul, country, and any other music that has made a difference over the past fifty years. The illuminating essays,complete with music history, social commentary, and personal appraisals,double as a mini-history of popular music. Here you will find singles by artists as wide-ranging as Aretha Franklin, George Jones, Roy Orbison, the Sex Pistols, Madonna, Run-D.M.C., and Van Halen. Featuring a new preface that covers the hits,and misses,of the''90s, The Heart of Rock & Soul remains as provocative, passionate, and timeless as the music it praises.

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Book SynopsisMinistry is a memoir both ugly and captivating, revealing Al Jourgensen as a man who lived a hard life his own way without making compromises. He survived prolonged drug addiction -- twenty-two years of chronic heroin, cocaine, and alcohol abuse, to be more precise -- before cleaning up, straightening out, and finding new reasons to live. During his career, Jourgensen has engaged in all of the rock ''n'' roll clich''s regarding decadence and debauchery and invented new forms of previously unachieved nihilism. Despite this and his addictions, he created seven seminal albums, including the bonafide, hugely influential classic The Land of Rape and Honey, 1989''s The Mind is a Terrible Thing to Taste, and 1992''s blockbuster Psalm 69: The Way to Succeed.Ministry imparts the epic life of Al Jourgensen, a survivor who tempted fate, beat the odds, persevered, and put the pieces back together after unraveling completely.Trade ReviewUnder the Radar, Spring 2013 "In the colorful and often highly amusing anecdotes recounting his years as a musician, Jourgensen covers his time with Ministry and Revolting Cocks in high-flying detail." Revolver, June/July 2013 "A tale of outlandish debauchery and mayhem...Like Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas crossed with The Dirt, it's both insanely compelling and compellingly insane." Texas Monthly, July 2013 "Jourgensen [is] poised to forever raise the bar on tales of rock star excess with a new memoir, Ministry...The book offers a laundry list of degenerate behavior and near-death experiences. But where most rock and roll biographies and memoirs end in the subject's demise or redemption, the arc of this one is a lot murkier." Examiner.com, 7/1/13 "One needn't be intimately familiar with Ministry's musical mayhem to enjoy Ministry...Entertaining, enlightening--even inspirational...A riotously revealing retrospective that cements Jourgensen's place in the modern rock lexicon while chronicling the decades-long descent into drug addiction that nearly cost the Ministry maverick his life." RollingStone.com, 7/8/13 "Ministry is charming and offputting all at once...Proof, if more was needed, that being a rock star, like playing professional contact sports, takes a permanent toll on its most dedicated practitioners." TheGauntlet.com, 7/19/13 "The book is both riveting and horrifying at the same time...No gory detail is left out as Al recounts the debauchery and extreme drug use that fueled his life. What sets Al's autobiography apart from others is he admits to every last bit of the shocking tragedy almost as if it were his final confession to a priest and he was trying to sneak into Heaven. Nobody said rock n' roll wasn't ugly." Dallas Observer, 7/16/13 "[A] harrowing tale of drugs, sex and, of course, rock 'n' roll, inspired by the artist who influenced a generation of musical pioneers like Nine Inch Nails to take metal to the next level." "Rock Star Radio Show," KCLB Radio (Palm Springs, CA), 7/18/13 "One of the best music based pieces of literature, or any literature, that I have set my eyes on. Read the book. You're going to love it." Intravenous Magazine (UK), 7/3/13 "A compelling read...Al is amusing and wry throughout and this is a real warts and all tale that has a jaw dropping fact or story on virtually every page...Even if you are not a fan of the music this is still a compulsive read...This really is not far off from the sort of biographical great American novels told by the likes of them, Jack Kerouac and Charles Bukowski...An absolute gem and a real treat of a book." Caught in the Carousel, 7/10/13 "What Ministry brings to light is Al's sense of humor and his rollicking way of spinning a yarn. In other words, the guy's hilarious--and Ministry provides a brilliant, dark comedic take on the very stuff that inspired Ministry's greatest albums...Al's book reads like a more accessible version of Burroughs' Junkie, Naked Lunch, and the 'Nova Trilogy'...His deadpan humor and smart philosophical and political insights (he's one of the most politically aware and truly progressive musicians on the planet) save the book from being a downer...Al's Ministry is so good that you'll just have to read it for yourself to have your side split and your thoughts provoked. Just go out and grab a copy!" The National (United Arab Emirates), 7/6/13 "A warts and all picture of life as one of the godfathers of the industrial rock scene...Where memoirs like Marilyn Manson's Long Hard Road Out Of Hell and Motley Crue's The Dirt pull their punches and gloss over the more graphic scenes, Jourgensen goes into heavy and often uncomfortable detail...Compulsive reading. Jourgensen is a great storyteller and the sheer insanity of his stories will no doubt keep people turning the pages. It is definitely up there with the likes of Iggy Pop's I Need More, Motley Crue's The Dirt and even William Burroughs' Junkie." The Weeklings, 7/20/13 "The most over-the-top, full-on decadent, absolute gonzo rock & roll biography ever." GenerationGBooks, 7/14/13 "I've said for many years now that I would find it difficult to find a music biography that would top Motley Crue's The Dirt. Consider it done." Billboard.com, 8/6/13 "[A] frank and revealing tome." HollywoodReporter.com, 8/16/13 "Al gives you all of the sleaze you could hope for and more in this harshly real book...they should pass this book out to kids instead of a 'D.A.R.E.' pamphlet or 'Just Say No' crap...The Lost Gospels According to Al Jourgensen is ANOTHER homerun from the publishers Da Capo Press. They are becoming by far my favorite publishers of all books music! Too many of these autobiographies are nothing more than cash grabs filled with major errors, flawed editing and worse, it's great to see a publisher care as much about the reader as it does about their own wallets." Side-Line, 9/16/13 "An absolutely must-have for the fans of Ministry." Phoenix New Times, 9/23/13 "Any page you open up to ensures entertainment." CaughtintheCarousel.com, 9/20/13 "Quite simply one of the best rock autobiographies ever written." Washington Times, 9/5/13 "In the book, Jourgensen is brutally honest regarding his drug-fueled lifestyle, one that would make even Keith Richards cringe. His tale is as much shocking as it is cautionary." HighWireDaze.com, 10/5/13 "Al Jourgensen's story is a testament to the strangeness and beauty of the universe as well as an example of the human condition." "Few musicians have indulged in the sex, drugs and rock & roll lifestyle with such death-defying fervor--and over such a long period of time--as longtime Ministry leader Al Jourgensen. Now, his tale is on display for the whole world to read...A roller-coaster read. In addition to going behind the scenes for the creation of such industrial-metal classics as The Mind Is a Terrible Thing to Taste and Psalm 69, Jourgensen dishes dirt on many renowned names whom he's crossed paths with throughout his career." MTV Hive, 7/10/13 "Just open the book and throw your finger on any given page, and you're liable to hit a sentence that makes you thank god you lived long enough on this planet to read something this batshit crazy...The most entertaining rock memoir I've ever read." Loudwire.com, 7/11/13 "The 'back-asswards' life of Ministry mastermind Al Jourgensen has finally been documented with incredible detail." USA Today (website), 7/8/13 "When it comes to sex, drugs and rock and roll, you just can't have too much of them, at least if you're reading about it. To live that lifestyle, a long one, is quite a feat, one that begs for a memoir, Ministry, in stores now." Examiner.com, 7/6/13 "It is a stark retelling of the musician's life, and no rock is left unturned...You will be appalled, shocked and disturbed, but you won't put this down until the last page." New Noise, 8/29/2013 "Horrific and nauseatingly awesome." BackstageAxxess.com, 8/25/13 "Al takes us on an exciting journey through his career in the music industry as he truly tells it all; the good, the bad, and the ugly. Jourgensen's tale is funny, frightening, and oftentimes disturbing as he offers frank accounts of the business side of the industry, his wild life on the road, and his personal battles with drug and alcohol abuse...You don't have to be a Ministry fan to enjoy this book...A very interesting read." Classic Rock (UK), October 2013 "[A] roaringly entertaining read." HeavyMetalICU.com, 9/13/13 "The man who refers to himself as 'Alien Jourgensen' is a really funny guy and this comes out in his recently released autobiography...He's a danger-level genius and whatever his demons may be, or may have been, he remains wonderfully entertaining as ever...His book has the makings of a great biopic." Record Collector, September 2013 "An intelligent take on the filthy rock underbelly...[It] pulls no punches...A brilliant read." MediaMikes.com, 8/19/13 "Take[s] you on a roller coaster ride of sex, drugs, drugs and even more drugs mixed with a sprinkling of rock and roll...This is not your typical tell all memoir as Al Jourgensen gives you that and then some...The book consisted of stories that were so far out there that they had to be true due to the fact that it would be hard for someone to make up some of these experiences and, be able tell them with the in-depth conviction Jourgensen does. The book keeps you on the edge of your seat and makes you want more." South China Morning Post, 8/18/13 "You'll care if you're at all interested in first-hand encounters with a who's who of pop culture." Curled Up with a Good Book, 8/29/2013 "[An] unflinching account of his life and career...For someone who has lived his life as an open book, free of pretense and with complete apathy as to others' opinions of him, Ministry frontman Al Jourgensen still manages to surprise...Ministry's lone constant member tells it like he sees it with all the gory details dripping throughout...No stone unturned and no vein left untapped, Jourgensen recites events of a life lived (and ended a few times) to its unconscionable excesses in a funny, wildly entertaining, and gleefully repulsive memoir." Blogcritics.org, 7/9/13 "A rock and roll tale that is dirtier than that of Motley Crue's The Dirt...Open and honest...Fans of Ministry will undoubtedly snap this right up." The Front Row Report, 7/9/13 "[He] doesn't hold back one bit...Jourgensen digs down into the deepest, darkest crevices of his memory and presents us with a very blunt, honest and revealing trip through his life and career...The epitomic picture of the life of a rocker and artist and Jourgensen at his best. Any Ministry or metal fan will be captivated for hours and hours...and anyone who isn't familiar with Ministry or Jourgensen will find everything they need to know in this book." Ave Noctum, 7/8/13 John Shelton Ivany Top 21, Issue 432 "A memoir both ugly and captivating, revealing Al Jourgensen as a man who lived a hard life his own way without making compromises." WomanAroundTown.com, 10/26/13 "Not for the faint of heart...The producer/songwriter/ vocalist and guitarist tells his story unflinchingly; this may be difficult for more sensitive readers to stomach, but it is pure Al Jourgensen." Chicago Sun-Times, 12/26/2013 "It's almost impossible to believe this is a work of non-fiction. As Jourgensen's first official biography, the Ministry singer's torrid life is recapped in colorful and uncensored anecdotes of Timothy Leary experiments, near-death experiences, FBI raids and alien encounters, many of which are set against the background of Chicago in the glory days of the Wax Trax! industrial machine." BookNews.com, December 2013 "A unique memoir...Uncompromising gritty, sometimes brutal--this is an unflinching self-portrait of a 'cranky and rough' individual, full of anecdotes of drug abuse and touring life and meetings with iconic individuals like William S. Burroughs and Timothy Leary...Jourgensen's health battles, political involvement, personal rants, it's all here."

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Book SynopsisTwo decades after the Sex Pistols and the Ramones birthed punk music into the world, their artistic heirs burst onto the scene and changed the genre forever. While the punk originators remained underground favorites and were slow burns commercially, their heirs shattered commercial expectations for the genre. In 1994, Green Day and The Offspring each released their third albums, and the results were astounding. Green Day''s Dookie went on to sell more than 15 million copies and The Offspring''s Smash remains the all-time bestselling album released on an independent label. The times had changed, and so had the music.While many books, articles, and documentaries focus on the rise of punk in the ''70s, few spend any substantial time on its resurgence in the ''90s. Smash! will be the first to do so, detailing the circumstances surrounding the shift in ''90s music culture away from grunge and legitimizing what many first-generation punks regard as post-punk, new wave, and

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Book SynopsisThe definitive New York Times bestselling biography of legendary musician, composer, and performer Leon Russell, who profoudly influenced George Harrison, the Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, Elton John, Willie Nelson, Tom Petty, and the world of music as a whole.  Leon Russell is an icon, but somehow is still an underappreciated artist. He is spoken of in tones reserved not just for the most talented musicians, but also for the most complex and fascinating. His career is like a roadmap of music history, often intersecting with rock royalty like Bob Dylan, the Stones, and the Beatles. He started in the Fifties as a teenager touring with Jerry Lee Lewis, going on to play piano on records by such giants as Frank Sinatra, The Beach Boys, and Phil Spector, and on hundreds of classic songs with major recording artists. Leon was Elton John’s idol, and Elton inducted him into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2011. Leon also gets credit for altering Willie Nelson’s career, giving us the long-haired, pot-friendly Willie we all know and love today. In his prime, Leon filled stadiums on solo tours, and was an organizer/performer on both Joe Cocker’s revolutionary Mad Dogs and Englishmen tour and George Harrison’s Concert for Bangladesh. Leon also founded Shelter Records in 1969 with producer Denny Cordell, discovering and releasing the debut albums of Tom Petty, the Gap Band, Phoebe Snow, and J.J. Cale. Leon always assembled wildly diverse bands and performances, fostering creative and free atmospheres for musicians to live and work together. He brazenly challenged musical and social barriers. However, Russell also struggled with his demons, including substance abuse, severe depression, and a crippling stage fright that wreaked havoc on his psyche over the long haul and at times seemed to will himself into obscurity. Now, acclaimed author and founding member of Buffalo Tom, Bill Janovitz shines the spotlight on one of the most important music makers of the twentieth century.

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Book SynopsisMen are bold. Men are brave. Men are strong in the face of fear. But what happens when that strength crumbles?Growing up on a council estate in East London, rapper Guvna B thought he knew everything he needed to know about what it means to be a man. But when a personal tragedy sent him reeling, he knew he had to face these assumptions head on if he was going to be able to overcome his grief.In this intimate, honest and unflinching memoir, Guvna B draws on his personal experiences to explore how toxic masculinity affects young men today. Exploring ideas of male identity, UNSPOKEN is an inspirational account of Guvna’s journey.

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Book SynopsisThis 'comprehensive and illuminating' biography of the Queen of Soul (USA Today) was hailed by Rolling Stone as 'a remarkably complex portrait of Aretha Franklin's music and her tumultuous life.'  Aretha Franklin began life as the golden daughter of a progressive and promiscuous Baptist preacher. Raised without her mother, she was a gospel prodigy who gave birth to two sons in her teens and left them and her native Detroit for New York, where she struggled to find her true voice. It was not until 1967, when a white Jewish producer insisted she return to her gospel-soul roots, that fame and fortune finally came via 'Respect' and a rapidfire string of hits. She continued to evolve for decades, amidst personal tragedy, surprise Grammy performances, and career reinventions. Again and again, Aretha stubbornly found a way to triumph over troubles, even as they continued to build. Her hold on the crown was tenacious, and in Respect, David Ritz gives us the definitive life of one of the greatest talents in all American culture.  Trade ReviewA remarkably complex portrait of Aretha Franklin's music and her tumultuous life. * Rolling Stone *An honest and genuinely respectful portrait of a true diva by a writer who feels the power of her art. * Kirkus Reviews (starred review) *Only someone who had the complete confidence and trust of Aretha's family and the elite of the Gospel and Rhythm and Blues communities could have gotten this story. An intimate and thorough account of this phenomenal woman's talent and life as only David Ritz could capture. * Tommy LiPuma, Grammy-winning producer *

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Book SynopsisLed Zeppelin All the Songs takes a deep dive into the innovative recording history of the one of the most influential rock bands of all time—covering every album and every track that Led Zeppelin has ever produced. More than fifty years after their first practice session in a London basement, Led Zeppelin continues to fascinate new generations of listeners. While their legendary backstage antics have been written about extensively in other books, Led Zeppelin All the Songs focuses on the music, detailing the musicianship and lyrical inspiration that helped each of the band's nine albums go platinum, including Led Zeppelin IV, which has been certified platinum 23 times and has sold more than 37 million copies worldwide. This book is filled with fascinating behind-the-scenes stories of life on the road and inside the recording studio. Fans will learn the meaning behind some of the band's classic lyrics, as well as the inspiration for all of their album covers, which instruments were used on every track, and the importance of contributions from engineers, sound technicians, producers, and other behind-the-scenes professionals who helped Led Zeppelin become one of the most popular bands of all time.

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Book SynopsisThe world’s leading reggae scholar spent forty years interviewing Bob Marley and his closest confidants. This is the definitive telling of Bob Marley’s life.Trade Review"If Bob Marley is Jesus in these times, Roger Steffens is Peter." -- Carlos Santana"... absorbing oral history... So Much Things to Say is a major work that helps us better understand Marley's tragic yet inspirational tale." -- Mojo"... absorbing "oral history"... So Much Things to Say is a fitting tribute to the tumultuous life and complex character of the country’s favourite son." -- The Observer"So Much Things to Say, an 'oral' account of Marley's life and times, amounts to an absorbing alternative biography." -- The Spectator"Steffens identifies many more pieces of the man than have ever before been put together in one book." -- The Guardian"[So Much Things to Say] narrates the life of Marley from cradle to grave... Steffens has been on the Marley case for decades, and he’s a crucial voice in this epic chorus... Illuminating." -- Touré - The New York Times Book Review"There have been dozens of Bob Marley books, but this 2017 oral history, decades in the making, is definitive." -- Rolling Stone"For decades Steffens has been a leading authority on Bob Marley. Here he identifies many more pieces of the man than have ever before been put together in one book... Steffens marshals his sources with skill, and we’re left with a complex representation." -- The Guardian

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Book SynopsisDanielle Steel is one of the world's most popular and highly acclaimed authors, with over ninety international bestselling novels in print and more than 600 million copies of her novels sold. She is also the author of His Bright Light, the story of her son Nick Traina's life and death; A Gift of Hope, a memoir of her work with the homeless; and Pure Joy, about the dogs she and her family have loved.To discover more about Danielle Steel and her books visit her website at www.daniellesteel.comYou can also connect with Danielle on Facebook at www.facebook.com/DanielleSteelOfficial or on Twitter: @daniellesteel

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Book SynopsisTom Fletcher (Author) Tom Fletcher is a number-one bestseller and one of the UK's most popular children's authors. The Christmasaurus was the biggest debut middle-grade novel of 2016 and was shortlisted for a British Book Award. Since then, Tom has published several more chart-topping children's novels including The Christmasaurus and the Winter Witch, The Christmasaurus and the Naughty List, The Creakers and the instant number-one bestseller The Danger Gang. Tom also writes the incredibly successful Who's in Your Book? picture-book series and is one half of the author duo behind the Dinosaur that Pooped picture-book series too, which has sold over 1.5 million copies. For older readers, Tom co-authors the Eve of Man series with his wife Giovanna Fletcher. Tom's books have been translated into 40 languages and to date he has sold over 5 million copies of his books in the UK alone. As well as

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Book SynopsisArguably the most gifted artist of her generation, Amy Winehouse died tragically young, aged just 27. Packed with exclusive material, such as extracts from Amy's teenage diaries, photos and notes, this book offers a new and intimate perspective on the life and death of the phenomenon that is Amy Winehouse.Trade ReviewAn authentic, poignant and gut-wrenchingly sad tale... An insightful, honest and often uplifting account of a life cut tragically short -- Isabelle Broom * Heat *Deeply personal... Insightful, offering rare glimpses behind the maelstrom of Amy's public life -- Charlotte Oliver * Jewish Chronicle *Poignant * The Independent *

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Book SynopsisMetallica have sold in excess of 100 million albums and won seven Grammys. Their journey from scuzzy Los Angeles garages to the stages of the world''s biggest stadia has been an epic and often traumatic one, and one of the few truly great rock ''n'' roll sagas.No music writers have been afforded greater access to Metallica over the years than Paul Brannigan and Ian Winwood, two former editors of Kerrang. Having conducted hundreds of hours of interviews with the band, they have between them gained an unparalleled knowledge of the group''s history and an insiders'' view of how their story has developed: they have ridden in the band''s limos, flown on their private jet, joined them in the studio, been invited to the quartet''s ''HQ'' outside San Francisco and shared beers and stories with them in venues across the globe. There are countless memorable stories about the band never before seen in print, tales of bed-hopping and drug-taking and car-crashes and fist-fights an

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Book Synopsis''A beautiful retelling ... which captures the great man''s spirit.'' UNCUTFrom ''Crossroads Blues'' to ''Sweet Home Chicago'', ''Hellhound on My Trail'' to ''Come On In My Kitchen'', Robert Johnson wrote some of the most enduring and formative songs of the original blues era, songs that would go on to help shape the birth of rock''n''roll in the 1960s. Beloved of Clapton, Dylan and the Stones, Robert Johnson remains one of the most iconic and mythologised figures in popular music (and the first of many to die at the age of 27). Exploring the stories and legends that surround his life and death - his childhood, his womanising, his pact with the devil at the crossroads - Mezzo and DuPont have produced a fittingly creative and beautiful depiction of this most extraordinary life.

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