Popular music Books
Sonicbond Publishing Britpop
Book SynopsisBritpop Decades covers the ten-years that witnessed the birth, boom and bust of Britpop - a period in which home-grown indie guitar music from across the UK went mainstream, pop stars were cut from the most unlikely of cloth, and British culture made its voice heard with some incredibly bombastic choruses. Delving deep into the 75 key albums that defined a decade, the book includes full band biographies, detailed track-by-track discussion, recommendations for further listening and some personal reminiscences by the authors who together came of age during the 90s. Also featuring a year-by-year review of the era, highlighting all the key historical, cultural and pop-cultural changes that took place, this is your guide to one of the most exciting, vibrant and sensational periods British music had witnessed since the 1960s. Part of Sonicbond's acclaimed Decades series, the book offers a window into the 90s for those that want to understand the time and a memory box for those that were there, but had too much fun to remember it.
£14.39
Sonicbond Publishing Motorhead On Track: Every Album, Every Song
Book SynopsisMotorhead are arguably the greatest rock and roll band in history, but it took many years to win that accolade. This is the story of the band that refused to die. They started off as the Vengeful Bastard and they had a tough beginning. The band had to deal with wayward producers, hostile record companies, more than a couple of false starts and even the ignominy of being proclaimed the Worst Band in the World by the NME! Famed for their legendary loudness and their singular anthem, 'Ace Of Spades', Motorhead have not only proved inspirational but also, accidentally, created two sub-genres of heavy music: speed and thrash metal. Not bad for a band who announced themselves with: 'We are Motorhead, and we play rock and roll.' at their numerous live gigs. This book covers every studio album, band rarities and significant solo work from Lemmy. It is designed as a useful companion to the recorded output of a unique band. From the highly regarded trio of albums that ended the 1970s, through the line-up hardships and turmoil of the 1980s to the occasionally awkward musical experiments of the early 1990s, this book closes with the triumphant two-decade-long career revival of the band.
£14.39
Sonicbond Publishing Phil Collins in the 1980s
Book SynopsisPhil Collins was everywhere in the 1980s. He had more top forty singles in the US than any other artist during the 1980s: fourteen as a solo artist and eleven with Genesis, along with two number one albums. Add to this, twenty-five solo / group hit singles and eight number one albums in the UK. He also recorded with artists as diverse as Peter Gabriel, John Martyn, Frida, Robert Plant, Mike Oldfield, Marti Webb, Al Di Meola, Adam Ant, Eric Clapton, Phil Bailey, Band Aid, Marilyn Martin, Paul McCartney, Tina Turner, Chaka Khan and Tears For Fears - another thirty-five albums or standalone singles, some of which were massive global hits. He also found time, somehow, to tour with Plant and Clapton in addition to his extensive in-concert duties with Genesis and as a solo artist. And perform at Live Aid. At both concerts. That’s around six hundred live concerts in total between 1980 and 1989. There’s no doubt that the guy was busy in that period! Amidst the overwhelming commercial success and ahead of any other career plan Phil Collins was and is a musician. His ubiquity between 1980 and 1989 hides ten years of magnificent music and this book examines Phil Collins’ musical output through these ten tumultuous years.
£14.39
Sonicbond Publishing Rancid On Track: Every Album, Every Song
Book SynopsisIn the 1990s, there was only one real punk rock band still standing. Rancid. Other so-called punk acts had bent the term so much they were unrecognisable as punk or had become a caricature of the expression. Or worse of themselves. Childhood friends Tim Armstrong and Matt Freeman formed Rancid in 1991. Heralding from the punk scene in Gilman Street, Berkeley, they were members of the ground-breaking outfit Operation Ivy. After Op Ivy’s demise, the duo recruited Brett Reed on drums and by the release of their second LP in 1994, the enigmatic Lars Frederiksen on guitar and vocals. In 1994 came the inspirational, platinum-selling …And Out Came The Wolves. The band were soon a fixture on MTV, radio and even Saturday Night Live. At this point, many would have disappeared into the stratosphere, but not Rancid. They worked tirelessly in the punk network, giving plenty back and keeping true to those crucial two elements of punk – liberation and unity. In 2021, they remain the most credible punk band on the planet. Rancid Tracks describes their nine studio albums, track by track, and covers compilations, stand-alone singles, splits, rarities, and unofficial releases.
£14.39
Sonicbond Publishing Suzi Quatro in the 1970s (Decades)
Book Synopsis‘If you talk about the ‘70s, I was a hardworking artist. I did nothing but tour - recording, touring, TV, you know. I had constant jetlag. Constant black shadows under my eyes but, oh, what a ride! What a wonderful ride. And I’m still doing it now.’ Suzi Quatro With a succession of hit singles, including eight UK top twenty hits and two number ones, sell-out tours and six studio albums, Suzi Quatro was an enduring presence throughout the 1970s, the decade that saw her move away from being part of an all-girl band in Detroit and relocate to England for a solo career that challenged old stereotypes and helped redefine the image of the female rock icon. Taking each year in turn this book takes a detailed look at Suzi Quatro’s career throughout the decade where she enjoyed her greatest successes, including a comprehensive overview of each album and single released during that period, her touring schedule and her frequent media appearances, including that famous guest role in Happy Days. As well as making extensive use of press archives from the era, Suzi Quatro In The 1970s also includes personal reflections from an exclusive interview with Suzi herself.
£14.39
Sonicbond Publishing Manfred Mann's Earth Band in the 1970s: Decades
Book SynopsisHaving moved from jazz, Blues and R'n'B to out-and-out pop in his various 1960s bands, keyboard player Manfred Mann went back to the drawing board in 1971 with a new quartet, Manfred Mann's Earth Band, and the intention of focusing on progressive rock. With a repertoire that leant partly on radical rearrangements of songs by Bob Dylan and then Bruce Springsteen, largely instrumental epics that borrowed from Gustav Holst's The Planets suite, and improvisations based around the interplay between Manfred's newly-acquired moog synthesiser and the lead guitar of Mick Rogers, who left in 1975 but later returned, they soon built up a formidable live reputation throughout much of Europe (particularly in Germany) and America. Apart from the Holst-inspired 'Joybringer', a top ten hit in 1973, British success was slow in coming, until a cover version of Springsteen's 'Blinded by the Light' and its parent album The Roaring Silence three years later took their status to a new level on both sides of the Atlantic. This book examines the nine albums, fluctuating fortunes and various line-up changes from what was to be their best and most prolific decade.
£14.39
Sonicbond Publishing The Beat, General Public and Fine Young Cannibals
Book SynopsisBursting out of industrial Birmingham in the late 1970s and hitching a ride on the Two-Tone bandwagon for their first single, The English Beat answered the question of whether punk and reggae should mix better than anyone else. Their stunning first album in 1980 was an immediate success in their home country and even as they charted an unexpected course through the early years of the new decade, they retained a loyal following of roots, radicals and rockers. They additionally began to build a reputation in the USA through hard work on the road, but, in 1983, the pressure of maintaining a career strung across the Atlantic tore the group apart. The two front men Dave Wakeling and Ranking Roger, formed the slick and initially successful General Public, but they were completely eclipsed by Fine Young Cannibals, the soul-pop outfit created by guitarist Andy Cox and bassist Andy Steele and whose second album sold millions worldwide. This book covers the tumultuous period 1979-89 when this trio of groups poured forth a torrent of brilliant music and covers every album and every track, scooping up along the way the hits that never were, experimental B-sides, remixes and guest appearances. It is a truly idiosyncratic creative flare path lighting up a strange but exciting decade.
£15.19
Sonicbond Publishing Linda Ronstadt 1969 to 1989 On Track: Every
Book SynopsisLinda Ronstadt is one of the most important women and people in the history of popular music. Starting her solo career in 1969, she redefined what a music superstar could be by expanding her repertoire from her country rock roots, crossing over to mainstream success with pop music, and then evolving into operetta, American jazz standards, and mariachi. This work provides a track-by-track breakdown of the first twenty years of her solo career when her output totalled an amazing 17 albums. Transcending genres and applying her own vision to not only her career, but each song she interpreted, Linda Ronstadt garnered a wide fan base and left shattered records in her wake. Those familiar with her work, as well as those entirely new to it, will find something to discover through this analysis of her work through 1989. All the best-known hits are covered in this volume; however, the real fun is finding new favourites by visiting or revisiting lesser-known works. So sit back, put some of her songs on, crack this book open, and indulge in the voice that sold over 100 million records worldwide.
£14.39
Equinox Publishing Ltd Kansas City Jazz: A Little Evil Will Do You Good
Book SynopsisThe brand of jazz that developed in the Kansas City area in the period from the late 1920s to the late 1930s is recognised as both a distinct stylistic variation within the larger genre and a transitional stage between earlier forms of African-American music, such as ragtime and blues, and later, more modern forms, up to and including bebop. Kansas City’s brand of jazz has been described as “the most straightforward and direct style which has been developed outside New Orleans,” by Hughues Panassié and Madeleine Gautier in their Dictionary of Jazz. Kansas City jazz has inspired the creation of a museum and has been the subject of a feature-length film, Robert Altman’s 1996 “Kansas City,” and even a sentimental rock song, “Eternal Kansas City” by Van Morrison. The first comprehensive work on the subject in over 15 years, this book draws on new research to delve deeper into music of the American Midwest that evolved into Kansas City jazz, and includes profiles of individual musicians who developed very different styles within or beyond the framework of the sub-genre. Kansas City Jazz focuses on the broader themes and the stories of the major personalities whose individual talents came together to create the larger whole of Kansas City’s distinctive brand of jazz.Table of Contents1. Prologue 2. Roots: Ragtime, Minstrelsy and Tent Shows 3. From Stomp to Swing: From Tuba to Bull Fiddle 4. Bennie Moten and His Competitors 5. Rhythm: From Banjo to Guitar, 2 Drums to Trap Set 6. From Bennie to Basie 7. Riffs and Jams 8. From Boogie-Woogie to Bop 9. Tenor Legacy 10. Shouters and Singers 11. Trumpets 12. Trombones 13. The Clouds of Joy and the Lady Who Swung the Band 14. Alto 15. The Rockets That Didn’t Quite Take Off 16. Bird Takes Flight 17. Jay McShann and the Last of the Great Kansas City Bands 18. Evil is Banished
£38.00
Collective Ink Mescalito Riding His White Horse: Inspired by The
Book SynopsisMescalito Riding His White Horse was inspired by several interviews conducted with Peter Rowan, legendary bluegrass musician, over a period of a few months during 2021. Peter never really followed the path of rock superstar - he was more interested in the alchemical process of music. In discovering this magic, I have felt myself projected across time, place, and identity and tried to put that experience into words. Except for the quoted interviews, which were transcribed as spoken, what follows is a combination of autobiography mixed with my visions and dreams. Some were imagined. All were real.
£12.34
Hawksmoor Publishing Dana Gillespie: Weren't Born A Man
Book SynopsisThe memoirs of Dana Gillespie, the award-winning first lady of the Blues.
£18.99
Hal Leonard Europe Limited The Smiths: The Singles Collection
£21.59
Hal Leonard Europe Limited The Little Black Songbook: Abba
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£14.24
Hal Leonard Europe Limited Play Guitar With... Queens Of the Stone Age
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£18.89
Schott Music Ltd Discovering Rock Violin: An Introduction to Rock
Book Synopsis(String Method). The author of Exploring Jazz Violin, Chris Haigh returns with Discovering Rock Violin, a practical, down to earth, and in-depth tutor book covering all aspects of pop, folk and rock violin technique. Over 150 different rock violinists are referred to in detailcovering a range of styles including blues, folk rock, country rock, progressive rock, jazz rock and heavy metal. Exploring a wide variety of technical aspects including chords, scales, soloing and effects, the book is accompanied by downloadableaudio tracks containing demonstrations, play-along tracks and exercises performed by Chris Haigh on violin with a live backing band.Ideal for the budding rock star, or classical player looking for something a little different!
£24.29
Omnibus Press The Best of Michael Buble
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£20.25
Hal Leonard Europe Limited The Little Black Songbook: 90s Greatest Hits
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£14.24
Quadrille Publishing Ltd Revolve The Book
Book SynopsisRevolve is a first-person account from the platinum-selling singer-songwriter John Newman, documenting the creative process involved in writing his second album.
£17.09
Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music Jazz Piano Pieces, Grade 1
Book SynopsisFive superb albums of graded pieces provide a wealth of jazz repertoire. Throughout, there is a huge range of styles, from bebop blues to calypsos, boogie-woogie to ballads, jazz waltzes to free jazz. There are classic tunes by the jazz greats, including Duke Ellington, Miles Davis and Thelonious Monk. And there are brand-new pieces specially commissioned from professional British jazz musicians and educators. Each album presents 15 pieces in three lists: blues, standards and contemporary jazz. The head of each piece is set out with all the characteristic voicings, phrasing and rhythmic patterns you need for a stylish performance. The improvised section gives guideline pitches and left-hand voicings as a practical starting-point. Accessible, student-centred and of the highest musical standards, these pieces will get you playing jazz confidently and creatively.Trade ReviewA musical revolution that should make every jazz lover leap for joy. * The Guardian *The arrival of the Associated Board's jazz syllabus marks a vital step towards recognition that jazz requires study and discipline like any other art form. * Stuart Nicholson, Author 'Jazz Rock: a History' and 'Billie Holiday' *The new Associated Board jazz syllabus is not only timely for young and not so young Australian musicians now clamouring to know more about jazz-it is an attractive, well-thought through compilation of 'real' jazz knowledge that will get authentic results. * Associate Professor Patrick Crichton, Head of Jazz Studies, Western Australian Conservatorium of Mus *Awe-inspiring in its thoroughness...Especially impressive in this series are the specific scales, aural skills and piano pieces-a pedagogical marvel that Americans would do well to emulate * Piano & Keyboard *A comprehensive, intelligent, beautifully packaged presentation. * Piano *Table of ContentsBedford Square Blues [Richard Michael] ; Oh Lord, Don't let them Drop that Atomic Bomb on me [Charles Mingus] ; Bags' Groove [Milt Jackson] ; Slinky Thing [Simon Whiteside] ; Prove you Groove [Phil Peskett] ; Perdido [Juan Tizol] ; Inchworm [Frank Loesser] ; Jean Pierre [Miles Davis] ; (Old Man from) The old Country [Nat Adderley / Curtis Lewis] ; Is you is, or Is you ain't (ma' Baby)? [Billy Austin / Louis Jordan] ; Bottle Junction [Nikki Iles] ; Blue Autumn [Eddie Harvey] ; He is sadly melting [Phil Peskett] ; Here we go again [Michael Garrick] ; Yokate [Huw Warren]
£999.99
Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music Jazz Piano Scales, Grades 1-5
This book of jazz piano scales will develop the technical skills you need to play jazz. It introduces patterns characteristic of the idiom, like the blues scales, the b3 pentatonic and various modes. It also explores these patterns on the roots and key centres commonly found in jazz. Regular and flexible practice of these forms, and using them as the basis for improvisation, will give you fluency and technical control and make your playing sound effortless and relaxed. As an accompaniment to the Board's jazz piano syllabus, this book sets out the scales by grade and gives a table of recommended speeds. It also provides details of what the examiner will be looking for in your playing.
£10.53
Sher Music Co The Jimmy Raney Book
Book SynopsisA complete overview of Jimmy's essential lines across his recorded output, broken down by types, chord types and progressions. An in-depth look at Jimmy's subtle mastery of rhythm, with numerous examples of his polymeter, asymmetry, and displacement concepts.Jimmy's original techniques for creating long lines and making bad lines into good ones! Looks at the big picture of Jimmy's core concepts: multi-measure lines, evolving sequence, harmonic concepts, and compositional techniques. Introduces a practical method for creating original lines based on Jimmy's core vocabulary.This book is a welcome addition for any musician seeking a deeper insight into what makes bebop really fly. Randy Vincent
£27.54
Sher Music Co Bass Foundations
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£27.54
Route Publishing Anarchy in the Year Zero: The Sex Pistols, the
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£17.99
Outline Press Ltd Entertain Us The Rise of Nirvana
Book SynopsisNirvana are one of the most influential bands in rock history, and even now, nearly 20 years after Kurt Cobain''s death, the reverence in which they are held is undiminished. Books have been written about Nirvana before, but they tend to concentrate on the band''s superstar period and Kurt Cobain''s demise, while skating over the early years. In Entertain Us, Gillian Gaar redresses the balance by examining in forensic detail the band''s rise to fame, and their first album, Bleach. Seattle native Gaar was one of the first journalists to write about Nirvana, and covered the band''s career closely, offering her a unique perspective to write this book. Drawing on extensive interviews with the key characters in the story, including bassist Krist Novoselic, drummer Chad Channing, and producers Jack Endino and Butch Vig, the book charts the band''s formation and early years as well as their role at the center of the grunge gold rush. By critiquing every song the band recorded in thi
£13.46
Wymer Publishing Iron Maiden and Praying Mantis: The Early Days
Book SynopsisBob Sawyer - one time guitarist with both Iron Maiden & Praying Mantis tells his story covering the previously unchartered depths of the early days of both bands with all the gigs recalled from Bob's own archive, including previously unpublished photos. This unique account details Bob's musical journey from the early seventies to being the guitarist in Iron Maiden during the band's formative years in the mid-seventies - before they had even signed a record contract. The band gigged relentlessly in an around their native East end of London, where they regularly played the pubs and clubs such as the Cart & Horses and Bridge House. Although Bob left Iron Maiden before they were signed to EMI, the advent of a surge in this genre dubbed the New Wave of British Heavy Metal saw Bob touring with one of the chief exponents Praying Mantis as part of the 1980 Metal For Muthas Tour that included bands such as Motorhead, Saxon and Samson, as well as his former band Iron Maiden. Bob also picked up with Iron Maiden again when Praying Mantis toured as the support act on Maiden's first headlining tour. Bob kept diaries, which now published in this book, give a great behind the scenes look at the formative days of not just these bands but of the enduring heavy metal movement as well.
£13.49
Rockschool Ltd Rockschool: Popular Music Theory Workbook Debut
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£9.49
Rockschool Ltd Rockschool: Popular Music Theory Workbook Grade 1
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£999.99
Rockschool Ltd Rockschool: Popular Music Theory Workbook Grade 5
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£10.44
Cillian Press Chinaski
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£9.99
WWW.Fundamental-Changes.com O Guia Completo para Tocar Blues na Guitarra
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£14.24
Outline Press Ltd Wilcopedia: A Comprehensive Guide To The Music Of
Book SynopsisWilcopedia is a comprehensive guide to the music of the preeminent American rock band of the twenty-first century. It offers a thorough appraisal of the entire Wilco canon, with detailed insights into every album and song the band have released, as well as side projects, collaborations, covers, and more. Since their formation in 1994, Wilco have become one of the most acclaimed and influential bands of modern times. While previous books have told their story in a biographical sense, Wilcopedia zeroes in on the music, tracing the evolution of the band s material from the studio to the concert stage, from the formative Uncle Tupelo recordings through the mould-breaking Yankee Hotel Foxtrot to latter-day gems Star Wars and Schmilco and beyond. Throughout their twenty-five year career, Wilco s founder and primary songwriter, Jeff Tweedy, has led his band through various shifts in line-up and genre that have kept fans on their toes and made their music difficult to categorize. While they are largely considered an Americana act, their music has touched on hard rock, electronica, pop, soul, punk, folk, and more. If you re looking for a thorough appraisal of the band s first quarter-century, one thing s for sure: Wilcopedia will love you, baby.
£13.46
HarperCollins Publishers Reversing Into The Future: New Wave Graphics
Book SynopsisReversing into the Future: New Wave Graphics 1977–1990 is a unique and fascinating book of graphic design history curated from Andrew Krivine’s personal and vast collection of original posters, flyers, artworks and memorabilia from the golden age of New Wave. Packed with exclusive artworks and expert texts, this is the comprehensive guide to the unforgettable period of New Wave. Having witnessed an emerging generation of music buyers who’d been energised by punk, major record labels and independents alike went in search of sounds and visions that captured something of the energy and cheeky attitude of punk, while ignoring its political edge. New Wave was embraced by the mainstream music and entertainment industries and used to promote artists who rejected the anti-consumerist, anti-materialistic, black-and-white nihilism of the original punk movement in favour of a more optimistic, humorous and colourful present refracted through the past. In doing so, and as this book illustrates, the New Wave followed Marshall McLuhan’s dictum that ‘we drive boldly into the future with our eyes fixed firmly on the rear-view mirror’. New Wave artists rejected punk’s satirical, parodic and irreverent treatment of rock ’n’ roll’s original, iconic imagery preferring to display it reverently or referenced with love and affection. Reversing Into The Future: New Wave Graphics 1977–1990 includes graphic designs for, among others, The B52s, Boomtown Rats, Devo, Duran Duran, The Cars, Elvis Costello, Joe Jackson, XTC, Cyndi Lauper, The Police, Simple Minds, Gary Numan, Japan, Blondie, Talking Heads, The Go-Gos, Graham Parker, Nick Lowe, Simple Minds, Frankie Goes To Hollywood and many more. Graphic artists featured include Martyn Atkins, Barney Bubbles, Chris Morton, Malcolm Garrett, Alex McDowell, Tony Wright, Martin Kaye for the Paradiso, X3 Posters, DEVO Inc., Neville Brody, The Designers Republic, Russell Mills and more. A collectable item itself, the book is beautifully produced with front and back cover artwork by world-renowned designers Malcolm Garrett and Chip Kidd. Alongside a vast array of original artworks and graphics from the New Wave period, the book includes text contributions from recognised and respected commentators, critics and designers from the UK, US and Australia. Documenting the incredible impact of New Wave, this is the ideal book for die-hard music fans and graphic design aficionados alike.Trade Review‘A visual feast’ -- Simon Reynolds
£28.00
Great Northern Books Ltd British Guitarists 1952-1972: Electric Pioneers
Book SynopsisFeaturing legendary and inspirational guitarists and the equipment they used. This fully illustrated, beautifully produced hardback explores the history of the pioneering British guitarists – their background, career and equipment. Includes many exclusive interviews. From the mid-20th century, no other musical instrument developed faster or had a greater impact than the electric guitar. In Britain, many young lads became enthralled by the look and the sound, leading them to take up the guitar to entertain their peers. Several dozen were able to master the instrument sufficiently to gain national and international recognition, enjoying careers spanning decades which has resulted in a number being awarded Queen's honours. British Guitarists 1952-1972: Electric Pioneers examines a number of musicians that were part of a first wave of new popular music in the second half of the 20th century. A focus is placed on the guitars, amplifiers and effects used by the artists. Starting from their early days, the book looks at the evolution of the guitarist's equipment and how this has impacted on their music. The guitarists featured are: Martin Barre, Syd Barrett, Jeff Beck, Ritchie Blackmore, Marc Bolan, Joe Brown, Eric Clapton, Dave 'Clem' Clempson, Dave Davies, Lonnie Donegan, Andy Fairweather Low, Peter Frampton, Robert Fripp, David Gilmour, Peter Green, George Harrison, Tony Hicks, Steve Howe, Tony Iommi, Brian Jones, Paul Kossoff, Albert Lee, Alvin Lee, John Lennon, Phil Manzanera, Hank Marvin, John McLaughlin, Tony McPhee, Micky Moody, Jimmy Page, Alan Parker, Mike Pender, Andy Powell, Keith Richards, Mick Ronson, Mick Taylor, Pete Townshend, Bert Weedon, Ronnie Wood.
£999.99
Wymer Publishing Woodstock and Altamont: The music festivals that
Book SynopsisPublished to tie in with the 50th anniversary of these festivals, Brian Ireland revisits the events, taking stock of their historical importance, and to note their influence not just on popular culture and society, but as part of a new musical culture that developed in the late 1960s and which saw young, similarly-minded people engage about multiple rights issues such as military draft, free speech, civil rights, gender equality, drug use, spirituality, capitalism - even revolution. It explores the festivals' organisation, promotion, and unfolding, as well as their immediate and enduring impact. The book is also about the 1960s, particularly the political, social, and cultural changes that provided the context for these festivals. A catalyst for these changes was the `baby boom' that provided the `foot soldiers' for both the Vietnam War and the counterculture that opposed it. It also provided the audiences for music festivals such as the annually recurring Newport Folk Festival, and for one-off events like 1967's Monterey and of course 1969's Woodstock, and Altamont. The activism of this young generation, the `New Left', looked to American values of freedom and democracy, but found them undermined by rampant consumerism, political assassinations, and by the horrors of the Vietnam War. All of this is explored behind the backdrop of the music festivals to form a broad social agenda for change that, by the time of Woodstock, transformed how Americans viewed themselves and their society. The Altamont Speedway Free Festival occurred just a few months later. Meant to be a `Woodstock West' it is nevertheless remembered as the antithesis of Woodstock, mainly because of the violence that unfolded and especially the tragic death of Meredith Hunter - killed by Hells Angels who were employed to provide security at the festival. Country Joe McDonald, a notable performer at Woodstock, sums up the popular memory of both festivals: "Woodstock and Altamont seem like bookends to the great social experiment of the late sixties.' The former seems proof that hippie idealism about peace and love was possible; Altamont, however, seems to reflect the dark side of the hippie dream - the flip side of the coin which has Charles Manson's face upon it.
£16.99
Wymer Publishing Muse: A Visual Biography
Book SynopsisFrom humble beginnings in Teignmouth, Devon on England’s South West Coast, since the band’s inception around twenty-five years ago Muse has grown into one of the biggest bands in the world. Since the release of debut album Showbiz in 1999, Muse has gone on to mega status, selling out stadiums around the globe. From a band that was helped in the nineties with a £150 grant from the Prince’s Trust, they have escalated into leading torch bearers for twenty-first century rock music. Never shy to acknowledge influences from the past, Muse has also created its own unique style from blending numerous music genres into their own defining image. Matt Bellamy, Chris Wolstenholme and Dominic Howard have remained together through thick and thin; time and time again producing huge selling albums and sold out concert tours. This Visual Biography is a wonderful keep-sake souvenir portraying the band’s rise to superstardom, right up to 2019’s Simulation Theory tour. The largely, previously unpublished photos are complimented with a 15,000 word band history by music author Laura Shenton.
£23.99
Wymer Publishing Strat!: The Charismatic Life & Times of Tony
Book SynopsisA quietly spoken, true English eccentric with something of a rebellious streak, Tony Stratton Smith initially charmed and blustered his way into the music business as a manager during the early 1960s and a few years later, when the record labels stopped playing by what he believed to be the rules, he simply went and formed his own -The Famous Charisma Label - and set about spinning the record business on its head. An independent label like no other, it is fair to say that without Strat's total belief and unwavering long-term support there would be no Genesis - Phil Collins has said as much - and a long line of artists owe Tony a similar debt of gratitude, from Monty Python to Malcolm McLaren, Lindisfarne to Sir John Betjeman, Vivian Stanshall to Julian Lennon. A former sports journalist and close friend to Jimmy Greaves and Sir Matt Busby (Strat narrowly missed a seat in the Munich Air crash) he later became a popular figure in the horse racing world. But making money was never very high on Tony's agenda, simply a means to an end that enabled him to fund the music and mayhem that brought him so much enjoyment. Strat was never happier than when the artists that he had so carefully nurtured were fulfilling their creative potential, delighting in working with the talents of Peter Gabriel, Alan Hull, Clifford T. Ward, Howard Werth and Peter Hammill. Ultimately, what he really cared about were the people, the creativity, about imagination, inspiration and risk, and the sheer joy to be had in bringing all those elements together, lighting the Charisma-pink touch paper and standing back, glass in hand, to watch what might happen when the sparks began to fly.
£15.29
Wymer Publishing Emerson Lake & Palmer Pictures At An Exhibition:
Book SynopsisOn 26th March 1971 at Newcastle City Hall, Keith Emerson, Greg Lake & Carl Palmer performed their version of Modest Mussorgsky’s Pictures At An Exhibition. An iconic classical piece given an innovative spin by the talented trio, it was released as an album following the success of their second studio album, Tarkus. In many ways, Pictures At An Exhibition is the underdog of Emerson, Lake & Palmer’s longstanding discography — so much so that there was uncertainty surrounding whether or not it was going to be released at all! And yet, despite the band’s uncertainties surrounding the LP at the time, it is now vital — both in terms of ELP’s history and in the wider sense of how it bridged a gap between rock and classical music. It certainly wasn’t the first album to do this but it is nevertheless a relevant and important part of such discourse. In this book, author Laura Shenton MA LLCM DipRSL offers an in-depth perspective on ELP’s Pictures At An Exhibition from a range of angles including how the album came to be, how it was presented and received at the time, how it compares to Mussorgsky’s original piece and what it means in terms of ELP’s legacy today.
£13.49
Wymer Publishing Elvis Costello This Year's Model: In-depth
Book SynopsisReleased in 1978, This Year’s Model was Elvis Costello’s second album and his first with The Attractions. Abundant in clever songwriting that often-made bold observational statements (even about the music industry itself!), This Year’s Model grabbed the attention of both UK and US audiences. In this book, author Laura Shenton MA LLCM DipRSL offers an in-depth perspective on This Year’s Model from a range of angles including how the album came to be, how it was presented and received at the time (live as well as on record), and what it means in terms of Elvis Costello’s legacy today.
£13.49
Wymer Publishing Deep Purple Slaves And Masters: In-depth
Book SynopsisSlaves And Masters is arguably one of the most divisive albums in Deep Purple's history. A product of Ian Gillan's sacking from the band and the recruitment of former Rainbow vocalist Joe Lynn Turner, in 1990, Slaves And Masters divided the fanbase enormously. But with four fifths of the classic MKII line-up at the helm and a desire to recapture the live feeling in the studio, that had been a hallmark of their seventies' albums, was it really the worst Deep Purple album as some fans claim? In this book, author Laura Shenton MA LLCM DipRSL offers an in-depth perspective on Deep Purple's thirteenth studio album from a range of angles including how the album came to be, how it was presented and received at the time (live as well as on record), and what it means in terms of Deep Purple's legacy today.
£13.49
Wymer Publishing Jethro Tull Heavy Horses: In-depth
Book SynopsisBy 1978, the landscape of pop music had changed considerably since Jethro Tull’s earlier hit albums Aqualung (1971) and Thick As A Brick (1972). Punk, disco and new wave were in and progressive rock’s heyday was over. Despite all of this, during the year of the band’s tenth anniversary, a cohesive line-up of Jethro Tull worked happily together to release the successful studio album, Heavy Horses. In this book, author Laura Shenton MA LLCM DipRSL offers an in-depth perspective on Heavy Horses from a range of angles including how the album came to be, how it was presented and received at the time (live as well as on record), and what it means in terms of Jethro Tull’s legacy today.
£13.49
Danann Media Publishing Limited The Beatles on Vinyl: The Must Have Records for
Book Synopsis
£21.25
Danann Media Publishing Limited BTS - Dynamite: The Story of the Superstars of
Book SynopsisBTS, also known as the Bangtan Boys, is a seven-member South Korean boy band composed of RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook. Originally a hip hop group, their musical style has evolved to include a wide range of genres. Their lyrics, often focused on personal and social commentary, touch on the themes of mental health, troubles of school-age youth, loss, the journey towards loving oneself, and individualism. After debuting in 2013 with their single album 2 Cool 4 Skool, BTS released their first Korean-language studio album, Dark & Wild, and Japanese- language studio album, Wake Up, in 2014. The group’s second Korean studio album, Wings (2016), was their first to sell one million copies in South Korea. By 2017, BTS crossed into the global music market, leading the Korean Wave into the United States and breaking numerous sales records. BTS became the fastest group since the Beatles to earn four No 1 US Albums, doing so in less than four years. By 2020 they had become the biggest selling band on the planet.
£17.00
Great Northern Books Ltd Pre:Fab!: The story of one man, his drums, John
Book SynopsisPRE:FAB! is the captivating memoir of Colin Hanton, telling of his early years as a musician and his career with John Lennon's Quarry Men. Colin drummed with the band for three years between 1956-1959, during which time both Paul McCartney and George Harrison joined the group. In 1958, Colin played on the very first single that John, Paul and George ever recorded-their versions of Buddy Holly's "That'll Be the Day" and a Paul and George composition: "In Spite Of All The Danger". Co-written over a two-year period by Colin Hanton and Colin Hall, custodian for Mendips (John Lennon's childhood home), PRE:FAB! tells the story of these history-in-the-making days . Colin Hanton's memories serve as an insight not only into his early musical adventures with John, but also into the social history of war-time and post-war Liverpool. PRE:FAB! has also been made into a feature-length, documentary film that is COMING SOON!Trade Review"PRE:FAB! is a brilliant social commentary as well as being a thoughtful and insightful look behind the scenes of the formation of the biggest band ever - The Beatles!" Bob Harris
£14.24
Wymer Publishing Talking Heads Remain In Light: In-depth
Book SynopsisReleased in 1980, bold and original, Remain In Light features a fascinating blend of African-inspired music and innovative use of recording technology. Hosting the hit single ‘Once In A Lifetime’, it was an album that commanded attention. As Talking Heads’ Jerry Harrison put it, “Remain In Light was the beginning of a new vision. It was a very creative period and really amazing.” In this book, Laura Shenton MA LLCM DipRSL offers an in-depth perspective on Remain In Light from a range of angles including how the album came to be, how it was presented and received at the time (live as well as on record), and what it means in terms of Talking Heads’ legacy today.
£13.49
Wymer Publishing Ian Gillan A Visual Biography
Book SynopsisWithout doubt Ian Gillan is one of the greatest and most enduring rock singers of all time. From his early career in sixties pop band Episode Six, through to Deep Purple, as well as a brief period with Black Sabbath, he has continued to surprise and delight millions of fans around the world. Forays into unchartered territory, such as his role in the original Jesus Christ Superstar, as well as a variety of solo projects, including the jazz inspired Ian Gillan Band have proven that time and again, Ian Gillan is more than just the lead singer with Deep Purple. This publication plots his career from the early sixties through to the present day in a visual timeline that charts his extraordinary and colourful career. Digging deep into the archives we have managed to pull together a vast array of photos and imagery, much of which has never been seen before. This includes many previously unpublished photos from his days with Episode Six and beyond. Off stage and backstage photos from his early career, through to Deep Purple and his solo projects are all included, alongside on-stage photos capturing Ian doing what he does best. A Visual Biography also includes many rare items of memorabilia, including a full itinerary from the Ian Gillan Band’s 1977 Japanese tour, plus posters and cuttings that help to document over fifty years as one of rock’s most iconic frontmen.
£23.99
Wymer Publishing Punk Rock A Visual Biography
Book SynopsisWhen Punk Rock took on the establishment in the late 1970s it was about more than just the music. Fashion, culture, attitude, all went hand in hand with what the likes of The Sex Pistols, The Damned and The Clash gave the youth of the day. This visual biography charts all of that with fabulous photography of the bands, the fans and the day-to-day happenings. Re-live your youth or if you weren’t around at the time, immerse yourself in the youth culture of the late seventies and early eighties.
£23.99
Wymer Publishing Wild Mood Swings: Disintegrating The Cure Album
Book SynopsisWild Mood Swings: Disintegrating The Cure Album by Album, Martin Popoff’s innovative new project on iconic post-punk pioneers The Cure, celebrates 50 years now since key actor of the band Robert Smith got hold of his first guitar. And the form this celebration takes is a critical analysis of the band’s 13 studio albums, utilising a panel of thoughtful and engaging music critics culled from the author’s and Marco D’Auria’s video channel, The Contrarians. Presented in easy-to-read Q&A format, Martin gathers these wise music swamis into small teams with an aim toward deconstructing and reassembling each album, hopefully generating myriad new ways for the reader and Cure fan to appreciate the band’s seminal records, beginning with Three Imaginary Boys in 1979 and ending with 4:13 Dream in 2008. As bonus to the discussion, Popoff has created a detailed timeline linked to each album, echoing the format used for his many celebrated visual biographies issued through Wymer Publishing in recent years. The end result presents a fresh methodology with which to consider a band’s catalogue, with the hope being that the mix of hard chronological reference material and freewheeling opinion, review and analysis makes for a lively celebration of—and subsequent richer appreciation for—everything Robert Smith has done for millions of Cure fans around the world, much of it therapeutic, redemptive and in so many inspiring instances, urgently life-saving.
£16.19
Wymer Publishing Elton John: From The Inside
Book SynopsisFrom The Inside is a thorough revised and expanded re-working of Hayward's previous books, Tin Pan Alley: The Rise of Elton John and From Tin Pan Alley to the Yellow Brick Road. From The Inside is not just an ordinary biography. It is effectively an oral history using interviews conducted over a fifteen-year period with just about every musician, producer, sound engineer, manager and key figure that worked with Reg Dwight, before and when he was Elton John, both in Britain and America, up to 1979. It is their story, From the Inside; how they contributed to the success of Sir Elton during that time, and how they played an unwitting part in his rise to fame. It is a collection of stories from the music makers, managers, executives and musicians that makes this book possible. They are the people who were there, observing what was going on and, in some cases, in close proximity to Sir Elton. It really is the story of those who still see him as an acquaintance or as a friend. It is the first time some of them have spoken out about their years working and sharing Sir Elton's life. Sadly, some of those contributors have passed now but their words and contributions live on in this book.
£21.24
