Popular music Books

Book SynopsisConveying Lived Experience through Rock and Pop Music Lyrics explores rock and pop music lyrics of the last seventy years to elucidate a broad spectrum of themes about the collective human experience. The opening chapters discuss personal topics, with a first chapter about developing a romantic relationship and a second chapter about breaking up. Subsequently, lyrics describing nostalgia, that is, the longing for the past, as well as those about leaving home, going on the road, and returning home are considered. More social topics are treated in chapters devoted to lyrics about the outsider in society, those experiencing mental illness, and alcohol and drug use. Next, songs of social and political critique are surveyed, followed by an examination of utopian and dystopian lyrics. Finally, rock and pop songs about religious topics are considered, first with a chapter on the use of the prophetic voice, and then with a description of lyrics about hell and the devil, as well as heaven, angels, and God. This broad survey of several hundred songs, using a close reading approach, shows how rock and pop lyrics convey the lived experience of people in contemporary society.

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Book SynopsisBruce Springsteen is one of the most important and controversial rock stars of our times: this is the story of the man - a complex, poetic loner whose albums went on to sell 18 million copies - and the band that gave his inner vision a punch and a swagger. Clinton Heylin has written the most factually accurate, informative book on Springsteen to date. As in Heylin's definitive Bob Dylan title Revolution in the Air, E Street Shuffle will focus on Bruce Springsteen and his work: the songs he's written, the way they were recorded, how they sounded live. Heylin also has unparalleled access to the people around Springsteen: current and former members of the E Street Band; CBS A&R personnel; Springsteen's 'New Dylan' contemporaries, as well as fellow Asbury Park musicians and scenesters, and rock critics. This is the essential book for any fan of the Boss.Praise for Clinton Heylin:"Arguably the world's greatest rock biographer." - The Irish Independent."The only Dylanologist worth reading." - The New York Times.Trade ReviewAn impressive feat of rock scholarship. * Sunday Telegraph *Heylin traces Springssteen's development from the bars of the Jersey Shore to the stadiums of the world in compelling fashion. * Catholic Herald *

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Book SynopsisWhen LA musicians Russell and Ron Mael moved to Britain in 1973, they hit the pop world as Sparks and looked like Oddballs, even in the context of the Glam Rock movement that made them welcome. Soon defined by their weird and wonderful 1974 single This Town Ain't Big Enough for the Both of Us from the Kimono My House album, Sparks went on to release 21 albums over four decades, each record inhabiting a bizarre world of it's own. Their songs were peppered with puns and pop culture nods, as well as nostalgia and jokey images, all mixed up in a kaleidoscope of musical references ranging from rock to glam to disco. The paperback edition of the critically acclaimed biography. The Sparks story is now celebrated in this book, Daryl Easlea's exploration of their extraordinary career drawing on hours of new interviews and research. Talent is an Asset comes as close as possible to pinning down the quicksilver nature of two gifted musicians who have gone out of their way to remain unpredictable and elusive, forever entrenched behind a dazzling gallery of jokes, impersonations and musical eccentricities.Trade Review'[Easlea's] mastery of the story makes Talent is an Asset that rare kind of page turning biography that nips along like any bestselling novel. ' Record Collector 'The early exploits are the most interesting.' Mojo ****

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Book SynopsisThe very first book about the Anglo-American metal band Tool explores not only their uncompromising music but also their unsettling, self-made image based on mythological symbols and arcane theories. Now available in paperback. The quartet of master musicians - Maynard James Keenan, Danny Carey, Justin Chancellor and Adam Jones - emerged from the club scene in Los Angeles in 1990 alongside their friends Rage Against the Machine, grabbing the concept of heavy music and then completely redefining it. With a sixties-style commitment to art and agit-prop, they have now attained a level of artistic complexity and depth which makes their enduring success a miracle in today's culture of bland, corporate entertainment.They have received three Grammy awards and their rise to glory has been one of the stranger rock tales of our time. Joel McIver leaves no detail omitted as he delves into the mystery behind Tool's music.

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Book SynopsisMorrissey & Marr: The Severed Alliance is among the most successful - and controversial - rock biographies ever published. Having denounced the book and called for the death of its author Johnny Rogan, Morrissey later did a U-turn and cited it as evidence in the royalty-related court case brought by Smiths drummer Mike Joyce. Now, 20 years after it was first published, Rogan has returned to his definitive Smiths biography to produce a completely revised edition based on new information and new interviews to add to the almost 100 initially conducted over a four-year period. Widely acclaimed as one rock's leading writers, Johnny Rogan now brings yet more insight and analysis to his best-selling book that revealed, for the first time, the true and unsanitised story of The Smiths - the most important group of their generation.Trade Review'A hugely readable and fascinating book - flawlessly informed. A superb achievement.' Q (5 stars) "A page-turner of the first degree" - The Sunday Telegraph 'A bloody marvellous book.' Melody Maker "Personally I hope Johnny Rogan ends his days very soon in an M3 pile-up" - Morrissey

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Book SynopsisPatti Smith is one of pop culture's true originals. The 1975 release of her debut album Horses signalled the start of a career full of passionate commitment, abrupt gear changes and unlikely collaborations which continues to flourish well into the 21st century.Nick Johnstone, respected music journalist and long time fan, unravels the story of the girl from Chicago who mixed poetry, underground theatre, jazz and rock, and who played a key role in shaping the New York punk scene of the mid-Seventies. From the home town experimental poems through street performance in Paris to high times in New York's Chelsea Hotel, from the quiet years in suburban Detroit with husband Fred 'Sonic' to her ascension to iconic status, the Patti Smith story is full of unexpected twists and turns. Nick Johnstone makes fascinating sense of a complex creative and produces a compelling insight into the life and times of a woman who has always refused to compromise. Arthur Rimbaud, Robert Mapplethorpe, Sam Shepherd and Bruce Springsteen are just a few who have become associated with the Patti Smith legend. She has toured with Bob Dylan, opened for the New York Dolls and duetted on record with R.E.M., written songs for movies and still produces albums off arresting originality.

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Book SynopsisMillion Dollar Quartet' is the name given to recordings made on Tuesday December 4, 1956 in the Sun Record Studios in Memphis, Tennessee. The recordings were of an impromptu jam session among Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Johnny Cash.The events of the session. Very few participants survive. Includes interviews with the drummer and the sound engineer. A detailed analysis of the music played - and its relevance to subsequent popular music. The early lives and careers of the quartet - where they were in 1956. Relevant social and economic factors which meant that a massive audience of young people were keenly looking for a new kind of music they could call their own. The "reunions" of surviving members of the quartet. The emergence of the tapes, first on bootleg and then on legitimate CDs. The genesis of the stage show and its reception - the enduring appeal of the music.

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Book SynopsisThe indispensable consumers' guide to the music of Led Zeppelin. An album by album, track by track, run-down of every song released by Led Zeppelin, from their classic first album to their best selling albums of the seventies and beyond. Also includes details of their remastered recordings, compilation albums, live albums and Led Zeppelin on DVD. Features include...*An album by album, track by track analysis *Information on when and where the music was recorded *A track index for easy reference *16 pages of colour pictures

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Book SynopsisThe paperback edition of the bestselling biography. The Kinks are the quintessential British sixties band, revered for an incredible series of classic songs ('You Really Got Me', 'Waterloo Sunset' and 'Lola' to name but a few) and critically acclaimed albums (The Village Green Preservation Society). Featuring original interviews with key band members Ray Davies, his brother Dave and Mick Avory, as well as Chrissie Hynde and many others close to the group, every stage of their career is covered in fascinating detail: the hits, the American successes of the 1970s and the legendary band in-fighting. Nearly 50 years after they formed, The Kinks influence is still being felt today as strongly as ever.Trade Reviewnew interviews with both Dave and Ray are particularly revealing.' MOJO ' - journalist Hasted has delivered the most complete and satisfying biography ever published on the band.' Record Collector

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Book SynopsisAn updated edition of the bestselling biography to include details of her sixth studio album The Truth About Love which was a worldwide number one hit and the birth of her first child in 2011.

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Book SynopsisAn updated edition of this bestselling biography that features details of her second album Born This Way and her subsequent tour as well as the release of her long-awaited third album in spring 2013, ARTPOP. Includes her numerous controversies such as that meat dress, her many collaborations with everyone with Elton John to Cher and Tony Bennett, and her movie acting debut in Machete Kills in early 2013. This is the story of her high-speed rise in the fame game, told with a mix of admiration and sharp journalistic insight. Packed with full-colour photographs complete this portrait of one of the biggest names in modern music.

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Book SynopsisThe Ultimate Guide To Great Reggae celebrates (and helps you find) the greatest songs of reggae. It focuses on every style of reggae, from mento to Jamaican R&B, ska, rock steady, dub, DJ roots, dancehall and more. It opens with an exceptionally comprehensive brief history of reggae. This is followed by 52 chapters, each devoted to in-depth descriptions of the greatest songs for a particular artist or style. Over 750 great songs are detailed, and many more are discussed. More than 200 of reggae's stars, cult artists, one-hit wonders and forgotten greats are profiled, encompassing the music's full six decade span. Many of the songs and artists receive their overdue first coverage in print. The seven chapters on Bob Marley describe every one of his more than 600 recordings, his 200 best songs receiving detailed profiles. Well written, insightful and engaging, The Ultimate Guide To Great Reggae is more than an invaluable buyer's guide and more than a comprehensive history. It's a love letter to reggae that's joy to read. It's the one essential book for any reggae fan, and is interesting and accessible for anyone who enjoys reading about music.Trade Review'This is a well-written, accessible, and enjoyable tour de force of Jamaican reggae. I found it informed, thoughtful, but written with a light touch.' Chris Partridge, Lancaster UniversityTable of Contents1. Acknowledgements 2. Introduction 3. Jamaica's History of Great Records 4. Great Songs From The Golden-age of Mento Singles 5. Count Lasher 6. Chin's Calypso Sextet 7. Great Jamaican R&B 8. The Skatalites 9. Bob Marley & The Wailers, Part 1: Ska and More At Studio One 10. Prince Buster 11. More Great Ska Songs 12. Great Treasure Isle Rock Steady Songs 13. Great Rock Steady From Other Studios 14. Desmond Dekker & The Aces with The Dynamites at Beverly's 15. Toots & The Maytals 16. The Ethiopians 17. Great Studio One Rock Steady and Reggae Instrumentals 18. More Great Studio One Rock Steady and Pre-Roots Reggae Songs 19. Bob Marley & The Wailers, Part 2: Self-produced Singles In Their Middle Period 20. Bob Marley & The Wailers, Part 3: The JAD Productions In Their Middle Period 21. Bob Marley & The Wailers, Part 4: An LP Produced by Leslie Kong In Their Middle Period 22. Bob Marley & The Wailers, Part 5: Produced by Lee Perry In Their Middle Period 23. Bob Marley & The Wailers, Part 6: Work With Sundry Other Producers In Their Middle Period 24. More Great Early Reggae 25. Jimmy Cliff 26. Nora Dean 27. Augustus Pablo 28. Lee Perry Before The Black Ark 29. Lee Perry And The Black Ark Sound 30. Junior Murvin at The Black Ark 31. The Congos At The Black Ark And Elsewhere 32. More Great Dub 33. Great Mento-Reggae by Stanley Beckford and Others 34. Great Mento After The Golden-Age 35. More Great Reggae Instrumentals 36. The Abyssinians 37. Burning Spear 38. More Great Nyabinghi and Nyabinghi-Reggae Songs 39. Dennis Brown 40. Gregory Isaacs 41. Black Uhuru and Michael Rose 42. More Great Sly & Robbie Songs 43. Black Slate 44. Steel Pulse 45. More Great Roots Reggae 46. Big Youth 47. More Great DJ Songs 48. Bob Marley & The Wailers, Part 7: The Internationally Released LPs 49. Bunny Wailer, After The Wailers 50. Peter Tosh, After The Wailers 51. Great Dub Poetry 52. Great Jamaica Jazz 53. Barrington Levy and The Birth of Dancehall 54. Johnny Osbourne 55. More Great Dancehall 56. Coda: More Great Songs, But Difficult to Categorize

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Book SynopsisIn this autobiography Billy J. Kramer (born William Ashton) tells his rags to riches story, from his working class childhood in Liverpool to the racy world of international pop music. Managed by Brian Epstein, produced by George Martin, and friend, confidante and colleague of the Beatles, Kramer gives a definitive insider's account of the birth of the Liverpool sound and also the "British Invasion" of the USA. But there are dark secrets in the Kramer story. Before he reached his twenties, he was in the grip of drugs and alcohol, and there were constant tensions between him and his backing band, the Dakotas. When the screaming stopped, he reinvented himself as a cabaret performer, and some of his best records were made in the years he was out of the limelight. With a young family, drink and pills made his domestic life, and eventually his professional life, a struggle. In this no-holds-barred account, Kramer brings to life the vibrancy of the sixties. He then reveals how he exorcised his demons and forged a new career in the United States. He assembles his current band, shows a growing mastery of songwriting, and returns to national tours of Britain and the USA, keeping the flame of the Mersey sound alive. The lifetime of experience he brings to his new songs infuses every page of this enthralling read.Trade ReviewHe was the most handsome man on stage, and well-dressed too - Ringo Starr; Billy J. Kramer and his band The Dakotas have always been an inspiration to me - Peter FramptonTable of ContentsForewordChapter 1: Little Children: 1943-1958 Chapter 2: I'll Be on My Way: 1958-1962 Chapter 3: Silver Dream: 1963-1964Chapter 4: It's Gotta Last Forever: 1964-1967Chapter 5: Twilight Time: 1967-1971Chapter 6: Gone Away: 1971Chapter 7: You Can't Live on Memories: 1972-1983Chapter 8: I Won the Fight: 1984-2006Chapter 9: To Liverpool with Love: from 2006Recordings List

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Book SynopsisThe Northern Soul scene is a dance-based music culture that originated in the English North and Midlands in the early 1970s, it still thrives today with a mix of fifty-year olds and new converts, and its celebration of 1960s Soul has an international following. This innovative and distinctive book brings together original commissioned essays and pivotal scholarly articles that have defined the field so far, interspersed with dossiers of published journalistic articles and photographs, and interviews with, for instance, producers and directors of Northern Soul-themed films. This publication represents a subject-defining book on the history and contemporary nature of the scene, and the first anthology of work in the field, which will provide a forum for vibrant dialogue and debate for a readership of lecturers and researchers, students and general readers interested in creative analyses and interpretations of the scene, past and present. The book links academic research, photography, film production and journalism in the documentation and analysis of historic and current music scenes. Representations of the scene from different media and different historical locations are juxtaposed to construct a rich and diverse statement about the music, people, places and practices that constitute the Northern Soul scene in the UK.

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Book SynopsisDanny O'Donoghue is loved by millions around the world as the frontman of The Script. A cheeky Irish charmer, he is blessed with rugged good looks and a voice that pours every drop of emotion into heartfelt lyrics. But success did not come quickly for the Dubliner - it took years of hard grafting to hit the big time. Youngest of a musical family, Danny was born to be a rock star. With no interest in education, his long path to stardom began after a chance meeting with would-be guitar hero Mark Sheehan. Little did the two youngsters know that they would ultimately find fame together as one of Ireland's most successful bands. But Danny would spend a decade in musical purgatory in the US, stealing bags of ice just to fill his bath and making tea in the recording studios for the likes of Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears, before the two triumphantly struck out on their own. With years of learning from the best, they knew the recipe for success. the Script exploded onto the scene in style, with hit singles turning them into worldwide stars. With Paul McCartney, Take That and U2 all clamouring for their support, they were soon headlining arenas themselves. And in 2012, Danny's career reached new heights as a judge on hit show The Voice. His journey from tea boy to TV star, music hero and household name was complete.

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Book SynopsisThis updated edition of the bestselling biography now includes new interviews with the band conducted by the author between 2010 and 2012, including many extremely personal, never-before-seen passages. Alongside this is a detailed new chapter to the book, covering the extensive world tour for 'The Resistance' and the relationship break-ups, wild LA rock'n'roll parties, alcohol addictions and recoveries that led to the writing and recording of Muse's most recent album 'The 2nd Law'. Exploring the meanings behind the songs themselves, the chapter concludes with first-hand accounts of several up-close-and-personal live shows and looks forward to the huge stadium tour of the summer.Trade ReviewObsessively observed, nicely paced. Includes plenty of previously unpublished interviews. [This book] makes you appreciate how far this band has come.' Record Collector (5 stars) 'Mark Beaumont does a compelling job taking you to the heart of the band.' Classic Rock

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Book SynopsisTalks of an abusive, violent childhood at the hands of her father a strict and sadistic soldier in the US Army, who made family life hell. Christina was taken out of school and home educated for a period after bullying from peers reached an all-time high. Tells of how her desperation to flee the violence - as well as a desire to save her mother, who was trapped in her marriage financially - drove Christina into childhood stardom. How she was first discovered, on TV talent shows and a starring role on The Mickey Mouse Club, which would eventually lead to a record deal and the first number 1 single of many. Gives the inside story on how she rebelled against being a bubble-gum pop singer, parted ways with a controlling management, and made a comeback with a raunchy controversial new look. Reveals the death threats she received and the media backlash as she lost her reputation as America's good girl forever. Also explains how she began to assert herself and write her own songs in the studio. Tells the inside story on the making of each of Christina's albums as well as her marriage, motherhood and her subsequent divorce. Coverage of the making of her seventh album Lotus and her stint on The Voice brings the story up to date

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Book SynopsisBruno Mars has sold over 115 million records worldwide as a singer, producer and songwriter. This book documents his childhood in Honolulu and how he found fame from the age of four.

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Book SynopsisThis biography, the most in-depth look at Kanye's life and career to date, lifts the mask to expose the man behind the endless myths. Featuring quotes from all of the major players in Kanye's life, Kanye West: God And Monster traces his life from the suburbs of Chicago through art school and rap apprenticeships to recording in the coolest studios of New York and Hawaii with the biggest names in music, revolutionising hip-hop at every step of the way. It documents every rumour and revelation, details the wildest extravagances and biggest ego blow-ups of this true rap original. Exploring his life, music and controversies like never before, Kanye West: God And Monster is the ultimate profile of this legendary pop culture titan.

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Book SynopsisJoel McIver's acclaimed Black Sabbath biography, Sabbath Bloody Sabbath, concluded in 2011 that its subjects were at a crossroads. Could Ozzy, Tony, Geezer and Bill manage after over 40 years in business to get back together one more time? After all, the veteran heavy metal musicians were grieving for their fallen comrade Ronnie James Dio and about to face a devastating medical diagnosis for one of their own. McIver's brand-new, updated volume brings the story up to date with the tale of Sabbath's near-miraculous return to form with the Rick Rubin-produced 13 album, which topped charts worldwide on its release in 2013. In true Sabbath style, however, nothing went entirely to plan, with internal arguments, last-minute band-member replacements -- and a genuine fear that this may be Sabbath's very last shot at glory.

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Book SynopsisThis new, revised edition of Hot Wired Guitar brings Beck's story bang up to date, from his adventures at The White House in December 2012 with Mick Jagger and US President Barack Obama, to touring the world with Beach Boy Brian Wilson and the 2014 release of Jeff's latest solo disc.The definitive account of Jeff Beck's journey from his childhood in 1940s South London to the world-wide success of 2010's album Emotion and Commotion and beyond. Author Martin Power has talked to former Yardbirds members Chris Dreja and Jim McCarty as well as manager Simon Napier-Bell and fellow musicians including Max Middleton, Stanley Clarke, Simon Phillips, Jimmy Hall, Mo Foster, Doug Wimbish and many others. Supported by full album reviews, rare photographs and an up-to-date discography, Hot Wired Guitar is the most complete and comprehensive account of the life and times of Jeff Beck, the man who took the electric guitar and showed the world just what could be done with just six strings and 'one hell of an attitude'.Trade ReviewThis book does the job thoroughly' Classic Rock 8/10 'A fulsome chronicle of one of the UK's best musicians' development...full of admirable gumshoe work by the writer.'Record Collector

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Book SynopsisIn this revised edition of his definitive biography of Dolly Parton, Stephen Miller has updated his original book on the superstar. Going behind the larger-than-life image to discover what makes Dolly tick, Miller gets to the core of a remarkable woman from a poor East Tennessee background who made it in the male-dominated world of Sixties Nashville and went on to build a respectable movie career. Talking to Dolly's family members, musicians and producers, the author explores Dolly's private life, including her closely-guarded relationships with her husband of nearly fifty years, Carl Dean, and her lifelong friend Judy Ogle. What emerges is a unique portrait of a strong woman who took control of her life, her music and a successful business career with resolute determination. Dolly loves making jokes at her own expense; perhaps the best joke has been how one of America's great singer-songwriters became a legend by being serious about her music while being frivolous about her image.

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Book SynopsisThe definitive account of one of rock 'n' roll's most engagingly shambolic acts as well as an evocative portrait of the times in which they raised hell and recorded some timeless tracks, now updated with details of the sad death of keyboard player Ian McLagan.Trade Review'It's amazing. It's got a huge amount of information' Rod Stewart. 'Highly recommended.' The Beat. 'Overgrown adolescent ruffians riffing away through a fog of booze, bed-hopping and fisticuffs [are] well represented here by Neill, but the author also rightly praises the music that established The Faces as the quintessential touring rock 'n' roll band.' Four Stars. Record Collector. 'It's unthinkable that Rod Stewart's much anticipated reminiscences will plunge headlong into the nuanced depths of musical delight and moral depravity as Neill's tome does... rich in detail and behind the scenes yarns.' Four Stars. Mojo

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Book SynopsisThe 306: Dawn is a new piece of music theatre from the National Theatre of Scotland. Based on real events, it charts the heart-breaking journey of three of the three hundred and six British soldiers who were executed for cowardice, desertion and mutiny during World War I (1914-18). 'You are a fucking coward and you will go to the trenches. I give fuck all for my life and I give fuck all for yours and I’ll get you fucking well shot' – Sergeant to Harry Farr. Joseph Byers (17) from Glasgow. Too young to enlist, Joe, like so many at the time, has lied about his age to join the other men at the front. However, his dreams of being a solider are quickly destroyed by the brutal realities of trench warfare and he soon finds himself in trouble with the authorities. Private Harry Farr (25) from London. Traumatised by the things he has seen and lived through as a serving soldier, Harry is suffering from shell shock and is now unable to fight. He has subsequently been convicted of cowardice, and as he waits to hear his fate, he dreams of his wife and hopes for a last minute reprieve. Lance-Sergeant Joseph Willie Stones (24) from Durham. Having used his rifle to block the entrance to a trench during fierce fighting, Joseph stands accused of casting away his arms in combat - an offence punishable by death. He thought he was protecting his men, but the top brass want to make an example of him to maintain discipline in the ranks. With a contemporary score performed live by the Red Note Ensemble, the songs explore the vulnerability and devastation of the battlefields, alongside the inner struggles of the men. Poignant and powerful, The 306: Dawn will be performed in a transformed barn in the Perthshire countryside.Trade ReviewBrilliantly interweaves the everyday with the extraordinary * The Times *

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Book SynopsisIan Hunter's Diary of a Rock `n' Roll Star, first published in 1974, is a fascinating diary of Mott the Hoople's 1972 US tour. It has received a litany of plaudits and been described as what "may well be the best rock book ever" and "an enduring crystallization of the rock musician's lot, and a quietly glorious period piece" from Q and The Guardian. A brutally honest chronicle of touring life in the Seventies, and a classic of the rock writing genre, Diary of a Rock `n' Roll Star remains the gold standard for rock writing. This new edition includes new content from Hunter. Ian Hunter is the lead singer in Mott the Hoople and a successful solo artist in his own right. He continues to record and perform across the world after more than fifty years in rock'n'roll.Trade Review'May well be the best rock book ever.' Q Magazine 'An enduring crystallization of the rock musician's lot, and a quietly glorious period piece' The GuardianTable of Contents* Ian Hunter is the lead singer of Mott the Hoople * Recently released a new album

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Book SynopsisBBC Radio 6 Music is the place for alternative music – and this is the quiz for its fans. From indie pop and iconic rock to trip hop, electronica and dance, these questions will test your knowledge of the last 60 years of floor-fillers, cult classics and the best B-sides to the limit. Including dedicated quizzes on your favourite 6 Music shows, like Lauren Laverne's People's Playlist, Guy Garvey's Finest Hour, Jarvis Cocker's Sunday Service and more, find out how much you can really call yourself the king of rock n' roll.

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