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The Life of a Song: The fascinating stories behind 50 of the world's best-loved songs
by David Cheal Jan DalleyWho knew that Paul McCartney originally referred to Yesterday as 'Scrambled Eggs' because he couldn't think of any lyrics for his heart-breaking tune? Or that Patti LaBelle didn't know what 'Voulez-vous couches avec moi ce soir?' actually meant? These and countless other fascinating back stories of some of our best-known and best-loved songs fill this book, a collection of the highly successful weekly The Life of a Song columns that appear in the FT Weekend every Saturday. Each 600-word piece gives a mini-biography of a single song, from its earliest form (often a spiritual, or a jazz number), through the various covers and changes, often morphing from one genre to another, always focusing on the 'biography' of the song itself while including the many famous artists who have performed or recorded it.The selection covers a wide spectrum of the songs we all know and love - rock, pop, folk, jazz and more. Each piece is pithy, knowledgeable, entertaining, full of anecdotes and surprises. They combine deep musical knowledge with the vivid background of the performers and musicians, and of course the often intriguing social and political background against which the songs were created.
The Life of a Song: The stories behind 100 of the world's best-loved songs
by David Cheal Jan DalleyDiscover the stories behind the songsTHE LIFE OF A SONG contains the stories of 100 songs exploring each song's biography and how they took on a new life following their release. Packed with intriguing factoids, these bite-sized essays will delight music fans and send you scurrying back to listen to the songs in all their beauty and mystery.Who knew that Paul McCartney originally referred to Yesterday as 'Scrambled Eggs' because he couldn't think of any lyrics for his heart-breaking tune? Or that Patti LaBelle didn't know what 'Voulez-vous coucher avec moi ce soir?' actually meant? These and countless other back stories fill this book.Each 600-word piece gives a mini-biography of a single song, from its earliest form through the various covers and changes, often morphing from one genre to another, always focusing on the 'biography' of the song itself while including the many famous artists who have performed or recorded it.This book collects 100 of the best pieces from the highly successful The Life of a Song columns from the FT Weekend every Saturday. Inside you'll find rock, pop, folk, jazz and more. Each piece is pithy, sparkily written, knowledgeable, entertaining, full of anecdotes and surprises. They combine deep musical knowledge with the vivid background of the performers and musicians, and of course the often intriguing social and political background against which the songs were created.
The Life, Music and Thought of Woody Guthrie: A Critical Appraisal (Ashgate Popular and Folk Music Series)
by John S. PartingtonWoodrow Wilson Guthrie (1912-67) has had an immense impact on popular culture throughout the world. His folk music brought traditional song from the rural communities of the American southwest to the urban American listener and, through the global influence of American culture, to listeners and musicians alike throughout Europe and the Americas. Similarly, his use of music as a medium of social and political protest has created a new strategy for campaigners in many countries. But Guthrie's music was only one aspect of his multifaceted life. His labour-union activism helped embolden the American working class, and united such distinct groups as the rural poor, the urban proletariat, merchant seamen and military draftees, contributing to the general call for workers' rights during the 1930s and 1940s. As well as penning hundreds of songs (both recorded and unrecorded), Guthrie was also a prolific writer of non-sung prose, writing regularly for the American communist press, producing volumes of autobiographical writings and writing hundreds of letters to family, friends and public figures. Furthermore, beyond music Guthrie also expressed his creative talents through his numerous pen-and-ink sketches, a number of paintings and occasional forays into poetry. This collection provides a rigorous examination of Guthrie's cultural significance and an evaluation of both his contemporary and posthumous impact on American culture and international folk-culture. The volume utilizes the rich resources presented by the Woody Guthrie Foundation.
The Life, Style and Music of Chappell Roan: Pop Sensation and LGBTQ+ Icon (Pop Icons)
by Nick LevineA deep-dive into the LIFE, LYRICS and LOOKS of Chappell Roan, our favourite Midwest princess and queer icon. ❤️🔥🏳️🌈🦄💋🪩 Chappell Roan is officially a cultural femininomenon. With her powerful vocals, audacious lyrics, extravagant outfits and captivating stage presence, she has overcome setbacks to become a global superstar.Follow Chappell's journey from the heart of rural Missouri to sold-out stages across the globe -delving into her early life, the stories behind her songs, her musical influences, iconic fashion looks and the key moments that have shaped her glittering career.This is the ultimate guide to Chappell Roan and a technicolour celebration of her dazzling world of drag, dreams and fearless self-expression.In this beautifully designed and meticulously researched book, you'll find:· 90+ stunning, high-quality photographs 📸· Behind-the-scenes interviews 💅· Her musical and style inspo 💥· Chappell's tour themes decoded 🧜♀️🤠💖🤡
The Life, Style and Music of Chappell Roan: Pop Sensation and LGBTQ+ Icon (Pop Icons)
by Nick LevineA deep-dive into the LIFE, LYRICS and LOOKS of Chappell Roan, our favourite Midwest princess and queer icon. ❤️🔥🏳️🌈🦄💋🪩 Chappell Roan is officially a cultural femininomenon. With her powerful vocals, audacious lyrics, extravagant outfits and captivating stage presence, she has overcome setbacks to become a global superstar.Follow Chappell's journey from the heart of rural Missouri to sold-out stages across the globe -delving into her early life, the stories behind her songs, her musical influences, iconic fashion looks and the key moments that have shaped her glittering career.This is the ultimate guide to Chappell Roan and a technicolour celebration of her dazzling world of drag, dreams and fearless self-expression.In this beautifully designed and meticulously researched book, you'll find:· 90+ stunning, high-quality photographs 📸· Behind-the-scenes interviews 💅· Her musical and style inspo 💥· Chappell's tour themes decoded 🧜♀️🤠💖🤡
The Light in the Piazza
by Craig Lucas Adam Guettel"The Light in the Piazza beautifully captures the eternal allure of Italy. . . . The story wraps itself around your heart."--Chicago Sun-Times"Guettel's music and lyrics take nothing from the razzle-dazzle bargain basement of feeling; they represent, instead, a genuine expense of spirit. . . . The Light in the Piazza doesn't want to make theatre-goers feel good; it wants to make them feel deeply."--The New Yorker"With Adam Guettel's gorgeous melodies, a compelling narrative hook from Craig Lucas, and moving themes about happiness and risk, there's no question that The Light in the Piazza is Broadway worthy."--Daily VarietyComposer Adam Guettel, best known for his Floyd Collins, has teamed with Prelude to a Kiss playwright Craig Lucas to create a passionate and soaring new musical based on Elizabeth Spencer's 1960 novella, which was first published as an entire issue of The New Yorker. It is the story of an American ingénue abroad, whose chance meeting of a charming young Italian in a Florentine piazza sets off a whirlwind romance--with an unsettling revelation. The Light in the Piazza opens on Broadway at the Lincoln Center Theater this spring after major productions already in Seattle and Chicago.Adam Guettel wrote music and lyrics for Floyd Collins, produced across the country and in London. His other works include Love's Fire, a collaboration with John Guare, and Saturn Returns, a concert at The Public Theater/New York Shakespeare Festival that was recorded by Nonesuch Records under the title Myths and Hymns.Craig Lucas won this year's Obie Award for Best American Play for Small Tragedy and the New York Film Critics Award for Best Screenplay for The Secret Lives of Dentists. His other plays include Reckless, Blue Window, Prelude to a Kiss, God's Heart, The Dying Gaul, Missing Persons, Stranger, and Singing Forest.
The Lightning Bottles: An absolutely gripping and heartbreaking page-turner
by Marissa StapleyHe was the troubled face of rock 'n' roll . . . until he disappeared without a trace.Jane Pyre was once part of the famous rock 'n' roll duo, the Lightning Bottles. Years later, she's the most hated - and least understood - woman in music. She was never as popular as her bandmate (and soulmate) Elijah Hart, despite writing the songs that catapulted them to fame.But ever since Elijah disappeared five years earlier and the band's rise to fame came crashing down, public hatred of Jane has risen to new levels and all she wants is to retreat. The last thing she expects is for the teenage girl next door - a Lightning Bottles super fan - to claim that Elijah is still alive. Or that he's been leaving secret messages for Jane . . .
The Lightning Bottles: An absolutely gripping and heartbreaking page-turner
by Marissa Stapley'I absolutely loved this book and found myself drawn in and unable to put it down from page one! I can see this being a great pick for anyone who loved Daisy Jones and The Six' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'I seriously loved this book! It brought together two of my great loves in life, music and books... The characters were out of this world! I felt all of the emotions... What a wonderful story' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐He was the troubled face of rock 'n' roll . . . until he disappeared without a trace...Jane Pyre was once half of the famous rock 'n' roll duo, the Lightning Bottles. Years later, she's perhaps the most hated-and least understood-woman in music. She was never as popular with fans as her bandmate (and soulmate), Elijah Hart - even if Jane was the one who wrote the songs that catapulted the Lightning Bottles to instant, dizzying fame, first in the Seattle grunge scene, then around the world.But ever since Elijah disappeared five years earlier and the band's meteoric rise to fame came crashing down, the public hatred of Jane has taken on new levels, and all she wants to do is retreat. What she doesn't anticipate is the bombshell that awaits her at her new home in the German countryside: the sullen teenaged girl next door-a Lightning Bottles superfan-who claims to have proof that not only is Elijah still alive, he's also been leaving secret messages for Jane. And they need to find them right away...Combining a mystery, a love story and a coming of age, this unforgettable novel is perfect for fans of Taylor Jenkins Reid, The Idea of You and Songs in Ursa Major - and will have you hooked from the very first page! Everyone loves The Lightning Bottles: 'If you enjoy rock n roll love stories and Daisy Jones and The Six you will really like this book. I absolutely could not put it down!... A great summer read' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'Wow - I absolutely loved this... 5 stars!' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'I wish I could give this book 10 stars! From the very start of Elijah and Jane's relationship, I was absolutely hooked' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'WOW. I could not put this book down. I loved the grunge, rock & roll, music feel of this book... I read this book in 2 days' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'A book that you can't put down!!' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'Wow, this was such a great book! I loved both Jane and Elijah and thought their love story was inspiring' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Listening Book
by W. A. MathieuThe Listening Book is about rediscovering the power of listening as an instrument of self-discovery and personal transformation. By exploring our capacity for listening to sounds and for making music, we can awaken and release our full creative powers. Mathieu offers suggestions and encouragement on many aspects of music-making, and provides playful exercises to help readers appreciate the connection between sound, music, and everyday life.
The Listening Party: Artists, Bands and Fans Reflect on 100 Favorite Albums
by Tim BurgessThe Charlatans&’ Tim Burgess invites you to the greatest listening party of all time. In 2020 when the world was forced to hit pause on live in-person gigs, Tim Burgess found an ingenious way to bring people together by inviting artists and bands, from Paul McCartney and New Order to Michael Kiwanuka and Kylie, to host real-time album playbacks via Twitter. Relive 100 of the most memorable listening parties here with stories from bands and fans, rarely seen backstage images, and unique insider info from those who created these iconic albums. "Hey Twitter, let's all say a big thanks to Tim for these brilliant events this year! We really needed them. So much great music being talked about.'" - Sir Paul McCartney "Twitter being used for something really positive." - Mary Beard
The Little Book of Danny Dyer: The wit and wisdom of the diamond geezer
by Various'If the body is a temple, at the moment mine's a windowless shed.'Danny Dyer, actor and descendant of William the Conqueror, is the nation's favourite geezer well known for his cutting one-liners and amusing outbursts and, with them, he has captured all of our hearts. The Little Book of Danny Dyer is a collection of his most iconic quotes on politics, fitness, parenting and the important things in life.From Brexit to philosophising about how we wouldn't be able to eat sandwiches if we didn't have thumbs, The Little Book of Danny Dyer is the perfect gift for fans of this wise-cracking national treasure.
The Little Book of Danny Dyer: The wit and wisdom of the diamond geezer
by Various'If the body is a temple, at the moment mine's a windowless shed.'Danny Dyer, actor and descendant of William the Conqueror, is the nation's favourite geezer well known for his cutting one-liners and amusing outbursts and, with them, he has captured all of our hearts. The Little Book of Danny Dyer is a collection of his most iconic quotes on politics, fitness, parenting and the important things in life.From Brexit to philosophising about how we wouldn't be able to eat sandwiches if we didn't have thumbs, The Little Book of Danny Dyer is the perfect gift for fans of this wise-cracking national treasure.
The Little Book of Girl Power: The Wit and Wisdom of the Spice Girls
by Various'When I came out of my mother's womb I screamed: "Girl Power!"' Ginger SpiceThe Spice Girls shaped the nineties. They taught us about girl power, union jack dresses, the power of leopard print clothes and how if we want to be our lover, you've got to get with our friends. The Little Book of Girl Power is a collection of the most iconic girl band's quotes on love, men, girl power and friendship.From Posh Spice's words on fashion to Sporty Spice on female friendships, The Little Book of Girl Power is the perfect gift for any Spice Girls fans in your life.
The Little Book of Girl Power: The Wit and Wisdom of the Spice Girls
by Various'When I came out of my mother's womb I screamed: "Girl Power!"' -Ginger Spice. The Spice Girls shaped the nineties. They taught us about girl power, union jack dresses, the power of leopard print clothes and how if we want to be our lover, you've got to get with our friends. The Little Book of Girl Power is a collection of the most iconic girl band's quotes on love, men, girl power and friendship. From Posh Spice's words on fashion to Sporty Spice on female friendships, The Little Book of Girl Power is the perfect gift for any Spice Girls fans in your life.
The Little Book of Lizzo
by Various'I don't think that loving yourself is a choice. I think that it's a decision that has to be made for survival' - LizzoLizzo is without doubt the self-love preaching, flute-playing, feel-good superstar the world needs rights now! Whether you stan her for her unforgettable lewks, body positivity or not giving a single f*ck about haters... this book of pocket wisdom is the perfect companion.The Little Book of Lizzo is a collection of the pop goddess's most iconic quotes, fiercest advice and boundary pushing wisdom, sure to leave you feeling good as hell.
The Little Book of Oasis Insults: The hilarious and unofficial book of Gallagher Brothers' quotes
by Jake JamesWelcome to The Little Book of Oasis Insults, now kindly p*ss off. Or stay - if you've got the backbone to handle some of the most savage, side-splitting, and downright brutal takedowns ever unleashed by Noel and Liam Gallagher.This is your one-stop shop for the funniest, most outrageous insults ever fired. Whether it's roasting pop royalty like Adele ('music for f*cking grannies'), Prince Harry ('asshole'), their old mate Gary Neville ('he looks like an estate agent'), or anyone else who dared cross the Gallagher firing line, this book captures the brothers at their sharpest - taking no prisoners and offering zero apologies. It's part wit, part war, and 100% Oasis.With more insults than Liam's had parkas, and packed with hilarious illustrations, this is the perfect gift for Oasis fans, insult enthusiasts, or anyone who appreciates the art of a perfectly delivered burn. So, crack it open, have a laugh, and then get out of here, you muppet!
The Little Book of Oasis Insults: The hilarious and unofficial book of Gallagher Brothers' quotes
by Jake JamesWelcome to The Little Book of Oasis Insults, now kindly p*ss off. Or stay - if you've got the backbone to handle some of the most savage, side-splitting, and downright brutal takedowns ever unleashed by Noel and Liam Gallagher.This is your one-stop shop for the funniest, most outrageous insults ever fired. Whether it's roasting pop royalty like Adele ('music for f*cking grannies'), Prince Harry ('asshole'), their old mate Gary Neville ('he looks like an estate agent'), or anyone else who dared cross the Gallagher firing line, this book captures the brothers at their sharpest - taking no prisoners and offering zero apologies. It's part wit, part war, and 100% Oasis.With more insults than Liam's had parkas, and packed with hilarious illustrations, this is the perfect gift for Oasis fans, insult enthusiasts, or anyone who appreciates the art of a perfectly delivered burn. So, crack it open, have a laugh, and then get out of here, you muppet!
The Little Book of Oasis: An Unofficial Celebration of the Greatest Rock 'n' Roll Band on the Planet
by Summersdale PublishersWhether it's Liam's swagger, Noel's carefully crafted songwriting or the collective Northern soul at the heart of their anthems - Oasis are simply unforgettable. With candid quotes, upfront facts and a shedload of tidy trivia, this book covers the supersonic highs and catastrophic lows of the maddest, baddest rock'n'roll band on the planet.
The Little Book of Queen Bey: The Wit and Wisdom of Beyoncé
by Various'I will always believe in the strength we have as women.' As the queen of pop music since the glory days of Destiny's Child to her incredible solo career, Beyoncé is one of the most inspiring and powerful women in music. The Little Book of Queen Bey is a collection of the most iconic quotes from a woman who needs no introduction. When it comes to self-love, empowerment and sisterhood, Beyoncé has more wisdom than anybody. From how to be an independent woman to positive affirmations that will give you hope, The Little Book of Queen Bey is the perfect gift for fans of the goddess of pop. Prepare to be inspired.
The Little Book of Queen Bey: The Wit and Wisdom of Beyoncé
by Various'I will always believe in the strength we have as women.' As the queen of pop music since the glory days of Destiny's Child to her incredible solo career, Beyoncé is one of the most inspiring and powerful women in music. The Little Book of Queen Bey is a collection of the most iconic quotes from a woman who needs no introduction. When it comes to self-love, empowerment and sisterhood, Beyoncé has more wisdom than anybody. From how to be an independent woman to positive affirmations that will give you hope, The Little Book of Queen Bey is the perfect gift for fans of the goddess of pop. Prepare to be inspired.
The Little Book of Speaking Up: Find Your Voice In 5 Minutes A Day With 65 Whole-body Exercises
by Jutta RitschelWhat is your voice saying about you? Your unique voice—its volume, tone, and pitch—is the invisible key to a good first impression. But stress can cause your voice to falter—right when you need to speak up! Now, breath therapist and music teacher Jutta Ritschel offers 65 easy exercises to keep your voice always well-tuned—whether you’re rehearsing a speech or performance, or simply seeking your most confident self. Stretch like a cat: Free tense muscles, widen your rib cage, and breathe deeply. Read aloud: Practice expressing emotion! Befriend your voice: Hear the difference between how you sound to yourself and to others. Most important of all, you’ll learn to find comfort in silence—and hear your inner voice before you speak.
The Little Drummer Mouse: A Christmas Story
by Mercer MayerA little mouse who is teased for being the smallest and for playing an acorn drum is singled out to give a gift to the very special child who has been born in a nearby stable.
The Little Guide to AC/DC: For Those About to Read, We Salute You! (The\little Book Of... Ser.)
by Orange Hippo!Giving Satan Tinnitus Since 1973. Jacked up to the max with plenty of juice left to squeeze, AC/DC can still ignite their excitable audiences with their supercharged, power-cord hungry rock, even in 2023. This Little Guide to AC/DC is the ultimate, greatest hits compilation of the band's best bits in quick-fix shots, amped up to 11 with high voltage facts, shocking stats, killer quips and quotes, heavy-duty historic dates and thunderstruck trivia, a compact compendium of wit and wisdom that will keep every AC/DC fan as hard as a rock all night long. For those about to read, we salute you! 'I'm sick to death of people saying we've made 11 albums that sound exactly the same. In fact, we've made 12 albums that sound exactly the same.' Angus Young
The Little Guide to AC/DC: For Those About to Read, We Salute You! (The\little Book Of... Ser.)
by Orange Hippo!Giving Satan Tinnitus Since 1973. Jacked up to the max with plenty of juice left to squeeze, AC/DC can still ignite their excitable audiences with their supercharged, power-cord hungry rock, even in 2023. This Little Guide to AC/DC is the ultimate, greatest hits compilation of the band's best bits in quick-fix shots, amped up to 11 with high voltage facts, shocking stats, killer quips and quotes, heavy-duty historic dates and thunderstruck trivia, a compact compendium of wit and wisdom that will keep every AC/DC fan as hard as a rock all night long. For those about to read, we salute you! 'I'm sick to death of people saying we've made 11 albums that sound exactly the same. In fact, we've made 12 albums that sound exactly the same.' Angus Young
The Little Guide to Freddie Mercury: The show must go on (The\little Book Of... Ser.)
by Orange Hippo!A charismatic performer and frontman to Queen, Freddie Mercury is regarded as one of the greatest rock singers in music history.Bursting with all the famed wit, wisdom and wisecracks that made the late, great showman's larger-than-life career so compelling, this tiny tome is home to all of Freddie's most famous, infamous, and funniest flights of spoken fancy. From controversial interview quotes to candid life philosophies, through his legendary performance at Live Aid in 1985 to his final days as a solo artist, everything he ever said (almost) is here."A lot of people slammed 'Bohemian Rhapsody', but who can you compare that to? Name one group that's done an operatic single." Freddie, on 'Bohemian Rhapsody', interview with Circus magazine, March 1977."I think Queen songs are pure escapism, like going to see a good film – after that, people can go away, and go back to their problems." Freddie, on the magic of his band's songs, interview with Melody Maker, May 1981.