News Blog @ Wellington City Libraries

Enjoy the stories about big artists such as Bob Dylan and R.E.M. Also, fantastic song books including Nick Cave and the Smiths have been added this month. Get them and play!!

The Gospel according to Bob Dylan : the old, old story for modern times / Michael J. Gilmour.
“Since the early 1960s, music fans have found Bob Dylan’s spirituality fascinating, and many of them have identified Dylan as a kind of spiritual guru. This book examines Dylan’s mystique, asking why audiences respond to him as a spiritual guide.” (Syndetics summary)

Perfect circle : the story of R.E.M. / Tony Fletcher.
“Tony Fletcher’s biography of the enigmatic quartet from Athens, Georgia, benefits not only from his long association with the band but also from the co-operation of the band itself. However, R.E.M. – being R.E.M. – were disinclined to reveal this at the time the book was first published in 1989 and Tony was thus obliged to keep this under his hat. All such restrictions have since been lifted for newer editions, of which there have been several, and this latest incarnation of the book – now retitled Perfect Circle – brings the story to its natural conclusion with R.E.M.’s decision to disband in September, 2011. Drawing on dozens of interviews with friends, associates and the band members themselves, this is not just the story of one group’s rise through cult status, but the story of American alternative rock.”(adapted from amazon.com summary)

Cher : all I really want to do / Daryl Easlea and Eddi Fiegel. “Still going strong in her 60s, Cher is one of the most enduringly successful stars of our time. She has sold more than 100 million records, topped the charts in six consecutive decades an unprecedented feat and starred in some of the most popular films of the past 30 years. Cher: All I Really Want to Do takes readers through the ups and downs of a career that spans more than 50 years in show business. Beginning with her breakthrough alongside husband Sonny Bono in the ’60s, it takes in the high highs and low lows of the ’70s, the big-screen success of the ’80s, and global superstardom in the ’90s, and continues right up to her latest comeback alongside Christina Aguilera in Burlesque.” (adapted from amazon.com summary)

Every night’s a saturday night : the rock ‘n’ roll life of legendary sax man Bobby Keys / by Bobby Keys with Bill Ditenhafer.
“Bobby Keys was just 10 years old when he first heard live rock ‘n’ roll, courtesy of Buddy Holly and his crew playing on a flatbed truck for the opening of a gas station in sleepy Slaton, Tex. Fascinated by the new sound, Keys joined the school band and took up the only instrument left-a baritone sax. Soon, he was offered a spot touring with Buddy Knox. Too young to travel on his own, the drummer for The Crickets legally adopted Keys so he could tour. It was a prophetic start; Keys would go on to play with the likes of Joe Cocker, John Lennon, and The Rolling Stones, all of which is detailed in this eminently readable memoir. Tales of debauchery abound, including a stint in a Mexican jail, filling a bathtub with French champagne and a comely accomplice, riding shotgun as Keith Richards crashes a Ferrari into a hotel lobby, and many more.” (courtesy of Publisher Weekly)

The Nick Cave chord songbook collection.
Contents: From her to eternity — Knockin’ on Joe — Tupelo — The carny — Sad waters — Your funeral, my trial — The mercy seat — Up jumped the devil — Deanna — Watching Alice — City of refuge — Foi na cruz — The good son — Lament — Sorrow’s child — Lucy — The ship song — The weeping song — Papa won’t leave — You, Henry — Christina the astonishing — Jack the Ripper — John Finn’s wife etc. (courtesy of Syndetics)

The best of the Smiths.
Contents: Bigmouth strikes again — The boy with the thorn in his side — Girlfriend in a coma — Hand in glove — The hand that rocks the cradle — Heaven knows I’m miserable now — How soon is now — Last night I dreamt that somebody loved me — Please, please, please, let me get what I want — There is a light that never goes out — This charming man — What difference does it make (courtesy of Syndetics)

Sting : the best of 25 years : piano, vocal, guitar. Contents: All this time — Desert rose — Brand new day — Demolition man — The end of the game — Englishman in New York — Fields of gold — Fortress around your heart — Fragile — Heavy cloud no rain — I was brought to my senses — I’m so happy I can’t stop crying — If I ever lose my faith in you — If you love somebody set them free — Love is the seventh wave — Mad about you — Moon over Bourbon Street — Message in a bottle — Never coming home — Russians etc. (courtesy of Syndetics)

A variety of new books on poplar music this month includes biographies of Eminem and Tracy Thorne, intriguing studies on punk rock and boogie-woogie. What is more, fantastic books on Broadway Musicals! Enjoy!!

Whatever you say I am : the life and times of Eminem / Anthony Bozza.Whatever You Say I Am: The Life and Times of Eminem
“As his celebrity rises from infamy to superstar proportions, this is the definitive profile of Eminem as a rap artist and a key figure in the current American cultural landscape. 50 photos.” (Syndetics summary)

Bedsit disco queen : how I grew up and tried to be a pop star / Tracey Thorn.
“Tracey Thorn was one half of internationally successful group Everything But the Girl and collaborated with Paul Weller, Massive Attack and dance legend Todd Terry. This is the funny, perceptive and candid story of her 30-year pop career. There are thrills and wonders to be experienced, yes, but also moments of doubt, mistakes, violent lifestyle changes from luxury to squalor and back again, sometimes within minutes.” (adapted from Syndetics summary)

Mary Wells : the tumultuous life of Motown’s first superstar / Peter Benjaminson.
“Benjaminson (The Lost Supreme) delivers another excellent and fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the artists who made Motown Records a massive success in the 1960s. He sympathetically recounts the tumultuous life of singer Mary Wells, who gave the company its first #1 hit in 1964-”My Guy,” which Mary Wilson of the Supremes called “the epitome of the Motown Sound.” Relying heavily on four hours of interviews with Wells done by author Steve Bergsman between 1990 and 1992, as well as his own numerous interviews with friends, lovers, and business associates, Benjaminson describes how Wells became “a Motown goddess.” (adapted from Publisher Weekly, courtesy of Syndetics)

Punk rock : an oral history / John Robb ; edited by Oliver Craske.
“Longtime music journalist and founding member of The Membranes Robb (Death to Trad Rock) has collected the stories of over 100 eyewitnesses to the birth of British punk. From icons like John Lydon (Sex Pistols) and Mick Jones (The Clash) to lesser-known but no less outspoken musicians, managers, promoters, and fans, the interviewees bring a wide range of viewpoints to their tales of the scene’s development. With its brilliant balance of in-depth information and accessibility, this will be equally at home on academic, public, and personal library shelves. Essential for punk fans and highly recommended for readers interested in firsthand accounts of the growth of new cultural movements.” (Adapted from Library Journal,courtesy of Syndetics )

Rock chronicles : a visual history of the world’s greatest 250 rock acts / general editor, David Roberts ; foreword by Alice Cooper.
“Comprehensive, encyclopedia-style guide to 250 rock bands, including line-up history, labels, genre listings, album sales, and more.” (Syndetics summary)

The story of boogie-woogie : a left hand like God / Peter J. Silvester.
“One of the best known American musical styles, boogie woogie has a history that goes back to barrelhouses in the U.S. South at turn of the twentieth century. Silvester traces the evolution of the style from these early days, through its peak during the Second World War, and up to its current revival. Along the way, he introduces the pianists who made boogie woogie famous around the world, and discusses the influence of boogie woogie on big band swing, blues, and R&B. This authoritative volume will interest both boogie woogie aficionados and historians of U.S. popular music.” (Syndetics summary)

The book of Mormon : the testament of a Broadway musical / book, music and lyrics by Trey Parker, Robert Lopez & Matt Stone ; text, new interviews, and annotations by Steven Suskin ; principal photography by Joan Marcus ; design by BLT Communications.
“In celebration of the making of The Book of Mormon, the authors, production team, and entire original cast recount their experiences as they grew their show from the initial idea to opening night on Broadway. With the complete book and lyrics annotated by the full creative team and cast, along with more than 700 photographs and illustrations, they share the journey that began one night in a Manhattan bar and culminated seven years later in the achievement that is The Book of Mormon.” (Syndetics summary)

Broadway musicals : show by show / by Stanley Green ; revised and updated by Kay Green.
“Kay Green, wife of the late Stanley Green, offers a long overdue update of this important title, previously authored by her and her husband. The volume features entries for newer musicals, such as The Lion King (1997) and Spamalot (2005), as well as important revivals of classic musicals, such as Annie Get Your Gun (1999). Entries focus on the New York run of each musical, listing specific information for that production including cast members, producers, opening dates, number of performances, composers, lyricists, book authors, synopsis, major songs, and other historical details. The book also includes useful indexes of directors, lyricists, major cast members, and show titles.” (Adapted from Booklist, courtesy of Syndetics)

The selection of new books on popular music this month are all rock legends’ biographies. They include a much-missed Whitney Houston, John Lennon and Marc Bolan. Have a browse!!

Remembering Whitney : my story of love, loss, and the night the music stopped / Cissy Houston with Lisa Dickey ; with a foreword by Dionne Warwick.
“”The world lost one of the most beautiful voices and an extraordinarily beautiful and charitable woman,” says Houston of daughter Whitney’s death in February 2012. Cissy offers a forthright account of her daughter’s life and death.” (Library Journal)

50 licks : myths and stories from half a century of the Rolling Stones / Pete Fornatale with Bernard M. Corbett and Peter Thomas Fornatale.
“Fornatale, the noted disc jockey, radio host, and musical historian who died in 2012, opened the first program of his brand-new radio show in 1969 with a Rolling Stones song. By then the Stones were worldwide superstars, but, as Fornatale recounts in this profusely illustrated oral history of the band, there were some rocky times in the early days. Then back-to-back singles of (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction and Get Off of My Cloud catapulted them into international stardom. That was 47 years ago. The book features interviews with not only the Stones but also fellow musicians, film directors, music-industry execs, journalists, and does a good job of covering the band’s half-century history in broad strokes, giving us a nice look at the Stones as musicians, celebrities, and young men growing to maturity in the public eye.” (adapted from Booklist)

Mötley Crüe : the dirt / [Tommy Lee ... et al. ; with Neil Strauss].
“In the beginning there was the Motley House, crawling with cockroaches and rats, beer cans piled on the porch so high they threatened to spill into the house every time you opened the door. “That place gave birth to Motley Crue,” the band recalls in The Dirt: The Autobiography of Motley Crue. Crue members Tommy Lee, Mick Mars, Vince Neil and Nikki Sixx also team up with New York Times music writer Neil Strauss to tell the story of their band’s rise to phenomenal success.” (adapted from Publisher Weekly)

Untouchable : the strange life and tragic death of Michael Jackson / Randall Sullivan.
“Dogged by scandal for over fifteen years and undone by his own tendency to trust the wrong people, Michael Jackson had become untouchable in many quarters, a fact that wounded him deeply. Now, drawing on unprecedented access to friends, enemies, employees, and associates of Jackson, Randall Sullivan delivers an intimate, unflinching, and deeply human portrait of a man who was never quite understood by the media, his fans, or even those closest to him. Traces the story of Michael Jackson’s life from his famous childhood through his final four years, drawing on interviews with his friends, enemies, and other associates to cover his international travels, business acumen, and parenting decisions”.(Syndetics summary)

Prince / Matt Thorne.
“Legendarily reticent, perverse and misleading, Prince is one of the few remaining 80s superstars who still, perhaps, remains unexplained. Now a firm fixture in the pop canon, where such classics as “Purple Rain”, “Sign o’ the Times” and “Parade” regularly feature in Best Ever Album polls, Prince is still, as he ever was, an enigma. Matt Thorne’s “Prince”, through years of research and interviews with ex-Revolution members such as Wendy and Lisa, is an account of a pop maverick whose experiments with rock, funk, techno and jazz revolutionized pop. With reference to every song, released and unreleased, over 35 years of recording, Prince will stand for years to come as the go-to book on the Great Man”.(Syndetics summary)

Joni : the creative odyssey of Joni Mitchell / Katherine Monk.
“Biographies of Joni Mitchell are attempted every few years, but the definitive one will have to wait until the singer-songwriter tells her own story. In the meantime, Monk’s is the closest thing to essential reading. She describes her book as a “rambling adventure into the creative soul,” and it follows Mitchell’s path to popular and critical success as well as her self-imposed exile from that success, while frankly addressing the highs and lows of her career and personal life. One intriguing aspect of the book is Monk’s pursuit of a kind of Mitchell-approved reading list (because of her subject’s own interest in philosophy). Monk uses Martin Heidegger, Joseph Campbell, and especially Friedrich Nietzsche to tell Mitchell’s story and shape the narrative of her creative odyssey.” (adapted from Library Journal)

Days that I’ll remember : spending time with John Lennon and Yoko Ono / Jonathan Cott.
“A contributing editor to Rolling Stone since its inception, Jonathan Cott met myriad musicians, but few-if any-made as deep an impression on him as John Lennon. Cott’s many discussions and interviews (including one conducted just three days before Lennon’s assassination, reproduced here in its entirety) reveal the two rhapsodically rapping about the meaning of “Strawberry Fields,” dealing with fame, Yoko’s alleged role in the breakup of the Beatles (”I think that each of the Beatles was too strong and tough an individual to have been influenced by me in any way” is her response), and the impact of psychologist Arthur Janov’s primal therapy treatment on the duo’s relationship and work together. Cott does a solid job of creating intimacy between Lennon and the reader, something fans of the much-missed musician will likely relish.” (adapted from Publisher Weekly)

Ride a white swan : the lives and death of Marc Bolan / Lesley-Ann Jones.
“From mod folk artist to flower power pixie elfin to the king of glam rockers, Marc Bolan was the ultimate chameleon. His far reaching musical and stylistic influence is more relevant today than ever with hits such as ‘Ride A White Swan’, ‘Children Of The Revolution’, ‘Get It On’ and ‘Hot Love’ as fresh and exhilarating as when first released. At last, in the 35th anniversary year of his tragic death, Marc Bolan represents the definite biography. Here rock biographer, Lesley-Ann Jones, paints a meticulous portrait of the T-Rex front man. From his childhood growing up in Hackney to his untimely death at the age of 29, Bolan’s life was one of relentless experimentation and metamorphoses.”(adapted from amazon.co.uk summary)

New books on popular music this month include Madonna’s new book which features fantastic photos and the comprehensive biography of Freddie Mercury. Also, we have two new books from very popular Dummies ‘how to play’ series.

Madonna style / by Carol Clerk ; with Stacey Appel.
“This updated edition now includes details of Madonna’s new 2012 album and subsequent World Tour, her advertising campaigns for Louis Vuitton and Dolce & Gabbana, her clothing lines for H&M and her own Material Girl label as well as her Hard Candy album and videos for Celebration, Four Minutes and Beat Goes On.Here is a dazzling exploration of a unique pop-culture goddess. How does she do it? The answer comes in the form of this sumptuous collection of Madonna’s style effects. Every visual aspect of Madonna is shown including her wildly inventive catalogue of personae that she and her style army have conjured over the years. The result is an absolutely stunning one-woman fashion show that spans nearly half a century.” (adapted from amazon.com summary)

Stone alone : the story of a rock ‘n’ roll band / with Ray Coleman.
“YA– Wyman, bass player for the Rolling Stones, leaves no word unturned in this comprehensive, readable, witty account of the group from its beginnings as a struggling rhythm-and-blues band in 1962 to its superstar status and the death of founder and lead guitarist Brian Jones in 1969. With the help of veteran rock journalist Coleman, Wyman turns his exhaustive diary and other files into this well-written tome on the band and the London music scene of the ’60s. While the book contains a wealth of material and information, it offers few startling insights into the Stones as a group or individually. However, Stone Alone will certainly gather no moss on most library shelves”(School Library Journal)

A light that never goes out : the enduring saga of the Smiths / Tony Fletcher.
“Indie cult heavyweights the Smiths never charted a single higher than number 10, but they are widely considered to be an important musical component of British pop music of the 1980s. Their enigmatic vocalist and lyricist, Morrissey, is a bit of a hero to the disaffected, which only adds to his and the band’s angsty cachet. Of course, they broke up in 1987, but with rumored reunions that never materialized and the individual members’ post-Smiths activities (as a solo), Morrissey has cracked Top 10 lists), their self-conscious legend lives on. In relating the story of the band, Fletcher centers on Morrissey and guitarist Johnny Marr, digging deep in terms of the details of the band’s creative process and progress but with plenty of time for conjecture about the comprehensively enigmatic Morrissey.” (Booklist)

Freddie Mercury : the great pretender : a life in pictures / [text, Sean O'Hagan ; captions, Greg Brooks and Phil Symes ; art direction, Richard Gray].
“Iconic Queen front man, Freddie Mercury (1946-91) had always been a flamboyant, larger-than-life figure. This lavish, oversized book of photographs is a fitting tribute to his life and work. The book includes images from every stage of Mercury’s life, from his childhood in Zanzibar and India to his early musical career in England and his rise to international fame fronting Queen. Although filled with many images of Mercury striking his trademark dramatic stage poses, the book also reveals the singer’s more personal, vulnerable side-a distinct and fascinating contrast.” (Library Journal)

Blues harmonica for dummies / by Winslow Yerxa.
“Blues harmonica is the most popular and influential style of harmonica playing, and it forms the basis for playing harmonica in other styles such as rock and country. Blues Harmonica for Dummies gives you a wealth of content devoted to the blues approach—specific techniques and applications, including bending and making your notes sound richer and fuller with tongue-blocked enhancements; use of amplification to develop a blues sound; blues licks and riffs; constructing a blues harmonica solo; accompanying singers; historical development of blues styles; and important blues players and recordings.” (adapted from amazon.com summary)

Guitar for dummies / by Mark Phillips and Jon Chappell.
“The music guides in the popular “For Dummies” series all follow the same basic format, which includes much of the same information found in the other self-instruction resources reviewed here, but in more detail-getting started with the instrument, chords and melodies, playing technique, stylistic characteristics, and choosing instruments. Unlike most of the other series, the details of some techniques, such as fingerpicking, are covered in the chapters on style instead of getting chapters or sections of their own. These volumes also don’t cover reading music, though scored examples are included: players who don’t read are advised to pick up chords and melodies by ear from the accompanying CD. Best for teens and adults with some musical background, not necessarily with the guitar.”(Library Journal)

New books on popular music this month include stories about hit songs here in NZ and UK. Also, there are fantastic biographies of Noel Gallagher and Peter Criss from KISS. Have a browse.

OnSong : stories behind New Zealand’s pop classics / Simon Sweetman.
“On Song is a lively journey through New Zealand’s diverse pop landscape. Prolific music journalist Simon Sweetman has interviewed the writers and performers of beloved Kiwi classics, presenting ‘in conversation’ text that illuminates the fascinating stories behind the pop songs we all know and love, all complemented with a plethora of artists’ personal imagery and archival photography” (Publisher information)

The million sellers / contributors, Tim Brock … [et al.].
“Published to mark the 60th anniversary of the launch of the Official Singles Charts in 1952, The Million Sellers tells the story of every million-selling single in the history of the UK music industry. An analysis of the 123 singles which have passed the magical million sales threshold in the UK in the past 60 years, from Bill Haley & The Comets very first UK million-seller right through to more recent singles by Lady Gaga, Rihanna and the Black Eyed Peas. Interviews with some of the artists reflecting on their memories of their million sellers and what they remember of the success at the time At a-glance facts and data outlining the songwriters, producers, albums and total sales figures for the million selling track.” (adapted from amazon.co.uk summary)

Abbey Road to Ziggy Stardust : off the record with the Beatles, Bowie, Elton & so much more / Ken Scott and Bobby Owsinski.
“Ken Scott holds a unique place in music history as one of only five engineers to have recorded the Beatles, but his experiences as a producer may be just as profound. Abbey Road to Ziggy Stardust shares the intimate memories of Ken Scott’s days working with some of the most important artists of the 20th century while crafting a sound that has influenced several generations of music makers. Funny, poignant, and oh, so honest, Ken pulls no punches as he tells it as he saw it, as corroborated by a host of famous and not-so famous guests who were there as well.” (adapted from Publisher’s description)

Make up to breakup : my life in and out of Kiss / Peter Criss with Larry “Ratso” Sloman.
“Criss, the original drummer of Kiss and the third member of the band to pen a memoir, delivers an entertaining autobiography written with Sloman, who coauthored Scar Tissue, the memoir by Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Anthony Kiedis. But while bass player Gene Simmons (KISS and Make Up) focused on the sex and lead guitarist Ace Frehley (No Regrets) detailed the drugs, the appealing part of Criss’s account is that he keeps the focus on the rock and roll, which results in the best-and most honest-account of Kiss craziness during the band’s heyday in the 1970s. The book’s most interesting section explores Criss’s early life as a street punk turned hardcore jazz fan in the 1960s; this may be the first time the name Thelonious Monk has appeared in a book on Kiss.” (adapted from Publisher Weekly)

The future is the beginning : the words and wisdom of Bob Marley / Bob Marley ; introduction by Cedella Marley ; edited by Gerald Hausman.
“Taken from interviews and edited by Marley/Rastafarianism expert Gerald Hausman, this book highlights the famed reggae musician’s personal and spiritual beliefs.” (adapted from Library Journal)

Noel Gallagher : the biography / Lucian Randall.
“Noel Gallagher is a well-known for his singer-songwriter talent as he is for his controversial, outspoken statements and his tempestuous relationships. With the renowned Britpop band, Oasis, Noel found worldwide acclaim and influenced and musical style of a generation. But what is the truth about the boy from Manchester? This book maps out Noel’s story from the beginning. It takes you from his dysfunctional upbringing in Manchester to the man we know now.” (adapted from amazon.co.uk summary)

Roll me up and smoke me when I die : musings from the road / Willie Nelson ; foreword by Kinky Friedman ; illustrations by Micah Nelson.
“The latest in a collection of anecdotes and essays from singer-songwriter Nelson (The Facts of Life and Other Dirty Jokes) serves to reinforce his image as a sentimental country veteran who isn’t averse to firing up the occasional joint or two. Peppered with the occasional dirty joke, the book makes for an irreverent, entertaining read. Humble, optimistic, and quick to give credit to those around him for contributing to his success, Nelson is a charming narrator, lurching from subject to subject, but always with a point in mind.” (adapted from Publisher Weekly)

This month our picks of the popular music new books are all about rock legends, such as Neil Young, Pete Townshend and Bruce Springsteen. Enjoy the incredible stories!!

Waging heavy peace : a hippie dream / Neil Young.
“An iconic figure in the history of rock and pop culture (inducted not once but twice into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame), Neil Young has written his eagerly awaited memoir.” (Syndetics summary)

Who I am / Pete Townshend.
“He is one of the greatest musical talents Britain has ever produced. But even as the principle songwriter and lead guitarist for The Who, it would be unjust to define Pete Townshend’s life simply through his achievements with bandmates Daltrey, Moon and Entwistle. Now, in one of the most eagerly awaited autobiographies of recent times, this icon tells about his incredible life and elaborates on the turbulences of time spent as one of the world’s most respected musicians – being in one of rock’s greatest ever bands, and wanting to give it all up. Incredibly, as a man who has achieved so much, this truly unique story of ambition, relentless perfectionism and rock and roll excess will be regarded as one of his greatest achievements. (adapted from amazon.co.uk summary)

Bruce / Peter Ames Carlin.
“After 3 decades of groundbreaking music Bruce Springsteen still manages to amaze audiences around the world. Highly acclaimed music critic Peter Carlin tracks the Boss’s dazzling ascent to fame, whilst painting a vivid portrait of the real Springsteen: an insistently private man who nevertheless would do anything for his fans. Recently, in response to his mother’s failing health, Springsteen decided he wanted to tell his story, and that he wanted Carlin to tell it. With unprecedented access to Springsteen, his family, friends and management, Carlin presents a riveting and highly personal account of Springsteen’s life.” (adapted from amazon.co.uk summary)

Jagger / Philip Norman.
“Bestselling biographer Philip Norman offers an unparalleled account of the life of a living legend, Mick Jagger. From Home Counties schoolboy, to rebel without a cause to Sixties rock sensation and global idol, Norman unravels with astonishing intimacy the myth of the inimitable frontman of The Rolling Stones. MICK JAGGER charts his extraordinary journey through scandal-ridden conspiracy, infamous prison spell, hordes of female admirers and a knighthood while stripping away the colossal fame, wealth and idolatry to reveal a story of talent and promise unfulfilled.” (adapted from amazon.co.uk summary)

Elvis in Vegas / Paul Lichter.
“If Elvis Presley had been a painter, his canvas would have been Las Vegas. From his first appearance there at the age of twenty-one, to his marriage to Priscilla in 1967 at the Aladdin Hotel, to the annual “Elvis Festivals” of the 1970s, Las Vegas witnessed the triumphs and tragedies of his life. With hundreds of never-before-seen photographs of Elvis’s Vegas years, this book is the key volume in any Elvis aficionado’s collection. In addition to the images published here for the first time, noted expert Paul Lichter has compiled setlists, news clippings, and interviews to fully tell the story of when the King came to Vegas.” (adapted from amazon.co.uk summary)

Luck or something like it / Kenny Rogers.
“The country music legend shares the story behind his meteoric rise to fame, including the highs and lows, and the secrets behind his biggest hits.” (Syndetics summary)

Led Zeppelin : the oral history of the world’s greatest rock band / Barney Hoskyns.
“With Robert Plant on lead vocal and Jimmy Page on guitar, Led Zeppelin is one of the most iconic, legendary, and influential rock bands in musical history. Tales of their indulgence in sex, drugs, and excess have swirled for decades. In this definitive oral history of the band, Barney Hoskyns finally reveals the truth about Led Zeppelin, paring away the myths and describing what life was really like for four young men on top of the world. Through fresh new interviews with the surviving band members, close friends, their tour manager, and scores of other fascinating characters, Hoskyns provides deep insights into the personalities of the band members and chronicles the group’s dramatic rise, fall, and legacy.” (adapted from amazon.com summary)

New music this month features new releases from Bat For Lashes, Neil Young and Crazy Horse, and the unique new talent, Alt-J. Enjoy!!

“The third album by Bat For Lashes–the moniker for singer-songwriter Natasha Khan–is titled The Haunted Man. It features the singles “Laura” and “All Your Gold”. Speaking about the album, Khan said: “I really wanted to strip things back in honour of women like Patti Smith; just these raw, honest women. I had no make-up on, it’s just me and my haunted man!” (adapted from amazon.co.uk)

“Psychedelic Pill sees Neil Young and Crazy Horse follow up their previous release Americana, with another new album that was recorded around the same time as its predecessor. Produced by Young, John Hanlon and Mark Humphreys, the album features eight tracks and a bonus track across two discs. The format is largely due to the length of some tracks, including “Driftin’ Back”, which lasts for almost a full half hour, or “Ramada Inn” and “Walk Like a Giant”, both longer than 16 minutes.” (adapted from amazon.co.uk)

“It’s hard to place Alt-J. Originally from Leeds, they spend their time in a Cambridgeshire basement making their own brand of uniquely dubbed “folk-step”. However, the noises that An Awesome Wave emits far escape the dull, dark depths such a creative location suggests. Instead, it’s a stunning and encompassing affair of both innovative and electrifying musicianship and exemplary song writing. This album spans every workable idea, genre, and influence that can be crammed under the guitar music umbrella, yet it never feels disorientating. Instead, what swoons gracefully through speakers is an entirely comprehendible and accessible collection of beautiful pop songs. Movement is key on this album. Samples and sounds cascade and cross with elegance, but it’s Joe Newman’s lead vocal that acts as the cement, pulling everything together and guiding it seamlessly into making sense.” (adapted from amazon.co.uk)

“The remastered version is even better than the original. You can hear more. But the original mastered rock story-telling. Opera is a big word. Ask Mozart if this is an opera. I don’t know. But it is fantastic rock music. They nailed it. I missed this album so much for so many years, so glad to have it back and even better. The photos are priceless, and the notes confirm that these guys were enjoying this experience. The press have always focussed on the aggression and destruction. This album is just so creative. You want to travel back in the Tardis and just hang around in the background watching them do it. Like Sgt. Pepper only rockier and twice as long. The Who are a magnificent rock band. If there’s a negative to these kind of classic albums it’s that you really need to go out and buy some really good stereo gear which you can’t afford.” (adapted from amazon.co.uk customer review)

“In addition to 12 of Clark’s original compositions, Blak and Blu also features a 13th song – a blistering cover of Little Johnny Taylor’s (popularized by Albert Collins), “If You Love Me Like You Say / Third Stone From The Sun” (Jimi Hendrix) is actually a complete reworking of the song utilizing the Hendrix riff reinterpreted by Clark. The result is an extraordinary hybrid of the two ideas that breathes new fire to an old favorite.” (adapted from amazon.com)

“It could be argued that Robbie Williams’ star had waned before his reunion with Take That; making the appropriation of his Rudebox template for the boys-to-men-band’s successful return with Progress somewhat ironic. But Take the Crown, Robbie’s first solo set since 2009’s Reality Killed the Video Star, aims to reclaim his position as one of pop’s foremost solo artists. It features the hit lead single “Candy”, which was penned with former Take That bandmate Gary Barlow, and his collaboration with singer-songwriter Lissie, “Losers”.” (adapted from amazon.co.uk)

This month’s selection includes the very popular David Byrne’s ‘How Music Works’ and the inside stories behind Radiohead’s songs. Also ‘Acoustic guitar making’ is for DIY lovers.

How music works / David Byrne.
The Rock-and-Roll Hall of Fame inductee and co-founder of Talking Heads presents a celebration of music that offers insight into the roles of time, place and recording technology, discussing how evolutionary patterns of adaptations and responses to cultural and physical contexts have influenced music expression throughout history and culminated in the 20th century’s transformative practices.(Syndetics summary)

Radiohead : the stories behind every song / James Doheny. “With complex, haunting soundscapes and raw, soul-searching lyrics, Radiohead has blazed an uncompromising trail to become one of the most critically acclaimed, socially aware, and perennially popular rock acts in the world. Like such predecessors as Pink Floyd, U2, and REM, the band has maintained its underground cred even while residing at the heart of the popular mainstream. Now writer and musicologist James Doheny reveals the inside story behind every Radiohead song in a comprehensive and insightful book no true fan will want to be without.” (adapted from amazon.com summary)

Stairway to heaven : Led Zeppelin uncensored / Richard Cole with Richard Trubo.
“Whether onstage, on the road, at home, or in luxurious hotels, no one was closer to Led Zeppelin than Richard Cole, the band’s road manager for 12 years. He now gives a down-and-dirty, no-holds-barred account of living with the band–great reading by both biography buffs and Zeppelin fans alike. Two 16-page photo inserts.” (Syndetics summary)

The John Lennon letters / edited and with an introduction by Hunter Davies.
“Published together for the first time, this collection of letters to family, friends, lovers and complete strangers from the beloved Beatle offers an intimate look into the true personality and mind of one of popular music’s most prolific and revered artists.” (Syndetics summary)

The Gershwins and me : a personal history in twelve songs / Michael Feinstein ; with Ian Jackman.
“From celebrated entertainer Michael Feinstein comes a beautifully illustrated account of the lives and legacies of the Gershwins—told through stories of twelve of their greatest songs and accompanied by an original CD of those songs, performed by the author.” (adapted from amazon.com summary)

The record players : the story of dance music told by history’s greatest DJs / Bill Brewster & Frank Broughton.
“Collects firsthand accounts in a vibrant oral history of the rise of the DJ culture and includes songs lists, discographies, and photos.” (Syndetics summary)

Broadway musicals : show by show / by Stanley Green. “This updated edition of one of the best-selling and comprehensive Broadway reference books, first published in 1985, has been expanded to include many of the most important and memorable productions of the American musical theater, including revivals. Chronologically arranged beginning with The Black Crook in 1866, the seventh edition adds new entries and photos on numerous musicals from recent years, Show by Show features a wealth of statistics and inside information, plus critical reception, cast lists, pithy commentary about each show, and numerous detailed indexes that no Broadway fan will want to be without.” (adapted from amazon.com summary)

Acoustic guitar making : the steel string guitar / Nick Blishen. “Many people are frustrated by the mass-produced guitar and dream of something more unique. This practical book will help readers achieve that dream, and will inform and enlighten them along the way. Drawing on a range of ideas and techniques, it explains the process in a clear and logical way, thereby demystifying the task and making the guitar a joy to build and then to play. It covers tools, techniques, and selection of materials; how to avoid pitfalls and make faster progress; and how to achieve a professional finish and set up the guitar.” (adapted from amazon.com summary)

Our picks of the new music books this month are full of biographies – Bowie, Freddie Mercury, Mick Jagger, Rihanna, Henry Mancini… We were also intrigued by The chitlin’ circuit and the road to rock ‘n’ roll, which gives great insight into 20th-century American pop music and is a must read. Have a browse!

The man who sold the world : David Bowie and the 1970s / Peter Doggett.
“Taking for his unabashed model Revolution in the Head, the late Ian MacDonald’s seminal work on the Beatles, Doggett’s meticulous song-by-song analysis of David Bowie’s “long decade” (1969-1980) is a captivating look at an artist who defined an era. Best read while listening to the Bowie songs in question – for appropriate ambience and because Doggett’s analysis gets technical when dissecting the chord structure of favorites such as “Changes” – Doggett’s nontraditional rock biography traces Bowie’s early life and career through the 1980 release of his Scary Monsters LP” (Publishers Weekly)

Mercury : an intimate biography of Freddie Mercury / Lesley-Ann Jones.Mercury: An Intimate Biography of Freddie Mercury
“As lead singer of the band Queen, Freddy Mercury was a pure showman, fusing opera, theater, pop, and rock. Jones presents a candid life story of this rare phenomenon and chronicles Queen’s ascendance to musical superstardom. Though it will appeal to more than just Queen obsessives, Jones’s band history proves to be the ultimate fan’s resource: she thoroughly documents the development of each album’s release, promotion, reviews, and infamous tours-including the background and production of their classic “Bohemian Rhapsody.” In this exhaustively enjoyable read, Jones combines her own detailed research with the brutal honesty of family and friends, media and music insiders, bandmates and bedmates.” (adapted from Publisher Weekly summary)

Mick : the wild life and mad genius of Jagger / Christopher Andersen.
“For decades, Mick has jealously guarded his many shocking secrets—until now. As the Rolling Stones mark their 50th anniversary, journalist and #1 New York Times bestselling author Christopher Andersen tears the mask from rock’s most complex and enigmatic icon in a no-holds-barred biography as impossible to ignore as Jagger himself. Based on interviews with friends, family members, fellow music legends, and industry insiders—as well as wives and legions of lovers— MICK sheds new light on a man whose very name defines an era” (Syndetics summary)

Here comes everybody / James Fearnley.
“October, 1984: Wham!, Culture Club and Status Quo dominate the top ten when The Pogues barrel out from the backstreets of Kings Cross, London, a furious, pioneering mix of punk energy, traditional melodies and the powerfully poetic song-writing of Shane MacGowan. Here, their story is told with beauty, lyricism and great candour by James Fearnley, founding member and accordion player. He brings to life the youthful friendships, the bust-ups, the amazing gigs, the terrible gigs, the fantastic highs and dramatic lows in a hugely compelling, humorous, moving and honest account of life in one of our most treasured and original bands.” (Adapted from Syndetics summary)

Rihanna : rebel flower / Chloe Govan. “Here is an in-depth look at the life of one of pop music’s hottest international stars. This book reveals the details of Rihanna’s unhappy childhood, her wild child past that earned her the nickname of Rebel Flower, and how she found it therapeutic after her parents’ troubled marriage to join the army. A fascinating story of her transformation from schoolgirl Robyn Fenty to one of the most successful R&B artists in the world. Explores her turbulent relationship with singer Chris Brown which resulted in a photograph of her battered face making headlines around the globe. Features exclusive interviews with Rihanna’s old schoolfriends, producers, songwriters, video directors, journalists and many more who witnessed her transformation over the years. A must-read for fans new and old.” (adapted from amazon.com summary)

Cosmic dancer : the life and music of Marc Bolan / Paul Roland.
“Marc Bolan was the biggest pop star in post-Beatles Britain and in 1972 the Beatles acknowledged Bolan and his group T.Rex as their natural successor. His singles outsold the combined sales of Jimi Hendrix and The Who. But just when Bolan was at the summit of his success it all went sour. This is the incredible story of Marc Bolan’s rollercoaster rise to fame and his resurrection as the selfstyled ‘Godfather of Punk’ that promised to put him back on top until the fatal accident in 1977 which cut short his life and hopes of a comeback – an accident mysteriously accurately predicted by Bolan himself.” (adapted from Publisher’s description)

Henry Mancini : reinventing film music / John Caps.
“Henry Mancini (1924-94) brought film music from the background of the cinema to the foreground of popular culture. The music from the television series Peter Gunn and films including The Pink Panther and Hatari! became popular hits and permanent fixtures in the cultural Zeitgeist. Here, Caps, who hosted NPR’s The Cinema Soundtrack, tells the story of Mancini’s artistic development from big band arranger to Hollywood film score hit maker and beyond. Caps presents in-depth analysis of virtually each one of his scores. This critical biography will satisfy musically experienced readers as well as laypeople. It deserves a place in every film and popular music collection.” (adapted from Library Journal)

The chitlin’ circuit and the road to rock ‘n’ roll / Preston Lauterbach.
“Music journalist Lauterbach has written the definitive history of the musical back roads and back rooms of the southern United States, dubbed the Chitlin’ Circuit. From the 1920s through the 1960s, black musicians and their promoters used the clubs of the South to spread their music and eventually to sell records. Artists such as Walter Barnes, Louis Jordan, Ray Charles, B.B. King, Little Richard, and Al Green all worked the circuit in their time, bringing on the dawn of rock ‘n’ roll. A great read, well written and insightful. Highly recommended to anyone interested in the seedy history of American popular music.” (adapted from Library Journal summary)

Entertain us! / Craig Schuftan.
“In recent years there has been a massive upsurge of interest in nineties music. Triple J’s All Time Hottest 100 featured a disproportionate amount of nineties songs headed by Nirvana’s classic song: Smells Like Teen Spirit, from which this book draws its title.”(Syndetics summary)

Popular music books selection for this month includes three new books on Rolling Stones, Nick Drake’s biography that is available in English for the first time, unique insight of Pacific Islands’ music, and a fantastic collection of Jarvis Cocker’s lyrics. Also, a psychologist’s perspective on how your playlist affects your life is a must read.

The true adventures of the Rolling Stones / Stanley Booth ; introduction by Greil Marcus.
“Sounding like one instrument, a wild whirling bagpipe, the Stones chugged to a halt. But the crowd didn’t stop, we could see Hells Angels spinning like madmen, swinging at people.”(Syndetics summary)

The Rolling Stones : fifty years / Christopher Sandford.
“This is the definitive story of the most controversial and longest surviving bank in music history.”(Syndetics summary)

The Rolling Stones : 50 years of rock ‘n’ roll / [managing editor, Robert Sullivan].
“Chronicles the history of the British rock band and profiles the musicians that have been members of the group.”(Syndetics summary)

Blood, sweat & beers : Oz rock from the Aztecs to Rose Tattoo / Murray Engleheart.
“It all began in the late 1960s when Lobby Loyde was blowing up amplifiers on such a regular basis that equipment had to be specially constructed. King of the Sunbury festivals, former child star Billy Thorpe then took massive amplification to another level, making history along the way when his band the Aztecs pulled as many as 300,000 people to the Myer Music Bowl in Melbourne.”(Syndetics summary)

Pink moon : a story about Nick Drake / Gorm Henrik Rasmussen ; translated by Bent Sørensen. “Originally written in Danish in 1980, Pink Moon was the first biography of Nick Drake, and remains the only one to include exclusive interviews with the singer’s parents, Rodney and Molly Drake. In this new, significantly updated edition, available in English for the first time, author and poet Gorm Henrik Rasmussen reveals more from his visits to the Drakes in their home Far Leys – the first, just five years after the death of their troubled son. A Story about Nick Drake is a personal, original, and moving retelling of the life, death, and posthumous rise of a poet and guitarist who was strangely unsuited for his own time, and is more popular now than he ever was in life.”(adapted from amazon.com summary)

Mother, brother, lover : selected lyrics / Jarvis Cocker. “Jarvis Cocker is widely regarded as one of the most original and memorable lyricists and performers of the last three decades. Here, for the first time, is a selection of sixty-six lyrics, presented with commentary and an introduction by the man himself. In this volume, readers (and Pulp fans) will find such classic Jarvis lyrics as “Common People”, “Disco 2000″, “Babies”, “This is Hardcore” and “Do You Remember the First Time?” The selection, assembled by the author, reveals a sensibility that is unmistakably Jarvis: a sometimes visceral, sometimes everyday take on love, relationships and the things we do to each other when the lights get low. It is a beautiful collection of lyrics and commentary.” (adapted from amazon.com sumarry)

Adele : the biography / Marc Shapiro.Adele: The Biography
“Over the past year, Adele has taken the country by storm, sweeping the 2012 Grammy Awards and taking home six titles, including one for Album of the Year. The British singer-songwriter has been smashing records ever since her 2008 appearance on Saturday Night Live and her 2009 Grammy for Best New Artist. The success of her second album, 21, made her the first living artist since the Beatles to have two top-five hits in both the UK singles and albums charts. The album hit the #1 spot in 18 different countries. This one-of-a-kind book will provide answers to fans’ burning questions. A must-read for every Adele fan.” (adapted from amazon.com summary)

No regrets : a rock ‘n’ roll memoir / Ace Frehley with Joe Layden & John Ostrosky.No Regrets “Bronx, NY, native Frehley wanted to play guitar for a living, and he got his wish in 1972 when, responding to a Village Voice ad, he met Peter Criss, Gene Simmons, and Paul Stanley. After a slow start, their band, Kiss, exploded and became a brand that appealed to millions of kids and adults. However, Frehley found rock ‘n’ roll stardom inseparable from sex, drugs, brushes with the law, and near-death experiences. Unhappy with the band’s direction and concerned for his well-being, he quit Kiss in the early 1980s. The following years brought him more close calls, a solo career, and a Kiss reunion (and another breakup). Now five years sober, he continues to record and perform for his loyal fans.”(adapted from Library Journal summary)

Music in Pacific Island cultures : experiencing music, expressing culture / Brian Diettrich, Jane Freeman Moulin, Michael Webb. “The islands of Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia are steeped in diverse musical traditions that reach far beyond the expanse of the Pacific Ocean. Music in Pacific Island Cultures is the first brief, single-volume text to provide a thematic, succinct introduction to the music of the Pacific Islands–a region of the world that has long been underrepresented in ethnomusicological studies. Based on the authors’ extensive fieldwork and experiences in Pacific Island cultures, the text draws on interviews with performers, eyewitness accounts of performances, vivid illustrations, and insights gained from ongoing participation in Pacific music.” (adapted from Publisher description)

Your playlist can change your life : 10 proven ways your favorite music can revolutionize your health, memory, organization, alertness, and more / Galina Mindlin, Don DuRousseau, Joseph Cardillo.Your Playlist Can Change Your Life “This distinctive book comes from the coordinated efforts of Mindlin (psychiatry, Columbia Univ.), Don DuRousseau (executive director, PEAK Neurotraining Solutions), and Joseph Cardillo (Be Like Water: Practical Wisdom from the Martial Arts), who propose that readers can use music to relieve anxiety, increase alertness, feel happier, and sharpen memory. The process involves picking songs you like, taking note of how the songs work, and then using them to create a particular mood or spirit. The authors provide numerous exercises, personal examples, and sample play-lists for specific moods (e.g., getting rid of the blahs, relaxing before tests, and revving up lunch breaks). This title lends a psychologist’s perspective to a common behavior-well worth the purchase.” (adapted from Library Journal summary)