Music Books

Buy this book right now. Even if you aren't interested in film. If you've ever walked by a poster advertising a film, buy this book. Why are you still reading this review? Why aren't you ordering this book? In fact, don't order it online here, run to your local Borders and pick it up right now. Hurry, it'll close soon! Well, okay, buy it online, but you'd better use overnight shipping! I'm warning you!!! Buy it.

Now!!!!!

"Saying that Jerry Ziesmer probably has delivered the greatest assistant director book ever written doesn't do it justice. His tales from the Kleig was in "Ready When You Are, Mr. Coppola, Mr. Spielberg, Mr. Crowe" are not only an insider-insider's look into what actually happens in the making of movies--from "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" to "Apocalypse Now" to "Jerry Maguire"--but also a compendium of perceptive glimpses at the personalities and decision making by great filmmakers and actors across four decades. This book relates the biz and its lore with color, intimacy, candor and horse sense..."

An amazing inside story of filming with Frances Coppola, Steven Spielberg, and Cameron Crowe told by their assistant director. The author relates the tales of filming "Apocalypse Now", "Close Encounters of the Third Kind", "Jerry Maguire", "Scarface" and so many others. A truly enjoyable book for the film professional or for those who just enjoy films.

Jerry Ziesmer tells the kind of inside stories you usually only hear (if you're lucky) over beers after shooting's wrapped for the day. Without ever whitewashing or pulling punches, he offers a thoughtful, compassionate perspective on the trials and tribulations that led to some of the greatest films of our day. This is simply one of the best books ever written on the nuts and bolts, the passions and personalities of filmmaking, period. Thanks Jerry.

Disclaimer--I know Jerry from working with him on the Director's Guild Council, and I have utmost respect for him as a professional filmmaker. But I never knew his talents extended to such cogent, fun-to-read, full-of-insight writing until reading this wonderful book. It combines the best of both worlds--the "inside baseball" stuff that pro's with years of experience will still find new and fresh and helpful to their work AND the "Hollywood" anecdotage that any fan of great movies and moviemakers will read with a chuckle and a tear and a lot of smiles. If you really want to go "Behind the scenes"--save the trip to Universal's tour and get this book instead. You'll learn a lot, and have a great, great time!

flea has really good licks in this book that could help you get better ideas on improve on stuff like funk/rock. i recomend this book to bass players that look to just jam out and have fun.

This is a great book! The included CD makes the package!

A perfect 5 stars!!!

This is truly a great buy for any fan of Flea and the RHCP!

The book is well done and help me improve my playing quickly. Lot of fun!

I don't have nothing bad to say about it!

A must have for any bassist who loves Stadium Arcadium as much as he should!

Every song is played straight through at normal speed and you can clearly hear every note. The tabs are great,but actualy reading the notation feels a lot easier to read. The only thing i would change is have single lick tracks or slowed down versions of songs along with the full length at speed tracks. this album isnt for beginners at all, but its not completly impossible.

This is a great book! I've been playing bass for 3 years now and this is a really fun way to spend my free time. The cds are also a great addition; they really help out a lot if Flea's bass licks throw you for a loop. It's also just fun to play along with the CD's because they threw John in also. Also, if you can't read music, don't worry. Personally I'm a fan of reading actual music for many reasons, but if you haven't crossed that bridge in your bass playing career every song has tabs. This book is the ultimate hook up for any Red Hot Chili Pepper addicted Flea-loving bass fanatics! It rocks!

I bought this for my 20 yr old nephew who is in a band. He said the book "rocks". It had a wide variety of oldie bands and current bands. Wilson needs to write Vol. 2.

I bought this for my teenaged stepson and he loves it. It's one way of getting him to read something from a book.

I was fortunate enough to obtain a signed edition of the book. Such graciousness only hints at the wealth of information Wilson provides to music lovers of all stripes. From genre expert to casual listener, from rock aficionado to generalist, this book provides for hours of reading and an equal amount of chat with friends. After testing your own knowledge, Rock Formations provides a launching pad for a good night of trivia.

The great strength of this book is that it is a casual read; as Wilson notes in the somewhat dauntingly titled "Warning/Disclaimer": "the purpose of this book is to inform and entertain." On both counts it succeeds. It covers such a range of bands, and does so in such an engaging way, that readers are rewarded on first and subsequent readings. And the writing style is succinct without being dry. Sprinkled throughout are revelations that mix reflection with a smile.

Wilson clearly labored for close to a decade on this work. And his interest is our reward. Affordably priced and nicely presented, one hopes that Wilson's book inspires a follow-up. I will leave the `moniker' and focus of that text to the author. He seems full well capable of dealing with both exigencies.

This book "Rock Formations" is an excellent example of something that should be out there in the literal world and is put together with the fan in mind to boot. There is information on "The Beatles" formation and what other famous band influenced them to create their name. You can find out which one of the "The Beach Boys" helped give a certain duo their name. If there is ever an example of an item to put on a Christmas list of "Things the Music Fan Might Enjoy" this is it! This book is a great insight to the way the creative minds of these artists think. It made me think.
If you ever wondered where a band like "Led Zeppelin" got their name from and what member of "THE WHO" helped to define it, well it's all here, from "Air Supply" to "Frank Zappa" This is one of those books you'll find yourself referencing for years to come. Where did "2PAC" get that name from? You'll have to read this book to find out. There are new artists appearing all the time. I hope there are many revisions to come. In three words "It Totally Rocks!" and is a "Must Have"!

I bought this book for my brother who is a music buff and an amateur musician. He was thrilled with the gift and proceeded to read the book in its entirety in a matter of days. Of course I was pleased he enjoyed the book and thought enough of it to put it on his coffee table for guests to peruse.

Since we live close to one another I would start thumbing through the book whenever I would come over to watch sports or to babysit his kids. What I liked most about it is that it is organized in such a way that makes it a fun and easy read. Other books of this kind read more like a dictionary with a slew of entries one after another that don't share anything in common. For example, in Rock Formations there is a chapter called "Early Impressions" that covers bands that took their names from incidents in their childhood pasts like Lynyrd Skynyrd (I always thought it had something to with flying, which made the name cruelly ironic). I actually started reading in one of the middle chapters and jumped around to different chapters until I had read the entire book.

As a non-musician and an average music fan, I liked the fact that the entries were worded like stories and didn't use a lot of musical jargon. I'm a big fan of 80's music so there were a lot of entries that I really enjoyed such as Foreigner, The Police, Talking Heads, Tears For Fears, etc. I believe the author is British, which explains the coverage of British groups that were popular in the 80's. My brother has more eclectic taste in music so he appreciated the "non-Rock" entries (i.e. Reggae, Rap, R&B).

I would definitely recommend this book for any music fan. It's a fun book to read and you'll probably yourself jumping around chapters as I did. I've also won a few friendly wagers with some friends that have heard myths and rumors about band names, although I'm not recommending this book as an instrument for gambling!

Joe Andrews does a tremendous job sharing his passion and knowledge of the history of rock 'n roll. This is a comprehensive book of facts, trivia, lists and a narrative of all who have contributed to this phenomenon. It brings back memories of songs and artists for people who grew up during this era, as well as serving as a great resource for people who wish to learn more about the music.

This is a great compilation of work from a man who knows his music! If you're into Rock & Roll, then this book is for you. It's got birthdates of the stars, music hits, Billboard's tops and categories of everything under the sun in the world of Rock and Roll. If you thought you knew trivia, then take a gander at some of these questions. They range from "Oh I knew that!" to "Wow! That's great to know!" I'm a trivia buff, and I found this book to be a great addition to my collection of trivia volumes. It's a must-have if you're at all into the great era of music gone by. It's even featured at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame museum. Take the time to order this one today!

Hats off to Mr. Andrews for this remarkably fun and interesting book on rock and roll. It has certainly enlivened our music group at Lowell Adult Day Rehab.(LADR). Our memories have been enjoyably jogged as we hummed and sang aloud the tunes and lyrics , while trying to unravel the answers to the Trivia questions. There were even moments of hysterical laughter. This would be an excellent party book, as well as a great gift for music loving friends and family. At LADR, we have also created a group project. From our personal favorite tapes and C.D.'s we are collecting and editing our own tape of The 365 Songs of the Century. Thank you for this wonderful addition to our music group.

I could not put this book down once I picked it up and I am not a person who usually likes trivia. Everything from the 50s to the 70s is included. I especially enjoyed the rock and roll time line and the top 350 songs of the century. Joe has a great sense of humor that is reflected in the book. I especially enjoyed the section about death songs and the one hit wonders list brought back a lot of memories. 'Rock, Roll, and Reminisce' has hundreds of challenging trivia questions all listed by category. I would recommend this for anyone who loves the oldies and this book would make a great gift.

This is a great book. It contains unknown facts and interesting stories about historic rock and roll records and the people behind them. It's so cool to be able to just pick up the book and read about the songs and artists that made up the soundtrack of our lives.

I've read many a' Rough Guide to a variety of musical forms, and Kurt Wolff's book on country absolutely takes the cake. From the music's hillbilly beginnings to the alt-country offshoots of the '90s, this well-researched book is written with wit and a tender affection for the genre's highlights AND lowlights. I can't imagine a better gift for someone interested in country music. My only gripe: Now that the book is four years old, some of the artist information could use an update. Second edition, Kurt? Please?

An essential addition to your music library - whether you're a country novice or expert. The author has meticulously researched and written about country music in a well-organized chronological format that allows the reader to fully grasp the roots and progression of this music genre. The book includes biographies of country artists (those who are well-known, as well as some forgotten gems), discographies, reviews, and essays which fit the music into a broader social and historical perspective.

Great purchase - one of the best music reference books I own. Also check out the companion guide - 100 Essential CD's. Some interesting picks.

This is a truly fine one-volume encyclopedia of country music. Organized both historically and generically, the book is divided into 14 chapters, each discussing a type of music (hillbilly, cowboy, western swing, honky tonk, etc.) and tracing it from the time of its introduction to the present, with an overview followed by entries spotlighting the artists in alphabetical order. The chapter on rockabilly, for instance, includes both Elvis and the Stray Cats. Each entry concludes with brief reviews of recommended recordings. In addition, there are over 250 photographs of performers and album covers and numerous sidebars with short essays on a variety of topics.

The book comes in at almost 600 pages, covering the length and breadth of the subject and making a pretty fair attempt at measuring the depth, as well. To give an idea of the book's scope, the "classic" stars Johnny Cash and Patsy Cline don't appear until the middle. For anyone who may think country music starts and ends with Nashville, it will come as a surprise that so much of this music originated elsewhere.

You can read this book any old way you like, flipping through the pages, letting the pictures catch your eye as you discover favorite performers. If you grew up with country, there's many a trip down memory lane. If you're just discovering country, it is an excellent reference book just filled with information charting the careers of artists and their place in country music history. Well written, handsomely designed, easy to read and enjoy, it's a terrific book that will enhance any fan's love of this great musical tradition.

I bought this book at the advice of a friend and was not disappointed. Wolff is a thoughtful and articulate writer, and this book has plenty of recording artists that I was not aware of. It is arranged in chronological historical chapters, which show the progression of country music to the present. Interesting write-ups on all the major artists, and plenty of information on musicians you probably won't have heard of.

Love this book, just stumbled on it a few weeks ago, and can't put it down. I've been listening to country and loving it since I was a little girl, and this thing keeps turning me on to more music I want to go out and buy. Cool bio's on the artists and a great section on the seventies outlaw artists.

Mixers, Signal Processors, Microphones are by far the most complex areas of recording audio in general, this book helped me fully understand their basic operations and how they all in fact work together, I was able to learn the actual routing of your audio signal whether analog or digital.

I also enjoyed the DVD that comes with this product, fully visually explaining the concepts illustrated in the book for better retention, this book is by far the best on the subject. Highly Recommended !

This book is an excellant resource for anyone setting up a home or small studio. It explains the differeces of microphone types, explains how to set them up for the best recording, and even gives a list of microphones that have become renowned for quality and surability. It provides similar levles of information on mixing boards and various signal processors. An excellant reference book.

Reading this book will take some effort since it is paxked with so much information. The included DVD provides a good sampling of sounds demonstrating small changes to setup and how it can effect your results. The video on the dvd is small and lacks some of the details I would have liked, but this is a small problem compared to the overeall benefits of the book.

This is the best reference book that I have read on audio equipment. There are a lot of warnings and advice given. I think they should call this the audio engineer's bible.

The Mic placement examples are excellent, The filtering Tips are very good. If you can't learn from this smart guide series of books you never will. The students in my recording classes pick things up quick in these books. Great info!

Duane Gibson
Sally Studios
Memphis, TN

Whether you want to record in a studio or work with live sound, this book really delivers. It takes you from hooking up the equipment correctly, through a thorough discussion of mixing boards and microphones, to sound processing including compressors, gates, reverb, and delay (phaser/flanger/chorus). When I picked up the book, I'd been working with live sound for about a year and wanted to start using effects and make the mixing more effective. I really just wanted to know what tools were out there and how to use them. This book has that and so much more. Topics include acoustics, electronics (like high vs. low impedance and all of the different connectors out there), mixers, mics, and effects. The information is presented so that you can grab the basics of setting up or really dig in to how things work. The many tips and examples really drive the information home. I wish a few of the pros that I talked to had steered me to this book! DEFINITE 5 STARS!

Just this week in Joyce, Washington, a 12-year old boy--popular and happy by all accounts--took a rifle into his classroom and shot himself in the chest in front of his teacher and 18 classmates. Last month, a 12-year old in Seattle tossed herself off a freeway overpass. Judy Collins is a singer, songwriter, author, and actress, with many years of recovery from alcoholism. Depression, the "dog on the leash" often attached to alcoholism and addiction, plagued her since childhood. Her first husband's father killed himself. Nobody talked about it. Years later, at 33, Ms. Collin's son, after a period of sobriety, relapsed and then killed himself, narrating his own death on audiotape. Suicide is like child abuse, cancer, domestic violence, addiction: the attitude of many is "it's time to move on. Get over it." What Ms. Collins knows and tells eloquently in this book, which also features an excellent reference list of other books on suicide,is that those left behind never get over it. She postulates, instead, that suicide must be talked about. The writing in the book is a combination of songs, poems, journal entries, interviews with other writers on suicide, and anecdotes about Ms. Collin's own life. The writing is sometimes uneven, with breathtaking imagery juxtaposed with cliche or platitude, though I of course enjoy platitudes that come from 12-Step programs because I know what life-savers they are--and this is how Ms. Collins uses them. I "grew up" to the sound of Judy Collins'songs; when she appeared nearby in a concert nearly a decade ago, she never mentioned that her tour was part of her own therapy for her terrible sense of loss and hopelessness from her son's suicide. This singing and her writing lend hope.

Sanity and Grace: A Journey of Suicide, Survival, and Strength
by Judy Collins
Reviewed by Suzanne M. Retzinger, Ph.D.

"The streets of London have their map; but our passions are uncharted." (Virginia Woolf).

I was given a copy of Sanity and Grace by a remarkable man - Al Lowman - and was not sure at the time what I was meant to see. I read it to find out. I found a rare combination of expression of feeling and intelligent use of the work that has been done on suicide - woven together into a story. What I saw in Judy Collins's book was a roadmap of the passions. I read the story of a journey from the stigma and shame of a family secret - her son's death by suicide - into the open where healing begins to take place.

Breaking down the ancient walls of a taboo, Judy chose to build bridges, rather than remain behind the wall. She questions why a person would be defined by a moment in time when someone takes his or her life - why this moment would weigh more than all others. A mix of journal entries and prose shows the road from pain to light - and there is light.

Like many who suffer from the death of a loved one, Judy was told to stop talking about it, "get on with your life", "you're bringing others down". I hear this again and again from people who come to the bereavement groups I facilitate. Silence prevents healing - suicide is whispered she says, and "never quite shouted, as it should be, to the rooftops." She refused to stay silent, or to accept shame that would have been isolating. Instead she chose to express her pain. Talking is healing, and grief is the acceptance of that loss.

Judy gives a clear message: there is only one way to heal - right through the pain. She found sobriety, and refused medication for her grief - grief is not a disease, "I wanted to feel everything, the pain and the depression, the hurt, even the rage." And she allowed herself to feel, "let it role over me and around me, let it boil up and claim me, let it wrench the tears out of my eyes and let it roll into rage." Her complex emotions find voice and grace through words.

Going through mourning can feel insane, and no one needs to do it alone. There's "power in the intimacy that comes with sharing secrets", and is in itself healing. A network of caring people and support groups helped her move through. There are support groups - there are caring people to travel with us. Hospice is a starting place to find such a group. By speaking her suffering, and courage to be vulnerable, Judy Collins charts a path for others to follow. A god has given us a voice to speak our pain - let us use it.

I sing my highest praise.

A moving account of how many lives are touched by a single moments mistake.

I purchased this book while in Boulder CO because Judy Collins, one of my favorite artists, was doing a talk and signing at the bookstore that night. Her book is an amazing memoir of life before and after her son completed suicide. She manages to put his life into context by sharing her background. I was mesmerized as I read, and I continue to be impressed by her strength and ability to put her life on display and speak out on so many issues that we as a society would prefer to ignore. The beauty of Judy Collins' singing voice is echoed in her written words. Reading her book is like having a private concert in your home.

I didn't experience suicide of a loved one, but did experience the murder of my mother by a psychotic patient who came for treatment where she worked as a social worker, over 40 years ago when I was 9. There are many differences, but also commonalities in suicide, murder, and all sudden, violent death where there is no opportunity to say goodbye. And the major truth is this: you never "get over it." You can go on, and even laugh again and love again and experience great joy again, but part of your heart is permanently ripped out, and you feel it forever, and you never "get over it." The challenge, for survivors, is to try to create a loving, full life in spite of it. This is a key message of Ms. Collins' book.

The best book I have read in years.

Truly this author must be a sensual and extremely strong willed human being. Her unique style of writing makes the reader feel a personal involvement in her truly amazing life. This remarkable tale takes you back in time as you relive with her a life that is filled with drugs, sex, extortion, gambling, kidnapping, stalking, mental and physical abuse, and even more! Her strong will and love of life are all the tools she has to keep her alive. The book compels one to keep reading and is very difficult to put down. She blames no one for her misfortunes. She shows us that life is a learning experience. Her ability to convey her erotic experiences (with many famous rock stars and sport superstars) is done with a flare that brings the reader into her soul. Although she is the first to admit the mistakes she has made, she stands proud. She tells us, "If we cease to learn from experience, we might as well be dead".

Buy and read this book. It will make you cry, laugh, and experience remarkable feelings. I learned much as the writer helped me to understand my own views. She gives us a jolt of reality. In essence this woman shows us not to judge others without all the facts and even then to understand that there is always the unknown. I hope she writes another book (or has already done so). I would buy it in a flash!

This book takes you on an incedible journey in the author's life. You travel through time and witness the intoxicating events that keep you uncontrollably turning the pages. She brings you through the world of gambling, extortion, drugs, murder, stalking, mental and physical abuse. Even after she has been through what most of us could not live through, there is more. She becomes a stripper to survive and winds up having affairs with some very famous sports celebrities. This book is definately adult material.
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This book is a must read for those who think that the light is difficult to see at the end of the tunnel. If miss Kert could have made it to the other side she gives insperation to all of us. BRAVO

thx to those who have reviewed my book and to those who may purchase it...this is my story....it is the story of a woman who had to keep fighting ...just to stay alive...i was kiddnapped, stalked, physically and mentally abused and that list goes on...the mountains that i climbed to get out of my situations are amazing to say the least... that as well as the complexity of my life story....and my reasons for writing this heart wrenching account of this captivating story....

if u have bought the book...or are contemplating buying it...please visit my wesite
http://www.cybertpi.com/daveda/

Speaking from personal experience, I was aghast at the review
from Lilgurl. She is in fact a little girl who could not understand the obstacles and malicious men her mother faced.
She turned her life around to become a dedicated mother to her 2 children.
This book is a life experience and those that are to young should not be permitted to read it, until they can fully comprehend, and not condemn their mother, but praise her for turning her life around.

I have yet to hear a song by Selah that I did not like - their harmonies and soul are inspirational. I wonder, however, if I can ever find the music for their version of Wayfaring Stranger. Selah's version of this song is the best I've ever heard, and our praise band would love to find the written music for it.

Simply a must for everyone considering praise seriously. Is not only because I`m a Selah fan, but because the anointment this group has is what it makes it an excellent oportunity to praise God.

Selah's recordings always touch the heart, and their arrangements in this lyrics book do, too! We have used several of the arrangements during our morning worship services at our church, and everyone has talked about what a blessing the music is to them. I had very high expectations when I purchased this book, and I certainly have not been disappointed!!

I already loved the songs in this book and now I can play them on my own. You do not have to be an advanced pianist to play these songs. Great for solo and duets in church.

This is just the music exactly the way Alan plays it. I still, of course, can't play any of these, but it gives me something to work toward. Most of these songs are in very difficult key signatures and I have not been playing very long.

Love Raffi!!!! My kids love this book!! We have lots of fun singing and dancing before bedtime.

My sister is a principal and highly recommeded this book for my grandchildren. THey love to read and sing so what better gift than to have it all wrapped into one.

This book is great to use for a rainy day (when you can't go outside) and as a gathering song for group times. It truly gets all the wiggles out.

My kids absolutely love this book. They will actually go to bed after we read it too, rather than want another, then another book.

Are you ready for some fun? Do you love to see your kids laughing and wiggling? This book is for you.

Children of all ages will delight in joining in the fun. You'll sing, giggle and shake all those sillies out.

If you're having one of those days where the little ones just can't sit still, or they've been cranky and you need a good book- this is it.

Read, sing it, do it- what fun for the whole crew. This would be great for a day care, pre-school, or young group of children. They'll get creative and show you just how goofy they can be.