Music Books

I purchased this book for my husband's uncle. He and his wife used to follow the Dead. He adored this book. He even found a crowd picture that showed he and his wife. They were thrilled. The photography is wonderful.

This book is required reading for all fans of the Grateful Dead. Wonderful photographs and commentary. It brings back so many memories from years past that I find myself not being able to put it down. I will most likely buy a second copy, just to have it for future enjoyment when I wear this one out. Great job Jay!

Saw this book for the first time at the Rock-N-Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland during a cross-country trip (side note: an interesting place to visit. Check out Jerry's guitars: Rosebud, Lightning Bolt, Wolf and 2 he ordered but never played). Bought it on the spot! If you think you have seen all the pictures of the Boyz, think again. This is an impressive collection, perfect for the "Deadhead who has everything". I just bought a 2nd copy, 'cause I know I am going to wear out the first one I bought!

The photographs in this book evoke a community and a culture that was a huge part of my own life during the Grateful Dead touring years. Looking through these photographs brought back so many great memories, and finding photos of familiar faces and places was both nostalgic and sentimental and at the same time incredibly satisfying. Thank you Jay!

I bought the first book as a gift, this is absolutely a fantastic collection of photography, so good I've bought three more. Made several people extremely happy.

Very few books I have read of late I could not put down. This book though, I couldn't put down from the time I started reading it! This is probably the best Black Sabbath book out there and it goes where a lot of Sabbath books dare not tread nor show in a positive light (see "Black Sabbath" by Steven Rosen), which is the post-Ozzy Osbourne era Black Sabbath. Garry Sharpe-Young did his homework for this book and gives a very informative and insightful look at were Black Sabbath went after Ozzy left the band and up to the time they reunited with him 18 years later. Leaving almost no rock unturned, Sharpe-Young digs deep into those days with a ton of interviews from fomer band members, crew, and those close to the band and also manages not to give a very biased look on Black Sabbath throughout the book.
The book claims to be more about Tony Iommi, who was the only consistant Sabbath member from the beginning, which, of course, the bluk of the book is about, but I found that the book is probably more focused on Geoff Nicholls, the on-and-off "official" Black Sabbath member (keyboards, and sometimes second guitarist and bassist) from 1979 to 2002. Nicholls gives a wealth of information on his time with the band (which is the entire length of the book) and is very insightful about his journey throughout that period of Sabbath history. Also, Sharpe-Young manages to contact in some way just about every ex-Sabbath member from that time period (which, from the number of members that had gone though the band since Osbourne left is no small feat!) and get very good information from each of them. Also, interviewing "ex-vocalists" Jeff Fenholt and David Donato was a major coup and it finally sheds some light on thier involvement with the band that fans have been asking questions about for years. The only drawback was not going into both the Live-Aid Reunion Show with Ozzy very much. I know some fans (myself included) would like to know the atmosphere with the original band members at that time and is an important event in Sabbath's history. But, this being my only minor complaint, the rest of the book is brillant!
Well worth the price and bravo to Garry Sharpe-Young for writing such an EXCELLENT book!! A MUST READ!!!!

This unauthorized biography is an excellent piece of research about the post ozzy history up untill the days of the disasterous "Forbidden" album. The book is written with great care. There isnt a whole bunch of "revelations" that real sabbath fans would not have already known, but it is the craft of establishing the history that makes it so valuable. There were many quotes and original interviews that I had not seen before. Certianly Garry Sharpe-Young has provided the fans with a much confused history of the band, brought about by the fact that there was too many changes in the band lineup through this period, and a difficulty for many of the lead singers to continue the role. The book does paint Toni Iommi more mercifully than I thought concerning this period. Many of the line up changes simply were out of Iommis hands (Deep Purples 84 reunion, bad personel problems through 7th star, Glen Hughes punch out incident, etc.) the picture of Gillan nude was pretty gross and shocking. It would have been interesting to see more pictures from Born Again tour (actually the highest selling album of the period) and from the demise of the last period. Certianly the book is complete and paints a world favorite, if not image confused band. A must for any serious fan of the band.

For many, Black Sabbath is and always will be Ozzy Osbourne's band. If you're one of those, than this book is not for you.
But, if you're a real fan and have enjoyed the many post-Ozzy albums this band has released, then this book is a rare find. For too long the era between 1979 to the present has been minimised or alltogether ignored by any who write about Sabbath, as if those years never existed. What nonsense! Fans usually had to rely on pieced together information (most of it innacurate or misleading) from a wide variety of sources to know the complete history of the band. This book finally puts all this information into a cohesive timeline starting from the masterpiece Heaven and Hell album through the 80's and 90's finishing with the mediocre Forbidden, to this date, Sabbath's last studio album. Yes Black Sabbath reunited with Ozzy but only for live performances, save for two new studio tracks on the Reunion album, but I digress.
For a die hard fans such as myself, who thought had heard or read every band story there is, I was shocked at some of the stuff inlcuded here. The whole Jeff Fenhol issue... was he or was he not in Sabbath? Their never ending quest for a stable lineup. The "bassist" in the Headless Cross video. Who wrote what songs on which album. The list of revelations goes on and on.
What really surprises me is the self sabotage that seemed to plague the band. With band members being treated as little more than hired help, it's no wonder there was never a stable lineup! And when they did seem to get it together, during the Headless Cross - Tyr era, they shoot themselves in the foot by reuniting with Ronnie James Dio and putting out a rather mediocre album, Dehumanizer.
Of course, we all know that Tony Iommi IS Black Sabbath,as he is the main part of the Sabbath sound, a gifted guitarist and riff-master extraordinaire. He is the sole original member that kept the band going against all odds. But the best part of this book is that credit is given where its due to the many who contributed along the way, chief among them keyboardist/bassist/songwriter Geoff Nicholls, whose contributions are much more than any may think. Also singer Tony Martin, who is one of the best singers around and on a par with Dio and Gillan, and certainly WAY better than Ozzy, gets his (long overdue) place to tell his side of the story.
In closing, if you're a Black Sabbath fan this book is an absolute MUST!

Well! after reading all the positive about this book, I though I had better give it a go and have a read.
Much to my surprise, it was quite a ramble given all the 'ARTISTS' the author had interviewed to construct the plot.
As with many of todays Music Biographies, the farther the story teller is removed from the actual occurance, the less convincing the information relayed is..
There is nothing here I am afraid to excite, It should have been a book as thick as 'WAR AND PEACE' given the cavalcade of Musicians that Tony Iommi shipped in and out to fill the original members boots, and keep the Black Sabbath flag flying.
This book is definitely Tony Iommis Black Sabbath; and not Black Sabbaths, BLACK SABBATH.....
That being said, it is Worth a read...

The Rock Detector goes to great lengths to provide all kinds of details about Sabbath band members (sometimes too many details about minor players) but...very cool to hear what was going on during those years. Too bad we didn't hear more from Tony, Geezer and Bill but then it would have been 'authorized.' Great to hear so much from Ian Gillan and Cozy Powell and lots of stuff regarding Ray Gillen and Rob Halford that I wasn't aware of.
Basically, the book confirms the Tony Iommi is the Riff-Master! Long live Tony! A must for Sabbath fans.

Our daughter was very happy to receive the book. It was what she wanted for Christmas.

He loves it. Said it had enough fresh-take or new info that it kept him interested and reading all the way through.

My added comment is he read it through a time of having to work 80-hr weeks, so it must be good.

Having spent much time in Kingston in the mid 1970s, this book accurately reflects the politics and gestalt of the time . Ms. Goldman's attention to geographical detail is one of the strong points of the book. The book is right on in terms of its intellectual context, as well as its more anecdotal style.Relly, this is one of the better books on Marley, Reggae, and Jamaica.

It is convincingly argued that the pop album has become an effectively arcane form. But even in a digital age, certain albums continue to both define and transcend their creators. Sgt. Pepper, What's Going On, Astral Weeks, Blood On the Tracks... the list invites nerdish debate. But one title can never be excluded; Bob Marley and The Wailers' Exodus was the product of a specific time and place and remains the most extraordinary single work of the Third World's most extraordinary musical voice.

Vivien Goldman was one of the key writers during the Golden Age of British music journalism when the punk explosion inspired the intense gut-intellectual talents of the first post-sixties generation. Unlike many of her colleagues her love and understanding of black music has continually defined her work and The Book Of Exodus is perhaps the best thing she has done.

This is at once memoir, critical analysis and history. Vivien Goldman takes the reader into the studio as Exodus was created. A palpable sense of the immediacy of that process, the atmosphere (well fumigated with the herbsman's wares) and personalities involved come vividly to life through the eyes of the young fan-reporter. Most movingly, Goldman's own ability to connect her life as the North London-raised daughter of German-Jewish refugees from the Holocaust with the Trench Town experience that formed Bob Marley is at the heart of the book. This is no falsely crafted analogy. It is above all a spiritual link, the "Flash Of The Spirit" which has made the core African musical experience one of the world's most unifying cultural forces.

For anyone who wants to understand something of Marley's greatness and gentle charisma, Vivien Goldman shares her privileged experience of hanging with the man and his colleagues in both Jamaica and London. This was an artist whose words and music have inspired more people worldwide than maybe any other pop musician and yet the man who emerges here is a very real person living in a very real time. Goldman gives us a vivid sense of both.

Everyone with more than a passing interest in Marley and The Wailers should read this book. It will send you back to the music, reggae's shining hour, with renewed love and understanding.

Simply put, this is a book full of indispensable knowledge. Vivien Goldman again (Soul Rebel-Natural Mystic)has put out a truly remarkable book about the great Bob Marley. This era in Bob's life has not been written about too much and Vivian recounts it with such fine details and first hand accounts that the reader can't help but to be extrememly thankful that she finally put it all on paper. The cover price alone is well worth it for the rare rare RARE picture of Bob with Claudie Massop, Tony Welch and Earl Wadley as they talked to Bob about the One Love Peace Concert.

Of all the books out there about Bob (and I have read just about every single one of them) this is without a doubt a true must have. Of the 50+ books written about Bob there are 7 must haves and this is one of them.

I bought this as a gift for my niece...she was absolutely thrilled and delivery was so quick

This book continues to amaze me -- no matter how many times I read it. I also have shared the novel with many friends and family as gifts. The story of Bob Marley's childhood is revealed truthfully and vividly through beautiful illustrations by Mariah Fox and a wonderful collaboration by daughter Cedella Marley and seasoned author Gerald Hausman.

The message of this book rings as clear and soulful as Bob Marley's own songs. Adults and children alike can share in this experience and journey of a child - it's a fantastic learning tool especially for kids and the subject matter is sure to keep them interested. Highly Recommended.

Gerald Hausman is a not only a distinguished writer, but has lived in Jamaica and knows the culture with eyes wide open. His daughter, Mariah Fox, was almost raised on the island and her drawings, more magical than real, speak of places beyond places. Cedella Marley was always there, heard all the stories, knows all the songs, and tells the story of Bob Marley's childhood from a daughter's view point. All my children have this book, as do my grandchildren, and one day so will my great grandchildren. Read it, look at the pictures, and smile. It is that good.

What a lovely book. With so much to choose from among Marley publications, this one truly distinguishes itself in that it capture the real spirit of Marley's origins. Since you could call Bob the ultimate Roots musician, Boy From Nine Miles is a kind of Roots for the Marley story. It is certainly geared towards the young ones, but it could easily win a place in the heart of older readers too. The illustrations are very simpatico with the earthiness of Marley's story and helps deliver the Marley tale with earnestness without becoming sappy. Marley was an earnest man after all and it is no surprise to me that the open hearted and earnest style of a children's book may be one of the surest ways to convey, aside from his music, Marley's roots in Jamaica, his spirit and his passion for justice and truth. There is no doubt if you have always loved Bob's music and have kids, this really does belong in your home library. I can totally understand why this would be a hit in the schools too as another reviewer testified. Very nicely done book.

My son is doing a bio bash at school and chose Bob Marley. He's only in the fifth grade so we didn't want him reading too much about him.

I myself didn't read the book - but he enjoyed it and is looking forward to doing a presentation and report on it.

This book covers the top 100 singles which means you won't find much local stuff (get bubbling under for that) but if yo want to know song titles, artists and the date of popularity this book is the bible. I have been a fan of this book since 1972 and buy each new edition.

no matter what anyone says they look at the Pop charts.Cross-Over on the Big Chart was Pay dirt.i miss the old days of hearing and watching Casey Kasem's Americas Top ten.keep your feet on the ground and keep reaching for the stars.the Pop top ten is like the tabloids if you admit it or not you watch to see what's going on.everybody knows the hits.

THIS BOOK IS A FAN'S DREAM COME TRUE.HUNDREDS OF PAGES OF PURE CHART FOOD.BUY IT NOW!

This book has proven to be an extremely valuable tool for me... I own a Bay Area DJ company, and while I'd love to tell you I know the name and artist of every song realeased, it's just not true. With this book, the info is at my fingertips. If a song has "charted" in the Hot 100 singles chart from '55 - '96, it's in the book. I'm anxious for the author to update the book to the present day. I seriously use this book all the time, and if you're "in to" music at all, it's great to have around. Songs are listed by name in the back of the book, or you can look songs up by the Artist(s) who released them. You can learn when it charted, how high it reached on the charts, and what an artists biggest hits have been. At the risk of being sacreligious, this book is known as the "DJ's Bible".

I have always been a fan of pop music trivia, and have followed the pop charts since 1982 (when I was 8 years old), back when I used to listen to Casey Kasem every week. I cannot believe how thoroughly researched this book is -- there is biographical info on the majority of artists listed, even many who were "one hit wonders." Dates of an artist's birth and/or death, lineup changes in bands, etc. are often included and it adds depth to the chart info that is already so fascinating. This book is the ultimate pop music reference.

its a good book. Its got a simple writing and explains things in a simple way and takes you through all of the concepts of a recording studio, such as sound, and acoustics.However it could have more tips to help people who are building studios on low budgets. I would recommend it. After all its impossible for one book to teach you everything.

This is the first and the best in a very long series of books concerning recording studio acoustics. Jeff Cooper was one of the pioneers in studying and building recording studios and though this book is very compact, it contains much of his knowledge in a precise and very simple way. This book manages to make a very complicated matter accesible to everyone who has an interest in building either a recording studio or a listening room.

In my opinion this is a good book. Helps you solve some problems of existing acoustical environments and provides great info on building rooms "from the ground" as well.
Now, the author him self says that going deeper on some stuff is beyond the scope of the book, but I think a little bit more wouldn't hurt.
Other aspects are it is really easy to read and have some nice drawings of every detail approached by the text. That helps you with ideas to be developed.
I think that this is a very good book for anyone seeking basic reference to rely on.

Jeff Cooper "nails" every relevent topic on the construction of a modern recording studio. Not for the faint of heart (or wallet) as these construction tecniques are hardly ever followed in today's home studios. But at the least, you'll know how to do it right and why the real built-up studios should get the big bucks!

After reading lots of boring Acoustics books, I had already given up on finding a book with "PRACTICAL" advice on how to build a studio. The only negative point about this one is that maybe it is a bit scarce on contents (only 200 pages)... Once read the book, one wishes it had a sequel!

Thomas Appel's book "Can you sing a High C Without Straining" is not only helpful, but life changing. I began singing when I was 10 years old, taking private voice lessons and training in Musical Theater and Classical styles. I never realized the actual power of my full voice range until 12 years later when I decided to take lessons and read Thomas's book. In just 2 lessons I could feel and hear my voice changing and reaching higher notes in full voice. I always thought full voice singing could hurt or damage my voice but before I knew it I was singing a high C with no discomfort at all! Thomas's book provides visual descriptions and examples that make it easy for you to understand and complete the exercises correctly. My voice has grown so much in just 3 months and so has my confidence!

I have had the priviledge of not only having Thomas Appell's book and CD set, but also working with him in person. I have dreamed of singing for as long as I can remember and have also had a different voice coach where I wasn't getting the results I wanted. Thomas has made a dream come true for me. In my first session with him, I couldn't sing in full voice at all and by about the 7th session with him, I was able to sing a soprano high c in full voice with absolutley no strain. I've used his CDs to practice my vocal techniques and increase my range and his book to gain a greater understanding of how the vocal chords work. He takes the mystery out of singing and believes that anyone can learn how to sing. With his methods, I believe that anyone can learn how to sing as well. Just 13 weeks after my first lesson with him, I was able to achieve an e above soprano high c in full voice with absolutley no strain. His methods WORK. My range increase in such a short period of time was 18 notes!!

Thomas Appell is a pioneer in singing and a top vocal coach. His method shows the way of hitting high notes in FULL VOICE, without destroying the vocal cords, no matter what the range of your voice is before you start practicing. With this package and of course hard practice, you can learn to sing correctly, emotionally, powerfully and with a range way above your wildest dreams! Also the DVD "never get another cold" is amazing and truly "life-saving" for the professional touring singer. All the exercices are easy to understand and perform and if you are seriously into singing you must check out this method! People like Thomas are a valuable asset in contemporary music. Stop wasting your time in "classic" singing lessons and start learning with the best.

I've sung professionally for the the last 40 years. I've performed opera, broadway musicals and pop. I've had the vocal leads in five original operas. Until I found out about Can You Sing a HIGH 'C' Without Straining? and Thomas Appell's vocal technique, I could not sing comfortably above an E above middle C. At 70 years old I purchased the book and began training with Thomas. I can now sing effortlessly to D above tenor high C with beautiful tone and quality. I was about ready to stop signing, but now my voice sounds better than at any time in my career. This technique has been the breakthrough I have been searching for my whole life.

Thomas Appell's approach to singing and vocal development is amazing, and I can tell you from pesonal experience that it works. He takes the mystery out of all aspects of singing including: extending your range higher than you thought possible, finding the right tone and character for all styles of music. What's most important is that his book gives you easy-to-follow techniques that take you step-by-step to the next level. If you're a beginner, the techniques in this book help you progress quickly, and, within a few weeks, you're surprised at how good you sound. If you're more advanced or a professional, you'll find this method can take you from good to brilliant. I've taken lessons from Thomas Appell, and, in addition to my personal progess, I've seen a number of students become extraordinary singers. If you're fortunate enough to live in Southern California, in addition to reading his book, I'd recommend you take lessons from him. You won't be disappointed. And, if you don't live in the area, it's worth a trip to California. A number of singers from all over the world have read his book, and had so much success, they've traveld to California to train with him.

Classical, jazz, and pop singer Eileen Farrell comes across as a down-to-earth, generous, happy, and satisfied person in this book. What's not to like?

Like another reviewer I found the biography too short. Surely Miss Farrell could divulge with her writer's help more anecdotes. And SURELY Sony/CBS could re-release more of her albums, particulary the Puccini Arias. Thank God there are historical recordings available, for which, unfortunately, Miss Farrell doesn't get royalties. I would happily send her a check anytime.

Do not confuse this witty, sparkling memoir with the stilted, egocentric ("I" this and "I" that) memoirs you may have encountered. Farrell, one of the Met's most underused artists - yet one of its greatest, writes with charm and style that enthrall the reader making us wish she had easily written a book twice as long. Brava! Highly recommended to anyone who enjoys a great read and "meeting" a great lady.

Thank you, Eileen Farrell, for a wonderful career and for your candor in telling your very personal and inspiring story. I couldn't put the book down! As a professional singer myself, I found your experiences from your innocence at the first audition to your regular radio show moving and encouraging. Your book is as honest and refreshing as your performances and a must-read for even those with no interest in opera.

Eileen Farrell is one of the most gifted and celebrated American singers of the twentieth century. She is both a classically trained dramatic soprano and a talented songstress of pop songs and the blues. Can't Help Singing: The Life Of Eileen Farrell is a superbly crafted memoir in which she shares candid reminiscences about her professional career and her personal life. With humor and affection she surveys her New England childhood, her sudden success at the age of twenty starring in her own CBS radio show, dubbing for Eleanor Parker in the MGM movie "Interrupted Melody", her many guest appearances on television, and her operatic work, including an historic debut at the Metropolitan Opera in Alceste in 1960. Eileen also recollects her sometimes troubled marriage of forty years to New York police officer Robert Reagan and her frustrating tenure as a faculty member at Indiana University. In this wonderful memoir we meet the famous figures of music who were her contemporaries, fellow performers, and associates from Leonard Bernstein to Maria Callas, from Ethel Merman to Carol Burnett. Can't Help Singing is a marvelous biography that will hold great interest and appeal for her many fans and for students of 20th Century American music.

I think most people today have become bitter and cold. Not bothering to take the time to even say 'good morning,' in most cases. You are lucky to get someone (today) to even nod their head with a good morning gesture. It is nice to discover that there are a few people still left in the world today who are polite enough to send someone like 'Superman,' a warm and heartfelt good luck wish!

I read this book in 2000 and I was both inspired and touched by it.
I began writing to the Reeves shortly after Chris had his
riding accident, and I never stopped.
Chris and Dana were two of the most caring and enduring people
in the world.Now that they are both gone,this book serves as a tribute of sort to both of them.They have left a legacy of love,
kindness,and family values for everyone to remember and reflect upon.
For anyone who needs any amount of inspiration and uplifting of
spirit,simply get a copy of this book.
May God forever keep Christopher and Dana Reeve in His sweet embrace.

Thanks to Dana Reeve, we get a gift every time we read this book! Buy it as a present to yourself! I loved this book! * Sniff * Many beautiful things can come out of something terrible. The out pouring of love for Christopher Reeve is amazing! His acting in "Somewhere in Time" was my favorite and I am a fan, but his courage through his ordeal is altogether awe inspiring. Thank-YOU, Dana! Buy this book today!

I first met Chris in Atlanta in 1994 and was struck by his grace and incredible presence. I saw him again at a private party following his star ceremony on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on April 15, 1997. The Reeve family are a fine example of the true meaning of "family". Meeting them and being involved with fund-raising and Superman events has changed my life. I exchanged this wonderful, touching book with my little Superman buddy, Joey, on Thanksgiving day. This 8-year-old boy is the biggest Superman fan I know. We took a photo together in our Superman shirts with our books and many of Joey's Superman collectibles. I mailed the photo, along with Joey's special letter and gift for Chris, to the Reeves' home on New Year's Day. Joey, his mom and I love the "Kids" chapter of this book with all of the lovely drawings and messages from children all over the world. I've never loved a book more than this one. Thanks Dana! I believe that Chris will be best known as the Super Man who helped all disabled people fulfill their dreams. Jim Bowers - Flying78@bellsouth.net.

I think this is a charming and insightful collection, and I feel not the least bit silly spending money on it. Christopher Reeve is one of my heroes, and I wrote e-mail to him via a website not long after his accident. I'm gratified and warmed to see how many other people did something similar.

Chris, you're much loved - and Dana, thank you for sharing these letters with us. We haven't forgotten either of you, and we're still praying for that moment that all the fighting and struggling pays off.

A must for any Cathedrals fan and a "should have" for lovers of Gospel music.

WOW! As a fan of the Cathedrals, I loved reading about the 2 Sr members. The Lord worked in both of their lives to bring them together to bless us all with their music and their commitment to the call on their lives. If you love the Cathedrals, you will LOVE this book!!!!!!!!!!

A great look at the Cathedrals' history, George Younce and Glen Payne's stories, and the gospel music business in general. A MUST read for anyone who has ever listened to gospel music!

A great book for Cathedral's fans. The lives of these two gentlemen are a true example of what being in God's service is all about. They have touched hearts and lives for decades with their music. My only complaint is that it was too short and I hope someday, the full and complete story of Glen Payne and George Younce will be told.

I borrowed this book from a friend and read it, and now I want to purchase the book for my library. I have managed to get two of the books for two different friends autographed at several of their concerts. This makes the book even more meaningful, especially having Glen's and George's autographs. I would highly recommend purchasing this book and adding to your library.