Music Books

Reviewed by Conner (age 4) and Mom for Reader Views (4/08)

The words for this story were adopted from a one-man band songwriter, Jesse "The Lone Cat" Fuller, in the earlier 1900s. It is a rhythmic telling of near-rhymes of what happens when a monkey gets control of the train.

"What did you think of the book?"
"I love it. I like the story. That's all. I love it when the monkey drives off."
"Why?"
"Cause it's funny. That's all."
"Do you think it was right for the monkey to drive off with the train?"
"No."
"Why not?"
"'Cause you need a captain."
"What does a captain do?"
"He drives the ship."
"Do you think the monkey was lucky?"
"No, because he shouldn't drive off."
"Do you think the engineer was mad when he caught up to the monkey?"
"I don't know, no?"

Parent's comments:

I thought the illustrations in "The Monkey and the Engineer" really brought out what was happening in the lyrics. Not being familiar with any of the song versions of the story, I found it better to read the book as a book and not try to sing the story. The near-rhymes require someone who has a stronger musical talent than is in my ability. But I did appreciate the history behind the story and having a place to go where I could hear the song sung. We tried following the story with the music and that made the words have more zing when looking at the pictures.

Monkey and the Engineer is a children's picturebook adaptation of a song written by African-American railroad worker and musician Jesse "Lone Cat" Fuller (1896-1976), about a railroad engineer and his remarkably astute pet monkey - a simian quite capable of running the train all by itself! Artist David Opie brings the tall tale of the engineer's monkey to life with vibrant, cartoony illustrations, creating a wonderful storybook distillation of American musical and cultural history. "Once upon a time there was an engineer. // He drove a locomotive both far and near. // He was accompanied by a monkey who would sit on a stool / watching everything the engineer would do. // One day the engineer wanted a bite to eat. / He left the monkey sitting on the driver's seat." Highly recommended.

"Again, read it to me again." Those were the words that my three-year-old grandson spoke as soon as I finished reading Monkey and the Engineer to him for the first time. But even that wasn't enough! "One more time," he said over and over until his eyes finally closed, giving way to a much-needed nap. This delightful children's book is based upon lyrics originally written by the late Jesse Fuller, a blues musician and folk artist. Music lovers of all ages will enjoy seeing the original sheet music and reading Fuller's biography at the end of the book.

The colorful, beautiful, and rich art work is striking; the illustrations will, without a doubt, attract and hold the attention of children. Their imaginations will take delight in the antics of the monkey who pulls the throttle on the southbound locomotive when the engineer is off of the train, eating a bite under a tree. The monkey, who usually sat on a stool watching the engineer, had apparently paid very close attention to the operation. However, smart as he was, the monkey did not know there was a northbound train on the same main line. Thanks to the quick actions of the switch operator, a collision is avoided.

The words from the lyrics are easy to read for older children, but all ages will enjoy the incredible detail of the pictures. As a former publisher, I can truly say this is some of the best art work I have ever seen in a children's picture book. Although Monkey and the Engineer is recommended for children between two and six years of age, I suggest that parents and caregivers not allow themselves be hemmed in too tightly by this suggested age group. A budding nine-year-old artist might value the book for its dramatic illustrations, and young musicians might enjoy looking at the sheet music or hearing the original Monkey and the Engineer song by clicking on the link that is provided by the publisher. Consider this a "must have" book to add to your children's library.

The story of the Monkey and the Engineer is from a song by the famous blues artist and composer Jessie Fuller and has long been covered by the Grateful Dead (in their many incarnations). While this makes the book particularly attractive to "Dead Heads" - this story stands solidly on its own.

This delightful telling of the tale takes us on a fun ride...with colorful illustrations by David Opie that captivate your heart and release your imagination. Children of all ages will enjoy this entertaining story!

It has been said that "the blues" is the folk music of America - I really appreciate the history. The story of Jessie Fuller that is beautifully told in the back of the book helps to make this book relevant to children, teens and adults alike.

I hope that this is just the first in a long series of books based on the songs of the great "blues" Masters! Bravo!

I have six nieces and nephews, so I'm always looking for terrific books to read to them. I was pleasantly surprised to discover an additional fan of Monkey and the Engineer: my husband. When he saw the book's title, he got very excited and sang the song as I turned the pages. What a hoot!

The lyrics, about an engineer's pet monkey running off with the train, are so silly and lend themselves to some classic pictures - the one of the engineer's "worried mind" is hilarious! And the monkey really looks competent in parts, which had me chuckling. The book includes an online link to Fuller singing his song with a harmonica, a nice touch.

I'd recommend this book not only to fans of folk music or The Grateful Dead, but to anyone looking for a fun book to make your loved ones (and yourself) smile. Let this inspiration move you brightly!

At 2 years old, my daughter has learned all the words to this song because of this book. She loves it! Her favorite page is "when the dog bites, when the bee stings, when I'm feeling sad". It captivates her attention for the whole song. It's a keeper!

My 6 yr old daughter loves this book! Even with my terrible singing, she loves the song, the words and the wonderful illustrations.

This was my favorite song when I was a little girl so when I saw this book, I knew I had to have it! It has now become my 5 year old daughter's favorite book and she asks (or should I say demands) me to read it to her every night. She knows all the words and sings along as we look at the beautifully illustrated pictures. This book even has the sheet music at the back of the book! I highly recommend purchasing this item.

I'm an infant/toddler childcare teacher. My Favorite Things, is a beautifully illustrated book. It captures the wonder and sweetness of one of the best songs in the move, "The Sound of Music". I sing this book to my little ones. It captures their attention better than reading it.

Illustrations are like soft memories and evoke warm thoughts of childhood and this song. I believe this book works VERY well for young and older children. I love the sublty of imagery in clouds at end of book when children are staring up at sky imagining "favorite things". Both my two and 4 year old can sing this song now. Words and music are included in back to make this a BONUS for anyone musically inclined. A must have for anyone who likes the song!

I find this to be an amazing story of a remarkable musician. He tells of his life, the life of his teacher, the process that young Indian musicians used to learn their instruments-the teacher/mentor to student relationship that is so badly missing from today's music students ( in most cases.) On top of that there is much discourse on the forms of Indian music which, while technical and erudite, gives insight to what an deep and formidable system Karnatic and Hindustani music is.

Now 86 years of age, Ravi Shankar continues to be revered world-wide for his proficiency and performances of the classical music of India. Originally published forty years ago, this new and updated edition of Ravi's autobiography "My Music My Life" is enhanced with an informative Foreword by Philip Glass and an Introduction by Yehundi Menuhin. Of special note is the new final chapter by Ravi that details his hope for the preservation of Indian classical music as embodied in his unique approach to his craft. Enhanced with the inclusion of never before published photographs, "My Music My Life" is a compelling memoir and an enthusiastically recommended for both academic and community library collections -- as well as mandatory reading for his legions of fans throughout the country.

A GITA ON MUSIC, November 5, 1999
Reviewer: Herman Anderson (handerso@cybersmart.co.za) (KwaZulu Natal, South Africa)
A beautiful offering! It is not just the world of music which is the richer for this account. Music, a system - or - music, a way of life. Devotion, dedication, service, and the universality of this music is Vedanta, lived and written of by Ravi Shankar. This lucid presentation of an exceptional culture is a way open for appreciation and more.

having read Raga Mala, the autobiography of/by Ravi Shankar first published by Genesis Publications, i expected with this volume titled "My Music, My Life" to be somewhat thicker (that's why only 4 stars applied). on the other side it's a very interesting manual on the actual structure and playing of the indian music on the sitar. at first hearing, the indian music appears disharmonic to our western harmonic music trained ears, however, over the years i fell in love with indian music and this volume allows a closer look inside the making of the disharmonic to make us understand it better and love it even more so.

JohPWilbrand

I own the first edition of this book. It is probably one of the more accessible introductions to Indian music, the Guru/Shishya relationship, and the sitar itself that you will find. Other books cover each of these areas in more detail, but this one is enough unless you really want to invest a LOT of time...in which case, you'd probably do better to find a guru of your own. The last of the four sections of the book is a pretty thorough introduction to the sitar and its technique, as well a very rudimentary introduction to several ragas. It will take you a long way along the path to mastery if you dedicate yourself to completely assimilating the material provided..but again, a teacher would still do a better job in the same amount of time. So...definitely get this book, in either edition, and begin a relationship with this remarkable man and his even more remarkable music.

great book, inspiring and enlightening, I enjoyed every page of it. I would recomend this any musician and any body who's interested in the eastern philosophy of how laws in music are so supernatural and connected to life.

This is indeed one of my most treasured books and very close to my heart. Khan's words flow easily as balm from Heaven to the ear and to the mind and heart. Understand how our thoughts and words affect the world... their intent, sound and vibration have far reaching results. "The music of life shows its melody and harmony in our daily experiences. Every spoken word is either a true or a false note, according to the scale of our ideal." The prose of Khan's words flows as beautifully as a concerto and straight to the heart.

The challenging part about reading a book by an enlightened being is that the author is writing from an experience of consciousness (non-duality) that is impossible for the ego (duality) to comprehend. However, Hazrat Inayat Khan's writing is easily understood and could be valuable to both spiritual aspirants on the path to enlightenment and/or musicians looking for deeper levels in their artistry. This is a book to be studied, not just read. In it are keys to understanding the mysticism of sound, music, color, words, and silence.

Other reviewers already dealt with the music side of the book, so i won't elaborate on that. There is in addition the purely sound-related aspect of reality. All words, thoughts, and emotions, carry on some power due to their vibratory nature. Everything, whatever it is can be seen as a wave. So don't think it is just about what you hear. All there is can be described in that way.

This book is of interest not for its esoteric nature, but rather to give the reader an intuition of what mystics perceive of reality, which is everything but magic. Science is currently concerned with a part of reality, namely those frequencies that can be detected and thus measured through physical (material) instruments. But the vibratory nature of the world goes beyond that. You as humans have access to more than the physical realm (mental, emotional, and let's say "spiritual" to give a rough picture). This books hints at those aspects captured by the concept of "sound", that are of utmost importance for all humans to uncover the possibilities life has given them. Everything you think, say or feel has an impact on you and your surroundings, so reading this book can help you to realize how important every single event of our life has, through its wave-like aspect. This book is about your very life.

I must admit I had heard of Hazrat Inayat Khan a long time ago and been a little sceptical of his works as they were mostly popular amongst the 'supermarket spirituality' brigade. You know, the kind who have a copy of Gibrans "The prophet" under their arms and Moroccan incense burning at home.

I was surprised when reading this book however, to find that it is an insightful study into the spiritual meaning of music. Anyone who plays a musical instrument regardless of if they are religious or not will know how the sounds and rhythm of the music can move both them and those who listen, they will know how different sounds can have different effects, how a song can move a person to tears of sadness or joy while another can move one to anger.

This book details the effects on both the heart and soul of music and how music as understood my more 'ancient' peoples was a sacred thing. How music is used by Sufis in their rituals and the meaning behind it. Religious conservatives have always tried to ban music especially from religious rituals while failing to understand the powerful effects that music has on the heart and soul and how music is just as if not more powerful than the word.

A wonderful book that should be read by any musician and/or follower of religion.

the book was great...it showed just how close each member was to each other. The book shows how they each live their every day lives and their personality.

nsync is the number one band and they have the awards to prove it justin alone has won 3 and the group to many to count and if i gave the awards away they would get everyone of them even though i only met joey and only joey he was really cool about taking his personal time to come and sign autographs well go nsync and buy every book out there everyone.

I love all the new pictures in it. My man JC looks really good. All the guys are so awesome, and soon, N Sync will conquer the world and leave BSB in their dust!

the book was great...it showed just how close each member was to each other. The book shows how they each live their every day lives and their personality.

I think NSYNC is really cool. I've met them before they were famous which was really wicked and they're sooo down to earth. I mean BSB is well kinda..conceited if you ask me. That lifelong amount of fame has gotten to their heads but NSYNC is really nice and everything to their fans. I'm not "obsessed" or anything. I'm not really a fan but Lance is pretty cool. My special nickname for him is "Blonde Boy" and JC "Dude in the White Shirt" lol this was WAY before anyone knew who they were but like I totally support them in anything they do. They're nice guys.

Nirvana was an iconic album of the alternative rock genre. "Classic Rock Albums: Nevermind Nirvana" is just short of the music CD itself in fully understanding the album that made the grunge movement of the early nineties so memorable. Taking a look at the early days of Nirvana's career complete with black and white photographs of the band's early days, information on recording sessions, and information on each track of the million selling album. "Classic Rock Albums: Nevermind Nirvana" is an absolute must have for any Nirvana fan who can't get enough of trivia for the group.

It tells alittle bit about the history of Nirvana but its mostly about the making of Nevermind and about the songs. Its pretty good.

This book gives an excellent account of what led to the great CD we now know as Nevermind. It briefly describes Nirvana's rise to stardom and gives a glimpse into the personalities of the members, but is at its best in describing how the actual production of the album went. Using numerous sources, the author lets us listen to Nevermind in a completely different way. The only downside is that it is a relatively short work, and I left wanting more

This is an excellent book on Nirvana, and it is too sad that it is out-of-print. It contains important interviews and write-ups from several pop culture mags of that era on the band--on performances--on their overall views...

Does this signal that Kurt was right: Grunge is dead?

Well, perhaps dead but not yet interred into the earth.

Yeah, yeah, it's really lame to buy a book about them and all, but this isn't just another stupid ripoff fan book- this is really good stuff. It's funny. It's sad. It gives Courtney a chance to look less evil- I changed my mind about her because of this book. And it's not just about Kurt like most Nirvana books are- there's a good amount of stuff on Krist and the various drummers as well. Serious Nirvana fans really need to read this.

This is essential reading for anyone who's even been involved in the NJ/NY punk/hardcore/emocore/etc community. For those of you who enjoy Thursday, Saves the Day, The Bouncing Souls, Lifetime--learn about the scene these bands rose from. For fans of Taking Back Sunday, Brand New, and other more popular bands--learn the scene that inspired these bands.

The history lessons keep on coming. The author clearly states he is not attempting to capture the history of the scene, but merely the part he was involved with.. and it's done wonderfully.

Pick it up.

My cajones are mentioned in this book. Twice.

Is that a reason to buy it? No. Is it a reason to love it? Unequivocally.

Here's an old school Go! for all you new school kids...Go! pick this book up. You'll be glad you did.

I just got this book a week ago and I am so sad that I finished it already! It was fantastic! I visited/lived in New Brunswick at the same time and am the same age as Ronen, so I just kept finding myself laughing out loud and exclaiming "I was there!" or "We did that!" for many of the events in the book...It was such a trip down memory lane for me! Besides that, it is so well written and really makes you feel like you are experiencing things right along with the author...so even if you have never been to New Brunswick, you really get a taste of what it was like there! If you read this book, you WILL enjoy it! :)

All you need to know if you're looking at the page already, is that yes, it's way worth picking it up. GO!

If you need more prodding, then I'll just say that this book almost fully encapsulates what it was like to grow up with the hardcore scene as a driving force in your life. If this is something you can relate to, you'll find yourself remembering so many stories from your own past and looking back on how you reached the point you're at now. If this is something new to you, you'll find that while the soundtrack is different, the themes are universal to all alienated kids searching for their place in the world, and Ronan so perfectly puts into words what we all were thinking and feeling.

Also, if you dig the book, check out Ronen's podcast Issue Oriented.

This book rules! It was a straightforward and fun read, though the language borders on colloquial at times. Recommended for those who like any kind of punk rock memoirs or cometbus, but be mindful this is NOT a formal documentation the scene at the time (though it doesn't CLAIM to be!), it is before anything a coming of age centered around the authors experiences and the effect that hardcore & punk had on his life, which is inspiring and very easy to relate to. Also recommended for fans of the author's podcast which is rad.

what can go on behind the scenes of historical events, give this book a read.

I met Bill Gibson before his book hit the shelves. I found him to be a reserved man, with an underlying sense of humor; only mentioning to me, he had a book coming out about his career as a professional photagrapher in the Navy. I asked him if he liked it on the Merrimac; oddly, he hardly speaks to me lately.

All jest aside, I'm not giving Bill's book five stars in order to be on speaking terms again, or for the rebate promised on my copy. Bill Gibson's "No Film In My Camera", will entertain all generations, and surely enlighten the younger; although parental guidance is suggested.

Bill brings us his personal perspective to major events and eminent icons of our history, with humor and dashing flair. Particularly dashing, when caught sunbathing on Enyu island.(One of the reasons for the PG rating.)

As I read, I couldn't help but envy his life, and imagine myself a member of his crew, partaking in the adventure.

Now that I've read the book, I find Bill to be a reserved man, with an underlying obsession for insane risk, and his humor a little less subtle, especially when I can talk him into a martini. BUY THIS BOOK, YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED!

what can go on behind the scenes of historical events, give this book a read.

I met Bill Gibson before his book hit the shelves. I found him to be a reserved man, with an underlying sense of humor. Only mentioning to me, he had a book coming out about his career as a professional photagrapher in the Navy. I asked him if he liked it on the Merrimac; oddly, he hardly speaks to me lately.

All jest aside, I'm not giving Bill's book five stars in order to be on speaking terms again, or for the rebate promised on my copy. Bill Gibson's "No Film In My Camera", will entertain all generations, and surely enlighten the younger; although parental guidance is suggested.

Bill brings us his personal perspective to major events and eminent icons of our history, with humor and dashing flair. Particularly dashing, when caught sunbathing on Enyu island.(One of the reasons for the PG rating.)

As I read, I couldn't help but envy his life, and imagine myself a member of his crew, partaking in the adventure.

Now that I've read the book, I find Bill to be a reserved man, with an underlying obsession for insane risk, and his humor a little less subtle, especially when I can talk him into a martini. BUY THIS BOOK, YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED!

As the wife of a career Navy photographer for many years, I was often asked, "What does a *photographer* do in the service?" Certainly, they are unsung heroes whose stories should be told. And now they have a master story-teller to do it: Bill Gibson. This book is sheer delight for all of us who were there, and many who will wish *they* had been when they read about it! Only the Twentieth Century could have produced Bill Gibson -- there will never be another. He not only lived history in many areas, but helped make it as well. "No Film" is such a good read that, although I tried to ration it to myself and make it last, I could not let it alone until I had read it all, and still go back to savor certain episodes again. I placed it on the shelf next to Tom Brokaw's two books about my generation, and I am hoping this remarkable person is at work on another.

Gibson is a supremely multi-talented author. His skill as a cameraman is met - and perhaps exceeded - as a gifted raconteur. He takes you along for a fascinating trip through history: World War 11, Africa, Viet Nam, Hollywood!, NASA and other adventures he was lucky to survive! From hanging off helicopters to crouching tigers - you can't get enough! This is a true page turner that proves again - great non-fiction has no equal. Gibson is a true Renaissance man....I hope he is writing a sequel. This is a book you will want to keep in your permanent library.

NO FILM IN MY CAMERA is an action-packed adventure from page one! Mr. Gibson's book is an eye-opening ride that took me to some of the most turbulent and exciting times in our nation's history. His accounts of daring assignments, and sometimes crazy adventures as a cameraman, are retold with passion and humor. After many years of telling stories with his camera, he now tells his own story with as much creativity and attention to detail. From being on the USS Hornet as she was attacked, to being a part of the early days of the Space Program, to encounters with world leaders and Hollywood celebrities, NO FILM IN MY CAMERA gives an eye-opening look at the never-dull life of an inventive, courageous, world-class cameraman.

I only skimmed this book (didn't want to "crack" the binding!), as I bought it as a gift for my son's piano teacher. She just wrote me a thank you note and called the book "amazing." She's a very dedicated teacher, loves the piano and her students, and this book really touched her. (The little bit I read was lovely.) I would highly recommend this book as a gift for a piano teacher, but I'm sure it would be equally welcomed by anyone who loves music or who took music lessons as a child.

I devoured this book on my Kindle because I was so hungry to know how piano students learn. I recently took up piano so that I can help my young daughter with her lesson/homework. This book inspires me to be more patient with my daughter and myself in my own endeavor to learn the piano as an adult. The only regret I have about this book is that it seems rather short, and it didn't take much time to finish reading it.

As one of Tricia's former piano students and friends, I was shocked and awed by how fantastic her book is. I always knew she was a special person with talent oozing from her fingertips when it came to both music and literature but this book blew me away. You don't have to have any knowledge of the piano or any interest in music at all to enjoy this wonderful book. Everyone should read it, I guarantee you'll enjoy it as much as I did!
-M.A.

I am fifty-one and about to start my fifth year of piano lessons. I'm slogging in the early - middle intermediate stage. I am also the father of there teenage girls who have studied piano five years, eight years and ten years.
This book covers the entire child (or new adult, like me) piano training process from beginning, age seven, to graduating high school, it lays out all the steps.
So I am highly recommending this book to parents, who are trying to figure out where the lessons are going and where they will lead, and to intermediate adult students, like me, who are trying to figure out how one becomes an advanced student. The advanced students "are in this because of an attraction to the act of playing that is compelling, deep and inarguable." The "difficult passages must be broken down into their smallest part and played over and over and over." So, for me there is no more skimming and going off for a ham sandwich (playing with my laptop) when my Scarlatti is hard.
Sadly, maybe, for parents this desire to master the piano "comes entirely from within". I am not sure my older daughters will ever be advanced, they don't "feel an internal necessity to play".
The book was written to adults (I knew every Beatles song and can't imagine playing a duet of American Pie, front to back), and while I think teenage students would certainly sympathize with the Recital chapter, most of the reflections on learning would probably be lost on them.
Thank you Tricia Tunstall for sharing your life and explaining the process to us, and for telling me to work harder.

This book is poignant, tender and funny. The author, a piano teacher, describes the wonderful relationships she has built with her students, how they progress and what she learns from them. The book also harks back to the author's own piano teachers, and finally (and most movingly) to her last piano teacher, who was her husband. Anyone would love this book, whether they have any piano experience or not. It is really about the dimensions of personal growth and how they are enhanced by a student-teacher experience, no matter what realm that relationship takes place in. And it's about the something unusual in our world today: a slow, gradual process.

As an eager but somewhat overwhelmed newcomer to the world of ambient music, I've found this overview to be informative & invaluable. It's constructed like many ambient pieces: layers of information & exotica that overlap, shade into one another, and in many ways recreate in prose the experience of the music. Yet at the same time, there's a clarity & focus to the writing, which becomes apparent as the reader flows from one topic to the next. By the end, I'd not only gained some real knowledge & understanding, I'd been given some excellent starting points for further exploration. An exemplary volume, highly recommended!

I love to read about music, but there are so few good music writers it seems. This book approaches the development of incidental, ambient, experimental, avant garde, and world musics in a way that mimics the music itself - with random bursts of observations, anecdotes, interviews, and just plain bizarre missives. I encourage anyone with a sense of adventure and an open mind to grab a copy.

There is a similarly-titled double CD which came out to accompany the book, but I can't see it on Amazon. It is as eclectic as the book and features a lot of the artists interviewed and mentioned - Sun Ra, Aphex Twin, and others. I have played the CD to death and would recommend it. You gotta respect a compilation that puts The Beach Boys right next to African Headcharge, or My Bloody Valentine next to Brian Eno - and makes it work so well.

The book also features a list of albums and artists in the appendix, which I found useful as a way of doing further research.

Another book in a similar vein is Kodwo Eshun's "More Brilliant Than The Sun", though it focuses solely on the innovators in electronic music.

If you like ambient, or....atmospheric music of any sort you should give this book a chance as it a nice erudite survey of the various genres and musicians that are linked to..or been influenced by ambient music. It is not a linear survey thru time, but rather this book reminds me of a map which Toop rolls around visiting here and there with a few jumps now and then as he discusses how in the last 100 years "music has reflected the world back to itself and to its listeners". The writing is enjoyable, and full of poetry, such that I kept finding myself underlining odd bits and pieces every few pages and I wound up compiling them for myself for future reference. There is also a nice bibliography and discography at the end of the book.

Incredible in many ways, Toop's book attempts to trace a quiet revolution in twentieth century music. One cannot deny the impressive breadth of his knowledge, from Stockhausen to Miles all the way to Future Sound of London and their ilk. His writing is quite often beautiful, if occasionally one feels like he is writing too many words to actually say anything.

Ultimately, however, I leave the book feeling a bit underwhelmed. Ironically, it is the book's very eclecticism that works against it. I personally did not see the connectionsbetween, say, the music of Kraftwerk and Toop's (admittedly fascinating) discussion of the sound of the Amazon jungle. These disgressions ultimately make the book useless as a survey. Of course, I doubt that it was meant to be so, but Toop fails to make the kinds of connections that have given books by Greil Marcus and others a fascinating unity.

Perhaps, though, this is the point. Much like the ambient music that serves as the centerpoint of the book, this book simply floats by, not asking you to make any conclusions. It is probably best read in bits, before bed or in the bathroom, where the individual moments of brilliance can be better appreciated. Very ambient, indeed.

David Toop is both a musician and writer, having done ambient music, dub music with the likes of Prince Far I, and of course numerous written articles on ambient and experimental aspects of popular music. I'd have to say that this book is perhaps one of the definitive studies on this musical genre, covering the aesthetics, listening practica, concepts, influences, directions, and so on of this growing musical field in a very inclusive and insightful style. This is perhaps one of the best written companions to everything ambient, as well as influences on ambient music from as far afield as Sun Ra and Karlheinz Stockhausen. Anyone interested in knowing more...either in scope, or deeper within...on ambient should obtain a copy of this book.