Annie Leibovitz: American Music

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It looks like a gorgeous nostalgia trip to judge by the cover image alone. The photo is of an old school record player that lies unplugged, a white label test-pressing waiting on the turntable, while a band of paper wrapped around the cover announces the title in ye olde woodblock-looking type, American Music. A reading of the small type on the back cover reveals the image to be the very record and turntable left in Elvis Presley's bedroom the day he died, and the mind reels, thinking about whether the King listened to this record on that day or not, and who are the Stamps, anyway? An excellent selection of musician portraits interspersed with crumbly wooden jook joints and wide open fields in the South, American Music covers a wide gamut of jazz, blues, punk, country, hip-hop, rock and roll, folk and gospel musicians. And while most of the pictures were shot between 1999 and 2002, some go back to the early 1970s, when Leibovitz first became Rolling Stone magazine's chief photographer. Some of the artists are very well-known (Michael Stipe, Dolly Parton, Bob Dylan) and some of them are not (Jessie Mae Hemphill, Other Turner, Carlos Coy). Leibovitz really has a way of relaxing her performers, and this is a great part of her gift. Even when the pictures are so posed as to be ridiculous (like, what's Michael Stipe doing on that bedbug-ridden mattress—-the guy's a billionaire?), she catches her subjects at their most "real." They are lost in their music, or just doing some "real person" thing (look, there is Beck in his car—does Beck really drive his own car?). The presentation may be a little hokey, but this book is sure to please most any music fan. --Mike McGonigal

Book Description

The impulse to do AMERICAN MUSIC, writes famed photographer Annie Leibovitz, “came from a desire to return to my original subject and look at it with a mature eye. Bring my experience to it…make it a real American tapestry.” Her ambitious idea became AMERICAN MUSIC, a stunning collection of photographs of the musicians, places and people that enrich the landscape of American music.

As Rolling Stone’s chief photographer for over thirteen years, Leibovitz created a legendary body of work. Her portraits of some of the world’s most talented musicians capture more than the performer, they convey the art of making music. For AMERICAN MUSIC, Leibovitz traveled across the country to juke joints in the Mississippi Delta, honkytonks in Texas, and jazz clubs in New Orleans “to take pictures in places that mean something.” In her signature style, she shares stunning portraits of American greats -- B.B. King, Willie Nelson, Bonnie Raitt, Bruce Springsteen, Beck, Bob Dylan, Mary J. Blige, Jon Bon Jovi, S teve Earle, Ryan Adams, Miles Davis, Etta James, Pete Seeger, Emmylou Harris, Tom Waits, The Dixie Chicks, Dr. Dre, The Roots and many more.

AMERICAN MUSIC includes a commentary about the American Music project by Leibovitz, short essays by musicians Patti Smith, Rosanne Cash, Steve Earle, Mos Def, Ryan Adams, and Beck as well as biographical sketches of all the musicians.

Customer Reviews:

Good for fans of Photography and Music.......2007-01-28

If you love the blues, or love photography this is a great book. While not specific to just Blues musicians this book just makes me think of good old delta blues. The prints in this book shine like they were hand printed by Annie herself. Theres a heart and soul driving this book from begining to end.
This is a more personal project for Annie Leibovitz and so doenst allway have her studio style inside.
That does not mean that each photograph is not amazing for they are, but some are a smaller more
candid world that Annie Leibotiz is capturing.

An intimate collection.......2005-08-08

I just saw this exhibit at our MoMA, and the work is outstanding. Some of the images are color, some black and white. There are a number of styles and artists, ranging from the very famous to those unknown outside of their small communities. The point is that these are images of musicians--it's that simple.

Sometimes, Liebovitz's work is witty, sometimes it is unflinching in its honest portrayal. There is vulnerability in the subjects of her black and whites because they are so close, often just the face of the subject. To term them "ugly" is simply wrong. It is rare to see behind the artifice of celebrity images and see performers without makeup and with their skin texture and pores visible. Some of the photos are taken in people's homes, or backstage rather than on a set. This lends considerably to the intimacy and honesty that she is trying to convey.

If you want shots of your favorite singer looking oh so pretty, go to their PR person. This is a serious body of work from a renowned photographer. It blends both her celebrity work with her own private interests in portrait photography for non-commercial audiences.

Spectacular Photos!.......2005-08-02

The catalog is gorgeous, the photographs are indeed spectacular. While the written entries were wonderful, they were too few and left me wanting more. I guess that's a good thing!

Beautiful Photographs from a master, however unfinished.......2004-11-17

In response to another review on this site, clearly if you think the book has "poor aesthetic quality" You know nothing of photography or art for that matter.
The people in this book are beautifully portrayed in silver and in color. Clearly the photographs were taken over a number of years, which shows the scope of the project.
The only thing that I find wrong with this project is that it may be unfinished. The book is called American Music. Cleary that is why there are mainly blues, rock and roll and hip, country/folk and hip hop artists. Obviosly everyone would like to see their favorite artists in the book and have the ones they dislike removed. I however feel that this is the artists choice, and we have to live with it. If Leibovits decides to put out a 'Part II' it would do all of us a favor.
The only reason why I don't give this a 5 out of 5 stars is that most of the photographs don't grab you by the face and demand your attention. The ones that grab me the most are the artists I folllow, so perhaps there is something in that. Some measure of knowlegde that must accompany the photographs. Buy the book anyways...and listen to more blues albums. I didn't check this review for spelling, HA!

Classical?.......2004-04-07

OK, think for a minute what it means deep down to chronical AMERICAN music.
That would be music that comes from the Delta and from Chicago and spread from there as essential Blues, Jazz, Rock and Roll and later forms of Pop. Classical came to us from Europe, what these artists represent are the outcome of truly American born music. I'm staggered that anyone would not make that connection..
And yes, we know that some may find Iggy Pop "ugly", but American Music isn't all about chicks that look like Britney Spears..

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Ballistic Trauma
James Ryan
Manufacturer: Springer
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 185233679X

Book Description

Ballistic Trauma: A Practical Guide provides a concise guide to the clinical and operational issues surrounding the management of the ballistic casualty. The book crystallizes the knowledge and experience accrued by those dealing with ballistic trauma on a regular basis and extends this to those who have to manage these patients on an occasional basis only.

This book is aimed at all medical and paramedical personnel involved in the care of patients with ballistic injury. It will be especially relevant for consultants and senior trainees in surgery, anesthesia and emergency medicine who are likely to be involved in the management of these unique injuries. It will be an essential reference for pre-hospital care providers and nurses working in the emergency room and intensive care. Military surgeons and medical and nursing staff on deployment in regions of conflict will find the book a valuable resource.

Infinities: Return of the Jedi (Dark Horse Star Wars Collection)

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so and so
The Alternate Star Wars Universe - Return of the Jedi
Good, but moves a bit too quickly
Alternate History - Return og the Jedi

Infinities: Return of the Jedi (Dark Horse Star Wars Collection)
Adam Gallardo , Ryan Benjamin , and Salem Crawford
Manufacturer: Dark Horse
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1593072066

Book Description

When the plan to rescue Han Solo from Jabba the Hutt falls apart, Princess Leia, Lando Calrissian, and Chewbacca embark on another rescue mission that puts them into direct conflict with Boba Fett. Meanwhile, Luke's late arrival on Dagobah ends with him being captured by Darth Vader and the Emperor, just as the second Death Star is about to go on-line! Will the return of the Jedi become the end of the Jedi? The surprising climax is as exciting as that of the film on which it is based, but different from anything Star Wars fans have seen before!

Customer Reviews:

so and so.......2007-05-13

well, i have always liked infinities comics, they are funny, witty and adds alittle interesting twist to they Star wars movies are played out.

But with this magazine i was not "that" impressive, it seems very rushed...things are left out and they move too fast trough the plot making is a lesser comic...but not a bad one.

When compared to the the other Infinities these does not have that many leggs to stand on, but it does stand and for a normal star wars fan its a good buy, but do not expect to be awed.

Hopefully a next issue of the inifinties will perhas be done abit better.

I would give it a 3, but since its star wars with a twist i will ok it for a 4, just because its star wars :p

Enjoy

The Alternate Star Wars Universe - Return of the Jedi.......2007-05-06

In the third installment of the "Star Wars: Infinities" series, it begins with Leia posing as a bounty hunter in Jabba the Hutt's palace, trying to rescue Han Solo from his carbonite frozen prison. This goes badly when C-3PO is broken and can't translate, so Leia accidentally destroys the palace, but Boba Fett escapes with Solo. Leia, Lando Calrissian, Chewbacca gathers up Luke Skywalker and continue their search for Han. In the meantime Yoda can not wait any longer and finally dies, though Luke dose get Yoda's message. The Rebellion forces keep on making their attack plans on the new Death Star, and Vader manages to catch Luke. Leia, Chewie, and Lando finally manage to get Han back, but there are unexpected complications. Finally there is the huge battle at Endor, though the Ewoks turn on everybody and attack Imperials and Rebels alike. The end is a bit of a shock, and to me it's the only part of the series that rings completely wrong, but it's still a great comic book, as a great alternative history of a galaxy far, far away.

Good, but moves a bit too quickly.......2006-10-17

It's not easy to rewrite the star wars universe. Case in point: Imagine that you have to rewrite Return of the Jedi. You may change one event, one moemnt, then let your imagination flow. The possibilities for what may happen are almost endless.

But the important thing is, no matter what you come up with, it's important to take the time to tell your story well.

As with the previous two installments of the infinity line of star wars comics (A new hope and the empire strikes back, or IANH, ITESB), the folks at Dark Horse take the classic film and change one event, then see where the story goes. Remember the moment where Leia, disguised as Bossh, armed a thermal detonator in Jabba's palace? What would happen if that detonar...well, detonated?

With that simple change, the story of Return of the Jedi changes. There is no skiff sequence, no rancor fight, and sadly, one of the most beloved charachters is vaporized as a result (and no, it's not Bib Fortuna). From there, the story continues towards it's final moment...the final battle of the rebel alliance and the galactic empire above the endor moon.

What sets Return of the Jedi, infinities apart from IANH and ITESB is it's story. While the first two departed from the established story line greatly, IROTJ sticks fairly close to what happens in the film. Luke still fights Vader on the death star, the rebels still have to blow up the generator on Endor, and Vader must choose between following his master, or killing his children. Instead of the big details, it's the little ones that are changed.

Because it sticks closely to the established story, this entry in the infinities line isn't as compelling or fascinating as the previous two. Don't get me wrong, it's still entertaining, but it's just not as compelling as IANH or ITESB. There are great moments, such as how the bunker is destroyed, Han getting out of the carbonite, and what happens to Vader, but the one thing I noticed the most when reading this comic was the feeling that it was rushing as quickly as it could towards it's conclusion. As I said ealier in this review, if you're going to tell a story, try to tell it well. From the moment the rebeliion heads towards the Endor system, the book picks up the pace and doesn't let up, going at mach 4 towards the ending.

And in the end, this is what harms the story the most. It just goes too quickly. There's no real sense of how vast the final battle is, or how compelling the emotional fight is between Vader and Luke. one example is a description on the back of the book. We're told, "what if the ewoks fought both rebel and imperial?". Indeed, the ewoks attack the rebels...for all of two panels, then they vanish, never to be seen again, and with no impact on how the story plays out. Moments where the potential for emotional drama is high stop two panels short, stopping these scenes dead in thier tracks. Going really fast is not always the best option when you're telling an action story, as it is possible to go way too fast, as is the case here.

But even with the speed and pacing issue, IROTJ is still a fun read. The artwork is unique, looking like a strong blend between hand drawn and computer enhanced, and the final page of the comic, with what happens in it, is sure to put a huge smile on any star wars fan's face (but to reveal it would be criminal).

Now the big question...to buy, or not to buy? I'm really not sure what to say here, except that your best bet is to find this comic in a store, read it, then decide if you want to buy. Just like with the issue of bringing the fluffy ewoks into existance in the star wars universe, you either like it, or you don't like it.

Alternate History - Return og the Jedi.......2005-04-11

If you are a fan of alternate history, you'll really enjoy this. Just a minor change in plotline and you find the story just as entertaining as the original.

Ryan Adams: Gold (Guitar Tab Edition) (Tab)

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Ryan Adams: Gold (Guitar Tab Edition) (Tab)
Bug Music Limited
Manufacturer: Amsco Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 071199403X
Release Date: 2002-12-01

Book Description

Matching folio contains all the tracks from the album arranged for guitar tablature and standard notation, complete with lyrics and chord symbols. Seventeen songs include: New York New York, Firecracker, Answering Bell, La Cienega Just Smiled, The Rescue Blues, Somehow Someday, When The Stars Go Blue, Nobody Girl, Syvlia Plath, Enemy Fire, Gonna Make You Love Me, Wild Flowers, Harder Now That It's Over, Touch Feel & Lose, Tina Toledo's Street Walkin' Blues, Goodnight Hollywood Blvd, and Rosalie Come And Go (bonus track).

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The Sacristy Manual

The Sacristy Manual
G. Thomas Ryan
Manufacturer: Liturgy Training Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0929650921

Customer Reviews:

The Sacristy Manual.......2003-05-09

If you are involved in any way with setting up the church for Mass and if you work in the Sacirsty this manual is a God send!

There is a good history of the sacristy, excellent directions and guidance for each celebration, and it is well prepared.

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Villains, Volume 1: Thick As Thieves
Adam Cogan
Manufacturer: Viper Comics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0977788377

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Ryan Adams: Rock N' Roll
Ryan Adams
Manufacturer: Amsco Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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Ryan Adams: Gold (Guitar Tab Edition) (Tab)

ASIN: 1844494063
Release Date: 2004-02-01

Book Description

All the songs from the hit album arranged for guitar in tablature and standard notation, complete with lyrics and chord symbols. Songs include: This Is it, Shallow, 1974, Wish You Were Here, So Alive, Luminol, Burning Photographs, She's Lost Total Control, Note To Self Don't Die, Rock N Roll, Anybody Wanna Take Me Home, Do Miss America, Boys, and The Drugs Not Working. Also contains the bonus track, Hypnotixed.

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I LOVE RYAN HE IS THE GREATEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Michael Heatley's Book-writing Blues
Good read
Ryan Adams-Genius or Fraud?

Ryan Adams
Michael Heatley
Manufacturer: Omnibus Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0711994358

Book Description

Ryan adams is American roots music's first superstar of the new century. First finding cult fame with alternative country band Whiskeytown, his rebellious image and photogenic street urchin looks have won a wide fan following that includes Elton John and Noel Gallagher.

In this first account of his life, Michael Heatley traces Adams' progress from small town North Carolina to trysts with actress Winona Ryder, the broken romances and personal demons that have fuelled his most affecting work and his dedication to legendary country-rock pioneer Gram Parsons. Still in his mid twenties, Adams has the world at his feet. If, unlike Parsons, he opts for self-preservation rather that the self-destructive image he often portrays. This book assesses the past, present and future of a performer with the potential and the eclecticism to be 'the new Neil Young'.

Customer Reviews:

I LOVE RYAN HE IS THE GREATEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.......2005-06-15

I haven't read the book but Ryan Adams just played here in Charleston SC june 10th 2005 and he ROCKED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!I can't wait until his next 2 CDS come out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Michael Heatley's Book-writing Blues.......2004-07-10

I don't generally make a habit of reading band/artist biographies but in this case I don't really think it matters since I thought that Michael Heatley's entire writing style was crap and the content not much better.
I have to admit that there were a few interesting facts I didn't know and it might be good as a beginner's guide to Ryan Adams & Whiskeytown but overall it was awful.
It is apparent that this book was never an authorized study because of the way the facts are presented in a secondary manner and the fact that space is filled up with a song by song account for each and every album that Ryan Adams has ever been involved with. What a waste... I don't need to hear each song evaluated for its merits as if Michael Heatley is personally reviewing the albums. I can go and listen to them and make the jdugements for myself. I wish that there had been more background information on Ryan Adams as a person rather than secondhand accounts of his antics, which really don't get inside his head or even within shooting range. I guess this is the kind of rubbish you get when your subject refuses to authorize such a book because he knows you are a crap writer.

Good read.......2003-11-17

This is the first book about Ryan Adams. I found it incredibly interesting. It starts out by talking about his early life and his musical influences now and then, many of which are the same. It goes into great detail about Whiskeytown, his band with Caitlin Cary and Mike Daly, and their tumultuous times together. Then onto his solo career and how he became one of today's most unique stars that has been praised by the likes of Elton John and others. It glossed over briefly his relationships with Winona Ryder and Alanis Morissette, and others. I especially enjoyed the discussion about the songs, and what he thinks about them, what they are about, etc. Overall if you are a Ryan Adams fan this is the book to read.

Ryan Adams-Genius or Fraud?.......2003-08-14

This book delves delightfully into the background of one of today's moost shiniest of shiny stars.

We get to learn all about his wild days in the band Whiskeytown and read every intimate detail of his numerous love affairs.

A tell-all wonder!

Book Description

The Unprepossessing Mr. Ryan focuses on the character attributes, philosophy, political skills, and administrative activities of William A. Ryan, Speaker of the Michigan House of Representatives from 1969 through 1974 and a House Member from 1958 through 1982. The author attempts to show that administrative virtue in legislative leadership is best described in terms of utilitarian ethics, the ability to control and manage factionalism in the interest of incremental change, rather than following the idea that an adequate understanding of exemplary legislative leadership must account for the significance of character ethics, attributes that form an essential part of the leader's moral authority. Through this study of Mr. Ryan and three other House Speakers, the author discovered that exemplary legislative leadership may best be understood in terms of the leader's ability to facilitate sustained democratic discourse characterized by a meaningful representation of and input from all affected stakeholders; civility and compromise among political leaders who may strongly disagree with one another; and policy resolutions that, though imperfect, reflect lines of convergence on what public values are and ought to be.

Children's Health Care: Issues for the Year 2000 and Beyond (Issues in Children's and Families' Lives)

Average customer rating:

Excellent coverage, particularly the chapter by C. Provost.

Children's Health Care: Issues for the Year 2000 and Beyond (Issues in Children's and Families' Lives)

Manufacturer: Sage Publications, Inc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0761919317

Book Description

As the United States approaches the millennium, how will it address the mental health needs of its youth? The contributors of this ground-breaking volume grapple with this issue and provide fodder for discussion on how to ensure and improve the future health care of our children. Beginning with an overview of children’s health care from colonial times to the present, the leaders in this field address such issues as the federal government’s involvement in health care services for low-income families; the two major models for service delivery (the Community Health Center and School-Based Health and Social Services Center); the effectiveness of outpatient mental health services; the most effective forms of intervention for changing specific dysfunctional behaviors; the financial issues of health care delivery, including ways to increase cost effectiveness; and the issues of psychopharmacology versus "talk" therapies.

Researchers, graduate students, and practitioners who want the latest synthesis on the topic of health care services for children and families, and a projection for possible future directions will find this a stimulating read for furthering discussions and research

Customer Reviews:

Excellent coverage, particularly the chapter by C. Provost........1999-04-16

Ms. Provost is a gifted writer who provides a clear, concise guide to a complicated Federal program.

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