Customer Reviews:
FORCED TO BUY FOR JAZZ HISTORY.......2007-07-26
This was required for my jazz history class at Sacramento City College (MUFHL 315 - online). It was 125.00 at the college book (packaged along with some worthless CD's). It is not laid out like a normal textbook. At the beginning, it doesn't have a chapter outline or learning objectives. At the end of each chapter, all you have is a sorry summery that doesn't cover any of what the author is trying to say within the chapter. THIS IS THE WORST BOOK I HAVE EVER BEEN FORCED TO BUY FOR A CLASS. I am tired people publishing the results of their graduate work as TEXTBOOKS and ripping off poor undeserving student. Reading this book is like watching paint dry.
This book connects the dots..........2006-02-13
I had begun to get serious about immersing myself in Jazz. A little dive around the corner was showing excellent Jazz groups and I had to take the opportunity to discover this great art form. My daughter lent me a textbook she had from college.
I immediately picked it up and for several hours was scanning it backwards and forwards. I kept referencing all the artists and songs I had heard of all my life and this book very handily made the connections. It's loaded with clear and concise and insightful teaching aids.
I can now understand much better the overall experience and history of jazz. The technical parts are still quite overwhelming, but the author's writing is very articulate and non-judgmental. I've rarely seen a more learning friendly book. As I started to mention, you can start anywhere you want in this book and just take what you can handle.
not for jazz scholars alone.......2005-12-20
It has been nearly 30 years since Mark Gridley's first edition of Jazz Styles appeared, and no other treatment of jazz styles comes close to his careful analysis of how jazz has been made since its inception. It is a work of great and serious scholarship, an invaluable resource for students of the genre. Yet, Jazz Styles is also an enjoyable and entertaining companion for anyone who wants to become a more perceptive listener to jazz. The Listening Guides are useful even for those 'veteran'
jazz fans familiar with the works described. Gridley will take you to ever-deeper levels of appreciation for jazz in all its varieties.
Book Description
Here, for the first time, is the story of Pink Floyd from the inside out. With 116 million albums sold worldwide and 25 years on the pop charts to their credit, Pink Floyd is one of the most successful rock groups in history, yet their story until now is one of the least known. The only continuous member of the band through its entire 40-year history, Nick Mason has witnessed every twist, turn, and sommersault from behind his drum kit. The journey begins with the band's origins as the darlings of London's late 1960s underground and the creation of the classic Pink Floyd sound, all the way through to The Wall and those legendary stadium shows. Here are the players who shaped the band's history and the story behind the story the inside perspective on, for example, the deterioration and departure of Syd Barrett; the overwhelming success of The Dark Side of the Moon and the resulting pressures and conflicts within the band, including the rift with Roger Waters; and Nick and David Gilmour's decision to put their reputations on the line and continue as Pink Floyd. Packed with rare photographs and vintage Floyd graphics from Nick Mason's extensive private archive, Inside Out is an eye-opener for both veteran fans and those just discovering the group. And, in keeping with the classic Floyd style, the book's cover was designed by Storm Thorgerson, creator of such iconic images as the Dark Side pyramid. Always candid, by turns poignant and funny, Nick's own memories are augmented with extensive research and interviews, making Inside Out a comprehensive history of one of the most brilliant and imaginative bands the world has known and a masterly memoir of rock and roll.
Customer Reviews:
item in excellent condition and fast shipment!!!.......2007-09-14
As a true Pink Floyd fan I can sincerely say that this book does a great job in telling the story of this great band.
Awesome book .......2007-01-11
I purchased this item for my son who has been a Pink Flyod/Waters fan since high school. He told me about this book at Christmas, and he is absolutely thrilled with it. The photos are wonderful and the history of Floyd incredible. If you are a die-hard fan, get this book. You won't be disappointed!
Awesome!!.......2007-01-09
As a Floyd fan and a musician, I found this book incredibly interesting. Mason does an perfect job in describing Floyd from it's embryonic state to it's final performance, to it's unlikely Live 8 appearance.
I loved it. I bought it for my girlfriend for Christmas. I ended up reading it from Christmas morning through the following days.
My only negative criticism was that I wish more time had been spent on the why's and how's the in fighting become so overwhelming and so difficult for these guys that they had no choice but to disband. Other than that a great book.
A must for every Pink Floyd fan.......2006-11-03
I was amazed by the size of this book, is huge. Packed with photos and can only be compared with the Beatles Anthology. Nick Mason tells Pink Floyd's history in a cautious and funny way. Learn everything from Syd's decay to David's feud with Waters and everything you wanted to know about The Wall and Dark Side Of The Moon. Is a good reading and a very interesting view of the band from it's early days to Live 8. Get this book now and get The Pink Floyd.
Pink Floyd - The Book.......2006-10-12
If you're a fan of Pink Floyd for their music, you'll probably love this book. I think a lot of the people reviewing this book are forgetting that it was put together by a rock and roll drummer. The book may not go terribly deep into the psychological nuonces of the group, but it sure does lay out one hell of a collection of images for you to make what you will of their career. This book is kind of like looking through Nick Mason's photo album and reading captions he wrote to remind himself of what was going on in the pictures. The text won't let you in on the stuff you would've missed by not being there, but the photos give you a glimpse of his memories and experiences. Don't treat this book as a Pink Floyd biography, it's best viewed as a giant booklet included in a giant box set, the box set being Pink Floyd's entire musical career (which most people buying this book probably already own).
Book Description
The most influential, enduring, and iconic metal band of the 1980's reveals everything a tell–all of epic proportions.
This unbelievable autobiography explores the rebellious lives of four of the most influential icons in American rock history.
Motley Crue was the voice of a barely pubescent Generation X, the anointed high priests of backward–masking pentagram rock, pioneers of Hollywood glam, and the creators of MTV's first ⯯wer ballad.⟔heir sex lives claimed celebrities from Heather Locklear to Pamela Anderson to Donna D
ᄲ
rico. Their scuffles involved everyone from Axl Rose to 2LiveCrew. Their hobbies have included collecting automatic weapons, cultivating long arrest records, pushing the envelope of conceivable drug abuse, and dreaming up backstage antics that would make Ozzy Osbourne blanch with modesty.
Provocatively written and brilliantly designed, this book includes over 100 photos, many never before published, for the most exciting and insightful look ever into the Crue.
Customer Reviews:
Best book I've ever read!!!.......2007-09-30
Art is a piece of work that moves you & this book did. I laughed, I was disgusted, I even cried. This is twenty years of a band strugling though fights, overdoses, suicide attempts, mariages, deaths, prison (it's all here!). I love how the story is told by different people so you can hearing everybody's version of what happened (crazy how everybody remebers things differently). You get to hear what happened behind closed doors & what wasn't in the tabloids. It truly was an awesome read - very hard to put down!
Great book.......2007-09-18
From page one your are on a journey, as told by each memeber of the band, from the worst part of L.A. and Motley Crue's beginnings, to their rise to super stardom in the world of rock and roll. I was never much of a Crue fan when they were in their prime, but as I got older, I started to like their music and enjoyed reading about their beginning and the typical crazy road that most rock stars take.
Anazing !!.......2007-09-18
I loved the book the most amazing thing i have ever read inmy life !!!
Suprisingly great book.......2007-09-17
You will wet your pants laughing within the first 5 pages. I am half way through the book and learning alot about the band and Nikki Sixx himself. There is alot people do not know. Can't wait to finish the rest.
Great book, but just a little over-embelished........2007-09-13
This book is a FUN read and I have no doubt that for the most part things went down exactly as described. However I've also read Neil Strauss' other books and while a brilliant writer, he tend to make things larger than life and more polished than they really were (read the Game especially for examples of this.) Some things in the book seem a little too "neatly" described and he glosses over some of the more negative aspects of Motley Crue (And I grew up with them and obsessively followed their press since I was in middle school.)
But definitely a thumbs up. Look forward to reading Nikki's new book for comparison.
Book Description
The first book, the definitive book from HIP-HOP'S ORIGINAL DYNASTY
Since the release of the revolutionary Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), the Wu-Tang Clan has been hip-hop's leading creative force. Over the course of four seminal group albums and a multitude of ambitious side projects, they have constantly redefined the outer edge of what hip-hop can do and where hip-hop can go. Now, after a decade of dark beats and mysterious lyrics hinting at a larger whole, the legendary Staten Island hip-hop collective fully reveals, for the first time, the complex, multi-layered Wu-Tang Universe.
Spearheaded by the RZA, the "Abbot" of the Clan, The Wu-Tang Manual unravels the intricate web of personalities (and alter egos), warrior codes, numerological systems, and Eastern spiritual ethics that define the Wu-Tang dynasty. Here you'll find the key to Shaolin, to the Nine Rings and to the 36 Chambers, to the eight-point sun and to the rest of the enduring mysteries of Wu-Tang. The Wu-Tang Manual also contains the first official and comprehensive lyrical encyclopedia of the Wu-Tang, complete with musical, technical, and anecdotal analysis and annotation by the Clan.
For the hardcore Wu-Tang disciple and the recent initiate alike, The Wu-Tang Manual is the definitive guide to the essence of Wu.
Customer Reviews:
Wow!.......2007-08-29
I bought this book because I have been an avid fan of the Wu since high school. I had a feeling it would be good but little did I know that it would be in the tops of the bests books I've ever read in my life. If you've ever listened to a Wu song and wondered what this line meant, or what this word means, look no further. Who knew that there was actual rhyme and reason to ever since word picked for their lyrics.
If this is truely only a volume 1 out of many, I can't wait for the others. No matter what level of Wu fan you are, this will double it at least. Get this book.
Not for newcomers.......2007-08-18
The Wu-Tang Clan has been of the primary influences in my life, starting my interest in Hip-Hop music and culture as a youth through adulthood. This book is amazing; however, a novice listener of the Wu will not truly understand this book. A bandwagon listener of the Wu will not truly understand this book. This book is for the true heads, the people that have been intrigued with the sound, slang, style and charisma of the Wu-Tang ever since they first dropped on the music scene. If you're one of these fans, buy this book; you won't be dissapointed. For all you corny,wannabe, Johnny-come-latelys that claim to be a Wu fan and only own The W and Iron Flag, do us all a favor and don't buy this book; it will be a piece of genius that will go to waste collecting dust.
Witty Unpredictable Talent And Natural Game!
The RZA makes another classic!.......2006-11-05
This book is great for all Wu fans! Rza gives an in-depth look into the history of the Wu Tang Clan, its members, its songs and even the philosophies of the clan. This is a must read for anyone interested in the true innovators of the hip-hop game. From being the first rap group to have a clothing line, to the first rappers with a video game - the WU really taught all other rap labels how to stunt and laid a blueprint down for being successful in areas other than just rapping. Get this book to gain insight on the most prolific rap super group ever!
ABSOLUTELY ASTONISHING........2006-04-13
The Wu-Tang Manual is akin to all the EU (Expanded Universe) novels, comic books, and publications related to the Star Wars franchise for a hip hop fan of one of the culture's biggest phenomenons ever. The Manual is chock full of EVERYTHING an intellectual listener and avid fan of the Wu would want to know: biographies, lyrics explanations, philosophy, music equipment, and spirituality.
The Wu-Tang started a new sound in hip hop in early '93: gritty, minimalistic, atonal, and lo-fi, all exemplified in the classic debut 'Enter: The Wu-Tang'. From then on, a legend was born: numerous solo albums from all nine members, even including the honorary tenth member Cappadonna, movies, television, touring, guest appearances on other artists' projects, RZA even composed music for the original soundtrack to the Tarantino's two-parter 'Kill Bill'. The Wu-Tang even have their own "Expanded Universe" of branch-off emcees and groups that rivals the amount of material in that of the Star Wars EU (e.g. Cilvaringz, Killah Priest, Sunz of Man, Black Knights, Killarmy, etc.). And they're STILL going strong with a slew of new albums already dropping (Ghost's awesome 'Fishscale', Sunz' 'Old Testament', etc.). The Wu-Tang Clan are HIP HOP LEGENDS, and this Manual chronicles the beginning of the movement all the way to the present, even chronicling the events that shaped the life of Robert Diggs (RZA), which would eventually also shape his movement.
To the initiated, [hip hop] heads know the Wu stand for something and they're some pretty deep brothers. RZA quotes everyone from Nietzsche to the Hagakure, a guide of bushido commentaries for the warrior (samurai). Being heavily into philosophy myself, I was really intrigued and exhilerated to read what some of the artist's actually meant behind some of their poetic verses. I saw this book at a mom 'n' pop store (Hasting's) in San Marcos and absolutely fell in love with it.
If you're into hip hop, you're more than likely a fan of the Wu as well, and if you are, YOU NEED THIS BOOK -- become more intimately knowledgeable of the legendary Clan and everything they stand for and how they came to be. "CLAN IN THE FRONT!"
Must Have.......2006-04-05
If you're a Wu-Tang fan, you must buy this book. I think they could go deeper in few subjects, but it is good enough for the first book.
Book Description
Over three decades and more than 150 million albums, AC/DC has established itself as much more than just a great rock band. For millions of fans spanning several generations across the world, they are an ear-bleedingly loud, sweat-soaked religion, courtesy of such classic albums as Highway to Hell and Back in Black.
Now, in a book of astonishing breadth and scope, comes, for the very first time, the complete story of AC/DC. Everything you ever wanted to know and plenty more you never dreamt of is all here, the ultimate balls-out adventure, laced with sex, drunken escapades and brawls. It's a journey that started in the suburban Sydney, Australia, bedrooms of brothers Malcolm and Angus Young, boys who could wreak havoc with their guitars. Over their power chords were the lyrics and voice of Bon Scott, who would lead them higher and higher—until his tragic death in 1980. The bittersweet irony after his death was that not only did the Youngs manage to hold together without him, but the band's fortunes and status skyrocketed with his replacement, Brian Johnson, and the album Back in Black.
Five long years in the making, AC/DC: Maximum Rock & Roll is sourced from more than 1,300 interviews the band has given over the past thirty years combined with in excess of 75 of the authors' own interviews with those who worked with AC/DC both in the studio and on the road—many of whom have never spoken about the band publicly. It's topped off with stunning, never-before-seen photos to create the ultimate portrait of the ultimate rock band.
Customer Reviews:
Shoot to Thrill!.......2007-07-06
A great look into the AC/DC story. Learned quite a bit about the band and this well written and compelling without suffering the usual rock bio cliches.
Rockingest band ever.......2007-06-05
Interesting book about the band. Found references to early shows and bands and looked them up on YouTube.
Show business.......2007-05-15
It's a good book but not a GREAT one. I'm missing more detailed info about the recording sessions, making of the LPs etc. I'm sure a lot of research has gone into making the book but somehow it's lacking in depth and structure. Sorry to say but I was expecting a little bit more effort, as the book was so much hyped.
However, this book is a must for any big AC/DC fan (like myself)and I recommend it.
P.S. If you are a Who fan read "Dear boy, life of Keith Moon". That is absolutely the best rock'n'roll book I have ever read.
Bored to Tears.......2007-03-26
For decades now I've been a huge AC/DC fan and eagerly bought this book to validate many of the myths surrounding them. It was definitely full of facts but very repetetive. . ."Despite the bands small stature they were very street tough." Seems to be on every page of the book. From paragraph to paragraph the subject changes making it a hard-to-follow read. There's no story line, and I found myself bored to death. The author could have learned a few things from the writers of "The Dirt".
By Far The Best Book Available On AC/DC.......2007-03-22
Without the shadow of a doubt this is the best book available on AC/DC. From the members pre AC/DC early years, through to the bands Rock N Roll Hall Of Fame induction and beyond, it's all here.
Whether you're a die hard fan, or just have a passing interest in the group, this book has been painfully researched by Murray Engleheart & Arnaud Durieux to provide an accurate account of the bands formation, devolpment, determination and eventual success.
The highs & lows are all covered, from the bands early success, to Bon Scott's tragic death, to the triumph that was "Back In Black". Find out what made this band tick.
Average customer rating:
- Good Coffee Table Book
- Mesure your life in love
- Rent Head
- RENT is wonderful
- Rent
|
Rent
Jonathan Larson
Manufacturer: HarperEntertainment
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ASIN: 0688154379 |
Amazon.com
This is by far the must-get theater book of the year. With dazzling punk graphics that will quickly win book industry awards, the volume contains the entire libretto of the Tony- and Pulitzer-winning musical about love and loyalty among starving AIDS-stricken artists in New York's East Village. But editors Evelyn McDonnell and Katherine Silberger wisely understand that the story of the show's creation is as compelling as the musical itself--so more than half of this volume is devoted to an oral history of the composer/lyricist/librettist Jonathan Larson, who came to New York hoping to revolutionize musical theater--then died of an aortic aneurysm the night of the show's final preview. It's an event book for an event musical.
Book Description
In these pages, Rent offers what most theater books can't: a chance to step behind the curtain and feel the electricity of a stage phenomenon as it unfolds.
Rent has single-handedly reinvigorated Broadway and taken America by storm. Sweeping all major theater awards, including the 1996 Pulitzer Prize for drama, as well as four 1996 Tony Awards including Best Musical, Best Book, and Best Score for a Musical, Rent captures the heart and spirit of a generation, refleting it onstage through the emotion of its stirring words and music, and the energy of its young cast. Now, for the first time, Rent comes to life on the page -- through vivid color photographs, the full libretto, and an utterly compelling behind-the-scenes oral history of the show's creation. Here is the exclusive and absolutely complete companion to Rent, told in the voices of the extraordinary talent behind its success: the actors, the director, the producers, and the librettist and composer himself, Jonathan Larson, whose sudden death, on the eve of the first performance, has made Rent's life-affirming message all the more poignant.
Customer Reviews:
Good Coffee Table Book.......2007-04-20
I wasn't a big fan of "Rent" until I saw the movie, and when I read this book, it gave me a bigger meaning to the play/movie.
Warning: This is just for fans of "Rent". Those who haven't seen the movie will get into the story of how it was made, but not as much the screenplay.
Mesure your life in love.......2007-03-07
The life of Jonathan, how Rent was born, how it still grows... The neverending story of the musical that changed (and continues changing) the world. A MUST for every renthead, but also for everyone who likes this musical (both the stage version or the movie). A lot of informations, photos, the musical script...
You HAVE TO BUY IT!!!
...it made me cry... it's SO real... and SO full of love... AMAZING!!!
Rent Head.......2007-01-09
Daughter is "Rent Head" she cried of happiness when she received for Christmas so That gets 5++++ Stars in my book.
RENT is wonderful.......2006-11-04
This book was the best resouce on RENT I've ever seen. I really felt like I was a part of it and I understand Jonathan's reasons for writing RENT so much more than I ever did before. It is AMAZING!
Rent.......2006-11-03
If you are a Rent head this is the book for you. It is great with behind the scenes tales of the movie and how Rent came about.
Average customer rating:
- A book fit for a lady
- Perhaps this book can spark a revival
- The Bible of Lady in the Dark
- A fascinating book
|
Lady in the Dark: Biography of a Musical
bruce d. mcclung
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
Weill, Kurt
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ASIN: 0195120124 |
Book Description
When Lady in the Dark opened on January 23, 1941, its many firsts immediately distinguished it as a new and unusual work. The curious directive to playwright Moss Hart to complete a play about psychoanalysis came from his own Freudian psychiatrist. For the first time since his brother George's death, Ira Gershwin returned to writing lyrics for the theater. And for emigre composer Kurt Weill, it was a crack at an opulent first-class production. Together Hart, Gershwin, and Weill (with a little help from the psychiatrist) produced one of the most innovative works in Broadway history. Though Lady in the Dark was a smash-hit, it has never enjoyed a Broadway revival, and a certain mystique has grown up around its legendary original production. In this ground-breaking biography, bruce mcclung pieces together the musical's life story from sketches and drafts, production scripts, correspondence, photographs, costume and set designs, and thousands of clippings from the star's personal scrapbooks. He has interviewed eleven members of the original company to provide a one-of-a-kind glimpse into the backstage story.
Customer Reviews:
A book fit for a lady.......2007-06-10
I have so far only read half of this book and am thoroughly enjoying it. It is very detailed and the description of the opening night performance is fascinating. Those without a background in music may be a little put-off by how technically it goes into the music (I have a background in music and was still a bit confused). But, so far, so good. A great book for Broadway, Gertrude Lawrence, Kurt Weill, Moss Hart and Ira Gershwin fans, as well as those who want a good look into the puting of a Broadway musical in 1941.
Perhaps this book can spark a revival.......2007-02-14
I think that this is the most complete discussion of a musical show that I have ever seen. 'Lady in the Dark' is certainly worthy of study. It was a musical that broke new ground in theatre.
Mr. McClung begins with the first concept sketches for staging and costumes. From there it's on to discussion of the first drafts of the play, production scripts, and more on to final drawings for for the sets. With a cast of 101, it was a huge production with what was for then a sky high budget.
When it opened it broke new ground in that the leading lady (played by Gertrude Lawrence) is going through psychoanalysis.
Since its closure all three of the shows originators have died (Moss Hart, Ira Gershwin, Kurt Wheill). Their indivitual estates have rights to their particular parts of the play. It would be a major undertaking to put together such disparate people to revive the show. It hasn't happened yet. Perhaps this book will spark enough interest that a revival becomes possible.
The Bible of Lady in the Dark.......2007-02-03
For anyone who has an interest in the musical play Lady in the Dark, this book is a Bible of knowledge for the reader! McClung misses nothing and dissects the score, production, development and every nuance present in making a full diagnosis of this exceptional musical piece. The introduction, most notably, is one of the most impressive points, where McClung recreates scene-by-scene Opening Night of Lady in the Dark at the Alvin Theater (now the Neil Simon Theater) back in 1941. His insights and deep understanding of the plot, music and structure opens doors to how (and how not!) to update this piece for the current Broadway stage, which hopefully, this book will be the first step in the process. He also paints a lasting picture of one of the stage's most talented actresses, Gertrude Lawrence through interviews with the remaining living cast members of the original production and other sources.
In a personal review point, I thank McClung for writing this book, as Lady in the Dark has been a favorite show of mine for many years and I have always wanted to know more about it but the resources were scarce. With this book, almost every resource is there, and nearly every question answered. And even for those who don't know Lady in the Dark, this is the perfect opportunity to learn, and this book makes a precedent of how great musicals should be dissertated and studied.
A stellar piece of writing, a must read for anyone interested in the stage or musical theater history.
A fascinating book.......2007-01-29
Having no prior knowledge of "Lady in the Dark", I found this book to be incredibly well-written and informative. I have never read a biography of a show before, and it's a fascinating way to not only re-live the experience of 60 years ago, but to also learn the backstory of the show, its actors and creators, and the widespread effect of this ground-breaking musical on Broadway and society in general.
In one of my favorite chapters, Bruce McClung goes into incredible detail on the musical score, showing how virtually every note had a distinct purpose and was conceived to be an integral and vital part of the performance. Since this musical was written in a style completely different than those of its era, Bruce shows clearly that it wasn't just a coincidence that it worked so well; it was conceived to be vastly original. The other chapters of his book are just as exhaustively researched, with original photos, interviews and quotes from written and telegram correspondence, copies of the work during the creative process, and even tie-in merchandise.
This book is a truly remarkable look at this show and also how a major work of art can influence society and entertainment. One thing I found really interesting was the contrast between how actors and the entertainment industry responded during WWII, as compared to the actions of today's entertainers and celebrities during the current war.
Another fascinating aspect is that with the normal run of revivals of older shows, "Lady in the Dark" was too 'modern' to its era to be successfully revived without major overhaul. One more interesting contrast between today's society and that of the 1940s.
I hope that this book will generate interest in this show and introduce theatre and musical fans to an influential work, perhaps one that they are not familiar with. It is very well-written and although very detailed, it is presented in a way that kept my interest even in sections that I'm not well-versed on.
Book Description
The origins and secrets of the Grateful Dead's magical sound are told! This book is the first in-depth examination of the Dead's technical side, including their recording methods. From the "Acid Tests" of the mid-'60s to the famous "Wall of Sound" PA setup in the '70s and on to their exceptional later touring systems, the Grateful Dead were always on the cutting edge of technological innovation and experimentation. This exhaustive study includes clear and concise explanations of the band's equipment technology, instrument design, and studio recording techniques, plus a history of the group. Features: more than 100 photos and diagrams, many never before seen; new interviews with band members and tech personnel; suggested listening for every era of the group's history; and more!
Customer Reviews:
Awesome deatil & really fun.......2007-09-27
This well-written book provides both an overview of the progression of the Grateful Dead alongside a detailed description of the equipment the band used at each step along the way. For the gearheads out there, it's a great read. The same holds for Dead fans and fans of music from the golden era in general. It's really enjoyable.
Not the last word on the subject, but a great start.......2007-09-11
If you're into music technology, this book is a must-read. It's a breezy, well-informed overview of the Grateful Dead's evolving battery of instruments and sound systems, with plenty of good photos.
My only gripes are:
1. There isn't enough technical detail. For example, we get many pictures of Phil's amazing "brown" bass, but no diagram showing which knobs and switches did what. Tape track assignments for more than a couple of tunes would have been nice, too.
2. There isn't enough philosophy. What were the engineers and musicians thinking about when they made design decisions? More in-depth interviews with key personnel ... especially Bear ... would have been fascinating.
A 'must' for any collection strong in either rock music history or technical gear........2007-05-17
The technology, equipment, and musicians who have mad up the long-lived band Grateful Dead is reviewed with a focus on behind-the-scenes recording studio action in GRATEFUL DEAD GEAR: THE BAND'S INSTRUMENTS, SOUND SYSTEMS, AND RECORDING SESSIONS FROM 1965-1995. Surprisingly (given all the books on the market covering nearly every facet of the Dead imaginable), it's the first to consider the band's technical side, including their recording methods, and examines the equipment design, studio techniques, and influences on the group's evolution, adding over a hundred color photos - some never before published - and interviews with not only the band but its roadies and technical producers. A 'must' for any collection strong in either rock music history or technical gear.
Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch
This book is meant for you to read = ).......2007-03-14
This book is a step forward in understanding what the Dead tried to achieve in thier 30 year career . We have much literature on the band s lives and their ' whole ' system of living and playing , and doing everything that characterizd the Dead at being the Dead ( especially by Silberman who wrote an excellent review here ) . But the technical details of this are only a marvel or wise - literary - move that B Jackson could ve only pulled off .
The entire book deserves deep analysis and discussion . But the 72 - 74 time period . And the 1976 - 1977 years are worth reading into . The awesome details of the making of Terrapin St ; I could never thought that they went thrrough what they went through . And the percise changes , actions and decissions that took place during that album s making . As well as other albums , and the tours that functioned around the records that the Dead would be working on oftentimes .
The entire Wall of sound bit is also quite worth reading deep into .
I wonder if David Gans has read this book ? If so it d be nice to read his amazon.com customer opinion . As he is perhaps the best literary reference that the Dead has had since books about them have been published ( aside from the Relix magazine editions from the 70 s ) .
Thanks Blair Jackson for the magnificent book that only experts can create ( I still remember Blair s excellent articles in Dupree s diamond news , a too excellent magazine that accompanied our lives through the Dead s touring days , and also your superb show reviews in the Dead Base volumes )
A head in Chile
J G
Not For Gearheads Only.......2007-02-16
Another nice job from Blair Jackson. I love the music but am not a musician myself so wondered if I would find the tech stuff boring. For the most part, the answer is no. For those of you who have read Jackson's earlier works, you will feel right at home. There are plenty of details, stories etc to hold the interest of anyone interested in the history of this, the best of all bands.
Book Description
Customer Reviews:
Possibly the worst 33 1/3 book I've read.......2007-09-16
I've read about 10 of the series' books and the criticisms about the bad writing in other reviews hold up against this book. Page after page of "listening to this is MIND BLOWING". Thanks guy, but I already like the album -- that's why I bought the book! For examples of a 33 1/3 book done well, see the bowie "low", rem "murmur" or beastie boys' "paul's boutique" books ("murmur" in particular).
an embarrassment.......2007-06-20
this book is valuable only for the (often lengthy) quotes from band members.
the writing style is juvenile, repetitive, and overbearing.
the attempts at lyrical analysis made me blush with embarrassment for the author. perhaps he thought that because his subject was great that he would automatically be doing great work. i only wish that were the case...
A Mix of Candles and (Not Quite) Total Trash.......2007-04-10
Matthew Stearns' incredibly stoked exploration of Daydream Nation couples extreme fanboy enthusiasm, lyrical disassemblage, and reasonable research skills to cook up a close listening of this seminal record. The first few dozen pages of the book are pretty engaging if overstated; Stearns has a knack for the colorful post-cyberpunk flourish and the thrilling, mind-bending journey it is to not just listen to, but inhabit this record with total dedication. Unfortunately, the assault is feebly written or edited in parts (the section dedicated to "Trilogy" is particularly weak), and according to someone claiming to be Thurston Moore when commenting on the 33 1/3 blog, Stearns' lyrical interpretations are wrong ... at least on some of Thurston's lyrics. But, take those blog-based criticisms with a grain of salt: sections on "Teenage Riot", "Hey Joni", "Candle", and "Providence" are strong, and Stearns does a fine job of digging into the band's early past and no wave/noise roots on the Lower East Side, and tells us how drummer Steve Shelley came to join SY. This isn't the book I was expecting, but with the 33 1/3 Series, each book rarely is. Despite its flaws, this book is worth the read.
Average customer rating:
- This book is a great reference
- Great book
- Could use more frequent updates but...
- A true must-have book for all musical theatre fans!
- FANTASTIC! The most useful guide for easy theatre reference
|
Broadway Musicals - Show by Show
Stanley Green , and
Kay Green
Manufacturer: Hal Leonard Corporation
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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Similar Items:
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Broadway Musicals: The 101 Greatest Shows of All Time
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The Musical: A Look at the American Musical Theater
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Broadway: The American Musical
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Encyclopedia of the Musical Theatre (Da Capo Paperback)
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Our Musicals, Ourselves: A Social History of the American Musical Theater
ASIN: 0793577500 |
Book Description
The most comprehensive and widely used Broadway reference book has been expanded and updated to include more than 300 of the most important and memorable productions of the American musical theatre. Chronologically arranged beginning with The Black Crook in 1866, this edition includes show entries up through the latest hits (Rent, Sunset Boulevard, Kiss of the Spider Woman, Victor/Victoria, Passion) and all the latest big revivals (Show Boat, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, The King and I). Features a wealth of statistics, inside information, critical reception, cast lists, and pithy commentary about each show. Includes seven completely revised, cross-referenced indexes and over 200 photographs.
Customer Reviews:
This book is a great reference.......2006-03-11
I purchased this book for my father. He is a music professor and teaches a course in Broadway Musicals. He just raved about how helpful it is to he and his students.
Great book.......2002-08-01
This was the required text book for a class in musical theater in college. I found it informative but lacked many details that I would have like to have known.
Could use more frequent updates but..........2001-07-28
overall a nice book covering the Bway Musicals. I happened to purchase one for a friend who attends the theater (both Broadway and off-Broadway) religiously and she was very happy with the gift.
A true must-have book for all musical theatre fans!.......2000-07-26
This book has proven and indispensable part of my theatre library, and if you get it, it will become one for you as well. Want to know what date the original production of Show Boat opened on Broadway? This book will tell you. Who the original stars of Mexican Hayride were? That's in here, too. You will be able to find the answer to just about any question you could ever ask of Broadway's hit musicals. A perfect companion piece to Ken Mandelbaum's Not Since Carrie (which chronicles the flop musicals this book mostly excludes), and a wonderful way of tracking the history of the Broadway musical, Broadway Musicals: Show by Show is as comprehensive, helpful, and essential as reference books on Broadway come.
FANTASTIC! The most useful guide for easy theatre reference.......1998-08-31
Enough can't be said about this book! It is a masterpiece for theatre buffs like myself. I live by that book, since I'm involved in theatre on a daily basis. When considering which musical to use in our high school's season next year I immediately turned to this book for it's easy synopsis of so many hit shows, it's staistics about the shows, and it's genuine knowledge. The best reference book about theatre on the market today! Period.
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