A gift for every lonely painter who lives in a box of paints.
Kate
With gorgeous illustrations and clever rhymes that (probably) would have even Sondheim chuckling, this book is the perfect gift for people of all ages for whom M is for Musicals!
Kate
Dubbed the Queen of Rock and Roll, Janis Joplin, born and raised in conservative Port Arthur, Texas, somehow found the BLUES in her troubled soul. She became an instant star at the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967 and never looked back; until, three years later her use of SMACK - aka SNOW - aka WHITE DEATH - did her in. This book tells her story with unrose-colored glasses - well-written and researched - it's a must for all music lovers.
Nathan
Solid State is a compulsively readable and definitive account of the writing and recording of the Beatles’ landmark final album, Abbey Road. Filled with fascinating details demonstrating the creativity and ingenuity of the group, George Martin, and their recording engineers, and even with all that has been written about them, this book is simply a must read for any fan.
Dale
Chinen’s book is so very welcome as books about contemporary jazz are few and far between, but also because it’s terrific. Chinen puts into context each of the various directions players are taking improvisational music today with a studied thoughtfulness based upon careful listening and deep historical knowledge. The discographies bookmarking each chapter as well as his list of essential 21st century albums are good guideposts for anyone’s future listening.
Dale
This graphic memoir gives a glimpse into the role music played in Pierre’s life from college through age 30- much of which she spent on stages in Camberville. Albums and playlists are included, making this a treasure trove!
Marika
This book is beautiful! The painstakingly rendered illustrations make you feel like you’re watching a favorite animated film, and the text will have you rushing to your stereo. Classics like Elvis never go out of style; long live the King!
Caleb
What better way to spend a cold, snowy February day reading McCann’s book while listening to the classic album that help define the bossa nova sound of the early 1960s. Part of the terrific 33 1/3 series that explores in depth seminal recordings of many different genres, this volume places the Getz/Gilberto album in social, historical, and musical context along with expert discussions of each composition cut by cut.
Dale
Abdurraqib catalogs musical history with a mythic, yet personal, reverence, sharing his heroes in a way that makes them accessible while canonizing them as larger-than-life icons. Whether you’re a longtime fan of A Tribe Called Quest or a total initiate, this book holds something fresh for you; this is what all culture writing should aspire to.
Caleb
Like the music he writes about, Hanif Abdurraqib's essay collection is by turns novel and nostalgic, euphoric and poignant, contemplative and raw. A moving examination of the way pop culture ties into the current state of our nation--and how it affects us on a personal level.
Kate
