As dazzling as the decade they dominated, The Beatles almost single-handedly created pop music as we know it. Today, their songs are cited as seminal influences by stars like Oasis, Blur and Kula Shaker. Eloquently giving voice to their time, the Beatles quite simply changed the world.Updated with material from The Beatles Live at the BBC and the Anthology series, this acclaimed book gets to the heart of The Beatles — their records. It draws on the author’s unique knowledge and experience to “read” their 241 tracks chronologically — from their first amateur efforts in 1957 to Real Love , their final “reunion” recording in 1995. With this engrossing classic of popular criticism, Ian MacDonald shows exactly why the extraordinary songs of the Beatles remain a central and continually surprising presence.

Experience the original musical from Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine, which is now a major motion picture from Disney, starring Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt, James Corden, Anna Kendrick, Chris Pine and Johnny Depp, and directed by Rob Marshall.Winner of three Tony Awards, including Best Book and Best Score"It is that joyous rarity, a work of sophisticated artistic ambition and deep political purpose that affords nonstop pleasure." - William A. Henry III, TimeInto the Woods brings to musical life Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk, Little Red Ridinghood, Rapunzel and other well-known fairy-tale characters. Interwoven with these classic tales is the story of the baker and his wife, whose longing for a child is thwarted by the mischievous witch who lives next door. Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine have fashioned a modern musical classic which has been performed countless times all over the world since its Tony Award-winning debut in 1987. Sondheim's songs, seamlessly melded into Lapine's text, are perfect expressions of character and action, which reflect the complications of living in modern society and the difficult choices we encounter on the paths of our lives. Into the Woods is now brought vividly to life for the first time on screen by director Rob Marshall, the filmmaker behind the Academy Award-winning musical Chicago.Includes eight full-color pages of photographs from the movie.Stephen Sondheim wrote the lyrics for West Side Story and Gypsy, and the complete scores (music and lyrics) for A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Into the Woods, Company, A Little Night Music, Follies, Sunday in the Park with George, Assassins, Passion, Pacific Overtures, and Sweeney Todd, among others. He has won seven Tony Awards, eight Grammy Awards, an Academy Award, and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and many other honors.James Lapine wrote the book for and directed the musicals Into the Woods, Passion, and Sunday in the Park with George (all with scores by Stephen Sondheim) and Falsettos, A New Brain, Muscles, and Little Miss Sunshine (all with scores by William Finn). He has written and directed numerous plays, and has received three Tony Awards, five Drama Desk awards, and the Pulitzer Prize.Please note that this is the script of the original musical from which the film was adapted, not the film's screenplay.

2 A.M. at The Cat's Pajamas is a heartwarming read that takes you on an emotional journey with its well-developed characters. The book is perfect for those who love stories about second chances, self-discovery, and the power of music. The unique feature of the book is its ability to make you feel the magic of a single night and the endless possibilities it can hold. Readers will enjoy the witty and sarcastic narration of Madeleine and will be moved by the struggles of the other characters. Overall, the book is a beautiful reminder that hope can be found even in the darkest of times.

"Night Music is a complex tale of family secrets and desires, set against the backdrop of a derelict Spanish House. Author Jojo Moyes weaves a gripping story that explores the various characters' motivations and how their lives intersect and collide. The descriptions of the historical architecture add an extra layer of intrigue and make for an immersive reading experience."

This heartfelt memoir by Michelle Zauner is a powerful exploration of identity, grief, and the enduring bond between a mother and daughter. Through her vivid storytelling, Zauner invites readers to journey with her as she navigates her Korean American heritage, relationships, and personal growth. With its intimate anecdotes and lyrical prose, Crying in H Mart resonates deeply, offering a captivating portrait of love, resilience, and the power of food to connect us to our roots. A must-read for anyone seeking a moving and authentic memoir that celebrates the complexities of family and culture.

The popular recording star recounts her modest beginnings, her rise to fame with Ike Turner, the heartaches of disappointment that led her to strike out on her own, and her sweep of the Grammy Awards in 1985

Blood by Allison Moorer is a captivating memoir that delves into the dark past of the author when she witnessed the murder-suicide of her parents. The author, an award-winning musician, beautifully narrates her life story through lyrical storytelling. She discusses how one can overcome shame, trauma, and find a safe haven in life. The memoir is vivid, intimate and life-affirming, written with an unbreakable bond of the two sisters who share their lives. The book's uniqueness lies in its honest and brave portrayal of the tragic incident and how it shaped her life. It's a must-read for anyone who loves memoirs of resilience.

In 1979, Daisy Jones and The Six split up. Together, they had redefined the 70’s music scene, creating an iconic sound that rocked the world. Apart, they baffled a world that had hung on their every verse.This book is an attempt to piece together a clear portrait of the band’s rise to fame and their abrupt and infamous split. The following oral history is a compilation of interviews, emails, transcripts, and lyrics, all pertaining to the personal and professional lives of the members of the band The Six and singer Daisy Jones.While I have aimed for a comprehensive and exhaustive approach, I must acknowledge that full and complete accounts from all parties involved has proved impossible. Some people were easier to track down than others, some were more willing to talk than others, and some, unfortunately, have passed on.All of which is to say that while this is the first and only authorised account from all represented perspectives, it should be noted that, in matters both big and small, reasonable people disagree.The truth often lies, unclaimed, in the middle.

An illustrated guide for the amateur and professional musician that teaches us how to transform practicing from an often laborious activity into an exhilarating and rewarding experienceForeword by Yehudi Menuhin • “Give this book to any musician you love and to any person who loves what music does for them and for the world.”—Richard Stoltzman, clarinetist  In  The Art of Practicing,  acclaimed pianist and teacher Madeline Bruser combines physiological and meditative principles to help musicians release physical and mental tension and unleash their innate musical talent. She offers practical techniques for cultivating free and natural movement, a keen enjoyment of sounds and sensations, a clear and relaxed mind, and an open heart and she explains how • Prepare the body and mind to practice with ease• Understand the effect of posture on flexibility and expressiveness• Make efficient use of the hands and arms• Employ listening techniques to improve coordination• Increase the range of color and dynamics by using less effort• Cultivate rhythmic vitality• Perform with confidence, warmth, and freedomComplete with photographs to show essential points of posture and movement for a variety of instruments, this is the definitive guide to turning practice from a sometimes frightening, monotonous chore to a fun, fulfilling activity.

Over half a million copies sold!From the author of the highly acclaimed heavy metal memoir, Fargo Rock City , comes another hilarious and discerning take on massively popular culture—set in Chuck Klosterman’s den and your own—covering everything from the effect of John Cusack flicks to the crucial role of breakfast cereal to the awesome power of the Dixie Chicks.Countless writers and artists have spoken for a generation, but no one has done it quite like Chuck Klosterman. With an exhaustive knowledge of popular culture and an almost effortless ability to spin brilliant prose out of unlikely subject matter, Klosterman attacks the entire spectrum of postmodern America: reality TV, Internet porn, Pamela Anderson, literary Jesus freaks, and the real difference between apples and oranges (of which there is none). And don’t even get him started on his love life and the whole Harry-Met-Sally situation.Whether deconstructing Saved by the Bell episodes or the artistic legacy of Billy Joel, the symbolic importance of The Empire Strikes Back or the Celtics/Lakers rivalry, Chuck will make you think, he’ll make you laugh, and he’ll drive you insane—usually all at once. Sex, Drugs, and Cocoa Puffs is ostensibly about art, entertainment, infotainment, sports, politics, and kittens, but—really—it’s about us. All of us. As Klosterman realizes late at night, in the moment before he falls asleep, “In and of itself, nothing really matters. What matters is that nothing is ever ‘in and of itself.’” Read to believe.

"The Forest of Wool and Steel" is a beautifully crafted novel that takes the reader on a melodic journey of self-discovery through the art of piano tuning. The book's unique and distinctive feature is its blend of music and spirituality, which adds a mystical touch to the story. It is a perfect read for anyone who is searching for their life's purpose, or for those who appreciate the beauty of music and its ability to transform. The exquisite illustrations throughout the book also add to the overall reading experience, making it a truly delightful read.

Recommended for fans of folk and emotional lyrics. The biography delves into Mitchell's inspirations and influences behind her timeless hits, highlighting her raw and emotional songwriting style that captivated a generation. It offers an intimate look into the life of a free-spirited artist whose music has left a lasting mark on American music.

Bennie is an aging former punk rocker and record executive. Sasha is the passionate, troubled young woman he employs. Here Jennifer Egan brilliantly reveals their pasts, along with the inner lives of a host of other characters whose paths intersect with theirs. With music pulsing on every page, A Visit from the Goon Squad is a startling, exhilarating novel of self-destruction and redemption.

The Commitments is a great read for music lovers who enjoy stories of determined youth. The unique Irish setting and witty humor make for a fun and engaging experience. Readers will appreciate the characters' passion for music and their journey towards success.

This book of poems showcases Tupac's talent and offers a look into the complexities of his life. It's a great read for those who appreciate poetry and want to better understand the mind of a talented artist whose legacy continues to inspire many.

The smash-hit spinoff comic series based Cartoon Network’s top-rated cartoon, Adventure Time, is here! Join fan-favorite characters Marceline and Princess Bubblegum for riot grrl rock-fueled excitement in this brand-new ADVENTURE TIME mini-series! Thanks to a newfound interest in music, Princess Bubblegum joins Marceline's paranormal rock band for a tour across the land of Ooo! But when they’re threatened by everything from scenesters to beasts born of self-doubt, can they make it to the RADDEST GIG EVER in time?! Written and drawn by acclaimed cartoonist Meredith Gran (Octopus Pie), this graphic novel collecting the entire hit series is a must-have for any ADVENTURE TIME fan!

Gustav Perle grows up in a small town in Switzerland, where the horrors of the Second World War seem only a distant echo. An only child, he lives alone with Emilie, the mother he adores but who treats him with bitter severity. He begins an intense friendship with a Jewish boy his age, talented and mercurial Anton Zweibel, a budding concert pianist. Moving backward to the war years and the painful repercussions of an act of conscience, and forward through the lives and careers of two men, The Gustav Sonata explores the passionate love of childhood friendship as it is lost, transformed, and regained over a lifetime. Moving between the 1930s and the 1990s, this fierce and beautifully orchestrated novel explores the vast human issues of racism and tolerance, flight and refuge, cruelty and tenderness. It is a powerful and deeply moving addition to the beloved oeuvre of one of our greatest contemporary novelists.

With an exhaustive knowledge of popular culture and an effortless ability to spin brilliant prose out of unlikely subject matter, Klosterman attacks the entire spectrum of postmodern America: reality TV, Internet porn, breakfast cereal, serial killers, Pamela Anderson, literary Jesus freaks, and the real difference between apples and oranges (of which there is none). Sex, Drugs and Coca Puffs is ostensibly about movies, sport, television, music, books, video games and kittens, but really it's about us. All of us.

Tina Turner: My Love Story will chart the full, dramatic story of one of the most remarkable women in music history, celebrating Tina Turner’s 60th year in the industry.Emphatically showcasing Tina’s signature blend of strength, energy, heart and soul, she candidly examines her personal history and reveals her happiest – and darkest – hours in a thrilling memoir as compelling and entertaining as any of her greatest hits.

Salman Rushdie's most ambitious and accomplished novel, sure to be hailed as his masterpiece.At the beginning of this stunning novel, Vina Apsara, a famous and much-loved singer, is caught up in a devastating earthquake and never seen again by human eyes. This is her story, and that of Ormus Cama, the lover who finds, loses, seeks, and again finds her, over and over, throughout his own extraordinary life in music. Their epic romance is narrated by Ormus's childhood friend and Vina's sometime lover, her "back-door man," the photographer Rai, whose astonishing voice, filled with stories, images, myths, anger, wisdom, humor, and love, is perhaps the book's true hero. Telling the story of Ormus and Vina, he finds that he is also revealing his own truths: his human failings, his immortal longings. He is a man caught up in the loves and quarrels of the age's goddesses and gods, but dares to have ambitions of his own. And lives to tell the tale.Around these three, the uncertain world itself is beginning to tremble and break. Cracks and tears have begun to appear in the fabric of the real. There are glimpses of abysses below the surfaces of things. The Ground Beneath Her Feet is Salman Rushdie's most gripping novel and his boldest imaginative act, a vision of our shaken, mutating times, an engagement with the whole of what is and what might be, an account of the intimate, flawed encounter between the East and the West, a brilliant remaking of the myth of Orpheus, a novel of high (and low) comedy, high (and low) passions, high (and low) culture. It is a tale of love, death, and rock 'n' roll.

If you're intrigued by the mystique of artistry, "Devotion" is something special. Patti Smith, a revered artist and writer, invites you into her world, offering a rare look at the intimate details of her creative process. As you read, you'll find yourself on a personal trek through inspiring locales, mingling with the spirits of literary greats. It's not just a book; it's a window into the soul of creation itself.

It seems excessive...but that doesn't mean it didn't happen. Saul "Slash" Hudson was born in Hampstead to a Jewish father, an album cover artist, and a black American mother of Nigerian descent, who created David Bowie's look in The Man Who Fell to Earth. He was raised in Stoke until he was 11, when he and his mother moved to LA. Frequent visitors to the house were David Bowie, Joni Mitchell, Ron Wood and Iggy Pop, . At this time Slash got into BMX bikes, and would eventually turn professional, winning won major awards and money, but at 15 his grandmother gave him his first guitar. Even though it had just one string he began teaching himself to play, and soon school was forgotten as he devoted up to 12 hours a day to honing his skills. Sessions with numerous local LA rock bands followed until a fateful meeting with singer W Axl Rose! and the rest was rock history. Guns and Roses spent two years building their reputation before Appetite for Destruction, their debut album, was unleashed on an unsuspecting Eighties audience.Chart success and global domination followed but with it came the inevitable fall: heavily addicted to heroin, booze and cigarettes, the strain of this and 18 months touring the Use your Illusion albums finally caused the world's greatest rock band to implode, and Slash had a major falling out with Axl Rose, a rift that to this day is as deep as ever.

A hypnotic tale of myth, romance and self-discovery.

Recommendation: The Grumpy Guide to Life is a hilarious read for those who appreciate a dry, sarcastic sense of humor. Grumpy Cat's demotivational guide will have readers laughing out loud while giving them a refreshing perspective on life. With new photos of Grumpy Cat's famous frown and uninspiring observations, this book is a perfect gift for the cynical realists in your life.

Maybe Someday could be a good read for those looking for a heartwarming yet heartbreaking romance story with a touch of musical element. It portrays the journey of two souls, Ridge and Sydney, who find solace in each other despite circumstances against their relationship. The book's unique feature lies in its combination of love and music, making it an exceptional read.

The author of the New York Times bestseller Her Becoming Meryl Streep returns with a lively history of the Academy Awards, focusing on the brutal battles, the starry rivalries, and the colorful behind-the-scenes drama. America does not have royalty. It has the Academy Awards. For nine decades, perfectly coiffed starlets, debonair leading men, and producers with gold in their eyes have chased the elusive Oscar. What began as an industry banquet in 1929 has now exploded into a hallowed ceremony, complete with red carpets, envelopes, and little gold men. But don’t be fooled by the the Oscars, more than anything, are a battlefield, where the history of Hollywood—and of America itself—unfolds in dramas large and small. The road to the Oscars may be golden, but it’s paved in blood, sweat, and broken hearts. In Oscar Wars, Michael Schulman chronicles the remarkable, sprawling history of the Academy Awards and the personal dramas—some iconic, others never-before-revealed—that have played out on the stage and off camera. Unlike other books on the subject, each chapter takes a deep dive into a particular year, conflict, or even category that tells a larger story of cultural change, from Louis B. Mayer to Moonlight. Schulman examines how the red carpet runs through contested turf, and the victors aren't always as clear as the names drawn from envelopes. Caught in the crossfire are their thwarted ambitions, their artistic epiphanies, their messy collaborations, their dreams fulfilled or dashed. Featuring a star-studded cast of some of the most powerful Hollywood players of today and yesterday, as well as outsiders who stormed the palace gates, this captivating history is a collection of revelatory tales, each representing a turning point for the Academy, for the movies, or for the culture at large.

Ryder, a renowned pianist, arrives in a Central European city he cannot identify for a concert he cannot remember agreeing to give. But then as he traverses a landscape by turns eerie and comical – and always strangely malleable, as a dream might be - he comes steadily to realise he is facing the most crucial performance of his life.Ishiguro's extraordinary and original study of a man whose life has accelerated beyond his control was met on publication by consternation, vilification – and the highest praise.

Audrey Hepburn is an icon like no other, yet the image many of us have of Hepburn—dainty, immaculate—is anything but true to life. Here, for the first time, Sam Wasson presents the woman behind the little black dress that rocked the nation in 1961. With a colorful cast of characters including Truman Capote, Edith Head, Givenchy, “Moon River” composer Henry Mancini, and, of course, Hepburn herself, Wasson immerses us in the America of the early sixties before Woodstock and birth control, when a not-so-virginal girl by the name of Holly Golightly raised eyebrows across the country, changing fashion, film, and sex for good.

Gustav Perle grows up in a small town in Switzerland, where the horrors of the Second World War seem only a distant echo. An only child, he lives alone with Emilie, the mother he adores but who treats him with bitter severity. He begins an intense friendship with a Jewish boy his age, talented and mercurial Anton Zweibel, a budding concert pianist. Moving backward to the war years and the painful repercussions of an act of conscience, and forward through the lives and careers of two men, The Gustav Sonata explores the passionate love of childhood friendship as it is lost, transformed, and regained over a lifetime. Moving between the 1930s and the 1990s, this fierce and beautifully orchestrated novel explores the vast human issues of racism and tolerance, flight and refuge, cruelty and tenderness. It is a powerful and deeply moving addition to the beloved oeuvre of one of our greatest contemporary novelists.

Bernard Williams, who died in 2003, was one of the most influential moral philosophers of his generation. A lifelong opera lover, his articles and essays, talks for the BBC, contributions to the Grove Dictionary of Opera , and program notes for the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, and the English National Opera, generated a devoted following. This elegant volume brings together these widely scattered and largely unobtainable pieces, including two that have not been previously published. It covers an engaging range of topics from Mozart to Wagner, including sparkling essays on specific operas by those composers as well as Verdi, Puccini, Strauss, Debussy, Janacek, and Tippett. Reflecting Williams’s brilliance, passion, and clarity of mind, these essays engage with, and illustrate, the enduring appeal of opera as an art form.