Love Is a Mix Tape: Life and Loss, One Song at a Time

Love Is a Mix Tape: Life and Loss, One Song at a Time
Average customer rating:

I'm going there

Nice idea, cute story, just not a great book.

Mix it up!

Tended to Ramble

It's Not Just About the Music

Love Is a Mix Tape: Life and Loss, One Song at a Time
Rob Sheffield
Manufacturer: Crown
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
Journalists | Professionals & Academics | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
Memoirs | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1400083028
Release Date: 2007-01-02

Book Description

What Is love? Great minds have been grappling with this question throughout the ages, and in the modern era, they have come up with many different answers. According to Western philosopher Pat Benatar, love is a battlefield. Her paisan Frank Sinatra would add the corollary that love is a tender trap. Love hurts. Love stinks. Love bites, love bleeds, love is the drug. The troubadours of our times agree: They want to know what love is, and they want you to show them. But the answer is simple: Love is a mix tape.

In the 1990s, when “alternative” was suddenly mainstream, bands like Pearl Jam and Pavement, Nirvana and R.E.M.—bands that a year before would have been too weird for MTV- were MTV. It was the decade of Kurt Cobain and Shania Twain and Taylor Dayne, a time that ended all too soon. The boundaries of American culture were exploding, and music was leading the way.

It was also when a shy music geek named Rob Sheffield met a hell-raising Appalachian punk-rock girl named Renée, who was way too cool for him but fell in love with him anyway. He was tall. She was short. He was shy. She was a social butterfly. She was the only one who laughed at his jokes when they were so bad, and they were always bad. They had nothing in common except that they both loved music. Music brought them together and kept them together. And it was music that would help Rob through a sudden, unfathomable loss.

In Love Is a Mix Tape, Rob, now a writer for Rolling Stone, uses the songs on fifteen mix tapes to tell the story of his brief time with Renée. From Elvis to Missy Elliott, the Rolling Stones to Yo La Tengo, the songs on these tapes make up the soundtrack to their lives.

Rob Sheffield isn’t a musician, he’s a writer, and Love Is a Mix Tape isn’t a love song- but it might as well be. This is Rob’s tribute to music, to the decade that shaped him, but most of all to one unforgettable woman.

Customer Reviews:

I'm going there.......2007-10-09

I will admit that I was skeptical when I picked up the book; Amazon told me I'd like it because I like Chuck Klosterman. I was only hoping that this book was not going to be a cheezy Klosterman wanna-be. Although it is a bit Klosterman-esque (He's thanked in the acknowledgements), it does have more heart and soul in it than the average Klosterman book. This is where I find that I couldn't enjoy this novel more. As a novel, this book is unfocused and disjointed, but if you broke this novel down, you have two very poignant and interesting essays (The love and loss of a wife at a young age, The importance and significance of the "mix tape"). It seems like Sheffield felt that the connection between these two essays was so strong that he could tie them together, but it seems like more of a segue between the two (I got my wife because of the significance of the mix tape). When Sheffield speaks about the mix tape importance in the book, he defintetly comes off as the dork he knows he is, and I felt that he just talked about the mix tapes because he felt he had interesting insights on the subject that would make him come off as clever and observant in a hip way (when it doesn't); but when he talks about Renee and his relationship with her, you do get some quality writing. That's the best part of this book, when he speaks about her and when he speaks about life AFTER her. He talks about these subjects in such an unpretentious, honest manner, and it's refreshing because you really feel the love he has for her and the despair and confusion he feels with the loss of her. I wish this could have just been two essays, but as a novel it just doesn't have that significant of a tie for me.

Nice idea, cute story, just not a great book. .......2007-08-30

The story is of the power of music and one tragic loss. The author lost his wife unexpectedly and pieced together a book about their relationship in its before, during and after stages. Each chapter is headed by the tracklisting of a mixtape -- a customized amalgamation of songs, however random -- they had made. I was somewhat under the impression that the chapters would be more about the mixtapes they made together and less mile markers in the chronological tour of their relationship. The songs set the tone (somewhat) for the chapter to come, but there isn't necessarily any cohesion between the song choices themselves and the following few pages.

I understand how difficult it would be to pull that off, but I guess I had pretty high hopes.

Some parts of the book were beautiful in their tribute, but other parts just seemed like simple narrative. There were times when the anecdotes made Sheffield sound like he lived to a ripe old age and here he was remembering his early love. While I am sure we can get into how philosophically much more time passed in his life than ours after she died, he is still a young man. The book may have been cut down by a few pages, in fact all I really needed was some of the set up and the last chapter. In the last chapter it seemed like Sheffield finally let himself feel Renee's absence. Sharing in that, I finally began to feel for him.

For the most part, the book was enjoyable. I would argue that the inclusion of music into the story was a little over done (with countless references, name drops and lyrics spread throughout the book), but apparently that was how Rob and Renee lived. Those were the conversations they had.

The feeling I had the most while I read was that his story was a private one. I felt that he needed to write the book for his closure, to preserve her memory and to give himself perspective. While I am honored that he shared Renee with us all, I couldn't help but feel that I was intruding on something that was special to the two of them.

As previously mentioned, the final chapter could live and breathe on its own. The emotion that finally pulsed through those last few pages just about made up for its conspicuous absence earlier in the book. I never read achnowledgements, especailly when they are more than a paragraph but I read these. The last chapter spilled over into them and I couldn't help myself. I wanted to see the final goodbye and thank you written to Renee. After thanking everyone who helped write the book, I wanted to have my heart ripped out by a simple homage to Renee who will now live on forever in text. But while she was mentioned in the acknowledgements, she was never thanked. But then again, maybe that part was just too personal.

Its story, while sometimes buried under excessive music references, was sweet. The book was short; at 219 pages it is short enough to try it even if you aren't sure about it. All in all, Love is A Mix-Tape was a decent book.

Mix it up!.......2007-08-09

I generally don't stray outside the realm of strict fiction, but being a music lover (and a lover of mix tapes (or CDs these days)), I was intrigued by the notion of indexing one's relationship in terms of mix tapes.

I picked the book up on a whim, and then found myself riveted by both the writing and the story that Sheffield offers up. Even though I did not agree with most of the authors musical tastes throughout the book, his story and his love transcend such specifics. Sheffield manages to infuse his tale with both levity and gravity, is witty as well as poignant, often within the same paragraph. Even knowing the twists this tale must take, Sheffield carefully develops his relationship with the reader (and his wife, Renée) so that we acutely feel his greatest triumphs and his lowest blows. As the title proclaims, this is a book about life, and it is a book about loss, and it is all the more beautiful for it.

I found this book a joy to read, as it stands as a testament to how music binds us together and reminded me that each of our lives has a soundtrack to it. What makes this book truly impressive is how Sheffield's extremely personal story so easily becomes engrained within the reader, feeling familiar rather than foreign. It is a lovely tribute, and a wonderful peek at the human spirit. Highly recommended to anyone who loves music of any sort.

Tended to Ramble.......2007-08-03

I enjoyed the premise of the book which was a tribute to Rob Sheffields dead wife, but unfortunately many of the chapters seemed to be the authors stream of consciousness. My book club read this book as one of the members went to Hollins College and lived in the same dorm as Renee. She brought a yearbook and we all got a better idea of who she was. The authors choice of music was very interesting and the band descriptions were fascinating.

It's Not Just About the Music.......2007-07-11

Rob Sheffield's Love is a Mix Tape is a heart-breaking, uplifting, funny, sad and entirely human memoir about love and loss unified by Sheffield's love of music and his life-long penchant for crafting the mix tape. Music fans born in the 60's will recognize most of the music (and understand why, for example, the eighth grade dance mix tape had to have Free Bird and Stairway to Heaven to end the sides), but I don't think you have to know much about the music he mentions to enjoy this wonderful book because the book simply uses music as a way into his story about Renee. Renee was his wife with whom he shared an intense love and they found love through love of music as well. Renee died suddenly, tragically at a young age, but somehow Sheffield's engaging personality comes through so well in his writing that he makes this memoir overall an uplifting read, despite the undertones of intense sadness and loss. The love he has for Renee (and she for him) and the love of music, Sheffield's charming, self-deprecating humor makes this a wonderful read. I recommend this one to all, music-obsessed or not. Enjoy.

The Ultimate Pop/Rock Fake Book: C Edition (Fake Books)

Average customer rating:

GREAT BOOK!
QUESTION please
Ultimate Pop/Rock Fake Book is the Ultimate
Table Of Contents
Fake Book

The Ultimate Pop/Rock Fake Book: C Edition (Fake Books)

Manufacturer: Hal Leonard Corporation
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Plastic Comb

Songbooks | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 079357000X

Product Description

Over 500 pop standards and contemporary hits, including: Addicted to Love Ain't No Mountain High Enough All Shook Up Another One Bites the Dust At the Hop Can You Feel the Love Tonight Colors of the Wind Earth Angel Every Breath You Take Fast Car Great Balls of Fire A Groovy Kind of Love Have I Told You Lately That I Love You Hero Hey Jude Hold My Hand How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) If You Love Somebody, Set Them Free Imagine Layla The Loco-Motion Love Will Keep Us Together Maggie May Me and Bobby McGee Memory Mission: Impossible Theme Oh, Pretty Woman On Broadway The Power of Love Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head The River of Dreams Save the Best for Last Sea of Love The Shoop Shoop Song (It's In His Kiss) Simply Irresistible Something Somewhere Out There Spinning Wheel Stand By Me Tears In Heaven True Colors The Twist The Way We Were Wooly Bully Wild Thing Yesterday You're So Vain You've Got a Friend Your Song and many more!

Customer Reviews:

GREAT BOOK!.......2007-09-12

So many great songs from so many eras. If you're looking to bolster your collection this is a WONDERFUL book to buy! Definitely worth every penny. Written in the original keys on many songs, and most are easy to read and play along with. FANTASTIC! I can't put it away.

QUESTION please.......2007-03-11

I bought this book to play some songs on my flute, which I understood to be a "C" instrument. When I received it, it's great but the octaves seem too low for a flute. Were these books designed for piano only? I would appreciate knowing. I also bought a B flat one for my tenor sax and it also has very low notes for songs on a sax. Thanks!

Ultimate Pop/Rock Fake Book is the Ultimate.......2007-01-10

As fake books go it's the collection of songs and the sophistication of the chord underpinning that makes all the difference. The Ultimate Pop/Rock Fake Book scores 5 on both. The songs included covers a wide range of styles and the chords presented are faithful to the original sound of the music.

Table Of Contents.......2006-12-23

I'd Do Anything For Love (But I Won't Do That) performed by Meat Loaf
Hero performed by Mariah Carey
Precious And Few performed by Climax
Breathe Again performed by Toni Braxton
Baby What A Big Surprise performed by Chicago
All For Love performed by Bryan Adams, Rod Stewart, Sting
Lowdown performed by Boz Scaggs
ABC performed by Jackson 5
Abraham, Martin And John performed by Dion
Can You Feel The Love Tonight performed by Elton John
I'll Make Love To You performed by Boyz II Men
Hold My Hand performed by Hootie & The Blowfish
Ain't No Mountain High Enough performed by Marvin Gaye, Tammy Terrell, Diana Ross
Abracadabra performed by Steve Miller Band
Colors Of The Wind performed by Vanessa Williams
Chevy Van performed by Sammy Johns
December 1963 (Oh, What A Night) performed by The 4 Seasons
I Believe performed by Blessid Union Of Souls
Only Wanna Be With You performed by Hootie & The Blowfish
Fantasy performed by Mariah Carey
One Sweet Day performed by Mariah Carey & Boyz II Men
Always Be My Baby performed by Maria Carey
All Around The World performed by Lisa Stansfield
Someday performed by All-4-One
All I Have To Do Is Dream performed by Everly Brothers
Change The World performed by Eric Clapton
Give Me One Reason performed by Tracy Chapman
My Eyes Adored You performed by Frankie Valli
All Out Of Love performed by Air Supply
All Shook Up performed by Elvis
Almost Paradise performed by Mike Reno, Ann Wilson
Alone performed by Heart
Alone Again (Naturally) performed by Gilbert O'Sullivan
Always On My Mind performed by Willie Nelson
And When I Die performed by Blood, Sweat & Tears
Angel Of The Morning performed by Merrilee Rush, Juice Newton
Angie performed by Rolling Stones
Another One Bites The Dust performed by Queen
At The Hop performed by Danny & The Juniors
Baby I Need Your Lovin' performed by Four Tops, Johnny Rivers
Baby Love performed by The Supremes
Barbara Ann performed by Beach Boys
Beauty And The Beast performed by Celine Dion, Peabo Bryson
Ben performed by Michael Jackson
Beyond The Sea performed by Bobby Darin
A Big Hunk O' Love performed by Elvis
Blue Bayou performed by Linda Ronstadt
Blue Suede Shoes performed by Carl Perkins, Elvis
Blueberry Hill performed by Fats Domino
Book Of Love performed by The Monotones
Born Free performed by Roger Williams
Brand New Key performed by Melanie
Brandy (You're A Fine Girl) performed by Looking Glass
Breaking Up Is Hard To Do performed by Neil Sedaka
Bye Bye Love performed by Everly Brothers
Calendar Girl performed by Neil Sedaka
Can't Buy Me Love performed by The Beatles
Can't Help Falling In Love performed by Elvis
Chantilly Lace performed by Big Bopper
Chariots Of Fire performed by Vangelis
Charlie Brown performed by The Coasters
Cherish performed by The Association
(They Long To Be) Close To You performed by The Carpenters
Copacabana (At The Copa) performed by Barry Manilow
Could It Be Magic performed by Barry Manilow
Crying performed by Roy Orbison, Don McLean
Dancing In The Street performed by Martha & The Vandellas, Mick Jagger & David Bowie
Day Tripper performed by The Beatles
Daydream performed by The Lovin' Spoonful
Dedicated To The One I Love performed by The Shirelles, The Mamas & The Papas
You're The Devil In Disguise performed by Elvis
Devil Or Angel performed by Bobby Vee
Did You Ever Have To Make Up Your Mind? performed by The Lovin' Spoonful
Do It ('Til You're Satisfied) performed by B.T. Express
Don't Be Cruel (To A Heart That's True) performed by Elvis, Cheap Trick
Don't Go Breaking My Heart performed by Elton John & Kiki Dee
Don't Know Much performed by Linda Ronstadt & Aaron Neville
Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me performed by Elton John
Dream Baby (How Long Must I Dream) performed by Roy Orbison
Dreamlover performed by Bobby Darin
Duke Of Earl performed by Gene Chandler
Dust In The Wind performed by Kansas
Earth Angel performed by Crew-Cuts, Penguins
Eleanor Rigby performed by The Beatles
Endless Love performed by Diana Ross & Lionel Richie, Luther Vandross & Mariah Carey
Eternal Flame performed by Bangles
Every Breath You Take performed by Police
Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic performed by Police
Everybody Have Fun Tonight performed by Wang Chung
Everytime You Go Away performed by Paul Young
Eye In The Sky performed by Alan Parsons Project
Faith performed by George Michael
Fast Car performed by Tracy Chapman
Flashdance...What A Feeling performed by Irene Cara
Fly Like An Eagle performed by Steve Miller
Footloose performed by Kenny Loggins
For Your Precious Love performed by Jerry Butler & The Impressions
Forever Your Girl performed by Paula Abdul
Both To Each Other (Friends and Lovers) performed by Gloria Loring & Carl Anderson
Georgy Girl performed by Seekers
Girls Just Want To Have Fun performed by Cyndi Lauper
Gloria performed by Shadows Of Knight
Go Away, Little Girl performed by Steve Lawrence, Donny Osmond
Good Lovin' performed by Young Rascals
Good Luck Charm performed by Elvis
Goodbye Cruel World performed by James Darren
Got My Mind Set On You performed by George Harrison
Grazing In The Grass performed by Hugh Masekela
Grease performed by Frankie Valli
Great Balls Of Fire performed by Jerry Lee Lewis
The Green Door performed by Jim Lowe
Groovin' performed by Young Rascals
A Groovy Kind Of Love performed by Mindbenders, Phil Collins
Gypsys, Tramps And Thieves performed by Cher
Hanky Panky performed by Tommy James & The Shondells
Happy Days performed by Pratt & McClain
Happy, Happy Birthday Baby performed by The Tune Weavers
Happy Together performed by The Turtles
A Hard Day's Night performed by The Beatles
Hard Habit To Break performed by Chicago
Hard To Say I'm Sorry performed by Chicago
He's A Rebel performed by The Crystals
Heart And Soul performed by T'Pau
Heartbreak Hotel performed by Elvis
Heat Of The Moment performed by Asia
Heatwave (Love Is Like A Heatwave) performed by Martha & The Vandellas, Linda Ronstadt
Heaven performed by Byan Adams
Heaven Is A Place On Earth performed by Belinda Carlisle
Hello Mary Lou performed by Ricky Nelson
Here And Now performed by Luther Vandross
Hey Jude performed by The Beatles
Hi-Heel Sneakers performed by Tommy Tucker
His Latest Flame performed by Elvis
Hold Me Now performed by Thompson Twins
Hot Stuff performed by Donna Summer
Hound Dog performed by Elvis
How Am I Supposed To Live Without You performed by Michael Bolton
How Can You Mend A Broken Heart performed by Bee Gees
How Deep Is Your Love performed by Bee Gees
How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) performed by James Taylor
Hurting Each Other performed by The Carpenters
I Almost Lost My Mind performed by Pat Boone
I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch) performed by Four Tops
I Got A Woman performed by Jimmy McGriff
I Hear A Symphony performed by The Supremes
I Love Rock 'N Roll performed by Joan Jett & The Blackhearts
I Need Your Love Tonight performed by Elvis
I Want You, I Need You, I Love You performed by Elvis
I Write The Songs performed by Barry Manilow
I'll Be There performed by Jackson 5, Mariah Carey
I'm Henry VIII, I Am performed by Herman's Hermits
(I've Had) The Time Of My Life performed by Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes
If performed by Bread
If I Were A Carpenter performed by Bobby Darin
If You Love Somebody Set Them Free performed by Sting
Imagine performed by John Lennon
In The Still Of The Nite (I'll Remember) performed by Boyz II Men
Island Girl performed by Elton John
Islands In The Stream performed by Kenny Rogers & Dolly Parton
It Never Rains (In Southern California) performed by Albert Hammond
It's All In The Game performed by Tommy Edwards
It's Just A Matter Of Time performed by Brook Benton
It's My Party performed by Lesley Gore
It's Now Or Never performed by Elvis Presley
It's Still Rock And Roll To Me performed by Billy Joel
Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polkadot Bikini performed by Brian Hyland
Jive Talkin' performed by Bee Gees
The Joker performed by Steve Miller
Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me) performed by Temptations
Just The Way You Are performed by Billy Joel
Keep On Dancing performed by The Gentrys
King Of Pain performed by Police
King Of The Road performed by Roger Miller
Kiss You All Over performed by Exile
Knock Three Times performed by Dawn
Kokomo performed by Beach Boys
Last Kiss performed by J. Frank Wilson & The Cavaliers
Last Train To Clarksville performed by The Monkees
Laughter In The Rain performed by Neil Sedaka
Lay Down Sally performed by Eric Clapton
Layla performed by Derek & The Dominos, Eric Clapton
Leader Of The Pack performed by The Shangri-Las
Let Me In performed by Sensations
Like A Virgin performed by Madonna
Little Jeannie performed by Elton John
The Little Old Lady (From Pasadena) performed by Jan & Dean
Livin' On A Prayer performed by Bon Jovi
The Loco-Motion performed by Little Eva, Grand Funk, Kylie Minogue
Lollipop performed by The Chordettes
Long Tall Sally performed by Little Richard, The Beatles
Longer performed by Dan Fogelberg
Lost In Your Eyes performed by Debbie Gibson
Love Me Tender performed by Elvis
Love Shack performed by The B-52's
Love Takes Time performed by Mariah Carey
Love Will Keep Us Together performed by The Captain & Tennille
A Lover's Concerto performed by The Toys
A Lover's Question performed by Clyde McPhatter
Maggie May performed by Rod Stewart
Mama Told Me (Not To Come) performed by Three Dog Night
Mandy performed by Barry Manilow
Maneater performed by Hall & Oates
Maniac performed by Michael Sembello
Massachusetts (The Lights Went Out) performed by Bee Gees
Me And Bobby McGee performed by Janis Joplin
Memory performed by Barry Manilow
Mickey performed by Toni Basil
Mission: Impossible Theme performed by Adam Clayton & Larry Mullen
Mr. Lee performed by The Bobbettes
Moments To Remember performed by The Four Lads
Mrs. Brown You've Got A Lovely Daughter performed by Herman's Hermits
My Girl performed by The Temptations
My Guy performed by Mary Wells
My Sweet Lord performed by George Harrison
Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye performed by Steam, Nylons
Never Can Say Goodbye performed by Jackson 5
The Next Time I Fall performed by Peter Cetera, Amy Grant
Night Fever performed by Bee Gees
Nightshift performed by Commodores
Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now performed by Starship
Oh, Pretty Woman performed by Roy Orbison, Van Halen
On Broadway performed by The Drifters, George Benson
One Fine Day performed by The Chiffons
One Less Bell To Answer performed by The 5th Dimension
One More Night performed by Phil Collins
The One That You Love performed by Air Supply
One Toke Over The Line performed by Brewer & Shipley
Only The Lonely (Know The Way I Feel) performed by Roy Orbison
Over The Mountain, Across The Sea performed by Johnnie & Joe
Owner Of A Lonely Heart performed by Yes
Papa Was A Rollin' Stone performed by The Temptations
People Got To Be Free performed by The Rascals
Philadelphia Freedom performed by Elton John
Physical performed by Olivia Newton-John
Pipeline performed by The Chantays
Please Mr. Postman performed by The Marvelettes, The Carpenters
Poor Side Of Town performed by Johnny Rivers
Power Of Love performed by Celine Dion
Put Your Hand In The Hand performed by Ocean
Raindrops performed by Dee Clark
Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head performed by B.J. Thomas
A Rainy Night In Georgia performed by Brook Benton
Rebel 'Rouser performed by Duane Eddy
Return To Sender performed by Elvis
Rip It Up performed by Little Richard
The River Of Dreams performed by Billy Joel
Rockin' Robin performed by Bobby Day, Michael Jackson
Runaway performed by Del Shannon
Sacrifice performed by Elton John
Sad Eyes performed by Robert John
Sailing performed by Christopher Cross
Save The Best For Last performed by Vanessa Williams
Save The Last Dance For Me performed by The Drifters
Saving All My Love For You performed by Whitney Houston
Sea Of Love performed by Phil Phillips & The Twilights, Honeydrippers
Searchin' performed by The Coasters
Seasons In The Sun (Le Moribond) performed by Terry Jacks
See You Later, Alligator performed by Bill Haley & The Comets
Separate Lives performed by Phil Collins & Marilyn Martin
Shakedown performed by Bob Seger
She's A Lady performed by Tom Jones
Shining Star performed by Earth, Wind & Fire
The Shoop Shoop Song (It's In His Kiss) performed by Betty Everett
Shop Around performed by Miracles, Captain & Tennille
Silhouettes performed by The Rays, The Diamonds
Since I Met You Baby performed by Ivory Joe Hunter
Sincerely performed by The McGuire Sisters, The Moonglows
Sixteen Candles performed by The Crests
Sixteen Reasons (Why I Love You) performed by Connie Stevens
Sixteen Tons performed by Tennessee Ernie Ford, Johnny Desmond
Sleepwalk performed by Santo & Johnny
Smile A Little Smile For Me performed by Flying Machine
Someday We'll Be Together performed by Diana Ross & The Supremes
Something performed by The Beatles
Spinning Wheel performed by Blood, Sweat & Tears
Stand By Me performed by Ben E. King
Stay performed by Maurice Williams & The Zodiacs, The 4 Seasons
Stayin' Alive performed by Bee Gees
Stop! In The Name Of Love performed by The Supremes
Sugar, Sugar performed by The Archies
Summer In The City performed by The Lovin' Spoonful
Sunshine Of Your Love performed by Cream
Surfin' U.S.A. performed by Beach Boys
Susie-Q performed by Creedence Clearwater Revival
Suspicion performed by Terry Stafford
Take Good Care Of My Baby performed by Bobby Vee
Take My Breath Away (Love Theme) performed by Berlin
Tears On My Pillow performed by Elvis
Tears In Heaven performed by Eric Clapton
(Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear performed by Elvis
A Teenager In Love performed by Dion & The Belmonts
Tell It Like It Is performed by Aaron Neville, Heart
Tell Laura I Love Her performed by Ray Peterson
There Goes My Baby performed by The Drifters
There's A Kind Of Hush (All Over The World) performed by Herman's Hermits, The Carpenters
These Boots Are Made For Walkin' performed by Nancy Sinatra
Things performed by Bobby Darin
Three Times A Lady performed by Commodores
To Be With You performed by Mr. Big
To All The Girls I've Loved Before performed by Julio Iglesias & Willie Nelson
To Love Somebody performed by Bee Gees, Michael Bolton
To Sir, With Love performed by Lulu
Tonight's The Night (Gonna Be Alright) performed by Rod Stewart
Torn Between Two Lovers performed by Mary MacGregor
Touch Me In The Morning performed by Diana Ross
Tragedy performed by Bee Gees
True Colors performed by Cindy Lauper
Turn Me Loose performed by Fabian
Tutti Frutti performed by Little Richard, Pat Boone
The Twist performed by Chubby Checker
Twist And Shout performed by The Isley Brothers, The Beatles
Under The Boardwalk performed by The Drifters
Up, Up And Away performed by The 5th Dimension
Venus performed by Frankie Avalon
Vision Of Love performed by Mariah Carey
Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go performed by Wham!
Wake Up Little Susie performed by The Everly Brothers
Walk Away Renee performed by The Left Banke, Four Tops
Walk On By performed by Dionne Warwick
Walk This Way performed by Aerosmith, Run- D.M.C.
The Way We Were performed by Barbra Streisand
We Built This City performed by Starship
We Got The Beat performed by The Go Go's
Wedding Bell Blues performed by The 5th Dimension
What A Wonderful World performed by Louis Armstrong
What The World Needs Now Is Love performed by Jackie DeShannon, Tom Clay
What'd I Say performed by Ray Charles
What's Going On performed by Marvin Gaye, Cyndi Lauper
What's Love Got To Do With It performed by Tina Turner
When I Fall In Love performed by The Letterman
When You Say Nothing At All performed by Alison Krauss & Union Station
Where Did Our Love Go performed by The Supremes
Where Do Broken Hearts Go performed by Whitney Houston
Where The Boys Are performed by Connie Francis
Which Way You Going Billy? performed by Poppy Family
White Room performed by Cream
A Whole New World (Aladdin's Theme) performed by Peabo Bryson, Regina Belle
Wild, Wild West performed by The Escape Club
Wild Thing performed by The Troggs, Jimi Hendrix
Woman performed by John Lennon
Woman In Love performed by Barbra Streisand
Wonderful! Wonderful! performed by Johnny Mathis, Tymes
Wooly Bully performed by Sam The Sham & The Pharaohs
Yakety Yak performed by The Coasters
Yesterday performed by The Beatles
You Ain't Seen Nothin' Yet performed by Bachman-Turner Overdrive
You Can't Hurry Love performed by The Supremes, Phil Collins
You Don't Own Me performed by Lesley Gore
You Give Love A Bad Name performed by Bon Jovi
You Got It performed by Roy Orbison
You Keep Me Hangin' On performed by The Supremes, Vanilla Fudge, Kim Wilde
You Sexy Thing performed by Hot Chocolate
You Should Be Dancing performed by Bee Gees
You're The Inspiration performed by Chicago
You're The One That I Want performed by Olivia Newton-John & John Travolta
You've Got A Friend performed by James Taylor
You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin' performed by Righteous Brothers, Dionne Warwick, Hall & Oates
Young Blood performed by The Coasters
Clair performed by Gilbert O'Sullivan
Missing You performed by John Waite
Angel performed by Sarah McLachlan
I Swear performed by All-4-One
After The Love Has Gone performed by Earth, Wind & Fire
Against All Odds (Take A Look At Me Now) performed by Phil Collins
Joy To The World performed by Three Dog Night
Love The One You're With performed by Stephen Stills
Ahab The Arab performed by Ray Stevens
Lead Me On performed by Maxine Nightingale
Secretly performed by Jimmie Rodgers
Let's Get Together performed by The Youngbloods
I Will Remember You performed by Sarah McLachlan
On The Road Again performed by Willie Nelson
I'm Still In Love With You performed by Al Green
All My Life performed by K-Ci & Jo Jo
Give A Little Bit performed by Supertramp
Respect Yourself performed by The Staple Singers
Amazed performed by Lonestar
It's Your Love performed by Tim McGraw & Faith Hill
Adia performed by Sarah McLachlan
I'll Take You There performed by The Staple Singers
Love Me performed by Elvis
My Heart Will Go On (Love Theme From 'Titanic') performed by Celine Dion
I'll Be performed by Edwin McCain
Iris performed by Goo Goo Dolls
Along Comes Mary performed by The Association
The Boy Is Mine performed by Brandy & Monica
Let's Stay Together performed by Al Green
Return To Me performed by Dean Martin
Daddy's Home performed by Shep & The Limelites
Fingertips (Part 2) performed by Stevie Wonder
Love Will Find A Way performed by Pablo Cruise
Two Hearts performed by Phil Collins
Dizzy performed by Tommy Roe
You'll Be In My Heart performed by Phil Collins
Breathe performed by Faith Hill
September performed by Earth, Wind & Fire
Party Doll performed by Buddy Knox, The Rhythm Orchids
Smooth Operator performed by Sade
Maria Maria performed by Santana
Show Me The Way performed by Peter Frampton
I'm Too Sexy performed by Right Said Fred
Do That To Me One More Time performed by Captain & Tennille
I Can't Dance performed by Genesis
Crystal Blue Persuasion performed by Tommy James & The Shondells
That's The Way (I Like It) performed by KC & The Sunshine Band
Say, Has Anybody Seen My Sweet Gypsy Rose performed by Tony Orlando & Dawn
Sheila performed by Tommy Roe
Short Shorts performed by The Royal Teens
Soldier Boy performed by The Shirelles
The Grooveline performed by Heatwave
You Don't Have To Be A Star (To Be In My Show) performed by Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr.
Stormy performed by Classics IV
If You're Ready (Come Go With Me) performed by The Staple Singers
The Logical Song performed by Supertramp
This Kiss performed by Faith Hill
Somebody To Love performed by Jefferson Airplane
Who's Making Love performed by Johnny Taylor
Respect performed by Aretha Franklin
Another Day In Paradise performed by Phil Collins
In Too Deep performed by Genesis
Biggest Part Of Me performed by Ambrosia
Disco Lady performed by Johnnie Taylor
Elenore performed by The Turtles
How Much I Feel performed by Ambrosia
Baby, Come To Me performed by James Ingram, Patti Austin
Baby, I Love Your Way performed by Peter Frampton
Back In The High Life Again performed by Steve Winwood
Bad, Bad Leroy Brown performed by Jim Croce
Be-Bop-A-Lula performed by Gene Vincent
Be True To Your School performed by Beach Boys
Beep Beep performed by The Playmates
Big Bad John performed by Jimmy Dean
Boogie Nights performed by Heatwave
Boogie Wonderland performed by Earth, Wind & Fire
The Boy From New York City performed by Ad Libs
C'mon Marianne performed by The 4 Seasons
California Girls performed by Beach Boys
California Sun performed by The Rivieras
Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You performed by Frankie Valli
Candida performed by Tony Orlando & Dawn
Cathy's Clown performed by Everly Brothers
Centerfold performed by J. Geils Band
Come Sail Away performed by Styx
Crimson And Clover performed by Tommy James & The Shondells
Dance With Me Henry (The Wallflower) performed by Georgia Gibbs
Dawn (Go Away) performed by The 4 Seasons
Do Wah Diddy Diddy performed by Manfred Mann
Don't Cry Out Loud performed by Melissa Manchester
Don't Fall In Love With A Dreamer performed by Kenny Rogers & Kim Carnes
Donna performed by Ritchie Valens
Down In The Boondocks performed by Billy Joe Royal
Easier Said Than Done performed by The Essex
Easy Lover performed by Philip Baily & Phil Collins
Elvira performed by Oak Ridge Boys
(Everything I Do) I Do It For You performed by Bryan Adams
Fever performed by Peggy Lee
For Once In My Life performed by Stevie Wonder
Frankenstein performed by Edgar Winter
Freeze Frame performed by J. Geils Band
From A Distance performed by Bette Midler
Fun, Fun, Fun performed by Beach Boys
Games People Play performed by Joe South
Georgia On My Mind performed by Ray Charles
Get A Job performed by The Silhouettes
Give Me The Night performed by George Benson
Glory Of Love performed by Peter Cetera
Goodbye To Love performed by The Carpenters
Good Vibrations performed by Beach Boys
The Great Pretender performed by The Platters
Green Onions performed by Booker T. & The MG's
Help Me Rhonda performed by Beach Boys
Hey Paula performed by Paul & Paula
Higher Love performed by Steve Winwood
Honeycomb performed by Jimmie Rodgers
How Will I Know performed by Whitney Houston
Hurts So Good performed by John Cougar
I Am Woman performed by Helen Reddy
I Can't Go For That performed by Hall & Oats
I Can't Stop Loving You performed by Ray Charles
I Fought The Law performed by Bobby Fuller Four
I Get Around performed by Beach Boys
I Got You (I Feel Good) performed by James Brown
I Honestly Love You performed by Olivia Newton-John
I Just Called To Say I Love You performed by Stevie Wonder
I Like It Like That performed by Chris Kenner
I Love The Night Life performed by Alicia Bridges
I Still Believe performed by Mariah Carey
I Think We're Alone Now performed by Tommy James & The Shondells
I Wanna Dance With Somebody performed by Whitney Houston
I Was Made To Love Her performed by Stevie Wonder
I Wish performed by Stevie Wonder
I Won't Last A Day Without You performed by The Carpenters
I'll Never Love This Way Again performed by Dionne Warwick
If Ever You're In My Arms Again performed by Peabo Bryson
If Loving You Is Wrong I Don't Want To Be Right performed by Luther Ingram
If You Leave Me Now performed by Chicago
In The Midnight Hour performed by Wilson Pickett
Invisible Touch performed by Genesis
Is That All There Is performed by Peggy Lee
Jack And Diane performed by John Cougar
Jailhouse Rock performed by Elvis
Jenny Take A Ride performed by Mitch Ryder & The Detroit Wheels
Kansas City performed by Wilbert Harrison
Killing Me Softly With His Song performed by Roberta Flack
La Bamba performed by Ritchie Valens
Lady In Red performed by Chris DeBurgh
Land Of A Thousand Dances performed by Wilson Pickett
Last Date performed by Floyd Cramer
Let's Hang On performed by The 4 Seasons
Limbo Rock performed by Chubby Checker
Little Deuce Coupe performed by Beach Boys
Little Star performed by The Elegants
The Living Years performed by Mike & The Mechanics
The Lonely Bull performed by Tijuana Brass & Herb Alpert
Long Cool Woman (In A Black Dress) performed by Hollies
Looks Like We Made It performed by Barry Manilow
Louie, Louie performed by The Kingsmen
Love Potion Number 9 performed by The Searchers
Love Theme From 'St. Elmo's Fire' performed by David Foster
Mony, Mony performed by Tommy James & The Shondells
More Than Words performed by Extreme
My Boy Lollipop performed by Millie Small
My Cherie Amour performed by Stevie Wonder
Never Been To Spain performed by Three Dog Night
Never My Love performed by The Association
Nothing From Nothing performed by Billy Preston
Off The Wall performed by Michael Jackson
Oh, Lonesome Me performed by Don Gibson
On The Wings Of Love performed by Jeffrey Osborne
Only Women Bleed performed by Alice Cooper
Peppermint Twist performed by Joey Dee & The Starlighters
(You've Got) Personality performed by Lloyd Price
Private Eyes performed by Hall & Oates
Rag Doll performed by The 4 Seasons
Rainy Days And Mondays performed by The Carpenters
Release Me performed by Engelbert Humperdinck
Rock With You performed by Michael Jackson
Rock Your Baby performed by George McCrae
(I Never Promised You A) Rose Garden performed by Lynn Anderson
Send Me The Pillow You Dream On performed by Dean Martin
Shout performed by The Isley Brothers
Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours performed by Stevie Wonder
Since I Don't Have You performed by Skyliners
Singing The Blues performed by Guy Mitchell
Sir Duke performed by Stevie Wonder
(Sittin' On) The Dock Of The Bay performed by Otis Redding
Smoke From A Distant Fire performed by Sanford/Townsend Band
Somewhere In The Night performed by Barry Manilow
Soul Man performed by Sam & Dave
Splish Splash performed by Bobby Darin
Spooky performed by Classics IV
Stagger Lee performed by Lloyd Price
Sugartime performed by The McGuire Sisters
Superstition performed by Stevie Wonder
Sussudio performed by Phil Collins
Sweet Pea performed by Tommy Roe
Take The Long Way Home performed by Supertramp
Teen Angel performed by Mark Dinning
Tequila performed by The Champs
Theme From "Shaft" performed by Isaac Hayes
Thriller performed by Michael Jackson
Tie A Yellow Ribbon Round The Ole Oak Tree performed by Tony Orlando & Dawn
Time In A Bottle performed by Jim Croce
Tonight, I Celebrate My Love performed by Peabo Bryson, Roberta Flack
Top Of The World performed by The Carpenters
Traces performed by Classics IV
Travelin' Man performed by Ricky Nelson
Walk A Mile In My Shoes performed by Joe South
Walk Don't Run performed by The Ventures
Walk Like An Egyptian performed by Bangles
Walk Right In performed by The Rooftop Singers
We've Only Just Begun performed by The Carpenters
When I Grow Up (To Be A Man) performed by Beach Boys
When Will I Be Loved performed by Linda Ronstadt
White Rabbit performed by Jefferson Airplane
A White Sport Coat (And A Pink Carnation) performed by Marty Robbins
Why Do Fools Fall In Love performed by Frankie Lymon & The Teenagers
Will It Go Round In Circles performed by Billy Preston
Winchester Cathedral performed by New Vaudeville Band
Windy performed by The Association
Sunshine Superman performed by Donovan
Get Down Tonight performed by KC & The Sunshine Band
Wouldn't It Be Nice performed by Beach Boys
Summer Of '69 performed by Bryan Adams
Yesterday Once More performed by The Carpenters
Don't Do Me Like That performed by Tom Petty
You And Me Against The World performed by Helen Reddy
You Are So Beautiful performed by Joe Cocker
You Are The Sunshine Of My Life performed by Stevie Wonder
You Don't Mess Around With Jim performed by Jim Croce
You Talk Too Much performed by Joe Jones
Young Love performed by Sonny James
Your Mama Don't Dance performed by Loggins & Messina
Mellow Yellow performed by Donovan
You Make Me Feel Like Dancing performed by Leo Sayer
Angel Flying Too Close To The Ground performed by Willie Nelson
Someday performed by Mariah Carey
Uptight (Everything's Alright) performed by Stevie Wonder

Fake Book.......2006-08-09

If it's not here, you probably don't need it, but I was personally hoping for more from the Beatles. Good value for the money. I will use this a lot more than the Hal Leonard Ultimate Fake book. The Ultimate Fake Book has a smattering of patriotic, religious, and show tunes, and a wealth of polkas that even polka fans have probably never heard of in addition to SOME pop and rock.

Average customer rating:

Great book but.....
has some flaws
Not really "Classic", but Pretty Good

Classic Rock Fake Book - 2nd Edition

Manufacturer: Hal Leonard Corporation
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Plastic Comb

Songbooks | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

General | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

The Ultimate Pop/Rock Fake Book: C Edition (Fake Books)
The Beatles Fake Book: C Edition (Fake Books)
The Blues Fake Book
RandB Fake Book: 375 Rhythm and Blues Songs (Fake Books)
The Best Fake Book Ever: For Keyboard, Vocal, Guitar, and All "C" Instruments (3rd Edition)

ASIN: 0793578566

Product Description

This fake book is a great compilation of more than 250 terrific songs of the rock era, arranged for piano, voice, guitar and all C instruments. Includes: The Air That I Breathe All Right Now American Woman And When I Die Angie Beast of Burden Birthday Born to Be Wild Brown Eyed Girl Bus Stop Carrie-Anne A Day in the Life Don't Stand So Close to Me The First Cut Is the Deepest Free Bird Hello, It's Me Honesty Honky Cat Hot Legs I Shot the Sheriff I Want You to Want Me Imagine It's Still Rock and Roll to Me Jesus Is Just Alright Killer Queen Kiss You All Over Lay Down Sally Layla Leather and Lace Let It Rain Levon Magic Carpet Ride My Generation New Kid in Town Owner of a Lonely Heart Piece of My Heart Rikki Don't Lose That Number Rock and Roll All Nite Spinning Wheel Sweet Home Alabama White Room We Will Rock You Young Americans lots more!

Customer Reviews:

Great book but............2007-05-18

This book has virtually all the songs I was looking for. I did read the earlier review that warned that the songs were in their original keys, not C. But having been classically trained (albeit eons ago), I figured I could handle it. I also bought some staff paper figuring I'd transpose any in keys I didn't want to struggle through. Well, unless you're really at ease and skilled playing in any key, I'd recommend going with a book in the key of C. I still give it 4 stars, however, because it's a great book in terms of content, and I bought it with my eyes open. No one to blame but myself!

has some flaws.......2005-05-06

The repertoire in this book is pretty good for classic rock fans. Of course, due to licensing restrictions it doesn't have EVERY great classic rock tune. There are some fatal flaws, however. The chords and lyrics are extremely small. Forget about using this book while playing live or jamming. The book would have been much better if it had been written in "real book" format instead of cramming all of the music and lyrics on one page. Also, songs that are tuned to E flat are sometimes notated as the actual chord shapes (without notating the tuning) and sometimes notated as the flatted chords. In other words, an open E chord would be notated as E flat. This is an awful thing to do to guitarists, especially on guitar based songs. I had to do a lot of crossing out and rewriting in chords. I also found a few of the chords to be incorrect when I went and learned them from CD. It's good as a reference for learning songs quickly, but you can't use it while playing.

Not really "Classic", but Pretty Good.......2005-02-01

Fake Books have just the melody/lyric line (staff); piano players will only have their right hand busy; the left "fakes" it. And there's no tabs and songs are in their actual keys, so you need to read music. But if you do and either are good at theory or play a non-chording instrument, they're fantastic.

This book has a very impressive selection of songs, but "Classic Rock" doesn't describe it. More like "SuperHits of the 70s and 80s". There's some rock, some pop, some glam, a pretty wide variety of stuff people will likely request or that you might enjoy playing, but it's not all "rock" and certainly not "classic rock" - it's got songs from Heart, Bon Jovi and Jefferson Starship, fer cryin' out loud! Very playable stuff.

I enjoy this book a lot. I also enjoy the Disney Fake Book and the Ultimate Fake Book; there's not much overlap between them. The breadth of styles (again, it's not all classic rock) is a nice touch, and most of the songs were really big hits at one time. There are some omissions and excesses. No Dire Straits, but 22 Beatles songs. Six Elton John, but no Candle/Funeral for a Friend? No Led Zeppelin but FOUR Lennon/Ono (and one Lennon solo) songs? But on average it's a great collection.

Tell Me Why: The Beatles: Album by Album, Song by Song, the Sixties and After

Average customer rating:

Getting the Beat out of the Beatles
A Celebration of The Beatles' Music.
Beatle Theory
Very Enjoyable Book
Not for the Casual Fan or Non-Musician

Tell Me Why: The Beatles: Album by Album, Song by Song, the Sixties and After
Tim Riley
Manufacturer: Da Capo Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

History & Criticism | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

A Hard Day's Write, 3e: The Stories Behind Every Beatles Song
Meet the Beatles: A Cultural History of the Band That Shook Youth, Gender, and the World
Beatlesongs
Here, There and Everywhere: My Life Recording the Music of the Beatles
The Beatles : The Biography

ASIN: 0306811200
Release Date: 2002-05-28

Book Description

A fully updated and revised edition of the classic album-by-album, song-by-song study of the Beatles.

A unique combination of musical analysis and cultural history, Tell Me Why stands alone among Beatles books with its single-minded focus on the most important aspect of the band: its music. Riley offers a new, deeper understanding of the Beatles by closely considering each song and album they recorded in an exploration as rigorous as it is soulful. He tirelessly sifts through the Beatles discography, making clear that the legendary four were more than mere teen idols: they were brilliant innovators who mastered an extremely detailed art. Since the first publication of Tell Me Why in 1988, new primary source material has appeared--Paul McCartney's authorized biography, the Anthology CDs and videos, the complete Parlophone-sequenced albums on CD, the Live at the BBC sessions, and the global smash 1. Riley incorporates all the new material in an update that makes this a crucial book for Beatles fans.

Customer Reviews:

Getting the Beat out of the Beatles.......2007-05-03

I did not like the Beatles when I first heard them in high school, but by the time Sgt. Pepper came out, I had matured enough to discover that they were a very special phenomenon. Now there are so many books about them that it is hard to know what to read to get the best sense of their contribution to music. I recommend Tim Riley's book for that purpose. The best thing about this book is that it will increase your sensitivity to the Beatles creative art as you listen to their songs. If you pay attention, you will be able to hear the way Paul brings the bass in to support the lead guitar or to counter the drums. You can hear how Ringo changes the beat in accord with what the song is trying to convey, and you have a better sense of how the words and music work together.

As other reviewers have noted, it does require some knowledge of music, notably chord theory, to understand some of the details, I do not think it is entirely necessary. I know just enough about chords to understand major and minor changes and what they mean to the music, but I get lost when he goes into descriptions of the tonic and dominant. You will also need to know a lot about percussion, because he refers not generally to Ringo's drumming, but to what he is using (high hats, tom-toms, snare, etc.). It is clear from this book that Ringo contributed more to the group than he is usually credited with doing. He is the one, according to Riley, who was able to subdue his ego and try to keep everything together with his beat and ability to complement everyone else.

Riley likes John Lennon the best and tends to favor whatever Lennon did, albeit not uncritically. He gives Paul a rougher time, putting down any song that lacks an edge or an angle as another "silly love song" unless it rises to the level of a standard such as "Yesterday." Unlike other reviewers, I did not find his analysis of George Harrison's contribution to be all that insulting, but I do think he understated Harrison's contributions as a forward looking instrumentalist. Riley has a low opinion of the vocal abilities of both Starr and Harrison, but it is true that both (and a lot of other singers) suffer in comparison to both Lennon and McCartney, whose vocalizing was overshadowed by their composing talent.

You also need to understand that he is writing his opinions of the meanings of the lyrics and the reasons the Beatles did certain things musically. His bias shows clearly. He admires the group and his disappoint over some of their less than stellar creations is palpable. It is a very high standard that they set for themselves and, although Riley acknowledges the timeless nature of their best work, he is scathing in his criticism of their more mediocre efforts. Bruce Greenfield's review is correct in saying that Riley pontificates a bit too much. I also found it irritating that he claims to know exactly what the lads were trying to do with each note and word. Again, these are only Riley's opinions. Another problem I had with that is that he goes into great detail on the songs he likes and admires, but if a song does not measure up to that, he will give it a sentence or two, dismissively.

I found value in the book from his ability to explain some of the innovations the Beatles developed from the very beginning of their career. A few of these are almost common knowledge to rock fans, such as the use of feedback at the start of "I Feel Fine" to George Harrison's introduction of the sitahr. There are some very good insights that never occurred to me, though. Riley points out that the lyrics to "She Loves You" break new ground in that although it is sung in the first person, the singer is speaking to a friend rather than to the listener. Their music conveys a sense of excitement and joy in carrying this good news. Another example is from McCartney's bridge in "Day in the Life," which is marked by a quicker sharper beat from Ringo. Riley notes that this beat evokes the "corporate precision" of every day life, but notes that while this may seem like waking from Lennon's nightmare verses, it becomes hard to tell who is singing about the real nightmare.

You really have to listen to the song while reading the book and even then, it is often hard to hear what Riley is writing about. He devotes a lot of words to explaining how different sounds come from the right, left or center in stereo, but I found it hard to detect these even after numerous playing. Perhaps, as others have pointed out, it is very hard to hear without the 1982 masters.

Riley uses the albums that were originally issued on Parlophone and neither the US Capitol releases (which were a greedy manipulation of the buying public while sacrificing the art of the Beatles created in sequencing the songs) nor CDs. Younger readers will have difficulty relating to his idea of endings and beginnings of vinyl sides, which CDs have rendered meaningless.

In the second edition, Riley gives a bow to Mark Lewisohn's book "The Beatles Recording Sessions," which is a description based on Lewisohn's hearing of all of the Beatle's master tapes. This book has its own insights and I would recommend it as a less harsh book than this one. Riley did not have the use of Lewisohn's book in writing "Tell Me Why," and it is clear that he would have benefited from it. The two authors disagree on a number of points so it would is useful to have the balance of their opposing views.

A Celebration of The Beatles' Music........2007-04-05

I loved this book. I don't know why so many people seemed to have a problem with it. Tim Riley is a knowledgable music critic,schooled in musical theory and an expert on classical music. He also absolutely adores the Beatles' music. With very few exceptions,he loves everything they ever did and tells,in great detail exactly what it was musically,that made them so special. Each and every song from Love Me Do to Let it Be,just like the title says,album by album, song by song. Actually,my love of the Beatles' music is a viceral thing. From the moment I first heard the opening chords of I Want to Hold Your Hand,this music seemed to enter my blood stream. I still get the same feeling whenever I listen to certain favorite songs,or hear their voices in harmony. But I never understood it in musical theory terms. The chord progressions, changes from major to minor chords in the same song, this had never been done before in pop music, only classical,until the Beatles. This is what excited everybody about their music but only other musicians can describe it accurately. Us lay people just think, "that song makes me cry" or "wow, I've never heard anything like this before". Riley dissects each song,practically note by note,every guitar lick,bass line, and drum fill. He particularly loves Rubber Soul and Revolver sighting them as two of the greatest albums of all time. He also loves Please Please Me, With the Beatles, and A Hard Day's Night. So he doesn't just give their later music a lot of acclaim,which would have been annoying. He feels that all of these albums were important, along with Abbey Road and the White Album. He describes them in a way that makes you think of them as little works of art. Each one pivotal and ground breaking in their own unique way. He also describes why each Beatle was wonderful and essential to the greatness of each song and album. He never lets you forget that they were an ensemble. He worships John and Paul's singing, calling McCartney's voice, "peerless". He details their songwriting and George's. He talks about how BOTH Lennon and McCartney were melodists, not only McCartney. He points out Paul's melodic,inventive bass lines,George and John's brilliant guitar work (not just George's like other books have). And he loves Ringo,calling his drumming underrated, because it was. He goes into so much detail about Ringo's drumming that it made me sit up and take notice of it also. Listen to 'Rain' and 'Ticket to Ride' and Ringo's live drumming, which he also loves. He dissects the Live at the BBC cds, and after reading that long section,I've begun to listen to all the things he hears on them. I see what a great live band they were. This book made me listen to their music from a fresh perspective, and I realize that I never really HEARD their music until now. There is so much going on, on their records. So much to listen to. While reading this book you need to have a cd player handy and a good pair of head phones with a bass booster. You need to be able to hear what he's talking about. In this new edition there is a section added which details the 3 Antology CDs, Live at the BBC,and others that have been released since the first edition of this book came out, in 1988.There is also a section on the solo records. You don't have to be a musician to enjoy this book either. You just have to be a fan of Beatle music.

Beatle Theory.......2007-02-13

I love this book. The author's trenchant, insightful analysis of the Beatles' music is nothing short of scholarly. He brilliantly discusses what the Beatles used to create their own unique sound. Fans will no doubt love and appreciate the Beatles all the more.

Tim Riley's research into the background of each Beatle is accurate and well done. He piques readers' interest in the group all the more by making them more aware of the influences that led them to create the songs they did.

This book is one musicians, guitarists in particular will love. Readers are treated to discussions of chord progressions so as to play Beatle songs the Beatles' way.

Very Enjoyable Book.......2006-09-22

I enjoyed this book immensely. I appreciated the song-by-song analysis from someone who obviously is a true scholar of music -- his articulation of what were the ingredients that went into making the Beatles' music so great truly enhanced my appreciation of them.

His knowledge of biographical and historical information -- such priceless vignettes as John's gleeful enjoyment of an obscure, chaotic Side B by a one-hit wonder group -- puts their music in a wider context, further deepening our understanding of how their music developed.

I dabble in music theory so I did appreciate the technical aspects of the book, such as getting into chord progression and such. I read this book many times -- it has provided me with many enjoyable hours.

Not for the Casual Fan or Non-Musician.......2005-12-31

"Tell Me Why" is a good look at the Beatles for what they are remembered for: the music. Long after all the gossip and backbiting and innuendos are forgotten, that is all that remains. And if you are a casual fan and only have "Tell Me Why" to guide you, I wish you the best luck in the world.

Tim Riley is a professional music critic, which means apparently that he thinks his audience will understand every musical notation cited in the text. If you really love discussing the difference between G chords and A chords, this will make your day. But for the rest of us, it's a bit much at times.

To be fair, though, if you get through the musician-speak without beating your head against the wall, you'll find that the book does a fairly fantastic job of getting at the heart of the music. By eschewing flowery discussions of the Beatles' history and concentrating on the music itself, Riley ends up creating a look at the creative process rarely dissected with such skill.

Riley has his opinions and isn't afraid to state them, especially in regards to what he considers the "fallow" period of late 1967 (after the release of the much-hyped Sgt. Pepper). Riley also pulls no punches in holding Paul McCartney's feet to the fire for his abandonment of the risk-taking that characterized his partnership with Lennon, instead becoming the pop-song behemoth that we all love to hate. The portrait that emerges of the Beatles as a group is that of a multitalented band with endless streams of talent on which to draw, with even their lesser efforts (Magical Mystery Tour, Let It Be, etc) having some worth not found in other music from the era.

Mark Hertsgaard's masterful "A Day In The Life" is probably a better selection for those who are casual or half-hearted fans, because it covers much of the same territory with little of the dedication to music-speak that colors some of the best passages in this book. But for a simple, nuts-and-bolts look at what made the Beatles' music special, and as a discussion of each and every song they ever recorded, "Tell Me Why" is hard to beat.

In the end, there is just the music. And it is a body of music worthy of such discussion as to have countless books written about it. But "Tell Me Why" is a nice one-book source for much of the motivation behind each song the Fab Four committed to vinyl, even if it's overboard with the musical composition language. If you can overcome that, you might find a good book about why the Beatles matter long after their last performance together.

How to Write Songs on Guitar: A Guitar-Playing and Songwriting Course

Average customer rating:

Excellent resource...
excellent
Superb Book
Great Book on Songwriting
Stunningly bad

How to Write Songs on Guitar: A Guitar-Playing and Songwriting Course
Rikky Rooksby
Manufacturer: Miller Freeman Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Songbooks | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

General | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

The Songwriting Sourcebook: How to Turn Chords Into Great Songs
Melody in Songwriting: Tools and Techniques for Writing Hit Songs (Berklee Guide)
Chord Master: How to Choose and Play the Right Guitar Chords
Melody: How to Write Great Tunes
Songwriting for Dummies

ASIN: 0879306114

Book Description

Now anyone can write and play their own songs on the guitar - with no prior training! This inspirational handbook teaches readers how to play guitar, while providing a solid foundation in songwriting techniques, using well-known songs as examples, easy-to-follow text, and graphics that explain and demonstrate lyrics, melody, harmony and rhythm. This book's straightforward style will have even those who've never played a guitar or written a song making music with ease.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent resource..........2007-10-10

This book is not going to make you a great guitar player and this book is not going to make you a creative person(but what book can??) What this book will do is give you a very strong foundation for chordal progression. The pop song which has been predominant for the last 50 years is analyzed in a straightforward handsome manner. A person with a basic understanding of guitar chords can get through this book and it is an excellent reference guide for those that are advanced musicians.
This book is great for connecting the dots musically. For example, if you have written a bunch of riffs but don't know how to turn them into a song this book can help you gain direction.
Again this book can't make you creative but it can help a creative person get a lot more output from focused effort. This book can give your chord sequences direction in affect turning your meandering strumming into an actual song.

excellent.......2007-08-15

The book is 90% about writing songs with guitar chords. Sections on lyric writing didn't impress me. The very short chapter on making a demo recording was excellent and almost a great (though very very short) book on its own. Best real-world, practical explanation of chords and chord progressions I've ever read. (in the rock and pop genre.) Really breaks down song and musical structures of popular songs. Another great point is inclusion of recent as well as 60s and 70s rock songs. For example, one page analyzes a Fat Boy Slim song. My knowledge and understanding increased greatly from this book. There are so many great example progressions that you can open the book at random, play around with something on the page and come up with something. This book does not go into the "front end" of the psychology or craft of creativity. One of the best books on creating music I've ever read. Also check out "The War of Art" for a brilliant and inspiring book about creating.

Superb Book.......2007-01-09

I have been playing guitar, and writing songs for 15 years. I learned a good bit from this book that I wish I would have known when I first started 15 years ago. You probably think you know how to write a song, but unless you have been trained in music theory, you probably have just been doing things that sound good without understanding why. This book does not go into extreme detail on any one subject in songwriting, its sort of like an really good overview on information such as melody, lyrics, chords, progressions, song types, etc.. It shows you all the pieces you need and more importantly WHY they sound the way they do or go together. It is for the person with beginner-intermediate music theory skill, or for any skill level guitar player. Information is well organized, easy to understand, and backed with examples from popular songs. Not songs like "Greensleeves" and "mary had a little lamb", but beatles, nirvana, oasis, madonna,etc.. Check out this guy's other books- I was very interested in the chord progression section and got his book on that subject. I think it is even better than this one.

Great Book on Songwriting.......2006-11-02

This is a must have for any guitar player trying to write songs, especially the singer / songwriter type. This book is filled with ideas for songs and how to incorporate the guitar into your songwriting. What I like most about this book was the numerous chord progressions listed and what mood each progression can create. It gives examples of songs that use the progressions and what genre of music they fit best. I loved this book and use it regularly. If you are looking to write music and lyrics this is a must.

Stunningly bad.......2006-10-06

To be honest, I've owned this book forever but after seeing someone ask about it on another forum, I just wanted to log in here and write a quick review of it as a warning to potential customers because I found it so poorly executed. This book basically consists of Rooksby very quickly presenting a topic in overly simple terms and then citing hundreds of examples of existing known songs that are supposed to illustrate his idea. This sounds like a great idea in principle but in execution it all falls apart. The examples read like pure fluff and do not cover any detail whatsoever, he does not even go into high level things like chord progressions, etc, from the examples. I presume this is due to copyright restrictions, etc. It would have made much more sense to license a few decent examples and really show how they illustrate the point. Or heck, the book is about song writing, why not actually WRITE a few over the course of the book??

The CD that came with the book is literally content-free, too. There's almost nothing on it. Again, this is in spite of all of the external music cited (some of it obscure) and due to the lack of specifics in the book. The CD can literally be thrown away without harming use of the book. It appears to be included in the book as reassurance that there is something there... i.e. a marketing move more than a useful resource for the customer.

So, really, in spite of the hundreds of general examples cited in the book, there is not a single specific detailed piece of information I can remember off hand. Ie. almost no tab, chord diagrams, or sheet music style content. Almost nothing specific about the guitar's interaction with the rhythm section and the specifics of writing for the rhythm section or vocal melody are covered either. And of course, the tell-tale item: nothing is composed/written by Rooksby for the book.

Looking at the presentation, its very slick. The book looks nice, the layout is great, the writing style is enthusiastic, its easy to WANT to like it but when it comes down to it it's good looking book that doesn't achieve its objective. I regretted the time I spent reading this book hoping for it to get better... Thankfully it's extremely short too, but I won't even bother going there at this point. ;)

So, basically, this book is just flat out not useful and the time spent looking for a different, more suitable, book on the topic will be rewarded many times over.

Also, avoid Rooksby's "Riffs" book as well, it suffers nearly the exact same set of problems as this one.

Average customer rating:

Not a bad book, but definitely not great....
great for guitar as well as piano
GREAT for Encouraging Little Musicians
This music teacher says "yes"!!!!!!
Great for kids and I love it too!

The Library of Children's Song Classics

Manufacturer: Amsco Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Plastic Comb

Songbooks | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

General | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

A Treasury of Children's Songs: Forty Favorites to Sing and Play
The Giant Book of Children's Songs
The Reader's Digest Children's Songbook: Over 130 All-Time Favorites to Play, Listen and Sing
Children's Songs (Guitar Chord Songbook)
The Big Book of Children's Songs

ASIN: 0825613582
Release Date: 1993-12-31

Product Description

An illustrated volume of storybook, and holiday songs, lullabies, marches, and rounds. Easy-to-read lyrics, piano arrangements, and guitar chords. Includes Simple Simon, This Old Man, and Take Me Out To The Ballgame.

Customer Reviews:

Not a bad book, but definitely not great...........2007-02-21

I purchased this book so that I could learn a few tunes for a preschool where I had planned on playing a few of these kids songs on guitar while singing. The teachers/director at the school thought that I should create a CD for the kids to listen to before setting up a date to come out and play for them (so that they would know the tunes). I decided that I would plug the notes/key signatures/time signatures into GARAGE BAND and set up basic piano melodies that I could easily sing to. You know something quick? Well, after creating about 2 or 3 songs I realized that several of the melodies, time signatures, musical notation, and even the notes themselves were incorrect. This is a good book if you want to play a few kids songs THAT YOU ALREADY KNOW, but it is not a reference guide by any means.

great for guitar as well as piano.......2006-12-19

I was babysitting for a friend and she had this book open on her piano. Several others have mentioned how nice it is for piano, but it's also great if you're a guitar player, even if you're not an expert guitar player! As others have noted, the arrangements are basic enough that beginners (like myself) can play most of these tunes on the first try. It has just about every children song you can think of - from Eensy weensy spider to some nice patriotic ones. If you spend even a little time with children, this book will help you fill your time with music. Great for parents, daycares, camps, caregivers, etc. I came home to order a copy for myself right away.

GREAT for Encouraging Little Musicians.......2005-11-17

My 2 year old LOVES this book! He knows exactly which pages contain his favorite songs as almost every page has pictures and he remembers the pictures (e.g. Twinkle Twinkle Little Star page has a circle of stars). I play the piano and so we have had countless hours of enjoyment sitting and the piano "playing" them together. A great buy whether you play or not!

This music teacher says "yes"!!!!!!.......2001-05-20

This collection is a mainstay of my collection of teaching materials. There are many classic tunes as well as some lesser known gems. The collection is organized into songs by category. Some of the tunes are different, but it is a great resource for lyrics alone. My children love this book as well!!!

Great for kids and I love it too!.......2000-10-27

I am a nanny for a young child under two, and we have a great time singing and playing songs on the piano. She bangs along on the keys while I play, and sometimes I stop playing and let her have at it, and she makes up her own songs and music to play. She is developing an ability to play specific and consecutive notes, which is pretty remarkable for a such a young child. Most of the arrangements are very good as noted by the other reviewer. The book is also very well illustrated, she takes as much delight in the drawings as in the music.

Reading Lyrics: More Than 1,000 of the Century's Finest Lyrics--a Celebration of Our Greatest Songwriters, a Rediscovery of Forgotten Masters, and an Appreciation of an

Average customer rating:

"Reading Lyrics" Lives up to its billing
This is so great, that I am ordering another copy
Lyrics, oh, the lyrics
It's Delovely!
... to 1975? Not quite.

Reading Lyrics: More Than 1,000 of the Century's Finest Lyrics--a Celebration of Our Greatest Songwriters, a Rediscovery of Forgotten Masters, and an Appreciation of an
Robert Gottlieb , and Robert Kimball
Manufacturer: Pantheon
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

The Lyric Book: Complete Lyrics for Over 1000 Songs from Tin Pan Alley to Today
500 Best-Loved Song Lyrics
Cole Porter: Selected Lyrics (American Poets Project)
The Poets of Tin Pan Alley: A History of America's Great Lyricists (Oxford Paperbacks)
Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II

ASIN: 0375400818
Release Date: 2000-11-21

Customer Reviews:

"Reading Lyrics" Lives up to its billing.......2007-05-15

Excellent collection of non-rock pop music from 1900 to 1975, after which the authors say the kind of music they have collected has pretty well disappeared. They feature a short bio of each writer or team of writers,interesting, but nothing you couldn't find with a quick internet search.

They do not include country, rock, folk or "world" lyrics--strictly pop Americana, heavy on musicals, show tunes, cabaret and torch songs, songs that went with the big-band swing era, etc.

It can be a little hard to find songs in the book--they are arranged in roughly chronological order by author--and the index contains first lines, but no "trademark" phrases that might help you track down a song whenyou have a fragment of a lyric caroming about in your head.

It gives the lyric that we usually remember, but also includes the short preludes that these songs usually featured. "Stardust," for example, starts out with "And now the purple dusk of twilight time. . .etc." that precedes "Sometimes I wonder. . . etc."

fun to read,just to get a fix on the various eras of American musical pop culture. Occasionally it makes you wish that more of our current lyricists had the skills that the Cole Porters and Yip Harburgs posessed.

This is so great, that I am ordering another copy.......2007-03-11

I bought this as a gift for a friend who enjoys knowing all the lyrics of songs. In this book, he discovered some intros and verses he hadn't known.
He has enjoyed the book so much that I am going to buy one for myself.

Lyrics, oh, the lyrics.......2007-02-16

It is usual that books cover the music side of those classic songs. This one, instead, focus on the lyricists, that's the way it is organized. Chronologically, but in the writers order. A thousand songs! It covers almost the whole 20th century but,of course, mainly the 30s and 40s, the classical years for American Popular Songs. It is beautiful to follow those wonderful verses - keeping in mind always the melodies that come behind. What a powerful combination.
One more thing: if you, like me, loves books as much as music, this one has a particularity: it smells divine! try it!

It's Delovely!.......2006-11-10

Highbrow collection of the best lyrics. Creme de la creme! My 3rd copy.

... to 1975? Not quite. .......2005-11-03

This is an excellent compilation, as every other reviewer has said (and with more eloquence than I can muster). Yet, I came to the book, apparently, with an entirely different set of expectations--reading this book, you'd think the 50s and 60s and even early 70s didn't happen. Bob Dylan, not included. The Doors, not included. Joni Mitchell, not included. Marvin Gaye, Paul Simon, Bob Marley ... The Beatles?? Not included. And I'm only scratching the surface. The list of omissions begins here and goes on and on--if, that is, you think these musicians are great lyricists/songwriters (and I do). Admittedly: this should come as little surprise. The introduction states that in the process of editing, "A more painful decision was to limit the field to the song as we know it from shows, movies, and pre-rock pop. Partly this was a matter of logistics: No single volume could stretch to include folk, country, blues, and rock. And though a collection of lyrics that excludes, say, Bob Dylan or Hank Williams is obviously one that is far from complete, their stories are not the stories we can tell here (or are equipped to tell)." Fair enough. But, given the room these editors give to some more obscure songs and songwriters, it's clear that a single volume could successfully stretch to include other genres. That single volume would be outsized, but it would be invaluable.

Wedding and Love Fake Book: C Edition (Fake Books)

Average customer rating:

Good Collection
A Gotta Have

Wedding and Love Fake Book: C Edition (Fake Books)

Manufacturer: Hal Leonard Corporation
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Plastic Comb

Songbooks | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

General | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

General | Weddings | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
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The Ultimate Christmas Fake Book: for Piano, Vocal, Guitar, Electronic Keyboard and All "C" Instruments (Fake Books)
The Ultimate Pop/Rock Fake Book: C Edition (Fake Books)
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RandB Fake Book: 375 Rhythm and Blues Songs (Fake Books)
The Ultimate Country Fake Book: C Instruments (Fake Books)

ASIN: 0793514096

Product Description

The best wedding fake book just got better! The third edition includes a bonus section of 28 new songs, for a total of more than 400 secular and sacred classics! Songs include: All I Ask of You Always Ave Maria Beauty and the Beast Canon in D Cheek to Cheek The Gift Here and Now I Believe in You and Me I Say a Little Prayer I Swear I Will Remember You I'll Be There If If You Say My Eyes Are Beautiful The Irish Wedding Song Just the Way You Are Longer Love of a Lifetime Love Remains Misty My Funny Valentine My Heart Will Go On Ode to Joy Ribbon in the Sky Somewhere in Time Spanish Eyes Speak Softly, Love Till There Was You To Love You More Unchained Melody Unforgettable Valentine A Whole New World With This Ring Years from Now You Needed Me You Were Meant for Me Your Song more! Essential for every professional musician!

Customer Reviews:

Good Collection.......2006-11-10

A solidly huge collection of favorite love songs, from church music to contemporary pop. Although some arrangements may slightly differ from the original songs, it has proved useful on a number of occasions for weddings, parties and personal repertoire expansion. Highly recommended for jazz and pop musicians who often play for crowds and special events, and are asked requests frequently.

A Gotta Have.......2001-04-12

This is the book for musicians that do a lot of wedding gigs. The title speaks for itself, but take it from me... You'll never go astray at a wedding gig again. It's great for any gig requiring love songs, but ideal for weddings and receptions. A must have.

The Songwriting Sourcebook: How to Turn Chords Into Great Songs

Average customer rating:

my chord refernce book
Awesome Tool
Just what I was looking for
A Real Winner
Excellent

The Songwriting Sourcebook: How to Turn Chords Into Great Songs
Rikky Rooksby
Manufacturer: Backbeat Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

How to Write Songs on Guitar: A Guitar-Playing and Songwriting Course
Melody: How to Write Great Tunes
Melody in Songwriting: Tools and Techniques for Writing Hit Songs (Berklee Guide)
Chord Master: How to Choose and Play the Right Guitar Chords
How to Write Songs on Keyboards: A Complete Course to Help You Write Better Songs

ASIN: 0879307498

Book Description

Complementing Rikky Rooksby's bestselling How to Write Songs on Guitar (00330574), this easy-to-use reference book will teach you how to write better songs. It analyzes important issues including writing harmonies, melodies and lyrics, and how to improve your songs by redrafting. The reference section includes sequences from a variety of diverse songs, outlining 20 songwriting moments, recommended listening for songwriters, and quotes about songwriting from professional songwriters. The enclosed CD features examples of chords, chord progressions and harmonies featured in the book, with a case history illustrating how to develop a song.

Customer Reviews:

my chord refernce book.......2007-05-19

man, this book has really really come in handy for me, expeically early chapter, good thing i have this. some of the think in here i have never seen or heard on the internet before, this book seems rare with its information.

Awesome Tool.......2007-01-12

Sparks my creative thoughts and brings me back to the love of writing music with passion.

Just what I was looking for.......2006-12-23

I was looking for a book that wasn't for complete noobs, but not for the person who knows the innermost workings of music theory. The quality of the pages (book in general), perfect organization, easy to understand terminology, great content, and usefulness of this book make it perfect. I ordered 6 books on the subject for amazon, and unfortunately only 1 of them (this one) was great. I will be ordering the rest of this guy's books because this one really was amazing.

A Real Winner.......2006-11-10

This is a great book to learn from. You can pick a chapter and start from there. It will help you with writers block, if you have it....

I would recommend this to my friends.

Excellent.......2006-03-13

Excellent source of material to take your songs up a notch. The author provides clear examples. The book is extremely well organized.

Average customer rating:

A notation and watch for this on television
An important collection
A valuable document on many levels

The Complete Lyrics of Lorenz Hart
Lorenzo Hart , Dorothy Hart , and Robert Kimball
Manufacturer: Knopf
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Performing Arts | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

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Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II
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ASIN: 0394546806
Release Date: 1986-11-12

Customer Reviews:

A notation and watch for this on television.......2001-05-12

The correct opening line of "My Romance" should be "My romance doesn't HAVE to have a moon in the sky" instead of "NEED to have a moon in the sky" as I incorrectly stated in my review here.

Also, in "Lady is a Tramp" I used the third person instead of the original first person usage to demonstrate the lyrics. The original "Lady is a Tramp" is written as "I get too hungry for dinner at eight. I like the theater but never come late....etc." I used the third person because it is the more familiar version.

AND AS A TESTAMENT to the timelessness of Rodgers and Hart's songs, listen to the current Ralph Lauren "Romance" perfume commercial. It features James Taylor and Carly Simon singing the opening and closing lines of "My Romance". It's a beautiful, heartfelt song nicely rendered by Taylor and Simon.

An important collection.......2001-05-09

Lorenz Hart is one of the finest lyricists in the history of American musical theater. He is largely responsible for elevating the process of writing lyrics into an art form. Before Hart, lyrics were usually trite and predictable with simplistic rhymes such as "I am blue, and so are you."

Hart wrote lyrics that are cerebral and sophisticated. His compositions are infused with wit and wisdom. He used complex rhymes. An example from "My Funny Valentine": "Your looks are laughable, unphotographable. Yet you're my favorite work of art. Is your figure less than Greek? Is your mouth a little weak? When you open it to speak, are you smart?"

Another example from "Bewitched": "I'm wild again, beguiled again, a whimpering simpering child again...." And yet another example from "Lady is a Tramp": "She gets too hungry for dinner at eight. She likes the theater but never comes late. She never bothers with people she hates. That's why the lady is a tramp."

Hart could be wistful and romantic as in "My Romance": "My romance doesn't need to have a moon in the sky. My romance doesn't need a blue lagoon standing by. No month of May. No twinkling star. No hideaway. No soft guitar."

Hart's lyrics are consistently observant and very often ingenious. They are the perfect match for the variety and intricacy of Richard Rodgers' superb music.

When you read through this collection of Hart's compositions, you will realize why this diminutive, gifted and endearing artist is a true giant of the musical theater.

A valuable document on many levels.......1999-10-10

Very few collections of lyrics are worth reading as literature. First there was W.S. Gilbert, who showed the way that intelligent lyrics need not be anathema to a light-hearted musical; and whose lyrics can stand as independent poems. Afterwards we had P.G. Wodehouse, Cole Porter, Noel Coward, Ira Gershwin--and the best of 'em all, Lorenz Hart.

Not only is what he says witty but how he says it is even wittier. There is no room here to give examples of his incredible rhymes. But turn to the single example of "To Keep My Love Alive" which might be the very last set of lyrics he wrote before a lifetime of alcohol finally took its toll; and then compare it with any Gilbert's "list" songs to see the genius of this artist.

On an other level, any student of psychology will pounce upon the self-lacerating images conjured up in his "love" songs. Because of his own physical problems, we have "My Funny Valentine" in which the love object is "less than Greek" with a chin that's a little weak. And being in love is little more than "broken dates" and "flying plates."

His out and out parodies rival Cole Porter's, as witness "Way Out West on West End Avenue" with its kitchen range and so on. And all this is helped by his "signature" trick of breaking up words in the middle to get rhymes like "Summer journeys to Niagra/ And to other places aggra-/ Vate, all our cares."

On the level of Broadway musical history, the value of this collection speaks for itself, especially with the fine photographs and annotations about every show and then every song within the show. A scholarly masterpiece.

So how come you don't have a copy?

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