With new books about everyone from Arlo to Zevon — not to mention Babs’ memoirs, a trio of titles about The Beatles and Macca, art and photo tomes of Bowie and Gorillaz, Jack White’s lyrics, a track-by-track trip through Metallica’s career and more — you’ve got a busy week ahead. Get busy reading or get busy dying:
World Within A Song: Music That Changed My Life And Life That Changed My Music
By Jeff Tweedy
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “What makes us fall in love with a song? What makes us want to write our own songs? Do songs help? Do songs help us live better lives? And do the lives we live help us write better songs? After two New York Times bestsellers that cemented and expanded his legacy as one of America’s best-loved performers and songwriters, Let’s Go (So We Can Get Back) and How to Write One Song, Jeff Tweedy is back with another disarming, beautiful, and inspirational book about why we listen to music, why we love songs, and how music can connect us to each other and to ourselves. Featuring 50 songs that have both changed Jeff’s life and influenced his music — including songs by The Replacements, Mavis Staples, The Velvet Underground, Joni Mitchell, Otis Redding, Dolly Parton and Billie Eilish — as well as Jeff’s “Rememories,” dream-like short pieces that related key moments from Jeff’s life, this book is a mix of the musical, the emotional, and the inspirational in the best possible way.”
My Name Is Barbra
By Barbra Streisand
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Barbra Streisand is by any account a living legend, a woman who in a career spanning six decades has excelled in every area of entertainment. She is among the handful of EGOT winners (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony) and has one of the greatest and most recognizable voices in the history of popular music. She has been nominated for 46 Grammys, and with Yentl she became the first woman to write, produce, direct, and star in a major motion picture. In My Name Is Barbra, she tells her own story about her life and extraordinary career, from growing up in Brooklyn to her first star-making appearances in New York nightclubs to her breakout performance in Funny Girl on stage and winning the Oscar for that performance on film. Then came a long string of successes in every medium in the years that followed. The book is, like Barbra herself, frank, funny, opinionated, and charming. She recounts her early struggles to become an actress, eventually turning to singing to earn a living; the recording of some of her acclaimed albums; the years of effort involved in making Yentl; her direction of The Prince of Tides; her friendships with figures ranging from Marlon Brando to Madeleine Albright; her political advocacy; and the fulfillment she’s found in her marriage to James Brolin. No entertainer’s memoir has been more anticipated, and this engrossing and delightful book will be eagerly welcomed by her millions of fans.”
Another Day: Paul McCartney – Life Beyond The Beatles
By Pete Chrisp
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “After the breakup of The Beatles in 1971, Paul McCartney formed Wings with his wife Linda on keyboards, ex-Moody Blues guitarist Denny Laine, and American session drummer Denny Seiwell. For 10 dramatic and turbulent years, the band weathered the critics, endured drug busts, survived a harrowing recording session in Nigeria, changed drummers constantly, and produced a great deal of remarkable music. One of the most successful bands of the ’70s — this post-Beatles years book tells the stories behind the No. 1 hits Listen To What the Man Said, My Love, Band On The Run, Jet, With A Little Luck and Coming Up. Pete Chrisp reveals the band’s inner dynamics and Paul’s determination to pursue a new sound, the criticisms Linda initially got from fans and bandmates, and the character conflicts that kept the lineup changing. With a feature on Wings guitarist Henry McCullough, the book features a complete discography, a list of singles and albums also includes a treasure chest of Wings promotional material — album covers, posters, ads, and photos of the band on tour.”
The Beatles: The Biography
By United Library
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “The Beatles is a captivating journey through the life and career of the iconic English rock band that reshaped the landscape of popular music and left an indelible mark on global culture. John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr are hailed as the most influential band of all time. From their humble beginnings in Liverpool in 1960 to their meteoric rise to international stardom, this book chronicles the band’s evolution, musical innovation, and cultural impact. Rooted in skiffle and 1950s rock ‘n’ roll, The Beatles blended classical music, traditional pop, folk, Indian influences, psychedelia, and hard rock into a groundbreaking sound that revolutionized the music industry. Led by the songwriting genius of Lennon and McCartney, The Beatles’ journey from the local club scene to conquering the world stage is a testament to their extraordinary talent and perseverance. This book is a tribute to the band that redefined music, received countless awards, and forever altered the course of popular culture. It is a must-read for fans, music enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the story of a phenomenon that continues to resonate across generations.”
White Knuckles: The Life of Gary Moore
By Martin Power
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Irish guitarist and singer-songwriter Gary Moore, perhaps best known for his involvement in Thin Lizzy, also enjoyed a successful solo career before his untimely passing in 2011. Based on interviews with those who knew him and worked with him, White Knuckles: The Life of Gary Moore comprehensively explores his colourful story, for the very first time.”
Rising Son: The Life and Music of Arlo Guthrie
By Hank Reineke & Arlo Guthrie
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “One of America’s most beloved folk singers, Arlo Guthrie was at the pinnacle of his fame in the late 1960s and early 1970s with his best-selling album Alice’s Restaurant and his iconic appearance at Woodstock. Yet Guthrie’s career as a musician, humorist, and storyteller extends far beyond his years in the celebrity spotlight. Rising Son: The Life and Music of Arlo Guthrie, written by award-winning author Hank Reineke, recounts the veteran musician’s second act, from the early 1980s to the present. Featuring extensive reflections and commentary from Guthrie himself, this book is the only authorized biography of the renowned folk singer. As a modern-day troubadour drawn to experimentation, Guthrie has also carried forward the traditions inherited from his legendary father, Woody Guthrie. Rising Son examines Arlo’s role in preserving Woody’s legacy of social protest and examines his collaborations with his father’s friend Pete Seeger. Guthrie speaks frankly about record company blues and music industry tangles, offering lively accounts of the people he met and the places he performed. “What I’ve tried to do,” Guthrie has reflected, “is to use live music to change people’s lives.” This definitive biography invites new appreciation for Arlo Guthrie’s remarkable career as a musician, storyteller, and humanitarian activist.”
The Beatles: A Little Golden Book Biography
By Judy Katschke & Maike Plenzke
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Help your little one dream big with a Little Golden Book biography about one of the greatest bands of all time — The Beatles. Little Golden Book biographies are the perfect introduction to nonfiction for young readers — as well as fans of all ages! This book about The Beatles — four friends from Liverpool who became the best-selling music act of all time — is an inspiring read-aloud for young children, as well as their parents and grandparents who are fans of the Fab Four. Experience Beatlemania all over again when reading about the band — from their humble beginnings to their unforgettable arrival in the U.S.”
Dirty Stones: Mick, Keith and the Sexy Seventies
By Bob Batchelor
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “No band exuded the glamor, decadence, or downright dirtiness of the ’70s like The Rolling Stones. From gilded castles in the English countryside to the sun-soaked beaches of Jamaica and the glittery coast of the French Riviera, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards set off on a rebellious, nonstop party, jet-setting across the globe — often just one step ahead of the law — in search of the next wild groove. In Dirty Stones, cultural historian Bob Batchelor dives deep into the tumultuous era that began with the classic album Let It Bleed and ended with Tattoo You. He offers an intimate look at the band during one of their most creative periods. Led by the flamboyant, swaggering Jagger, the Stones cemented their place at the top of the music world — the biggest and most enduring band in rock history. Their music and style influenced countless artists and helped shape the sound of popular music during the 1970s and beyond. Whether you’ve ever belted out Beast of Burden or worn a T-shirt with the iconic lips logo, Dirty Stones will transport you back in time to the pulsing beats, flashing lights, sold-out tours, and the deafening roar of guitar licks filling the night sky. Find out how Mick and Keith climbed Mount Olympus in an age of music and mythmaking, ultimately transcending pop culture to become the world’s greatest rock gods!”
All The Years Combine: The Grateful Dead in Fifty Shows
By Ray Robertson
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Like life, it can be alternately compelling and lackluster; familiar and foreign; occasionally sublime and sometimes insipid. Although The Grateful Dead stopped the day Jerry Garcia’s heart did, what the band left behind is the next best thing to being there in the third row, courtesy of the group’s unorthodox decision to record all of their concerts. Meaning that it’s possible to follow the band’s evolution (and devolution) through their shows, from the R&B-based garage band at the beginning, to the jazz-rock conjurers at their creative peak, to the lumbering monolith of their decline. In All The Years Combine: The Grateful Dead in Fifty Shows, Ray Robertson listens to and writes ecstatically about 50 of the band’s most important and memorable concerts in order to better understand who The Grateful Dead were, what they became, and what they meant — and what they continue to mean.”
Metallica: All the Songs – The Story Behind Every Track
By Benoît Clerc
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “The latest book in the bestselling All The Songs series, this is the most in-depth exploration of Metallica’s songs ever written. From their widely circulated demo No Life ’til Leather, all the way to their 10th studio album Hardwired… to Self-Destruct, Metallica have earned the title of the biggest heavy metal band on the planet. Their albums, including the hugely influential Master of Puppets, are now considered classics of rock and metal, while singles such as Enter Sandman, Fade to Black and For Whom The Bell Tolls have stood the test of time. Follow the epic journey of the godfathers of thrash metal, song-by-song, and see how they became one of the biggest selling bands in the world. No stone is left unturned across more than 500 pages, illustrated with incredible photography throughout, from the inspiration behind the lyrics and melodies to the recording process and even the musicians and producers who worked on each track.”
The White Stripes: Complete Lyrics
By Jack White
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “The White Stripes Complete Lyrics is a deluxe new 300-plus page hardbound book documenting all of Jack White’s original words written for the six-time Grammy-winning duo he and Meg White formed in 1997 through the release of their final album in 2007. The first-time-ever lyric collection also features never-before-seen and rare rough drafts, alternate lyrics, and photographs, alongside exclusive essays by Hanif Abdurraqib, Ben Blackwell and Caroline Randall Williams.”
Old Town Road
By Chris Molanphy
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “In Old Town Road, Chris Molanphy considers Lil Nas X‘s debut single as pop artifact, chart phenomenon, and cultural watershed. Old Town Road was more than a massive hit, with the most weeks at No. 1 in Billboard Hot 100 history. It is also a prism through which to track the evolution of popular music consumption and the ways race influences how the music industry categorizes songs and artists. By both lionizing and satirizing genre tropes — it’s a country song built from an alternative rock sample, a hip-hop song in which nobody raps, a comical song that transcends novelty, and a queer anthem — Lil Nas X troubles the very idea of genre. Ultimately, Molanphy shows how Old Town Road channeled decades of Americana to point the way toward our cultural future.”
Warren Zevon and Philosophy
By John MacKinnon
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Since his death in 2003 at the age of 56, Warren Zevon’s following has grown, and seven books on Zevon have appeared in the last few years, with more in the works. The Zevon legend continues to attract attention both because of the outstanding quality of his best songs and because of the poignant trajectory of his life. According to the novelist Carl Hiaasen, Zevon “left behind a wildly intelligent and captivating body of music.” Zevon was an American rock ’n’ roll singer-songwriter, born in Chicago, though associated with the music scene in Los Angeles. His early albums, Warren Zevon (1976) and Excitable Boy (1978) attracted a loyal fan following and ecstatic praise from critics. As a special talent to watch, the teenage Zevon was introduced to several notable people, including even Igor Stravinsky. Zevon’s descent into alcoholism and other addictions, along with his debauchery and erratic behavior, took its toll and his performances suffered. In the last few years of his life, Zevon rehabilitated somewhat, and his work returned to an impressive level of quality. His remarkable final albums, Life’ll Kill Ya (2000), My Ride’s Here (2002), and The Wind (2003) have made a lasting impact. The last of these was given the Grammy for Best Contemporary Folk Album, while the song Disorder In The House, performed by Zevon with Bruce Springsteen, won Best Rock Vocal Performance.”
David Bowie: Mixing Memory & Desire
By Kevin Cummins
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “In the summer of 1973, a 19-year-old, Kevin Cummins, photographed David Bowie as Ziggy Stardust. Thus began a 40-year relationship of the celebrated photographer and the iconic singer. In David Bowie: Mixing Memory & Desire, world-renowned rock photographer, Cummins, selected some of his very best images, some never before seen, featuring the rock legend from early gigs to sold-out concerts. David Bowie: Mixing Memory & Desire includes some of the best images of Bowie ever taken, the majority of which have never been published until now. The photographs capture the amazing metamorphosis of Bowie through his various personas such as Ziggy Stardust, Aladdin Sane and The Thin White Duke. This collection illuminates the singer’s brilliance, creativity, and personality, capturing him in rare and intimate moments. David Bowie: Mixing Memory & Desire is a remarkable opportunity to see Bowie’s contribution to music, fashion, and culture, making it a keepsake for fans everywhere.”
Indie, Seen: The Indie Rock Photography of Piper Ferguson
By Piper Ferguson
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Indie, Seen is the timely journey through the alternative music scene via the lens of music photographer Piper Ferguson. Beginning her career in the late 1990s as a woman photographer in a once male-dominated field, Piper is known for telling dynamic and intimate stories from behind her lens. The results are beautiful, enthralling, and truly original photographs. Indie, Seen presents Piper’s most personal and exclusive works curated in one volume, from her first portrait sessions with artists like Joe Strummer and Richard Ashcroft, to festival performances, behind-the-scenes photoshoots, editorial portrait sessions, and wild nights out. Enjoy vibrant images of iconic indie rock performers, such as Interpol, The Strokes, Coldplay and Yeah Yeah Yeahs. With more than 200 images, Indie, Seen is a must-have for every rock and music history fan to indulge and explore the moments behind the music. She was there — now you can be, too.”
The Gorillaz Art Book
By Gorillaz & Jamie Hewlett
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “The Gorillaz Art Book is here! Featuring brand new artwork by Jamie Hewlett, who has invited more than 40 creators to offer new interpretations of 2D, Murdoc Niccals, Noodle and Russel Hobbs in one expansive volume of original artwork. Contributing artists include Ruff Mercy, Kim Jung Gi, Robert Smith, Kerbscrawler Ghost, Robert Valley, Craig McCracken and Tim McCourt & Max Taylor. Celebrating 20 years of Gorillaz, this latest Z2 partnership sees Hewlett expand the band’s collaborative vision to fellow visual artists in The Gorillaz Art Book, a stunning visual feast of 288 pages.”
Miles Davis And The Search For The Sound
By Dave Chisholm
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Miles Davis And The Search For The Sound is a synesthesia-inducing graphic novel that follows the many lives of music legend Miles Davis. With narration adapted from Davis’ own words and an innovative visual style that shifts to reflect Davis’ constant musical changes, this 150-page graphic novel follows Davis through four decades of musical innovation, all centered around his quest to find a mysterious sound he heard on a moonlit country road as a child. Meticulously researched and expertly crafted by writer/artist Dave Chisholm, Miles Davis And The Search For The Sound deftly explores the often volatile journey of Miles Davis and his world-renowned music.”
The Bee Gees: A Little Golden Book Biography
By Kari Allen & Leo Aquino
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Help your little one dream big with a Little Golden Book biography about The Bee Gees, the group that got the world dancing to their disco hits. Little Golden Book biographies are the perfect introduction to nonfiction for young readers — as well as fans of all ages! This Little Golden Book about The Bee Gees — the harmonizing brothers with hit songs including Stayin’ Alive and Night Fever — is an inspiring read-aloud for young children, as well as their parents and grandparents who are fans of Barry, Robin and Maurice Gibb.”
