No comments about Hot Burritos: The True Story of The Flying Burrito Brothers.

No comments about It Still Moves: Lost Songs, Lost Highways, and the Search for the Next American Music.

4 comments about Ben Folds - Songs for Silverman (Pvg).

1. After the disappointing transcriptions for Rocking the Suburbs, with vocal lines written into the piano score, this Ben Folds edition is exactly what I was hoping for. Although it would be nice to have the other instruments represented here, as in the Ben Folds Five transcriptions, the piano part is here in it's entirety, including all of Ben's piano solos with LH comping voicings. Even the irritating, endless repeats and Codas are missing as the songs read straight though without having to turn back several pages at a time.
   
   It's nice to see a publisher like Hal Leonard listen to the fans and give them one they want. This book comes highly recommended.



2. This is a very well done book, especially considering the price here on Amazon. It's much better than the RTS transcription in that it's not plagued with the repeats that have you turning pages more than playing music. My only complaint is that it's piano only. I would have gladly paid more for a book like the old BFF books that contained the drums and bass transcriptions as well. Still, this is a must have for any Ben Folds wannabe.



3. This is a good book, with all the songs being very thorough, and long. It's just hard not being able to play the 'main' line, as well as the 'main' background notes, like the ones you hear in the songs. You'll need 3 hands if you want to play the song in its entirety. Still a good book, with all the songs being at least 5 pages long.



4. Ordered this item for a gift...it was just what I was looking for. Thank
   you for quick service.

4 comments about Spider on the Floor (Raffi Songs to Read).

1. I used this book with my preschool class. I brought in a toy spider to go along with it. I sang the song as I read it with the children in a circle. Then I put the spider on the children and the part of the body the spider was on. This was a fun book to do.



2. My 2 year old adores this book- great pictures and fun silly song to read and sing aloud.



3. My 16 month old daughter loves this book! This was one of the first books she was interested in and has yet to tire of it. As she develops, she is interested in different aspects of it such as facial expressions and animals. In fact, I am replacing her copy because it has been taped together too many times to repair again.



4. My sister is a principal and highly recommeded this book for my grandchildren. THey love to read and sing so what better gift than to have it all wrapped into one.

5 comments about Heavy Metal Islam: Rock, Resistance, and the Struggle for the Soul of Islam.

1. You don't have to be a fan of heavy metal music to find interest in this book, I know its certainly not my scene. What I like about this book is that Mark Levine isn't relying on interviews alone to tell the stories of how musician's struggle in countries that try to censor them, he puts himself in the middle of it. He spends time with these musicians, he performs with them and he sees the heart and the pain behind the music these artists are creating. The book also goes into the internal conflict some of these musicians face in weighing out religion vs music and how they balance the two.
   
   I would recommend this book to anyone interested in learning about some of the things western and eastern cultures have in common and the differences related to that commonality.



2. American and Western rockers like to pretend they're revolutionaries who are sticking it to the man and changing the world. But in Muslim nations, metalheads and rappers fight the sting of real political, cultural, religious, and military harassment. LeVine is both a working musician and an academic expert who has travelled extensively through the Middle East and North Africa, and he delivers a fun and readbale odyssey through several poorly understood nations, highlighting groundbreaking artists and the political/cultural developments that inspire, and are inspired by, the metal and rap underground. In addition to showcasing a great many intriguing artists who are using the power of forbidden music to comment on the struggles faced by their peoples, LeVine also illustrates the great diversity of Middle Eastern societies, presenting complex and varied cultures that are a far cry from the simplistic religious militancy displayed in the Western press since 9/11.
   
   Underground musicians of the region really are sticking it to the man (that is, the religious and/or military big brothers of their countries) and have had a real impact on social movements and cultural awakenings. While you'll need some tolerance for LeVine's lapses into turgid professor-ese (like an ongoing anemic application of public sphere theory and occasional lapses into big pseudo-thoughts like "the complex politics of cultural production"), he more than makes up for it with stirring descriptions of the sounds created by esoteric musicians and the worldviews of the region's progressives and nonconformists. LeVine also presents a plausible (though probably monochromatic) young person's view of the state of the Muslim world and its sociological near-futures, mostly dispensing with unrealistic idealism.
   
   In addition to being a plausible political/cultural study and an even better work of globe-trotting musicology, this book ultimately brings well-deserved attention to musicians who have literally risked their lives or livelihoods to be heard. Count on me to pick up the forthcoming CD from LeVine's growing Heavy Metal Islam artist development project. [~doomsdayer520~]



3. This is a grad student's wet dream--a combination of half-understood Interwar social theory, and "cool" manifestations of counter-culture in the Muslim world. In reality, it all has precious little to do with Islam--it's almost exclusively the work of an educated westernized wealthy elite. LeVine is either dishonest or very very foolish. I'm guessing both.



4. This is apretty good example of what's wrong with academic studies of the Islamic world. LeVine is so impressed with his own theory (which is, in brief, "wouldn't it be, like, totally cool if music, like, liberated the people, man?!?) that he fails to see how utterly irrelevant this music is in the Islamic world. Pretty poorly written too--which is, in any event, standard for these sorts of polemics. A silly book.



5. While the concept of the book, namely the rarely discussed role of musical counterculture in the middle East, certainly has potential, its execution is a disaster. Mark LeVine's writing has all of the excitement of an academic dissertation, with none of the depth or research behind it. He clearly knows little or nothing about heavy metal, and also clearly did little or no immersion into the music to learn about it. (The editor also did no fact checking--can't "high brow" books about a "low brow" topic at least have someone acquainted with the topic read it at some point prior to publication?)
   
   Just about every mention about the actual music or bands involved is riddled with errors that a simple Google search would have corrected. Just a few: mentioning a Rage Against the Machine song as being called "F*** you, I won't do what you tell me", describing a poster of the "band" "Cowboys From Hell," and worst of all, discussing Iron Maiden's famous mascot, "Freddy". Come on, people--that is just sloppy!
   
   Despite all of that, the biggest problem remains that LeVine is such an undistinguished writer that "Heavy Metal Islam" is a stultifyingly boring read. I couldn't help but imagine what the book would have been like by a compelling author (such as David Hadju, whose recent "Ten Cent Plague" makes the world of 1950's anti-comic book hysteria pop with life) who could have drawn out the passion and frustration in these people's stories. While it suffers from some of the same repetition as this book, the documentary "Heavy Metal in Baghdad" is a much more evocative depiction of the role of heavy metal in the lives of a group of young Iraqis struggling to fulfill their musical ambitions, while trying simply to survive.

5 comments about It's No Secret: From Nas to Jay-Z, from Seduction to Scandal--a Hip-Hop Helen of Troy Tells All.

1. I bought this book because I was tired & bored of reading "serious" literature. It took 6 months for me to finally pick it up and read it and all I can tell you is that it's a waste of time. If you have graduated from high school or have even obtained a GED - don't read it. Its an insult even to a mentally challenged persons intelligence. This chick is nothing but a bird. Three quarters of the book made me angry at her. One that she is a woman and two she is black. She is no Helen of Troy - she's not even a Flavor of Love chick.



2. I did not get a good impression of this young woman and wondered what those two high profile hip hop stars saw in her. She thinks nothing of her promiscuity, and seems to enjoy describing her sexcapades with all these different men. And anybody who allows her apartment to be turned into a crack lab can't be too bright, especially the glib, matter-of-fact way she describes this in her book. She makes the same mistakes over and over again, which becomes really annoying, but then again, this woman is not the sharpest pencil in the box.
   
   The only reason she was able to get published is because of her affiliation with two high-profile hip hop stars. I feel sorry for her daughter Destiny, because this woman is not a good role model for her little girl.



3. If I could this book would have recieved 1/2 a star that is only because there were some interesting photos in the middle of the book, otherwise this was a poor excuse for a tell all. First of all, I don't believe much of what was written should have been written, is Carmen completely unaware of the fact that her daughter will have to live with this for the rest of her life. What child do you know wants their mother's sexual escapades splashed in a book for the world to read. Secondly so many of her words toward the end of the book tended to be cheap shots at the women who won the hearts of the men who just used her. It seemed like alot of sour grapes. I mean does anyone really believe that she kept Jay Z at arms length? All in all, this was a pathetic attempt.



4. After reading Carman Bryan's book, I honestly saw that this woman did nothing but spend her time being promiscuous with anyone that seemed to be in the business while Destiny ,her and Nas'daughter, was constantly being watched by Sha Sha, Nas' mother, and anyone else that would agree. It saddens me that this woman, who had at least 4 abortions in this book, felt the need to drag everyone's character through the mud.She constantly blamed her behavior on something that Nas' father said about not committing because they were not married. Besides having a hard time sympathizing with Bryan, I had a hard time sorting out the friends that she kept throwing into the book. It seems like she talked more about her travels and her random friends then how she had attempted to better her daughter's life. Her mother, whom she calls Sha Sha, was the only rational person in this immature woman's life. I believe that she should have let Sha Sha raise her daughter to give the girl a normal life. This woman moved all over the place without the regard of her young daughter.
   I can go on and on about how bad this book was, but I just want to say that if you are going to be promiscuous, own up to it! Stop blaming others, ladies. If you have a child, raise him/her. Stop chasing these good for nothings; you have someone else to think for/about besides your shallow self. If you are constantly being burned by a man (she claimed Nas beat her, went through her things, lied to her, cheated on her,on and on and on) then LEAVE. Stop using him as a crutch, so you can act a damn fool. Get a job! Stop waiting on your monthly check! Lastly, stop writing these tell-all books about full of lies to make yourself feel better.
   
   Next time, I will stick to Eric Jerome Dickey when I want a little African American Literature.
   
   Don't waste you time on this one!



5. I feel sorry for theses women's children (Carmen & SuperHead). Why are they putting their kids names & pictures out here for everyone to see. It's not a good look. I maen I didn't really beleive 50% of this story. I don't beleive that she had a realtionship with SC for 5 years and they never went out or took pictures. She just sounds like an idiot. I mean the book kept me reading because I thought it would get better I guess, but I was very disappointed.

5 comments about Tunesmith: Inside the Art of Songwriting.

1. This book is jam packed full of practical information. I find something literally on every page. It is also inspirational. It helps to define and unlock ideas that are floating around in my head. It is one of the best music books I have ever read. I am in the process of reading it for the second time.



2. "Tunesmith" is a brilliant, insightful book if you're interested in the structures and methods behind the craft of popular songmaking. Its prose style is very warm, witty and laid back. I can see some people having problems with part of the anecdotical content: I cannot agree, and while one's engagement in such content might be strictly dictated by his/her own generational background, I can't see such content as detrimental in the least in the context of what the book sets itself out to achieve. I am waiting on a further edition of "Tunesmith" with a chapter on basic arranging.



3. One of the reviews cited on the back cover calls the book a master class in songwriting. It is. But it is not for the musically illiterate--gotta know them little dots on the staff before you crack this book.
   
   Webb goes deep into the structures and grammar of musical creation, phrasing, cadence, theme, motif, etc. etc. And his discussion of the blending of lyrics and music is profound and fascinating. But light reading, it ain't. If you are a play-by-ear musician who often says "I don't read enough music to hurt my playing," accompanied by self-deprecating aw-shucks grin, don't even think about buying this book.



4. I have been a professional songwriter and producer for many years, but this book gave me so much inspiration it made it all feel fresh and new again. Of course Jimmy Webb's track record as a successful songwriter gives him plenty of credibility as an authority, but that is no guarantee he can write a book. Well, he certainly can! It is very well written, entertaining, informative, and gives us a real insight into his processes and motivations, as well as useful tidbits on how others who practice our craft work their magic. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in any way in the creative processes as they may apply to any creative endeavor.



5. I picked up this book on a recomendation. And it was well worth it! Very well done! A good look into the life and talent of a songwriter!
   
   Rich

5 comments about A Personal Stand: Observations and Opinions from a Freethinking Roughneck.

1. I stumbled across this book while looking for Trace's music. I had no idea he had written a book. Based on the summary and excerpts on the main Amazon page, I was intrigued enough that I had to read it. I was pleasantly surprised! No one likes to be underestimated, but I'm sure Trace is always hearing people say that they're surprised at how well-spoken and smart he is. He's a self-proclaimed history buff and he seems to really keep up on current affairs, too.
   Though Trace is a conservative and I'm pretty liberal, I still respect the opinions he expresses because they seem to be well researched. He's wise enough to know that his party, the Republican party, has serious issues. The subject of the war in Iraq comes up frequently throughout the book, and Trace has strong opinions about what has been done wrong in the way we've handled it so far.
   Though the book doesn't really claim to be an autobiography, rather a collection of Trace's observations and opinions, I really liked the little stories about his life. Those were my favorite part. If you love Trace's music and want to learn how his music career progressed, that is covered in here, too. And if you're like me, you won't even mind if his opinions and yours don't always gel.



2. This book was excellent. I couldn't put it down. His ideas are exactly what I've been thinking and wish the Presidential Candidates would talk about. Trace proves that country people AREN'T ignorant and that hard work pays off in the end. This book is refreshing since the media and the Candidates avoid the truth of our nation.
   
   Trace is a true man. Works hard for his family, stands by his beliefs (even when they aren't popular), and has values that make America BETTER. This book gives us an excellent glimpse into the music business. Plus, it is an inspiration for those who work hard despite the challenges and ups and downs of life.
   
   He has some good ideas and points in the book. A guy who actually tells the truth and stands by his beliefs, that is the kind of President we need. Americans should be demanding this but we aren't. We just believe what the Candidates say instead of questioning them when they keep flip-flopping on the issues. Trace will you run for President?
   
   Plus, his focus is his family. Who can argue with that!! I would recommend this book to anyone, even if you don't agree with all of his political views.



3. A very well written book by a down to earth country boy made good. He cut no corners and did not wash over his faults. We would have a much better democratically elected republic if more people thought about life the way this man does.



4. Loved reading this book! He is a unique person - not afraid to say anything. I'm sharing this book with many friends who all have enjoyed it as well. He is a fascinating person - wish he had email so I could write him a note.....He says what he thinks and lives it as well. Good read. Way to go Trace!



5. I'm so glad I bought this book! It's a great insight on the music business and personal observations.

5 comments about I Hope You Dance.

1. Leeann Womack does a fantastic job at describing how the song came about and how to apply it to every day life.



2. I felt so connected to this and cried , I gave it to my daughter , who had just found out she had cancer . goldenyrs43



3. This book is very inspirational and can be used a a motivator for young people embarking on their life journey. The accompanying cd is excellent as well.



4. Being a lover of this song and of gift books, I naturally couldn't resist ordering this book the minute I saw it in a store. The lyrics of Leann Womack's classic song is featured throughout the book, along with inspirational messages and beautiful photography from those who put the book together.
   
   I did dock a star because the messages in the book that accompanied the song occasionally came off as a little too..mushy. I'm really not that harsh a critic, not of books like these, but the beautiful words of inspiration were, a couple of times, replaced by words that were definetly too syrupy for my taste. I prefer truly moving messages and stories to speak for themselves, but it occassionally seemed like the authors wanted to hammer the point home, overdo the sentimentality, and even make their message serious and cheerfully bouncy at the exact same time (trust me, that doesn't work.) For ex: throughout the book, the lyrics of the song are printed in large bold letters in order to differentiate them from the authors' separate words of inspiration. Usually, the pages featuring the lyrics had no other words on them, but at one point, right above the words of Womack's moving song, the authors' placed a bulletin that said, "Attention! This is BIG stuff!" Considering the fact that Leann's song more than speaks for itself and doesn't need any extra emotional boosting, I found those additional words annoying and almost jarring to the flow of the song and its message.
   
   Elsewhere in the book, as I mentioned before, the sentimentality goes into overdrive. One page is dedicated entirely to love and begins with the words, "Love, love, love. You have to love." Again, I got that idea the first time. It's nice to compliment the song with additional words of motivation, but we don't need an interpretive page with every selection of the song. In another part of the book, while speaking of youth, the narrator says, "Ah, youth..new skin, wide smiles, clear eyes..the future so bright. If only we could bottle it up, sip it now and again.." This sounded more to me like a bad commercial for a fountain of youth than a motivational speech. I don't mean to sound cynical, I usually love gift books, but the tone in this one was sometimes just too sweet for my taste.
   
   I also didn't particularly care for the version of the song in the bonus CD. There's a mainstream version with soft rock music and female voices in the background (which I prefer) and there's a country version with male voices in the background and the occassional awful twangy instruments; this one's the latter. If you like country music, good for you, but I don't like the country version of this song.
   
   There are plenty of good points of this book to make up for the disappointments, of course. The song is wonderful, whether you hear it or read it, and some of the separate words in the book were lovely to read. My favorite part of the book's text, other than the song, was a beautiful little haiku that the authors wrote called "You", celebrating every individual. The photographs are also gorgeous, from grinning children to nature scenery. A beautiful package, altogether.
   
   Now, if they'd only make a gift book celebrating the beautiful song "Private Malone"..



5. This book is a great gift, especially to those enterring new exciting chapters in their lives. It could as a result of death, illness, or just starting a new chapter. Life is hard but enjoy gain strengh from that around you.

5 comments about Cash: The Autobiography.

1. I really liked the book and I am glad I bought it but it wasn't as in depth as I was hoping it would be. Some of the names he drops would have been easier to follow if he had used last names and the book assumes you have kept up with his history and his career but what it does do is makes me want to purchase "Man in Black" just that much more.



2. This is a very readable book. The writing is simple, yet interesting. It reads just like Johnny Cash is having a conversation with the reader. Thumbs up.



3. This book was good. I can't say it any simpler. I enjoyed reading it and feel a little closer to the man whose music I admire.



4. What really makes this better than most autobiographies is that Johnny Cash is a good story teller, and avoids the temptation to tell his life story strictly in a linear fashion from his upbringing to the present. Instead, he presents his life story as a set of stories during a tour, as if we are on the tour bus with him going to place to place. And it hits the right note since he's spent so much of his life on the road. And the moments he talks about his various homes have a certain intimacy, since we realize home for a person like Johnny Cash has probably been pretty fleeting. Subtly powerful stuff, just like his music.
   
   Cash comes across as a pretty worldly figure, despite being heavily grounded by his country roots. We get pretty frank and open discussions about his failures and battles with addiction. As someone pretty non-religious, I found his discussions about Christianity and what it means to him and his family completely open and approachable, and it never comes across as preachy or patronizing. Yes, the endless talk about his various grandkids and non-stop effusive praise of the exhaustive list of people he's performed with started getting a little old, but I can forgive that. Very enjoyable read. 4 1/2 stars out of 5, so I'll round it up to 5.
   
   Note: As someone who would listen to Cash read aloud the phone book underwater to the sounds of fingernails across a chalk board, you might say I'm a little biased.



5. I loved how much heart Johnny Cash put into this book. Every detail, every aspect of his life are told with huge honesty and intensity, showing his affection to everyone who's been close to him during the years. if you love this legend, you'll be delighted by this book.