New York, NY./London, UK. (Top 40 Charts/ Omnibus Press) - Omnibus Press, the leading publisher of pop and rock books has announced an amazing array of new titles this fall, including a new photo book on Bob Dylan, new biographies of Pete Townshend, U2, and Dolly Parton, and an extraordinary photo book from 'THE Rock and Roll Photographer' Jim Marshall, entitled 'TRUST'.
Few photographers had greater access to Bob Dylan than Barry Feinstein. Having taken the iconic photograph that appeared on Dylan's The Times They Are A-Changin' album in 1963, Feinstein was invited to Dylan's European tour of 1966 and US tour of 1974. The photographs from these sessions and concerts - many previously unseen - are included in this remarkable book, Real Moments: Photographs of Bob Dylan 1966-1974 (Oct., 2008, $34.95).
Who Are You: The Life of Pete Townshend (Oct., 2008, $24.95) is an accurate, detailed and fascinating account of the life of a man whose story should have been told in this much detail long ago. Author Mark Wilkerson interviewed Townshend himself and obtained some revealing contributions from members of his family and Who insiders for this captivating biography. Acclaimed as a compelling and readable account of the life of the man who wrote 'Hope I die before I get old', Mark Wilkerson's detailed account of the life of Pete Townshend is an instant classic rock biography. The book reminds us of the excitement Pete Townshend generated and brings his story right up to date with many fascinating stops on the way.
U2 is the biggest band in the world and U2: A Diary (Oct., 2008, $29.95) is the single most comprehensive resource that details all of the relevant day-to-day events that have shaped U2 into the group it is today. It provides the important stories behind the 'who, what, when and where', including insights about key moments in U2s development that have never been told before. Their story is revealed through an unprecedented timeline of facts and events, with interviews and quotes from those involved.
Smart Blonde: Dolly Parton (Oct., 2008, $22.95) is the first new and substantial biography of Dolly Parton for over 15 years. With interviews with family members, musicians, and producers who have worked with her over the years, this book is a detailed assessment of her music, as a songwriter and singer over the last forty years. Author Stephen Miller goes behind the larger-than-life image to find out what really makes Dolly Parton tick. What emerges is a unique portrait of a strong woman who came to town looking like a burlesque hooker but who took control of her life, her music and her career with resolute determination.
Trust: Photographs of Jim Marshall (Oct., 2008, $24.95) Regarded by many as "THE rock and roll photographer," Jim Marshall's career has always been focused on the documentation of people. A son of San Francisco, Marshall's favorite subjects were musicians, and his 40-years of extraordinary photography include very special shots of Johnny Cash, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Otis Redding, Slash, The Who, Velvet Revolver, Miles Davis, The Rolling Stones, and other rock music stars. Unlimited access to the musicians, coupled with an inviolate sense of trust between subject and photographer allowed Marshall special opportunities: he was chief photographer at Woodstock and was the only photographer allowed backstage at the Beatles final concert. Since he demanded total access, Marshall lived 24-7 with his subjects, and his pictures reflect affection for the artists as they describe the musicians' character. Marshall has said that it's no accident if his pictures seem musical because, "I see the music." He penetrated their world and not only became an eyewitness, but he also became a friend and comrade. Now, for the first time, photographs from Jim's extensive color archive are published in book form, offering a fresh insight into the work of this renowned photographer and a new look at some of the great figures in music history.
Mind Over Matter 4: The Images of Pink Floyd (October, 2008, $29.95) Published to coincide with the 40th anniversary of Pink Floyd, this book from famed British artist Storm Thorgerson explores the images of Pink Floyd album sleeves and the artwork contained therein. Thorgerson's memoirs of his time spent with Pink Floyd are combined with all the artwork he created to represent the band at each stage of their career. "Mind Over Matter" is a combination of memoir, scrapbook, and gallery and is a must for any Pink Floyd fan.
The music and entertainment business means money for songwriters, composers, recording artists, musicians, music publishers and record companies. Whether it's videogames, worldwide blockbuster movies, television programs which make instant stars, advertising commercials touting products via hit songs and records, cell phone ringtones or downloads and subscription services, Music Money And Success (Omnibus Press, August, 2008, $24.95) tells you how the business works and where the money comes from in every area of music. The book includes a wealth of information about the music publishing industry, including songwriting for motion pictures, Broadway, commercials, the Internet and television; performance rights; foreign rights; buying and selling songs; and copyright. The authors also include a section on the roles of lawyers, managers, and agents, as well as a chapter on recording artists. Whether you're just starting out, looking to move up to the next level, been making a living in this business for years or are a major superstar, Music, Money and Success is the blueprint for financial success.
Tango Voices (August, 2008, $49.95) In the past two decades tango has experienced a popular resurgence worldwide. Almost universally familiar as a dance form, tango is also a distinctive genre of song, or cancion that was born in the impoverished outskirts of late 19th-century Buenos Aires. Whether sung in Spanish, or, as would happen later, in Italian, Russian or even Arabic, tango cancion is a haunting and uniquely beautiful song form. In this book, author Donald Cohen explores its history and presents its songs with the passion of a true aficionado. Twenty-six songs illustrate the growth and diversity of tango cancion, from its Argentine roots to its dissemination throughout Europe and into the Middle East and beyond. These songs are represented both in print - with melody lines, chord boxes and lyrics in their original language and in English - and through classic recordings by the original artists on the accompanying CD.
Spice Girls - Revisited (August, 2008, $19.95) The Spice Girls phenomenon was a genuine pop music landmark. No group since The Beatles had commanded as much media attention. Ginger, Baby, Posh, Sporty and Scary became international stars and, whether they were adored or ridiculed, they became the ultimate expression of global media fame in the Nineties.
Abba: Bright Lights Dark Shadows (Sept., 2008, $24.95) Paperback edition of the first truly thorough and honest 'warts-and-all' ABBA biography, covering all aspects of the members' lives and careers: the period before the group came together, the amazing 70s, their marriages and divorces, their business empire, and their careers after the group.
Oasis - A Year On The Road (Sept., 2008, $24.95) An evocative photo book of Oasis during their first, traumatic and wildly exciting year together. Photographer Paul Slattery captured them on film every inch of the way, in the UK, on their first tours of the US & Japan, on video shoots, and on radio and TV appearances.
The Dave Grohl Story (Sept., 2008, $19.95) Teenage punk, self-taught musician, bandleader, session man, smoker, drinker, multi-millionaire, David Grohl has achieved a rare feat, a rock 'n' roll double crown having been a member of two hugely successful and influential bands - Nirvana and The Foo Fighters. Loaded with candid interviews and hard truths about Grohl's life in music, this is the first comprehensive biography of an icon whose career charts rock and roll's rise and fall over the past two decades. The book details his drumming and touring with Queens of the Stone Age and Nine Inch Nails and his battle over Nirvana's legacy with Courtney Love.
Rock Venom (Sept., 2008, $12.95) The world of celebrity and entertainment thrives on scandal, intrigue and plain bad behavior! Competition is fierce, and a headline-grabbing anecdote or snarling comment has the power to fill gossip columns and keep the savvy star at the forefront of all the attention. Rock Venom is a hilarious compendium of catty remarks passed between jealous rock stars over the years, usually in interviews with the ever hawkish music press. Discover what your favorite pop singers really think about their rivals - or what they mutter under their breath when the award goes to the band they hate...perhaps after a second or third bottle of wine..!
Iggy Pop: Gimme Danger (Sept., 2008, $17.95) In a career that began in the late Sixties, Iggy Pop always set out to shock. But his attention-grabbing tactics including self-mutilation always disguised a musician and artist more complex than the image suggested. In this solid biography, Joe Ambrose does full justice to the original spirit of Iggy Pop through a rich and revealing selection of interviews, offering many shrewd insights into the personality of a man whose own comments often seem more confused than anarchic.
Stripped: Depeche Mode (Sept., 2008, $22.95) An electrifying new biography about the four Essex lads who became award-winning stadium superstars and champions of synth pop.
Jonathan Miller's groundbreaking book features in-depth interviews with founder member Vince Clarke and producers Gareth Jones and Mark Bell, and contains never-before seen interviews with the band members themselves. With additional input from Gary Numan, Howard Jones and Thomas Dolby, this is a unique portrait of a band that almost lost control when their lives went off the rails and lead singer Dave Gahan's heroin addiction nearly killed him. In the end, Depeche Mode not only survived, they triumphed, racking up a staggering 40 million-plus album sales on the way. This is their amazing story, told in full for the first time.
Many Lives of Tom Waits (Sept., 2008, $19.95) This full-length biography is the first comprehensive account of a truly legendary artist. It covers every aspect of the life and career of a man who has never seemed to be in the slightest danger of losing his credibility to mainstream success. With twenty albums to his credit and a legion of passionate fans, the uncompromising Waits continues to conjure up tender, ragged and magical songs that have attracted cover versions by artists as esteemed as Bruce Springsteen, Rod Stewart, The Eagles, Elvis Costello, Meat Loaf, The Ramones and Johnny Cash. Abrasive and single-minded, the gravel voiced singer/songwriter and occasional movie actor has followed one of the most unlikely career paths in popular music. Patrick Humphries' biography finally does this unique character justice with an in-depth critical overview of his life and work supplemented with authoritative discography and filmography.
Gramophone Classical Music Guide 2009 (Sept., 2008, $34.95) The Classical Music Guide 2009 is an invaluable and comprehensive companion when exploring the rich world of classical music � whether you're an aficionado or just starting out on your voyage of discovery. Drawing on the expertise of Gramophone's unparalleled panel of critics, the Guide reviews recordings from over 600 years of classical music from the old favorites to more unusual repertoire. Gramophone's critics are experts in their particular field, whether it's Baroque choral music, opera, Romantic symphonies or contemporary music. In addition to reviews of over 3000 recordings (on CD, DVD and as downloads), The Classical Music Guide 2009 offers composer biographies, a guide to downloading, a listing of favorite works, details of the prestigious Gramophone Award winners and an Essential List of key recordings.
Music Makes Your Child Smarter (Sept., 2008, $19.95) Can music make your child smarter? Author Philip Sheppard reveals the secret power of music in your child's development with this book and CD set that includes songs for learning; lullabies and fingerplays; music for movement, dancing, and play; and music for story time. In Part 1, discover how music can help your child's mental development, physical coordination, language skills, math ability, social skills, memory, teamwork skills, and self-expression and creativity. Part 2 is a practical guide for parents featuring musical games, instructions for making your own instruments, music and movement exercises, suggested listening, and advice on choosing instruments.
Working Singers Handbook (Sept. 2008, $17.95) Finally a book with everything you need to know about singing and looking after your voice. Have you found most books on vocal training too technical and difficult to read? Do you still feel after reading them that you have not had all your questions answered? Then you will find The Working Singer's Handbook refreshing! Containing the latest information in a language that is easy to understand, this is a handbook that you will refer to over and over again. Topics include: posture, breathing, resonance, live work, studio work, choral work, fixing voice problems, overcoming stage fright, how to warm up, and much more. Suitable for both beginners and professionals.
Meetings With Morrissey (Oct., 2008, $19.95) Morrissey is amongst the most provocative and controversial performers in popular music. From the formation of his Manchester band The Smiths in 1982 through to the release of his acclaimed 2006 solo album Ringleader of The Tormenters, his career has spanned 50 UK top 40 singles and 20 UK Top 10 albums. Author Len Brown gets behind the public image to tell Morrissey's story in the man's own words and explores in detail the extraordinary lyrical content of the songs.
25 Greatest Albums That Shook the World (Oct., 2008, $12.95) From Elvis Presley's Sun Sessions to Radiohead's OK Computer, here is the very best of rock and pop music of the Twentieth Century. A consumer's critical guide to the music, enabling the reader to select the very best of an artist's repertoire before making a buying decision.
The Book of Rock Quotes (Oct., 2008, $12.95) Sex, drugs, egos, money, fans, music, god and who we love and hate...the rock stars have their say. Featuring over 2,000 words of wisdom and stupidity from all your favorite rock stars and five decades of rock 'n' roll.
Northern Songs: The True Story of The Beatles Pub Empire (Nov., 2008 $19.95) Brian Southall's Northern Songs - The True Story Of The Beatles Song Publishing Empire is the story of how Lennon and McCartney lost the most valuable song publishing catalogue in the world. This is a staggering saga of incompetence, duplicity and music industry politics. How did major singer turned publisher Dick James get to handle Lennon and McCartney's songs? Why did Michael Jackson's stake in the legendary catalogue cause a rift with Paul McCartney? Why does Paul McCartney now own just two Beatles songs? The book also includes interviews with George Martin, Paul McCartney, the late Dick James' son Steven, Yoko Ono and those in the know from Apple Corp, DJM and EMI. After 10 years as a journalist, including working for Melody Maker and Disc, author Brian Southall joined A&M Records between 1973 and 2003 and worked for EMI records as a consultant to Warner Music International, HMV Group and the British Phonographic Industry. He has written the History of Abbey Road Studios, The A-Z of Record Labels, and the Story of the Brit Awards.
Outlaw: The Kris Kristofferson Story (Nov., 2008 $19.95) This new biography tells the story of Kristofferson's triumphant pursuit of a career that baffled his family as he left a distinguished military career to sweep floors in Nashville and pitch his songs to his musical heroes and finally become a star himself. His story is brought right up to date as Kristofferson carries on working following heart bypass surgery and the death of his friends and fellow per formers including Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings.
