Product Description
Veteran songwriter Pat Pattison has taught many of Berklee College of Music's best and brightest students how to write truly great lyrics. Her helpful guide contains essential information on lyric structures, timing and placement, and exercises to help everyone from beginners to seasoned songwriters say things more effectively and gain a better understanding of their craft. Features examples of famous songs for study, including: Be Still My Beating Heart * Can't Fight This Feeling * It Was a Very Good Year * Tickle Me * and more. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

awesome
I learned much more than I thought was possible to learn. Great, clear explanations yet very in-depth. Book provides plenty of appropriate exercises which are good for beginner or advanced. My skills grew practically with every page of the book. Note: DO the exercises! They are difficult at first but you really build creative muscle and feel like you understand lyric writing inside out. Also, the examples are mainstream yet interesting and not at all cheezy. Some books with cheezy examples really make it a chore to learn. This book has smart cool examples. In summary, awesome. So far the best of about 8 songwriting books I own.

Good book... but hard read.
I think this is a great book and shows really strong points about songwriting.Personally, I love Andrea Stolpe's book a little bit more, but they both were great to have in your collection.It might take you a few reads, butyou will start to see what a great teacher Pat Pattison is.Both books go hand in hand.

Cannot recommend
Perhaps this workbook is somewhat effective when used in a class, less so on one's own. Pattison's writing here is weak and frequently unclear, as if he did tossed this one off too quickly. Worse, the song examples he uses are far too often poor quality lyric writing themselves. Count the imperfect rhymes alone!

Too poorly written for the novice to follow, too frustrating for the experienced lyricist, and way too encouraging of mediocrity by example. Try Pattison's other books instead.

Good Workbook for Songwriting Form and Structure
I've been using the techniques advanced in this workbook and found them to be effective.A good book to use while reading The Craft and Business of Songwriting.

have to agree with the below review
I thought the below review from 'an amazonian' was a bit negative and bought it anyway.After reading it however I have to agree with everything they stated.

My advice is only get this book if you really, really struggle with lyric form and structure because otherwise you might find that you've wasted your money.I did. ... Read more

Product Description
Gathered together in one volume for the first time, here are all of the incomparable song lyrics of Irving Berlin - the lyrics of more than 1,200 songs, 400 of which have never before appeared in print - along with anecdotal, historical, and musicological commentary and dozens of photographs. Berlin came from a poor immigrant family and began his career as a singing waiter, but by the time he was nineteen he was publishing his songs and quickly found fame with "Alexander's Ragtime Band" in 1911. In the extraordinary six decades that followed, Berlin wrote one popular hit after another: Blue Skies * Always * Cheek to Cheek * White Christmas * God Bless America * There's No Business Like Show Business * and many more. He also wrote a number of the classics of musical theater's Golden Age, climaxing with Annie Get Your Gun. He penned three Astaire and Rogers films - Top Hat, Carefree, and Follow the Fleet - as well as the scores of Holiday Inn, Easter Parade, and other films. The breadth of his accomplishment is staggering. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Only one side of a great songwriter
The problem with pop-tune anthologies is that song lyrics have to be heard, not read, and only with their music.Especially so with an Irving Berlin, who did nearly all his work for the theater and films, and for whom the presentation was as important as the song. (Picture "A Pretty Girl is Like a Melody" without Ziegfeld's beauties -- impossible.)And the fact is Berlin's lines could be flat-out flat-footedly corny."A melody mellow/Played on a cello" can only provoke giggles in those unfamiliar with the songs, which I fear is the norm these days; at his worst he's downright clueless.(As in his proposed jingle for an unproduced NBC spectacular: "Everybody step,/Have a drink of Coca-Cola -- /It's the finest pepperola...."Pepsi-Cola?)But this is the problem with comprehensiveness.There are too many "rag" songs and "coon" songs and "step-step-step" songs, too many singing musical notes and dancing edibles, too much high-flown love treacle, too little of the poetry and wit that marked golden-age pop songwriting at its finest.Even the most interesting ones like "Sadie Salome (Go Home)", fresh with their impudent suggestiveness, can only hint at their marvels.And the chronological layout inevitably sets up the drab finish of the decades of verbal noodling, reclusion and despair.Yes he wrote catchy tunes in the early days, but Berlin didn't really come into his own until late, with his thirties revues, and the Fred-and-Ginger scores, and "Holiday Inn", and "This is the Army", and "Easter Parade", and his one true masterpiece, "Annie Get Your Gun." These are works to be savored, not anthologized.And it took a special talent to bring out Berlin's real measure: listen to Blue Eyes and TD and their larger-than-life rendition of "Be Careful, It's My Heart" to know it.Moreover Red Norvo's "Remember" and Les Brown's "I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm" and the sumptuous instrumental "New Amsterdam Roof" from "Easter Parade" (on the Rhino soundtrack album) make the strong case that Berlin is at his best without words.

That said, there can be no doubting the completeness, the care, the diligence that went into this collection (even if the phrase "No music is known to survive" gets a little tiresome), the obvious love and respect for this show-biz titan.Alas, perhaps the only way to appreciate his greatness is to go back in time to experience it, a further frustration of books like this.

A Revelation
I was already a Berlin fan before I got this book. Some of his lyrics are known to almost everyone; he "is" American music. I love to read, hear, and sing his words. But the overwelming bonus of this book is to find out that he wrote so many bad lyrics along with his successes; and I mean downright lousey. I treasure knowing this because I am now aware that A) Writing fabulous lyrics is difficult for ANYONE! - and - B) Writing bad lyrics did not stop Irving Berlin; he just kept churning out material and some of it is immortal. This book is wonderful, particularly for those of us who write songs.

A massive monument in Americal musical history
Jerome Kern was not one to compliment other composers. However, when he was asked to assess Irving Berlin's place in American music, Kern replied that Berlin WAS American music. Not too long ago, the A&E channel did two "Classroom" broadcasts about Berlin's life; and by a coincidence, several items concerning this prolific composer have recently come my way. I want to share one of them with you.

It is a wonderful book from publisher Alfred A. Knopf titled "The Complete Lyrics of Irving Berlin," edited by Robert Kimball and Linda Emmet (one of the composer's three daughters). Now, considering that this man wrote well over a thousand songs, that is quite a bit of material for a single volume. But this one measures roughly 11" by 12" and holds 530 pages, which hold three columns of text. In this way, we get the lyrics to 1,200 songs for which he wrote both words and the music (only a few early songs were set to words by others).

The organization is chronological and intelligently packaged. Unlike Rodgers, Kern and Gershwin, Berlin wrote for Tin Pan Alley as well as for the stage. Therefore the editors have grouped the lyrics by "Songs" that were not intended for a specific show or film and by songs that were. So for 1914, for example, you will get all the independent songs composed that year in one chapter and those written for "Watch Your Step" the same year in a separate chapter. Even more welcome are the lyrics to many songs that were never published! It makes fascinating reading to surmise why these had to wait until this book came along to see the light of day.

To make this book even more valuable, each song is given a little preface concerning copyright dates and other items of interest to the American musical historian. And you will love the full-page photographs that stand at the start of each chapter. There is also an introductory essay and a very useful chronology at the start of the book, while the index at the end can help you locate in the body of the book any song by title with no trouble. So while Berlin's lyrics might not be as clever as those of Cole Porter, Lorenz Hart or Ira Gershwin, many of them will bring back memories of howAmericans feltalmost from the start to the finish of the last century.

(Take note. Knopf also has available similar tomes for the lyrics of Porter, Hart, and I. Gershwin. Each one is a definite Grabbit. ... Read more

Product Description
Discover the secrets of successful songwriting with this essential guide! Cofounder of the Los Angeles Songwriters Showcase John Braheny teaches you the craft of songwriting while going behind the scenes of the music business to reveal insider secrets that will make your work stand out. Dozens of exercises, examples and anecdotes from songwriters such as Vince Gill, Sheryl Crow, TLC, Lenny Kravitz and Paul McCartney will you show you how to: develop a songwriter's consciousness; overcome barriers in the creative process; write in all musical styles, and for film and TV; and skillfully manage the business of demos and contracts. This updated edition also covers online opportunities for songwriters."A practical street-level look at today's world of songwriting ... Read and learn."- Diane Warren, six-time ASCAP Songwriter of the Year with more than 50 Top 10 hits ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

Basics are Basics
The title pretty much says it,if you want to know the basics and its ideals for proper form or method for creating a sell worthy song then this will do it for you.It explains the main elements of the song,trimming needless words or even adding new refrains,chorus or verse to convey or get the feeling across.Shows examples of mistakes,that happen,remedies,and hit examples.More geared toward hit top 40,easy listening,adult comtemporary styles.One example that sticks in mind is Buck Owens,"Act Naturally"(earned him continuous moneys),boocoo airplay,and the trick was:keep it short and simple.

Inspiring
I couldn't believe the wealth of information contained in the book. A must read!!! This book should be a college course.

Ever wondered what it would be like to write a hit song?
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to write a hit song? Perhaps you have asked yourself why do some songs become commercial successes while others end up in the dustbin?

Journalist, talk show host, teacher and consultant, John Braheny, provides us with the answers to these queries as well as many other topics in his blue-ribbon manual The Craft and Business of Songwriting-Second Edition.

Braheny was one of the founders, along with Len Chandler, of the Los Angles Songwriters Showcase. For 15 years he was intimately involved with this national non-profit organization that was dedicated to creating opportunities for discovering aspiring songwriters. As a result of this relationship, he accumulated an exceptional amount of knowledge pertaining to the business and craft of song writing. The reader is fortunate to have all of this information neatly wrapped up in a compact manual that is split into two main sections, the craft of writing songs and the business of selling and marketing songs.

Within the section dealing with the craft the author delves into such topics as creativity, inspiration, subject matter, media, listeners, lyric writing, song construction and possible collaboration with other writers. Naturally we would probably be sceptical of a book that purports to teach us how to write a song. Some would say you are born to write a song, others would disagree and say it is possible to be taught the craft. Braheny believes that you can't be taught inspiration or imagination. However, you can be taught ways to get in touch with what you have to say and how to communicate it effectively. Using this premise as a base, the book provides us with the tools that will perhaps uncover our hidden talents.

The second half of the book deals with the business features of song writing and as the author states, "writing a great song is only part of being a successful songwriter. Unsung thousands possess the talent and craft to write great songs, but without understanding the business and knowing how to protect your creations and get them heard by those who can make them successful, those songs are like orphans." Perhaps we should refer to the second half as the entrepreneurial skills needed to sell, promote and market your songs. Within this section we are introduced to such topics as protecting your songs, securing money, publishing, self- publishing, demos, marketing, Internet and record deals.

The appendix of the book provides the reader with a very comprehensive listing of songwriters' resources containing names, addresses, phone numbers, web sites and general descriptions of the various references. No doubt this inclusion will save anyone who aspires to be a songwriter a great deal of time and effort.

After reading the book are you guaranteed that you will be successful songwriter? Probably not. Unfortunately, we don't have a crystal ball indicating who will succeed and who will fail. However, at least after reading and being exposed to the elements of song writing, you will have a better understanding as to how the music industry works in relation to the songwriter, or writer/performer. As the author asserts in his introduction, "it will demystify and humanize what can often feel to a newcomer like a cold, monolithic, and impersonal industry."

The above review first appeared on the reviewer's own site

Bumpy Ride---Great Guide
So what if words and music come natural? We write the stuff down, add a tune and sing it to the world. Then what? This book, The Craft and Business of Songwriting, is a very affordable reference; and probably all you need.I'm happy it contains material that will make me wiser.Buy this or you'll miss out.

A Must Read Book for All Songwriters!
The first Edition of the book, was a must read, now this 2nd Edition, updated with new information and current song references, is also a must read for everyone that writes songs. The most complete songwriting book, for beginning songwriters to the aspiring, to even pro writers will learn from the book. I often refer to it as "The Songwriters Bible", just full of information that we need in the world of songwriting.
I have been a Nashville Songwriters Association International coordinator in Charlotte for (6) years,and do at least one activity or read a quote from a hit writer or music professional in the book at every meeting. This book is years of songwriting seminars and workshops all in one. The reader will learn just like the title says, the craft and business from someone who knows what they are talking about, and has led workshops for some of the best songwriters of all time, including the awesome Diane Warren and several other hit writers. John Braheny made a difference with hit writers, with myself, and other songwriters that I have recommended the book to in the past 14+ years of reading the first edition, and now the 2nd edition. I recomend this as the very first book for every songwriter to read and study. If you know someone who writes songs, buy the book for them, and a copy for yourself. Buy a highlighter or two, to use when reading the book. ...Doak Turner
... ... Read more

Product Description
“Frank Loesser could write authoritatively in virtually any style and, frankly, did,” observed composer-lyricist Maury Yeston. “A genius melodist and a supergenius lyricist, only he would ever rhyme ‘pelts’ with ‘else’ [“Take Back Your Mink”] or ‘India’ with ‘been to ya’ [“They’re Either Too Young or Too Old”] while simultaneously combining a crackling intellect with a heart as big as the moon.”

Frank Loesser–who, like Irving Berlin and Cole Porter, wrote both music and lyrics for his shows–has been called the most versatile of Broadway composers. His five musicals are among Broadway’s most creative and enduring achievements: Where’s Charley?, Guys and Dolls (for which he won his first Tony Award), The Most Happy Fella, Greenwillow, and How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (for which he won both the Tony and the Pulitzer Prize). But well before Loesser wrote his first show, he was known to America for the song hits of his Hollywood career, including the Oscar-winning “Baby, It’s Cold Outside,” “On a Slow Boat to China,” “Two Sleepy People,” “Heart and Soul,” “I Don’t Want to Walk Without You,” and “Spring Will Be a Little Late This Year,” as well as the wartime hit “Praise the Lord and Pass the Ammunition.”

Robert Kimball and Steve Nelson have gathered lyrics from such varied sources as rare private recordings, the personal files of Frank Loesser, and the archives of various film studios. Here, too, are photographs of the stars who helped make Loesser’s songs famous, such as Bob Hope, Dorothy Lamour, Marlene Dietrich, Ray Bolger, and Betty Hutton. Kimball and Nelson’s research has yielded many previously “lost” lyrics, making it possible for the first time to fully grasp the extent of Frank Loesser’s extraordinary talent. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

A great resource!
If you are a fan of musicials or even just a fan of music then I recommend this book. With over 700 songs listed there is something in here for everyone. I originally bought it as I wanted to find the lyrics for some of Betty Hutton's songs, but I will also look into more of Frank Loesser's musicials in the future.

Wonderful!
Any serious fan of popular songwriting should buy this book.Frank Loesser is frequently overlooked when discussing the great songwriters of the 20th century.Hopefully, this book will correct that.I just got the book a few days ago, and skimming through it I've laughed out loud and have been moved by Loesser's facility with language.There are dozens of unpublished songs in here, and I yearn to hear the melodies, especially Loesser's own.
Meticulously researched and bountifully exuberant, I will treasure this book for many years.Thanks to all who assembled it. ... Read more

Product Description
You've written what you think is a great melody, what you hope is a strong lyric, and you've cut what sounds to you like a killer track. But how do you know if it's a hit? And what do you do with it if it is? Your only option is How to Be a Hit Songwriter, essential reading for advanced songwriters.Molly-Ann Leikin is the award-winning songwriter/songwriting consultant who helps good songwriters all over the world become hit songwriters. Whether your work just needs a little rewriting, polishing or some strong connections, Leikin will guide you step by step to the top of the charts. In How to Be a Hit Songwriter she offers expert advice and exercises, including "Seven Easy Steps to Writing Hit Lyrics." The book features inside information that can turn your song into a potential hit. What's more, she's interviewed music industry power players who share tips that are essential to all developing artists. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Read this one immediately1!!
Finally!A book that really helped us!My band and I read all the other books.Went to the seminars.Paid the lawyers. But this book has opened our eyes, sharpened our pencils and got us going. Our songs are 'way stronger, and now we have a major deal on the table.
Put your egos away and listen to this lady.She knows her stuff.This book will change your life and career, too.

Offers practical creative and career advice
How To Be A Hit Songwriter: Polishing And Marketing Your Lyrics And Music offers practical creative and career advice from an Emmy-nominated songwriter Molly-Ann Leikin. From rewriting without overwriting, to coping with rejection, to meeting deadlines, to developing business smarts, and so much more, How To Be A Hit Songwriter is a definitive, down-to-earth, accessibly written, "must-read" instructional reference guide for all aspiring song writers and composers of popular music.

FINALLY!Now I get it.
'Been in the game for 12 years getting no place.Moved to Nashville, hang out, thought I was doing stuff right.But I kept hearing what I didn't want to hear - my songs weren't quite there.'Been too stubborn to accept that.Then I read Leiken's book and read what all those publishers said. Okay- I'll give it another shot, doing it their way.Thanks, Mollie.Good to know you're out there

This book beats all the other "experts" put together.....!
We sent our songs to all the cheap "consultants" in the world for direction with our music career.But this book has been more helpful than all of the "experts" put together.'Bought four copies - one for each member of my band.

This book beats all the other "experts" put together.....!
We sent our songs to all the cheap "consultants" in the world for direction with our music career.But this book has been more helpful than all of the "experts" put together.'Bought four copies - one for each member of my band. ... Read more

Product Description
teach yourself Songwriting will be an essential companion for any aspiring songwriter, and is ideal for those with no formal musical education. Covering every genre of popular contemporary music, from rock and pop to musical theatre and country/western, it tracks everything from what you will need to harnessing your creative potential, finding a 'hook' and even selling, performing and promoting your performance and/or songs on a professional level. It tackes such basics as whether to write down lyrics first or melody - or both together! - but also offers some material for those at a slightly more advanced level who'd like to understand such things as chords and sequencing, or harmony. With easy-to-understand notation, and an accompanying CD which showcases the process at work - from the first notes to the recorded performance - this accessible guide from a professional songwriter will prove indispensable forwould-be Songwriters. ... Read more

Product Description
Anyone who's dreamed of writing a hit song but doesn't know how to start will welcome the inspiration and practical instruction offered by successful lyricist Terry Cox. Readers will learn about basic song components, collaborative songwriting, and creative ways to come up with song ideas. Cox also takes the reader through the stages of writing lyrics for a song, from choosing a title to the chorus, verses and the bridge. Readers will even find sections on getting the song performed, recorded and getting people in the music business interested. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Very good
I have been reading this book dayly, making the exercises Terry Cox proposes, and all of this have worked for me, both to understand and improve my songwriting.

Excellent, superbly-written and passionate
Let's face it "You Can Write Song Lyrics (You Can)" is such a delightful read that it can put the real passion of music into any heart.I disagree with anyone who says that there are things in life that can't be taught for a few reasons= I was deafened at 19 and am now past 55. I was headed for a career as a pro musician in my late teens. Terry Cox renewed flames that were dying inside me as I "forgot" how melodies and lyrics of many favorite songs went together. Maddening. Along comes this book and bang! I go back and reread those lyrics over and over, and more often than not, I recall beautiful music behind the lyrics. Magical. To whom would I recommend this book? Anyone that truly loves music.

Complete Inspiration
'You Can Write Song Lyrics' is a great book for anyone interested in stepping foot into the music biz as a lyric writer. Terry Cox reminds us of the importance of passion and self as a writer along with laying a strong foundation for formatting and putting our words into songs. This is a wonderful book and I highly recommend it to not only those interested in songwriting but also those who are already songwriters. Check it out!

This book sings "READ ME"
You Can Write Song Lyrics is a good book for those looking to learn about songwriting.This book uses well know songs as examples which makes it easier to understand the lesson being taught. The author (Terri Cox) also gives very challenging exercises so you can use the skills you are learning.

You Can Write Song Lyrics covers rhyming schemes, and includes exercises how to rhyme past that basic one syllable connection.Although you may 'think' that rhyming is easy...wait until you try these exercises! They are tough and quite fun!

This book also talks about how to understand music jargon, how to work with others on songwriting, and how tempo affects your song.

I was disappointed to see that, You Can Write Song Lyrics offers very little information about how to market your song, once it has been written.Other than that one small dislike, this book was really good.

What??
There are some things in life that simply cannot be taught. ... Read more

Product Description
This book has a very specific purpose: to help songwriters find better rhymes and use them more effectively. Rhyme is one of the most crucial areas of lyrics writing, and this guide will provide all of the technical information necessary to develop your skills completely. The exercises and worksheets help experienced writers take a fresh look at their techniques, and prevent novices from developing bad habits. Use this book to start writing better than ever before! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

Needs new edition and editing
Lots of good stuff in this book but it looks like it was typeset by someone using desktop publishing for the first time. It needs to be edited by someone who knows what they are doing.

Another Great Addition to the Toolbox
It may seem odd to devote a whole book to rhyming, but for a songwriter,rhyming is one of the most powerful yet often underrated tools available forcreating effective lyrics.Rhyming is often misunderstood, misused or avoided simply because there have not been many good references that provide detailed information on how to get the most leverage from it.Pat Pattison's book helps fill that gap.His explanations, background, examples and exercises provide a resource which has not previously been available for a songwriting library. Coming from a poetry background,the author provides a good blend of academic and practical information about rhyming in songs.
Pattison's Guide to Rhyming is a great companion book toSongcrafters' Coloring Book: The Essential Guide to Effective and Successful Songwriting, which takes much of the information Pattison presents, and then gives it even greater context and utility in a unique discussion of sonic parameters. Skill at effective rhyming is a great songwriting skill, and Pat Pattison's book is an essential addition to a songwriters bookshelf.

No Show
I order this book Songwriting: Essential Guide to Rhyming: A Step-by-Step Guide to Better Rhyming and Lyrics (Songwriting Guides). On November 10, 2009 thinking that I will be get my product in a standard 3-5 days but when I check for the day of delivery the estimated time was November 18, 2009 -December 4,2009. As you can see the estimated time started 8 days after I ordered the book; I was upset but patience. But the book was not delivery during the estimated period and I still have not received the book.

Practice sesions clear and concise, The book is nice1
A simple technique to understanding the work words do in poerty and song writing. The practice isgentle and not difficult to perform.
Of all the praise I could heap upon Pat Pattison, the one bonus dimension is that of nuances, which are able to enhance poetry through the use of subtile qualities that words may possess, such as, shades or implications or reflections as to a more appropiate choice of words for a greater Songwriting experience: Essential Guide to Rhyming: A Step-by-Step Guide to Better Rhyming and Lyrics (Songwriting Guides)]].
I have sent this book to collegues and students to share the potential for skill enhancement.

Not this book alone
I think this book is the greatest, but practically on the
first page, the author proves to his readers that they must
use a rhyming dictionary to create.Going it alone is pure
"silly".He says "finding rhymes is almost never a creative act.It is a purely mechanical search."
Well, I have a small rhyming dictionary by Webster, but this is
not a good one at all.I need specifically The Complete Rhyming Dictionary, edited by Clement Wood (Doubleday) because "it divides rhymes into Masculine, Feminine, and three-syllable rhymes."
Once I get that, then I can really work with Pattison book and
learn.
So if you are buying this book also buy the Wood Rhymer right away and save postage. ... Read more

Product Description
Veteran songwriter Pat Pattison has taught many of Berklee College of Music's best and brightest students how to write truly great lyrics. Her helpful guide contains essential information on lyric structures, timing and placement, and exercises to help everyone from beginners to seasoned songwriters say things more effectively and gain a better understanding of their craft. The book features examples of famous songs for study, including: Be Still My Beating Heart * Can't Fight This Feeling * It Was a Very Good Year * Tickle Me * and more.Contents: (main headings only) Chapter 1: number of phrases: Getting your balance Chapter 2: Length of phrases: Controlling your speed Chapter 3: Rhythm: Setting up, shutting down Chapter 4: Rhyme: Taking total control Chapter 5: Form: Tossing the balls together Chapter 6: Song forms: The big show Chapter 7: Hook placement & focus: Turning the lights on ... Read more

Product Description
Fanny Waterman DBE has become a legend in her own lifetime. The original edition of this book, published in 1983, distilled the knowledge and experience of a brilliant piano teacher over a 45-year career. Twenty years later, this new edition has been updated to reflect Dame Fanny's most recent experiences.

The book's insights into fundamentals of playing technique and of musicianship, it's shrewd practical advice and illuminating turn of phrase have immeasurably benefitted all who teach and all who learn the piano. Now fully updated, Dame Fanny offers some inspiring thoughts and words of advice not just for pianists but for all musicians.

The book now includes a new chapter about the world of competitions (local, national and international), for which she has become renowned, and an appendix with some of the thought-provoking and often inspiring ""Rules and Maxims for Young Pianists"" of Robert Schumann, which are still startlingly refreshing and relevant for today's musicians. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Important insights for pianists
Fanny Waterman's book is short, but is packed with help for pianists and teachers. You are cheating yourself if you don't read it.
Ms Waterman divides the essentials of becoming a musician into craftsmanship, musicianship and learning how to be a performer.

Every musician, and especially pianist can benefit from what she has to say here.

Highly recommended. ... Read more

Product Description
Since they formed in 1981, Bay Area band Metallica has grown from an underground heavy metal outfit to one of the most successful acts in the world, selling more than 70 million albums to an intensely loyal fan base worldwide. Metallica's success can be directly attributed to their passionate, no-compromise attitude, which is very apparent in the words they sing. Now, for the first time ever, Metallica fans can have the complete lyrics to all of their favorite songs in this exciting new collection! Not only is this the authorized version of the lyrics to more than 70 songs, the deluxe hardcover makes this book a real collector's item. Features a thoughtful introduction written by Steffan Chirazi, the editor of So What!, Metallica's Fan Club newsletter. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Metallica Lyric book Review
Good Book of Lyrics up till the Re-Load Album. Clear and easy to read. Nicley presented. Song cedits listed as well.

Great Buy!
If you are truly a Metallica fan, this book is a must.In response to another review, of course there are no pictures, it's a LYRICS book!Overall it's a great book, it includes all the official releases except for the album "St. Anger."It is true that most albums (except "Load" and "Reload") have the lyrics in the booklet, but if you are actually interested in reading the lyrics, you can't spend all your time switching all the various booklets, then you wouldn't get to listen to the song!Using this book is very convenient seeing as how all the songs are put in chronologaical order, and it only costs 15 dollars!!!If you are a REAL Metallica fan, you should have this book by your stereo, ready to be opened and read!

Useless unless you want the Load/Reload lyrics...
Well the book title sums this up altogether. All the bands lyrics in a 112 page book with just that...lyrics. Not 1 picture of the band, just lyrics.

These lyrics you probably already own if you have the bands albums. The only lyrics that you won't already have in the album booklets is the Load and ReLoad lyrics which are published officially for the first time right here in this book along with the lyrics to the bands last single "I Disappear" which featured in the film "Mission Impossible 2".

So out of the 74 songs on the albums you only really buy this album for 28 songs.

Only get this if you are a die hard Metallica completist or desperate for the lyrics to the Load and Reload albums and I can't see many people shelling out the money for lyrics to those.

... this book rox
being a fan of a major band like metaliica is like being in a marriage you stick by them through thick and thin, they have matured in life and musically ...being big and selling millions of records over the period of 2 decades ,dix. this book deserves to be looked at and read over to fully understand their songs...

WHAT A WASTE.. METALLICA STILL TRYING TO CASH IN
why waste money on this?? get the lyrics for FREE of the internet. If it becomes a collectors item it'll be solely because no-one bought the darn thing!! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

a fantastic read
this is an excellent book - one of the best I have come across. I have usually found songwriting books dense and unreadable - but this explains the process clearly with good references and clear explanations. A must for any budding songwriters out there.

excellent resource
I highly recommend this tool. Less weighty than many similar texts, Learn Songwriting takes you over the basics, and shows you how to proof your music before you take it to the market.A must for the novice songwriter,and anyone who is looking to branch out into a new field of creativewriting.Also recommend Sheila Davis' series. ... Read more

Product Description
Heralded by the All Music Guide as "one of pop music's true originals" and "a brilliant and innovative composer," singer/songwriter Laura Nyro has a large and loyal following, more than three decades after her first official "retirement" from the music industry, and years after her tragic and untimely death from ovarian cancer in 1997 at the age of 49.New from Cherry Lane Music, Laura Nyro: Lyrics and Reminiscences assembles for the first time ever in print the complete lyrics of more than 100 songs from this late folksinger and poet. The book contains several pages of Laura's handwritten lyrics, along with words to some of her songs that were never recorded. Also includes many of Nyro's drawings and paintings, plus extensive interviews with musicians and friends who worked with her.As a special bonus, this collector's pack also includes a CD featuring an interview with Laura recorded shortly before her death. In it, she discusses her creative process, inspirations, and approach to songwriting in general. The CD also includes tracks from Laura's original audition tape. With this book/CD pack, fans will have a unique glimpse into the craft of this gifted and beloved musician. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Better, but no legacy
Lovely, simple, classy, touching...like Laura, but not nearly enough to catch her essence.Beats the kort bio by miles.The little vignettes are perfect, though skimpy.Thanx to Vivino and Sebastian...two moving, insightful tidbits.The back cover says she died at 40...wrong!...it was 49...and this is important.Laura was into the details and this should not have been missed.
New cd out this Tuesday..."Spread your wings and fly..."I can't wait!

finally
I ordered this in January & I understand there were some problems with the publisher. OK I'm patient.

It's a book of her song lyrics arranged by album, with The Morning News and a poem that was printed on the Nested jacket.The last title Coda, I don't think was actually written by Laura, but was a cover song as a hidden track on Angel In The Dark. (If that's true I hope no one sues) There's not much extra except a few hand written scribbles, mostly set sequences. Speaking of a few extras: it would have been better, since this is supposed to be Laura's "poetry", to include writings that she did not record as songs. Obviously someone has all of her notebooks to cull through and reveal the unknown writings of Laura Nyro--like the early version of Man In The Moon that was more of a children's song.

The comments by those who knew her and worked with her give insight but why a full page for a few sentences? Rickie Lee Jones' essay turns out to be a great commentary.

The CD is a disappointment. Snatches of Laura talking about her craft with lots of white noise so she's hard to understand and it's very chopped up. It's not an interview at all. If this was a project Laura really wanted to leave as a legacy (as the book states), more care should have been taken with it. The early demo of And When I Die shows the Nina Simone influence and Lazy Susan has Laura singing in a deeper voice.

For those who love Laura Nyro's music, buy it. It's worth having. ... Read more

Product Description
Back in print in a handsome, elegant paperback with 166 evocative photos and movie stills, many of them rare, this is the only illustrated book on the golden age of movie musicals from the composers' point of view. This unique book, a perfect gift and an asset to every film and music library, includes: separate chapters on the careers and complete movie work of Harold Arlen, Irving Berlin, George Gershwin, Jerome Kern, Jimmy McHugh, Cole Porter, Ralph Rainger, Richard Rodgers, Harry Warren, and Richard Whiting; shorter studies of Nacio Herb Brown, Hoagy Carmichael, Frank Loesser, Arthur Schwartz, Jule Styne, and James Van Heusen; and a detailed filmography for each songwriter, listing more than 800 movies and 2,000 songs. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Nice job
Very nice. It did not appear to be brand new but slightly used but the condition was still really good and the price was 80% cheaper than other sellers.

For anyone who loves movie musicals.
Roy Hemming has long demonstrated his knowledge of movies and music, and obviously loves the subject. He includes the Broadway shows that some of the movie musicals came from, often with no recognizable link, like "Fifty Million Frenchmen"by Cole Porter.

Whether you've seen any of these films when they first came out, or if you're just learning of their charm and craft, this is a book to enjoy.

-Elizabeth Ahlfors, CityCabaret ... Read more

Product Description
The Team Series is suitable for use with both individuals or as a group tutor encouraging students to try ensemble playing from the very early stages. Team Woodwind is a flexible and adaptable course ideal for beginner woodwind players and can be tailored to suit the specific needs of each student. Each piece is carefully graded to ensure a logical progression at a sensible pace and students are introduced to a wide variety of musical styles throughout the book. Imaginative piano accompaniments have been provided to add variety in performance. ... Read more

Product Description
The Team Series is suitable for use with both individuals or as a group tutor encouraging students to try ensemble playing from the very early stages. Team Woodwind is a flexible and adaptable course ideal for beginner woodwind players and can be tailored to suit the specific needs of each student. Each piece is carefully graded to ensure a logical progression at a sensible pace and students are introduced to a wide variety of musical styles throughout the book. Imaginative piano accompaniments have been provided to add variety in performance. ... Read more