Music – The Art of Melody, Rhythm and Peace

Almost everyone loves to enjoy some form of music. Some people appreciate the classical tones; others like the buzz and beats of pop music. Music adds a unique perspective and a sense of peace to our lives. Here is a collection of literature that has been successful in putting words in the feelings.

The Rolling Stones: Unzipped by The Rolling Stones and Anthony DeCurtis

In this book, the author describes the thrilling performances of the band with the help of photography and textual insights by band members. The book digs deeper and presents a comprehensive collection of instruments and the band’s willingness to collaborate with other designers, filmmakers, musicians, producers, and so on. The book features insights from Mick, Keith, Charlie, and Ronnie and interviews with other band members. These interviews were conducted after their outstanding performances and exhibitions. They provide fresh perspectives. When you read this book, you will learn about artworks, instruments, stage performances of the band.

Let Love Rule by Lenny Kravitz and David Ritz

In this book, Lenny Kravitz recounts all his memories and reflections on his journey to become an international icon. He says his life was all about opposites, black and whites, and his struggle as a kid. He describes his 25 years of life ending with the release of his debut album in 1989. The book includes influences that inspired his soul towards music. He says he never found any connection with the music until he sat down to write. Lenny dedicated this book to his mother, who was an actress named Roxie Rocked. He fondly describes how he stood in front of his mother when she plays vocal powerhouse Gladys Knight’s records. This is what gave a voice to his soul.

Major Labels: A History of Popular Music in Seven Genres by Kelefa Sanneh

Through this book, Kelefa tells us a lot about music- how music unites and divides us. The writer examines the genres that have dominated music over the last half-century. He debunks the myths about music, reappraises beloved heroes, and argues that the best music is not always transcendent. He says just as black and white audiences are present in the same way, black and white music is current. Music is a powerful tool for human connection but dividing into some genres is not at all justified.

How to Be a Rock Star by David Ambrose

Shaun Ryder, the true rebel, was the lead singer of two musical bands- Happy Mondays and Black Grape. Many people consider him as the Keith Richards and Mick Jagger of his generation. He took drugs, went to rehab, came out as a strong person, and became a national treasure and an inspiration for many. Through this book, Shaun has portrayed his real-life story of how one can become a rock star. The book also includes detailed insights into his worldwide tours for three decades and his journey from playing at a small club to playing in front of the biggest crowd.

The Classic FM Puzzle Book by Classic FM and Alexander Armstrong

This book, foreword by Alexander Armstrong, challenges one’s knowledge of classical music. It comprises many questions and puzzles specifically designed to educate people in a challenging and entertaining way. Readers will find chapters mixed with essential trivia, complex wordplay, and a variety of visual teasers that further helps to develop the knowledge of Classic FM experts by providing different challenges based on a musical theme. The difficulty level of the puzzles and questions vary from tricky to fiendishly hard. This book will entertain the learner starting from the first bar until the very last note.

1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die: Updated for 2021 by Robert Dimery

This book is an updated version of a musical reference book first published in 2005. It compiles all the information and details about the popular albums between the 1950s and 2010s. A panel of music critics carefully chose these important and influential musical albums. “1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die”, edited by English writer and editor Robert Dimery, has also worked with famous magazines, including Time Out and Vogue.

A Scene in Between by Sam Knee

“A Scene in Between” compiles Britain’s fashions, personalities, and youth cultures in the mid-80s and early 90s. Author Sam Knee looks at the blouse shirts, leather trousers, stripey tees, oversized jumpers, bowl-cut hairdos as the trending dressing style back in that era. Readers can find out about the fan clubs, clothing, and fashion styles of the eighties indie bands by looking at the thousands of unpublished photographs taken by professional and amateur photographers at that time. These bands include the Television Personalities, The Smiths, the Jesus, the Flatmates, My Bloody Valentine, Mary Chain, etc.

The Bach Cello Suites: A Companion by Steven Isserlis

“The Bach Cello Suites: A Companion” by Steven Isserlis is an accessible guide to the most elusive pieces of music. It is considered the most cherished work in the world of classical music literature by an award-winning cellist. Through this book, Steven has offered his observations of the music, which further takes all music lovers into the world of Suites. Readers can experience some of the most famous works that have ever been composed. This book is a delight for classical music lovers, whether they are professionals or casual music listeners.

Schumann: The Faces and the Masks by Judith Chernaik

Written by Judith Chernaik, this biographical volume highlights the life and work of Robert Schumann, one of the greatest composers. He was the son of a book publisher, and he integrated his writings with attractive literary ideas. After doing rigorous research on the scholar, Judith takes the readers to the nineteenth-century era when Schumann gave the voice to each part of his soul by wearing different masks. The book also mentions Schumann’s love life and how he married Clara Wieck even though her father was unhappy with their relationship.

A New Heaven: Harry Christophers and The Sixteen Choral conversations with Sara Mohr-Pietsch by Harry Christophers & Sara Mohr-Pietsch

The Sixteen, including the Voices of Classic FM and the famous stars of the BBC Four series Sacred music, is a renowned name in every house in Britain. The Sixteen is a group of prominent artists who have performed at events organised all over the world. As this group celebrates its 40th anniversary, the authors present a series of conversations describing the life of The Sixteen over four decades. This book is an easy read by anyone whether they have musical knowledge or not. It is appealing, especially to those interested in classical music and the human voice.

The Who: Much Too Much by Mike Evans

This book, written by Mike Evans, presents the beautiful history of the band- The Who and their music. Readers can relive the band’s musical tours and personal lives and go through the band members’ unseen black and white pictures. In 1965 they released “Can’t Explain,” followed by “My Generation”, which became the music anthem of its era. This book also mentions the tragedy faced by the group when their drummer Keith Moon and bass player Jon Entwistle passed away. The Who is one of the most well-known names in the history of rock music.

Hidden music by Ralph Dartford

“Hidden Music” is the breath-taking collection of the best poems by Jalaluddin Rumi. He was born in Afghanistan and is considered one of the most loved poets and mystical teachers. His poems are inspiring not only for the generation of his Sufi school but also beyond. The poems written by Rumi speak the language of love that directly touches the heart of a person. They have been carefully chosen from the Divan of Shams, which consist of 3000 Rumi’s poems. All these poems talk to the seeker and the lover in all people around.