Run The Jewels: A Tale of Transformation
All the unwritten rules of rap suggest that what Run The Jewels achieved shouldn't have been possible. Killer Mike, a Black man from Atlanta, Georgia, and El-P, a white man from Brooklyn, have defied expectations. They have transformed what seemed like the twilight of their rap careers into a global spotlight. Known as the hip-hop duo Run The Jewels, they have headlined festivals worldwide, become action figures and comic-book characters, and sparked a worldwide countercultural movement. Their story is like a buddy movie, charting the incredible changes in the music industry over the past 25 years. From the highs around the turn of the century to the collapse of the CD format and the rise of streaming media, they have been at the forefront. Their budding bromance has elevated them from solo artists in underground hip-hop to pop-cultural icons recognized globally.
This is not just a story of musical success but also a reflection of the evolution of pop culture and its sociopolitical climate. Run The Jewels has shown that boundaries can be broken and new paths can be forged. Their impact is felt far and wide, and their journey is one that inspires and amazes.
Marty Friedman: From Megadeth to Rebirth
Marty Friedman's upbringing was anything but ordinary. Growing up in a Jewish household in Maryland, he stumbled upon the guitar and found his true calling. After making a splash on the national scene with a revolutionary style of playing, he moved to California and joined Megadeth at a time when the band was on the verge of self-destruction. During his 10 years in the band, his exotic and innovative style defined their biggest albums and elevated him to guitar hero status. But it came at a cost. His complex relationship with frontman Dave Mustaine was a symbol of the band's chaotic dynamics, and Marty generously shares his experiences within the band's inner sanctum.
Dreaming Japanese is more than just a memoir of Marty Friedman's years in Megadeth. It's a story of his relentless perseverance as he started anew from nothing. Leaving his home in the U.S. and feeling lost in Tokyo, with few connections and no clear plans, he embarked on a journey of acclimation and assimilation. Marty shares how he gradually made his mark in the Japanese entertainment industry, becoming a household name and a fixture on television. His story is one of inspiration and determination.
Love Songs: A Journey Through Time
Love songs have a universal appeal, and this book takes us on a fascinating journey through the history of 100 of the most popular and cherished love songs. Award-winning author Annie Zaleski presents a beautifully illustrated keepsake that tells the behind-the-scenes stories of these timeless tunes. From Fred Astaire to Whitney Houston and Harry Styles, each song has a story to tell.
What moving song did Paul McCartney write as a love letter to his wife and record in one day? What iconic tune about cheating and piña coladas ends with a relationship being saved? These are the questions that this book answers. It ignites the flame of love and inspires a new favorite playlist. Love songs bring us joy and remind us of happy moments in our lives, and this collection captures the essence of that.
Music from the Mysterious Realms
A compendium of other musics, channelled from the spirit world, the fairy kingdom, outer space, and secret societies. This unique collection gathers and reproduces music from these otherworldly realms. Here, you'll find tunes hummed, strummed, and sung by spirits, sprites, and fairies. There's extraterrestrial elevator music, dreamed ditties, marches for occult ceremonies, and secret musical codes and languages. Each entry contains an explanatory text on its origins and purpose, and even reproduces the musical notation so that you can play along at home.
It's a journey into the unknown, a exploration of music that exists beyond our ordinary world. These mysterious tunes hold a certain allure and offer a unique musical experience.
Under Pressure: A Song with a Deeper Meaning
In 1981, David Bowie and Queen found themselves in Switzerland and made Under Pressure. Recorded on a whim, this song broke new ground and became a pop anthem. Max Brzezinski tells the story of this classic track, showing how it charts the relationship between pop music, collective politics, and dominant institutions.
Under Pressure harnesses collective sentiments and models new ways of thinking and acting. As we continue to live in a world under pressure, this song remains a powerful reminder of the need to break free and create change. It's a song that has stood the test of time and continues to inspire.