gmjrooke's review against another edition
informative
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
3.0
leahisdudish's review against another edition
3.0
reading this while listening to the songs he wrote about was a steller reading experience
fawns's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
reflective
slow-paced
5.0
shinychick's review against another edition
4.0
Definitely try this at home
It's not a shock that I love Frank Turner, so it should also come as no surprise that I love his writing as well. This book goes back through some of the songs he's written,and goes through the musical and lyrical theory. So, double bonus. Triple bonus? IT'S INDEXED! Be still my nerdy librarian heart
It's not a shock that I love Frank Turner, so it should also come as no surprise that I love his writing as well. This book goes back through some of the songs he's written,and goes through the musical and lyrical theory. So, double bonus. Triple bonus? IT'S INDEXED! Be still my nerdy librarian heart
librarylemming's review against another edition
5.0
Oh Mr Frank.
This is such a personal and honest reflection of your work, and has entirely restructured my way of thinking about your work - and, in fact, music itself. Whilst I've been a fan of yours for quite a while, and know most of your discography by heart, it's easy for us non-musos (even those with a background in music) to be simply unaware just how many conscious choices go into making music. It's easy to forget that songs don't just come from nowhere - every choice in a song is exactly that, a choice. A choice made for a purpose, an aim. And as you said in your book, the lyrical meaning of each song is up to interpretation of the audience, however you've given us a brief insight into your process in building feelings, emotions, tones, ideas and crossing that barrier of human communication into something deeper and more rewarding.
Your inclusion of tracks you still aren't happy with, your acknowledgement of errors or regrets or even just your own self-proclaimed immaturity at the time, offers a fresh perspective and grounds you in the real, and makes you that much more relatable as an artist.
I'm listening to all your music with a whole new ear - to the crafting of it, to the way each layer builds and how it makes you feel.
And not just that, Mr Turner, but your writing is absolutely incredible. I would happily read a thousand pages of you just talking (if you were ever inclined to write such a beast) - you have a frank (hah) honesty and beautiful turn of phrase (which I guess isn't such a surprise when you consider the poetry of your music) and just getting those insights into the stories and feelings and thoughts behind your music has been an absolute privilege. Thank you for taking the time to make such a beautiful book.
This is such a personal and honest reflection of your work, and has entirely restructured my way of thinking about your work - and, in fact, music itself. Whilst I've been a fan of yours for quite a while, and know most of your discography by heart, it's easy for us non-musos (even those with a background in music) to be simply unaware just how many conscious choices go into making music. It's easy to forget that songs don't just come from nowhere - every choice in a song is exactly that, a choice. A choice made for a purpose, an aim. And as you said in your book, the lyrical meaning of each song is up to interpretation of the audience, however you've given us a brief insight into your process in building feelings, emotions, tones, ideas and crossing that barrier of human communication into something deeper and more rewarding.
Your inclusion of tracks you still aren't happy with, your acknowledgement of errors or regrets or even just your own self-proclaimed immaturity at the time, offers a fresh perspective and grounds you in the real, and makes you that much more relatable as an artist.
I'm listening to all your music with a whole new ear - to the crafting of it, to the way each layer builds and how it makes you feel.
And not just that, Mr Turner, but your writing is absolutely incredible. I would happily read a thousand pages of you just talking (if you were ever inclined to write such a beast) - you have a frank (hah) honesty and beautiful turn of phrase (which I guess isn't such a surprise when you consider the poetry of your music) and just getting those insights into the stories and feelings and thoughts behind your music has been an absolute privilege. Thank you for taking the time to make such a beautiful book.
tristorch's review against another edition
4.0
Turner's songs are packed full of personal struggle, reflection, and act as an effective blueprint of his journey as a person. Being able to read into the context surrounding some of his greatest songwriting achievements, as well as a few hidden gems, made for a wonderfully all-encompassing experience.
sannielee's review against another edition
5.0
Having read Frank Turner's previous book The Road Beneath my Feet, I knew that Try This at Home would be of the same caliber. However, I was surprised by how much more I actually liked Frank's second foray in writing a book. He gives readers insight into his songwriting process, breaking down songs and elaborating on how his words, chords, musical structure, etc. came to be. He is also critical of his own work and of himself, constantly reflecting on whether songs can be misinterpreted and miss their mark, or if they will be classic and long-lasting.
I found it particularly striking how funny Frank is (in particular, I laughed very hard at the footnotes on page 98 in the fan edition) and how he seems like a very down-to-earth, approachable person. Reading this reminded me a little bit of Bruce Springsteen's autobiography Born to Run, where I just thought, "Yeah, I would love to have a beer with him and just chat."
I will probably re-read this at some point and take note of all the inspirations that I wasn't familiar with before. But this is definitely a must-read for Frank Turner fans.
I found it particularly striking how funny Frank is (in particular, I laughed very hard at the footnotes on page 98 in the fan edition) and how he seems like a very down-to-earth, approachable person. Reading this reminded me a little bit of Bruce Springsteen's autobiography Born to Run, where I just thought, "Yeah, I would love to have a beer with him and just chat."
I will probably re-read this at some point and take note of all the inspirations that I wasn't familiar with before. But this is definitely a must-read for Frank Turner fans.