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librarylemming's review
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
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.
actuallyahorsereads's review
5.0
This was the book that I wanted him to write in the first place—the stories behind the vast majority of my favorite songs and how they were created. In that, though, I kind of failed to realize how deeply personal it would be for me to read it, as there are a lot of reasons why these songs mean so much to me. It was incredible, honestly,earning why he wrote some of these songs because they matched up so well with why I love them so much.
Aside from that, this book was frankly hilarious—he brought so much humor and sarcasm into the writing of this that it felt like I was at a concert all over again. (Also this book made me really want to go to a concert all over again)
All in all, this book was incredible and I am so glad I forked over the extra twenty books to get the special edition of it, as it will be one I want to keep for probably the rest of my life.
Aside from that, this book was frankly hilarious—he brought so much humor and sarcasm into the writing of this that it felt like I was at a concert all over again. (Also this book made me really want to go to a concert all over again)
All in all, this book was incredible and I am so glad I forked over the extra twenty books to get the special edition of it, as it will be one I want to keep for probably the rest of my life.
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