R.E.M.s public image has always been tightly controlled. Icons of anti-celebrity rock; who bacame huge celebrity rock stars; they were; according to the story; the first U.S. post new-wave band who were both commercially successful and cool. Drawing on exclusive interviews with Mike Mills; Peter Buck and other members of R.E.M.s nuclear family; Fiction re-evaluates the music and career of a group who sold almost no records for the first half of their existence; then became the biggest rock group in the world in the second half.
#1170171 in eBooks 2012-08-07 2012-08-07File Name: B0078XFJ1W
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Balm for the broken heartBy Terry BarhamMy hearts just been broken again. and Ive gone through and listened to some of the songs from his list of the 100 saddest. I can testify that what Houghtaling says is true. " meditating on a beautiful expression of sadness can help to provide a thoroughly uplifting sense of consolation." This book gives well researched overviews with detailed backgrounds of melancholy artists and songs that span all musical genres. Being a long term miserabilist I noted many omissions like Dead Can Dances "Severance" the saddest work in their catalog. And the Psychedelic Furs "I get a room". essential to the miserabilists play list. But I found far more new discoveries than omissions like East River Pipe. the discovery of which was worth the price of the book as I wallow now in two of his shimmeringly bleak albums I was prompted to order. Many thanks to the author.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Very informative.By JimIm happy that I bought this! There are biographies of singers and songwriters known for sad songs. essays and the science about depression and music. Some of the singers. I didnt know. but thanks to social media. I was able to look up those artists like Nick Cave. Jaques Brel and Nico. There were stories behind the songs by The Cure. Morrissey and Johnny Cash.There were bonuses like how the ear hears music. what instruments make sad noises. phrasing that brings emotion.This is great for a music lover and perhaps someone that understands psychology.4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. sad songs for happy music geeksBy Luke Kellythis is great fun. a truly broad. considered and thoughful analysis of the saddest and best music around. From classical. to country. to pop. to blues. to avant garde. I consider myself a music geek but this book has led to the discovery of great music I was not aware of.
