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Best Folk & Traditional Music

Bob Dylan: All the Songs - the Story Behind Every Track
Get the story behind every recording session, album, and single released during Bob Dylan's illustrious-and now Nobel Prize-winning-career. Philippe Margotin has written numerous books on music, including biographies of U2, Radiohead, and the Rolling Stones.
Reviews
"Everything (songs that Dylan performed on) is arranged chronologically from his first album, with information including musicians, producers, engineers,studios, song lengths, cover designs, and release dates. Photo subjects include Dylan on stage and in the studio across his career, an early photo of the Greenbriar Boys with Dylan at Gerde's from 1961, one-man band Jesse Fuller, Dave Van Ronk, Suze Rotolo, Woody Guthrie, Arlo Guthrie, Joan Baez, the Byrds, Bobbie Gentry, Jimi Hendrix, Elvis Presley, Leadbelly, Howlin' Wolf, Mississippi John Hurt, and a number of others who crossed paths with Dylan. Some of the information included as short side-bars is fairly esoteric--like a line from "Stuck Inside Of Mobile With The Memphis Blues Again"--which was inspired by a folk song "I Wish I Was A Mole In The Ground"--which was recorded in the 1920's by Bascom Lunsford, an Appalachian singer."
"I purchased Margotin and Guesdon's book "All The Songs: The Story Behind Every Beatles Release" for my Beatles-obsessed mother, who loves it. When I saw the authors were coming out with a new book, this time on one of my favorite artists, I immediately purchased it."
"There aren't a lot of copies on Amazon, so now is a good time to buy it before it becomes unavailable."
"This work gives you possibilities of what they could mean - what was going on in the world, his life or, dare I say, his mind when the songs were written."
"I bought this book for my nephew ( him being an avid Dylan fan ) & he loves it !"
"If you have always wondered what or who a Bob Bylan song is about, this book is for you."
"The book is huge and a very extensive look at Bob Dylan's work."
"I gave this to my brother for Christmas, and I was perusing it before wrapping it, and I tell you, it was a close thing that he got the book at all!"
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The Story of the Trapp Family Singers
With nearly 1,500 Broadway performances, six Tony Awards, more than three million albums sold, and five Academy Awards, The Sound of Music, based on the lives of Maria, the baron, and their singing children, is as familiar to most of us as our own family history. It was during a visit to a church to hear a Bach concert that her mind was changed when she heard the words of a well-known priest, Father Kronseder. Her doctor, concerned that her health was failing, helped the nuns to decide to send Maria to the home of retied naval captain Georg Von Trapp, to be governess to his bedridden daughter.
Reviews
"He loved reading the history of this family through Maria's eyes... As he told me, the movie only touches on a very small part of their lives...but the general premise is true...they're a singing family who really did have to skidaddle out of Austria right under the noses of the Nazi authorities... It's a beautiful thing :). If you like the musical...and are interested in learning more about the family's experience (after Maria's arrival) this is a fabulous book that cleverly tells "the rest of the story" :)."
"This book is really about the many 'miracles' in her life that witnessed to her that God is in charge and he blesses those who trust in him."
"I heard that the movie wasn't entirely faithful to the book, and was really curious to read the true story."
"You will see how different the actually lives of the Von Trapp Family were from the movie family. I loved the book and very happy I bought it."
"WE had stayed at the Trapp family Lodge in Stow Vermont several years ago which certainly added to my enjoyment of the book as I could picture so much of the beautiful land so aptly described."
"The music the family is known for takes a second place in this story as it is the story of the family's struggles to build a new life in a new world."
"Read this to my Mom who loves the movie Sound of Music."
"I have always wanted to read the book which became the Sound of Music and finally have."
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Joni Mitchell: In Her Own Words
More conversations followed over the next four decades of friendship, and it was only after Joni and Malka completed their last recorded interview, in 2012, that Malka discovered the heart of their discussions: the creative process. “An unflinching insight into the eight-times Grammy winning singer/songwriter’s lifelong battle with chronic illness, the pain of giving up her daughter for adoption, paranoia and a rare disease that literally makes her feel like her skin is crawling.” — Daily Mail. “This valuable book not only portrays an enduring artist but also reflects several decades of changing societal and musical culture.
Reviews
"An artist, a master of many mediums, and of her stature is rarely found in any age, and yet Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen are repeatedly described as "poets"; Joni is never, to my knowledge, put in their class. I laud Joni for taking her praise into her own hands, and for saying she really had no peer...neither Cohen or Dylan had the vocal chops that she did, or painted with words as skillfully as she did, or used such complex harmonies, or made so many gutsy changes in her creative direction. It seems to me ironic beyond words that she is painted with such a brush, and to think she is arrogant is to totally miss the point of the gender issues involved and her compulsion to right a true wrong, not one she perceives."
"Malka Marom skillfully converses with Joni giving you a closeness that only a friend can share."
"Interviews -- not narrative."
"Lots of insights to Joni's life, friends, tribulations of the music world and insights to how lots of her songs were developed."
"Joni is a good conversationalist and open regarding her creativity where music and her poetry are concerned."
"Even as a fan of Joni Mitchell's music for 35 years, I learned so much about Joni's life and music career."
"Instructive, too, for a non-musician who wants to understand more about why JM is so completely original."
"Love the history behind the lyrics and music."
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Best Folk & Traditional Songbooks

The Reader's Digest Merry Christmas Songbook
Compiles more than one hundred carols, spirituals, popular Christmas hits, folk songs, and holiday tunes from around the world.
Reviews
"I have the Christmas Music for Dummies book as well, and those arrangements are a little awkward in places (to my ear) and just a few notches more difficult."
"Great compendium of Christmas music with enough detail to be good, without being horribly difficult."
"This book replaced my original destroyed in a water incident."
"The book itself is jam packed with many different styles of music...old traditional carols to standard popular Christmas tunes."
"A very nice songbook with back stories to the Christmas songs."
"The person I purchased the book from was very protective of the book in the way he shipped it."
"Amazing condition!!!"
"I would have gotten major brownie points for coming up with something this beautiful and creative to accompany the original melody in my jazz piano class at the Eastman School of Music."
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Best Folk & Traditional Music

The Study Quran: A New Translation and Commentary
Drawn from a wide range of traditional Islamic commentaries, including Sunni and Shia sources, and from legal, theological, and mystical texts, The Study Quran conveys the enduring spiritual power of the Quran and offers a thorough scholarly understanding of this holy text. This painstaking work will do much to enlighten and inform the reading strategies of all who seek to understand the Holy Writ of Islam, especially as it relates to the beliefs and practices of Muslims.” (Sherman A. Jackson, King Faisal Chair of Islamic Thought and Practice, The University of Southern California). “A huge and significant scholarly undertaking, a major service to Islamic studies. “An extraordinary scholarly achievement, The Study Quran brings the text to life, gently guiding readers into the exciting interpretive worlds of Muslims in all of their rich diversity.” (Zareena A Grewal, PhD, professor of Religious Studies at Yale University). Whether the reader is a novice to the Quranic text, longtime student, or scholar, they will find much to reflect upon in this extraordinarily valuable resource.” (Kristin Zahra Sands, Harlequin Adair Dammann Chair in Islamic Studies, Sarah Lawrence College). “ The Study Quran represents a breakthrough for bringing the message of the Quran to the English-speaking world. With analytical depth and clarity, it offers to both specialist and general readers, Muslim and non-Muslim, uniquely learned insights into the reception and interpretation of Islam’s sacred scripture within the various Muslim intellectual and spiritual traditions.” (Sebastian Günther, Professor and Chair of Arabic and Islamic Studies, University of Göttingen, Germany). “A magnificent scholarly achievement, The Study Quran offers an eminently readable, thought-provoking and nuanced understanding of Islam’s sacred text that will help both Muslims and non-Muslims appreciate the richness and diversity of understandings of the Quran throughout the ages.” (Shafique N. Virani, Distinguished Professor of Islamic Studies, University of Toronto). The wealth of detailed information it contains makes The Study Quran a valuable text in understanding the centrality of the Quran and its role in shaping the spiritual and mundane lives of Muslims.” (Liyakat Takim, Sharjah Chair in Global Islam, McMaster University). “The publication of The Study Quran is a joyous occasion for all scripture lovers: a new English translation that celebrates the dignity and formality of sacred discourse, running commentary, and, as a very special signature, compelling and deeply instructive essays by fifteen of today’s leading scholars on Islam.” (Peter Ochs, Bronfman Professor of Modern Judaic Studies, University of Virginia). “A monumental milestone in the study of the Quran in western academia and a veritable touchstone of authenticity for all who are asking: what does the Quran actually say? Indeed a massive, unprecedented undertaking.” (Mohammad Hassan Khalil, Associate Professor of Islamic Studies and Director of the Muslim Studies Program, Michigan State University). “A work of extraordinary significance, The Study Quran makes accessible in English Islam’s sacred scripture along with an array of material necessary to appreciate the nuances of the text. “ The Study Quran will remain for many decades to come the key reference work in English for students of Islamic Studies and scholars of religion alike, as well as ordinary readers interested in the spiritual content, historical context and literary monument of the revelation of Islam.” (Dr. Leonard Lewisohn, Senior Lecturer in Persian, University of Exeter, U.K.). “ The Study Quran is a milestone in Islamic studies. “ The Study Quran will be an essential book for every English speaking student of Islam and every Muslim (and every Sufi) for generations to come. “ The Study Quran , joins the groaning shelves of ‘study Bibles’ as a resource for Muslims-and for Christians who want to learn more about this closely related sister faith.” ( ReadTheSpirit.com ). “ The Study Quran from HarperOne is a historic and ground-breaking work produced by a distinguished team of Islamic Studies scholars.” ( Maxwell Institute podcast ). The Study Quran is a historic and groundbreaking work, produced by a distinguished team of Islamic studies scholars led by Seyyed Hossein Nasr, which offers. A new English translation of the Quran that is accurate, accessible, and reliable in how it renders this sacred text A wide-ranging verse-by-verse commentary that brings together the most respected and distinguished traditions of metaphysical, spiritual, theological, and legal interpretation of the Quran within Islam A helpful introduction to each surah that provides an overview and background of its teachings Essays by fifteen internationally renowned scholars on how to read and understand the Quran and its role in shaping Islamic civilization A beautiful two-color, two-column design that presents the sacred text and commentary in the spirit of traditional Quran manuscripts Maps, a time line of historical events, comprehensive indexes, and other features to aid reading. The Study Quran provides a service never before available to readers of English: a scholarly yet accessible resource where one can quickly and easily explore how Muslims have interpreted the Quran through the centuries to the present day. An invaluable resource for scholars and students of all backgrounds, and especially to Muslims who want to deepen their understanding of their own tradition, The Study Quran is a much-needed guide in a time when confusion about the Quran and Islam is so prevalent.
Reviews
"Like fundamentalists of every flavor, radical Islamists come to their wars of ideas armed with proof-texts—those decontextualized bits of scripture that can be strung together in chains to justify whatever one happens to believe. Unlike the Bible, it contains very little sustained narrative, and the individual surahs (chapters) were not all revealed as discrete units, so each ayah has an independent context of original reception. The results are remarkable, and they have the wonderful added effect of limiting the ability of both adherents and detractors to manipulate the book’s meaning through uncritical prooftexting. In the 33rd Ayah of Surah 5 (The Table Spread), we read the following injunction: Verily, the recompense of those who wage war against God and His Messenger, and endeavor to work corruption upon the earth is that they be killed or crucified, or have their hands and feet cut off from opposite sides, or be banished from the land. since they embraced Islam in the presence of the Prophet, then renounced it through their actions, a small minority have considered the verse to apply to apostates in general. It seems clear, however, that the severe punishments in this verse pertain specifically to those who commit various crimes brazenly and with exceptional brutality, violence and terrorization of innocent people. And for English-speaking Muslims who are not terrorists and radical Islamists (which is about 99.9% of the total), it provides a valuable tool for deepening faith and demonstrating the shallowness of the proof-texters who constantly attack them. In an interview with CNN shortly after the volume’s publication, the lead editor, Seyyed Hossein Nasr argued that “the best way to counter extremism in modern Islam is a revival of classical Islam.” That is a tall order for any single book, but I suspect that, if a revival of classical Islam ever happens in the English-speaking world, the revivalists will all carry copies of the Study Quran–and the revolution will be extensively footnoted."
"The pages, a tad thin, but as Simone interested in Islam in a very big way, I find this wonderful tome to be very helpful."
"The essays in the back provide guidance on how Muslims understand and use the Quran by international scholars from a variety of backgrounds."
"It is a bit of a new translation with MUCH MORE commentary and printed on the thinnest paper possible, in other words, a long read but one I am definitely looking forward to finishing!"
"Very comprehensive Qu'ran with very in depth explanation of each verse."
"Beautifully put together."
"It is one of the best Translation of Quran."
"I am so happy to buy this book."
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Best Muslim Music

The Mysticism of Sound and Music: The Sufi Teaching of Hazrat Inayat Khan (Shambhala Dragon Editions)
Music, according to Sufi teaching, is really a small expression of the overwhelming and perfect harmony of the whole universe—and that is the secret of its amazing power to move us.
Reviews
"Certainly an amazing company, they sent a sweet gift with my order which was beloved for the synchronization!"
"Mindblowing artful metaphor about subjects impossible to be written or spoken about, subjects which can only experienced for oneself to get close to the truth of reality."
"A master book about the influence of vibrations (music) in our life, the meaning of love in our heart and how we are all connected to everything."
"excellent book & prompt delivery & item as described; complete satisfaction."
"This man has something to share with musicians, poets, and music lovers."
"It's good for a present to people who are interested in the subject."
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Best Ethnic Music

Wayfaring Strangers: The Musical Voyage from Scotland and Ulster to Appalachia
In Wayfaring Strangers , Fiona Ritchie and Doug Orr guide readers on a musical voyage across oceans, linking people and songs through centuries of adaptation and change. These two are the perfect authors to trace the journey this music has made and to paint the picture of the living, breathing stream that it is.--Kathy Mattea, singer-songwriter and teacher. To tie several centuries of peoples' lives together, across oceans and mountains, to make sense of their experiences and aspirations by the tenacious strands of their own music and song--that is a real achievement.--Brian McNeill, Scottish singer-songwriter, producer, and novelist. Wayfaring Strangers will touch a powerful chord in the lives of readers who appreciate the music of Scotland and Appalachia, as well as those whose families have ties to this rich historical journey.--William Ferris, author of The Storied South: Voices of Writers and Artists. In telling the story of the Scottish diaspora in Appalachia through music, Fiona Ritchie and Doug Orr have captured a process of adaptation and change that has created a traditional culture that continues to flourish.--Ron Pen, author of I Wonder as I Wander: The Life of John Jacob Niles.
Reviews
"In this book, the authors weave a tapestry of Appalachian music that is very colorful and very beautiful. The authors of this book describe how all of these strands have been woven into this beautiful tapestry."
"It has a wealth of information about the region(s), and the politics at the time, and how all of that helped to shape these people and their songs, as well as how the African music and traditions helped to shape this music and songs, and how they in turn became part of the American tradition."
"The reason the book didn't get five stars from me was that it seemed to ramble excessively (like the people the author was writing about), and I found it difficult to find places to stop reading so I could put the book down."
"There's even a CD of Appalachian music tucked into a pocket inside the back cover of the book."
"I have listened to Fiona Ritchie (Thistle and Shamrock) for a very long time, and she is very knowledgeable."
"I've had an dormant interest in traditional Scottish & Irish music for some years now but this book has awakened an urge to play the music more often & to explore the links into Old Timey, Bluegrass etc."
"Bought for a Christmas gift."
"This book is a fascinating exploration of folk music's journey from Scotland, Ireland, and the U.K. Tracing the roots and documenting the journey of songs and music over centuries, stopping Appalachia, becoming something new and how the two traditions have now intertwined."
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Best Reggae Music

Marley Legend: An Illustrated Life of Bob Marley
Book by Henke, James.
Reviews
"Wonderful book."
"The book was for someone who loves Bob Marley, it was a gift he really loved it, thought it had a lot of imformation in it that he didn't no."
"This is a perfect gift for anyone who is a Bob Marley fan or just anyone interested in his lid in genereal."
"I have always been a huge Bob Marley fan and this book really makes you feel like you are taking a look through his eyes!"
"It's a must have for all Bob Marley fans."
"I love the pockets with the extra's, posters, photos and information about Bob Marley and his life."
"Purchased as a gift for my 19 yr old daughter (I'm not a Marley fan but she lives for the guy)."
"Large hardcover book with many attachments."
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Best Specific Artist Songbooks

Led Zeppelin: Mothership - Authentic Guitar, Tab Edition
Page, Plant, and Jones hand-selected the songs for the unprecedented, career-spanning Mothership.
Reviews
"Awesome book, best zepplin music book, tab and chord and lyrics."
"If you are a Zep fan and a guitar player you definetly must have this songbook!"
"good selection of Zep music with tabs."
"This is the most complete tab for me to study Jimmy's solo."
"Great Book."
"I've bought him other guitar books before and this is honestly the only one he plays around with."
"This notes and tabulature are spot on,"
"If you love Lled Zeppelin and play guitar shame on you if you don't have this book."
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Best Hydroelectric Energy

26 Songs in 30 Days: Woody Guthrie's Columbia River Songs and the Planned Promised Land in the Pacific Northwest
Timed to celebrate the 75th anniversary of his employment by the federal government, KEXP DJ Greg Vandy. takes readers inside the unusual partnership between one of America's great folk artists and the federal government, and shows how the first American folk revival of the 1930's was a response to hard times. "Greg Vandy, known for his engaging KEXP roots-music show, “The Roadhouse,” lovingly unravels that tale in this cleanly written, handsomely designed and liberally illustrated book about Guthrie’s month-plus tenure based in Portland in 1941. "Greg Vandy's 26 Songs in 30 Days examines the period in 1941 when Woody Guthrie spent a month writing a song a day about hydroelectric power, irrigation, and the Grand Coulee Dam for the Bonneville Power Administration, and is a fascinating glimpse of the musician's life as well as the social politics of the time." “One of KEXP’s most noted DJs explores the relationship between Guthrie and the Bonneville Power Administration that yielded timeless folk songs.” — Shelf Talk, The Seattle Public Library. “ 26 Songs in 30 Days... [is] the revelatory history of Guthrie’s work as a commissioned songwriter for the Pacific NW...” — Northwest Music Scene. “ 26 Songs In 30 Days plunges deeply into the historical context of the time and the progressive politics that embraced Social Democracy during an era in which the United States had been severely suffering from The Great Depression. Vandy and Person do expansive justice to their narrow subject, swerving outside their coffee table book lane and crucially, big-upping Guthrie while filleting the notion of his unassailable musical-ethical integrity. “75 years ago, America's greatest folk singer spent a month in the Northwest where he wrote some of his most famous songs. "This is a terrific read and Woody Guthrie is really part of the American traditional song book" — Nancy Guppy , ArtZone. "Context for the complex fight for public power in the Pacific Northwest...is well provided by Greg Vandy in his book" —Ben Hunter & Joe Seamons. " 26 Songs In 30 Days plunges deeply into the historical context of the transformative vision and the progressive politics that embraced social democracy during an era that led America out of the severe suffering of the Great Depression." — Bainbridge Community Podcast " 26 Songs in 30 Days is splendidly illustrated with images of Guthrie’s typed and handwritten lyrics and letters, postcards, historical photos, and marvelous BPA posters." "Authors Greg Vandy and Dan Person offer a breezy yet informative read, and there are some terrific rarely-seen photos" —. KPFK. "Greg Vandy, a Seattle author and KEXP DJ, describes Guthrie's journey to the Northwest and reveals what he calls the 'beauty of his simplicity." "To celebrate the 75th anniversary of [Guthrie's] project, Seattle author and KEXP DJ Greg Vandy has penned 26 Songs in 30 Days." —. Baja Review “Not a rehashing of Guthrie’s early life and travels, the book includes just enough biography and local folklore to keep this month of 1941 in context.” —Mark’s 365 Days of Vinyl. "Moving, inspiring, and uplifting, the songs of Woody Guthrie took the rural grassroots to the entire nation through folk music – and, as a result, warmed up their hearts and minds, respectively, in unity." “This is a never told before story of how the first American folk revival of the 1930s was a response to hard times, and how Guthrie championed a new Social Democracy in Portland.” — Hood River News "That it was all bought and paid for by Bonneville was a funny thing to discover, but it didn’t make it any less cool or discredit the songs in any way."
Reviews
"Great book that clears up a confused and poorly documented part of Guthrie's life and how many lost acetates of these songs were discovered in the mid eightes."
"We love Woody Guthrie and his story."
"January 26, 2018. Another excellent addition for My project with Ketrina Maria Gordon."
"Good book but could have covered the effects of Guthrie's communist leanings on the Columbia River Project."
"Great book, Interesting and well written, Good photos to go along with the text, A very attractive coffee table book."
"Great photos and read."
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