FEATURE:
My Back Pages
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The Wonder and Importance of Music Books
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I think here are few finer things…
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than walking into the Music section of a bookstore! For example, I live quite close to Waterstones in Piccadilly, London. Last year saw some fantastic music books released. Rolling Stone, CLASH, Pitchfork, and The Guardian had their say about the very best of the year. You walk into a bookshop and head towards shelves lined with paperbacks and hardbacks. I love the biographies and reference books. There are also the artist-specific books too. Ones about particular album and genres. Time periods in music that are engrossing and full of detail! My particular favourite section is the coffee table books. Those big hardbacks that are either music photography or a biography. The smell and sensation of approaching those books and having something so impressive there to read. Like record shops where they can cover the albums so they are not damaged and feel new when you buy them, you do not get that all the time with bookshops. People can read the books and, sometimes, you are buying one that other people have leafed through. Regardless, that experience of searching through music books is a very different one to vinyl shopping. Perhaps more sedate and a little different in terms of energy, I find that we do not talk about music books as much as vinyl. The Penderyn Music Book Prize has just its shortlist. Recognising the very best music books from last year. An example of an organisation/body who are taking time t highlight how important music books are!
I wonder whether there are music book clubs. Where people can discuss great music books. Also, music book subscription services where you can get a new one sent to you each month. It can be quite expensive when you have your eyes on really great music books. Like vinyl, these books are an investment. You take days and weeks to read them and can keep coming back. With so much focus being on actual music and physical sales there, we do ignore slightly the literature that is just as important. Some of the best books I have read the past few years have been music books So much passion and research goes into them. As much as I do love a great coffee table book or something like a comprehensive Madonna biography there is a lot to be said about a paperback. Even the slim and essential 33 1/3 series. Option for every music lover. We should be encouraging music fans to buy books in addition to the music. You can learn just as much from a book about an artist as their albums reveal. I was compelled to write as, when I walk into Waterstones, Piccadilly and see the glorious shelves of music books staring back at me, I want to own so many of them! Buying the books new is great through, considering budget, it makes me think about a book club or exchange where you can get your favourite music books and swap them.
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In any case, we do undervalue and under-discuss the wonder and tactile power of music books. Whether you prefer text and the detail you get from biographies or reference guides or the mesmeric nature of iconic music photography, there is that excitement of getting the book. The same sense of anticipation when you see that vinyl album and know it will soon be in your collection! I was really fascinated by all of the great music books that came out last year. There will be loads coming this year. Whilst publications and websites have been busy collating their choices of last year’s best albums, there is far less emphasis and acknowledgement of all the important and must-read music books. Seen as inferior to albums perhaps. I hope this changes soon. There is nothing quite like owning a great book about an artist or a music scene and devoting time to it. You do see music books reviewed but, again, fewer than albums. I think all forms of music-related media and content is vital. Shining more of a light on these is paramount. Also, it would be great to see more people in bookstores and chains perusing music books. They are always quieter than record shops. Maybe that will always be the way. So many people missing out. Just like a wonderful album, discovering a music book can change your life. Last year was one where I bought a few exceptional music books and they are still in my mind now. Putting them on the same level as albums is justifiable. One only needs to read and discover the sheer effort and love that goes into writing them to realise that they are…
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A thing of joyful discovery and wonder.