The life's work of two of British music's most unique and timeless artists, with an introduction by Jarvis Cocker. Whenever an aspiring musician asks me about songwriting I point them towards Robert and Alfie. Their work is so unusual, so perceptive, so playful and so grown-up. I don't think there's anyone to compare. If you want songs that touch your mind as well as your heart, these are the best. Wide distribution of this book could improve the state of music dramatically. - Brian Eno *** Selected and arranged by the authors themselves, and featuring an introduction by Jarvis Cocker, Side by Side presents the lyrics, poems, writings and drawings of innovative musician Robert Wyatt and his creative partner, English painter and songwriter Alfie Benge. As a founding member of influential English rock bands Soft Machine and Matching Mole, and with a solo career which has lasted for over forty years and seen him collaborate with a diverse range of artists including Bjork, Brian Eno, Carla Bley, Paul Weller and David Gilmour, his own music remains unclassifiably personal. Alfie Benge is a visual artist, songwriter and pioneering music manager, having managed Robert's career for fifty years. She is also married to Robert. Since 1982 they have collaborated on many of Robert's most well-known songs. This unique volume celebrates one of the most enduring creative partnerships of the last half-century.

George Gershwin is one of the giants of American music, unique in that he was both a brilliant writer of popular songs and of more serious music. Here, music lovers are treated to a spectacular celebration of this great American composer.
The Reader offers a kaleidoscopic collection of writings by Gershwin, as well as those about Gershwin, written by a who's who of famous commentators. More than eighty pieces of superb variety, color, and depth include the critical debate over Gershwin's concert pieces, especially "Rhapsody in Blue" and "An American in Paris." There is a complete section devoted to the controversies over "Porgy and Bess," including correspondence between Gershwin and DuBose Hayward, the opera's librettist, plus unique interviews with the original Porgy and Bess--Todd Duncan and Anne Brown. Sprinkled throughout the book are excerpts from Gershwin's own letters, which offer unique insight into this fascinating and charming man. Along with a detailed chronology of the composer's life, the editors provide informative introductions to each entry.
Here is a book for anyone interested in American music. Scholars, performers, and Gershwin's legions of fans will find it an irresistible feast.

POPCORN ROAD TO PARIS...and Back is a collection of memories by Robert W. Thrasher, an Army Scout during WWII. The author's style is almost that of a comic entertainer. He pokes fun at Uncle Sam in "My First Job," saying he never got paid for any of the jobs he did until he became a soldier and received a dollar a day and room and board! He then became a scout. ..".I soon got used to my job as a scout. I learned to concentrate really hard and be aware of everything all the time. I can tell you that it was a kid's job. An old man sure couldn't handle it. But before you knew it, the war was over and I was laid off. That damn Hitler again." Through the author's eyes you will laugh, and you will cry, but you will never forget these stories.