Captain Beefheart – ‘On Track – Every Album, Every Song’ receives great reviews!

Posted on by Opher

Captain Beefheart – ‘On Track – Every Album, Every Song’ receives great reviews!

‘As with his excellent On Track book about Roy Harper, Opher Goodwin has immersed us in the world of a truly great, if enigmatic musician. Opher’s deep and personal knowledge of the times, the culture, man and his music create a provocative and fulfilling read.’

‘This is such a brilliant book.’

‘a gold mine of information’

‘a forensic knowledge of Captain Beefheart and the Magic Band.’

‘what it feels like to have your brain rewired by this completely unique artist’

‘a must have for fans of Captain Beefheart and The Magic Band.’

‘You know when you go into an art gallery or museum and have an accompanying guide book explaining a little about the art or artefacts? Well, this is very much like that.’

‘I love it and so will you.’

‘another incentive; to listen to the most original, influential, unique music in rock history.’

So good to read the reviews of my new Beefheart book. Very heartening that people are enjoying it so much. It’s good to know that I’ve done justice to my favourite band! Thank you so much to all those leaving reviews and likes!

This is the second of the books that I have written in this series for Sonicbond Press. A third will be out next year.

I have received another batch, so if anybody else would like a signed copy please contact me.

For those who do not like purchasing from the dreaded Amazon it is available through other outlets including the publisher’s own site Burning Shed.

https://burningshed.com/opher-goodwin_captain-beefheart-on-track_book

Writing update!!

Posted on by Opher

Today I sent off the photos and final edit for the Captain Beefheart – On Track – Every Album, Every Song

The book is due out in July!!

Roy Harper – On Track – Every Album Every Song

Posted on by Opher

Roy Harper must be one of Britain s most undervalued rock musicians and songwriters. For over fifty years he has produced a series of innovative albums of consistently outstanding quality. He puts poetry and social commentary to music in a way that extends the boundaries of rock music. His 22 studio albums 16 live albums, made up of 250 songs, have created a unique body of work. Roy is a musician s musician. He is lauded by the likes of Dave Gilmour, Ian Anderson, Jimmy Page, Pete Townsend, Joanna Newsom, Fleet Foxes and Kate Bush. Who else could boast that he has had Keith Moon, Jimmy Page, Dave Gilmour, John Paul Jones, Ronnie Lane, Chris Spedding, Bill Bruford and Steve Broughton in his backing band? Notable albums include Stormcock, HQ and Bullinamingvase. Opher Goodwin, Roy s friend and a fan, guides the reader through every album and song, providing insight into the recording of the songs as well the times in which they were recorded. As his loyal and often fanatical fans will attest, Roy has produced a series of epic songs and he remains a raging, uncompromising individual.

Roy Harper – On Track – Every Album Every Song – The reviews

Posted on by Opher

Thank you to all who have left such great reviews. Amazon now has 40 ratings and reviews. Burning Shed has 166.

Here’s a taste of what people are saying:

‘This book though is an anthology that deserves to sit by your side, in, as I say in the title, any reading of this masterful lyricist, singer, songwriter, and poet. The music, by any standards, is so complex, that it deserves to one day to sit beside the greatest works of the greatest authors, lyricists, and poets, to be contemplated over for decades, nay, centuries, to come.

This book will hopefully reveal a corner of that tapestry, to assist scholars to unveil for themselves, for years to come.

If you’re not a scholar, just enjoy, as a music lover!

A very enjoyable companion to Roy’s music, to have by your side.’

‘I have had a most enjoyable week reading Opher Goodwins’ book about Roy Harper’s songs while relistening to my own albums or streaming those not yet acquired via my favourite service. The book gives new insights into familiar tunes and lyrics, brings knowledge about recently heard gems and adds a greater depth to our collective knowledge about one of the most loved singer/songwriters of his generation.
The author’s easy, readable style and deep knowledge, based of hundreds of attended gigs and an almost life-long friendship with Roy, helps take the reader through each album track chronologically, including any associated singles and B-sides.’

‘The author guides us through Roy’s catalogue with a real authority for the subject, but the writing is never ‘dry’ – there is entertainment alongside education. It is clear that the author draws real pleasure from Roy’s music, and he is always willing and able to share that with the reader. For relative newcomers to Roy’s canon, enlightenment and revelation await. For dedicated ‘Harper-ists’ there is much to admire and reflect on. I wholeheartedly recommend Opher’s book to other aficionados and to those with early-stage curiosity about the work of one of Britain’s major songwriters, free-thinkers and catalysts for change.’

‘Excellent and enjoyable – thorough, detailed, super anecdotes and “eye witness”, and an easy and fun read. Written by a true fan but not sycophantic – Harper is not that sort of writer/performer. Makes me want to play every song (again). Nice job Opher.’

‘Wonderful book written by a man who clearly has a deep love and understanding of Roys’ work and the passion really comes through here.
Opher Goodwin offers many enlightening thoughts and personal recollections as he takes you on a fabulous musical journey from Sophisticated Beggar to the magnificent Man And Myth.
I found myself thoroughly immersed in the book.’

Thanks Everyone!

https://burningshed.com/opher-goodwin_roy-harper-on-track_book

Or email me for a signed copy – opher@hotmail.co.uk

Cheers Opher