I too have three copies left out of my three batches if anyone wants a signed copy.
Thank you all so much for your support and the fabulous reviews. They really cheer me up.
What is more important is that so many of you feel that I’ve done justice to Roy’s incredible body of work. It is time we had a celebration of the songs of Britain’s best singer-songwriter. He deserves much greater recognition.
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 besides 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.
Stewart Harper5.0 out of 5 stars Essential reading if you are a Harper Fan!Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 13 August 2021This was an epic undertaking…And it doesn’t fall short…I absolutely loved it! Even as a long term Fan…There is lots of brilliant insights into forging of the Songs…Anecdotal discourse from Someone who was there…Who Himself was an instant Fan…Then a Friend…Long before any kind of Spotlight truly hit Roy…It is extremely informative and details alot of hidden aspects…Observations and revelations…Which only serve and deepen your appreciation…For Roy’s Body of Work…It is the perfect Companion…And is a must…IMHO…You’ll find yourself reconnecting…With alot of the albums…And tracks…On another level…I raced through it…And started to reread it immediately again…I don’t do that with alot of books…The only spoiler alert…It’s a must…For any lover of Roy’s output!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 8 August 2021 Verified Purchase
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
The closest we have come to a Roy Harper autobiography is 2003’s ‘The Passions of Great Fortune’, Roy’s own book of lyrics, pictures and reminiscences. It leaves more questions than answers. Goodwin’s song by song semi-biography is a really welcome addition to the Roy Harper history that many of us only half know. Goodwin manages to review each song in context and gives us a domestic structure that we’ve previously had to guess at. He’s obviously a fan (who isn’t?) and his passion even extends to ruminating on what would have made a better single in 1970. (‘I Hate The White Man’ or ‘Another Day’?). The writing is energetic, insightful and, in many places, inspired. The book provides a perfect companion to the music and the music provides a perfect companion to your life. 6 people found this helpful
As soon as I started reading “on track…..Roy Harper” I was hooked. This is an excellent idea that has been well executed by Opher Goodwin. The level of detail is brilliant and it has added a slightly different dimension to my love of Roy Harper’s music. Opher clearly knows the man and his music very well. It does as the title suggests, going through the songs on each album one by one. There are lots of descriptions of playing style and personal thoughts from the author. Highly recommended. 3 people found this helpful
It is also available at Burning Shed (The publisher’s own site)
Thank you for all who sent in photos. I did send them off to the publisher who selected what he wanted to include. Sorry to those who did not get featured but I am starting to edit the second book and will be looking to include a number of those photos in that one.
Do not despair!
if you have any photos of Roy, particularly from the early years, that you would like me to consider for inclusion in the second book please wing them my way to opher@hotmail.co.uk Cheers!
BTW – I’ve just posted the third batch of books for those who requested them!! You should receive them soon!
I had a busy morning signing books, parcelling up and addressing!
I don’t think I’m very good at it!!
The lady in the Post Office wasn’t too pleased to see me and neither were the people behind me in the queue. I just made the post. It was a little fraught.
The good news is that the first batches of books are in the post and should be arriving shortly. Please acknowledge when you get them! I still have some more copies if anybody else wants me to sign a copy (email me at opher@hotmail.co.uk) and they are available at Burning Shed (the publisher’s site) Search – Roy Harper (burningshed.com) and the book will be available from Amazon on July 29th Roy Harper: Every Album, Every Song (On Track) : Opher Goodwin: Amazon.co.uk: Books
Roy Harper: Every Album, Every Song (On Track) Paperback – 16 July 2021
The celebration of Roy’s superb songs and song-writing is complete and due for release on 16th July on Amazon.
Thanks to everyone who sent in photos. My publisher selected the ones he wanted to use. Don’t worry if yours isn’t in there. I shall include a number of others when I complete the second book.
