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!
Or email me for a signed copy – opher.goodwin@gmail.com
Cheers Opher