With the senseless invasion of Ukraine I thought I’d have a day listening to the best antiwar songs. They don’t get better than this.
Today’s Music to keep me SSsSSAaaaAnnNNEEe in Isolation – Lifemask
If you want a great book on Roy Harper, Nick Harper or a memoir of a life spent in Rock Music then have a look at an Opher Goodwin book.
I’ve a number of books on Rock Music to chose from. Why not have a browse?
Today’s Music To Keep Me SsssSAaAAANnnnNEEE in Isolation – Roy Haper – Bullingamingvase
Roy Harper: Every Album, Every Song – Thank you Paul Chilcott for the 5 Star review on Goodreads.
Roy Harper: Every Album, Every Song.
Paul Chilcott – Absolutely nailed it. A wonderful commentary on the life and music of Roy Harper.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56997349-roy-harper
Poetry – My Life is a Poem
My Life is a Poem
My life is a poem
In touch with the mysteries
Stumbling through the bizarre.
Uncertain of every touch.
Trying to understand
The entwining histories
From the strings of a guitar
That I have felt too much.
Opher 4.1.2022
Music and poetry make more sense to me than anything else.
Life’s a mystery.
There are no answers.
Live to the max and ignore everyone who is sure.
Music makes you think.
Poetry makes you think.
Roy Harper, Bob Dylan and Don Van Vliet make sense to me.
Roy Harper – On Track – Every Album Every Song – The reviews
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
Roy Harper – On Track – Every Album Every Song
Roy Harper – On Track – Every Album Every Song
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.
I have just received a new batch of books if anybody would like a signed copy from me please email – opher@hotmail.co.uk
The book is now available on Amazon:https://read.amazon.co.uk/kp/card?preview=inline&linkCode=kpd&ref_=k4w_oembed_JGeSMWFVIef5Ez&asin=1789521300&tag=kpembed-20
For those who do not like Amazon it is also available at the Publisher’s own site – Burning Shed
https://burningshed.com/opher-goodwin_roy-harper-on-track_book?filter_tag=Opher%20Goodwin
Thanks for looking.
A big thank you to all those who have left such great reviews!!