Some albums are simply undeniable watersheds in an artist’s career. Artistic or commercial triumphs (or sometimes both), but most importantly seen by both the fanbase and, to a greater or lesser degree the wider world, as a defining statement in their catalogue. Such was undoubtedly the case when Supertramp released Crime Of The Century in 1974.
In a decade stuffed with a wild array of influences, styles and instrumental line-ups, there can be few tending quite so near to the definition 'unique' as the four musicians who made up the 'classic' 1970s line-up of Van Der Graaf Generator.
The archetypal 1970s rock band, everyone has heard of Led Zeppelin and their name is a byword for rock excess. All their albums except their first reached number one in the UK and throughout Europe. Page, Plant and Jones are still active today. The band reformed for a one-off concert in 2007.
A year-by-year journey through Iriah Heap in the 1970s, looking at the albums, the often gruelling touring schedules and the ups and downs of the relationships within the band. Never quite attaining the sales and success of some of their rivals at the time, Uriah Heep nevertheless released some of the most extraordinary music of the decade.
This book lifts the lid on every single track recorded by Iron Maiden, album by album, from the punk-ish debut album with original vocalist Paul DiAnno through to the sprawling double disc epic Book Of Souls. By way of facts, anecdotes, analysis and a dollop of opinion, author Steve Pilkington provides both an informative companion.
Everyone has their favourite Monty Python sketches, often quoted almost verbatim, whether it is 'the Parrot Sketch', 'the Cheese Shop' or 'Blackmail' - amongst many. Likewise the Python films, the mere mention of which might solicit quotes like 'Tis but a flesh wound' or 'He's not the Messiah, he's a very naughty boy'.
Guitarist Gordon Giltrap came into the public eye with his 1976 album Visionary. His piece Heartsong was the BBC's long-running Holiday programme theme tune. Gordon's life in and out of the spotlight has proved to be a rollercoaster of highs and lows, which ultimately transcends his musical achievements as a story of human triumph and tragedy.
The Rolling Stones: Still going strong and defying the doubters, over 55 years since their formation, they possess a longevity almost unheard of in popular music - especially with three of the five original members still present.
The first book to combine the classic output of Deep Purple and Rainbow into one book in such detail. 2018 sees the 50th anniversary of the first Deep Purple album Shades of Deep Purple. Deep Purple have remained active until this day, and a version of Rainbow reformed for live shows in 2015, to considerable media attention.
An in-depth look at the recording career of rock legends Black Sabbath, focusing on each song individually, album by album, with facts and critical assessment together with a look at the album art, chart positions etc. The book will cover every studio album recorded by the band, as well as looking at their live albums and DVD/video appearances.