Bøker av Matt Karpe

In great detail, this book discusses the Californication album's writing and recording processes, the stories behind every song- including the B-sides and unreleased material, the ensuing world tour, and the legacy the record has left behind.

In a year containing groundbreaking releases from the likes of Madonna, Bruce Springsteen, Metallica, and Van Halen, 1984 also saw Prince return bigger and bolder than ever. Not content with solely focusing on the lead acting role in his semi-autobiographical movie, Prince worked overtime on a set of songs for the accompanying soundtrack album, and the results were there for all to see upon the unveiling of the masterpiece that was Purple Rain. Arriving at a time of significant world change, and with his eccentric and talented backing band - The Revolution - in tow, Prince's rise to superstardom was cemented with a set of delicious dancefloor hymns. These included the power ballad of all power ballads, a lead single void of customary songwriting traditions; and a track so controversial that it brought about the establishment of the PMRC, and the creation of the 'Parental Advisory' label. Purple Rain celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2024, and this book digs deeper into the writing and recording process of the diamond-certified album. Also discussing the stories behind the songs, and the host of B-sides to have followed over the years, this book also pays tribute to Prince - the inimitable mastermind behind the entire Purple Rain project. Oh, no, let's go!

The Smashing Pumpkins rose to fame during the grunge movement of the early nineties, however, the Chicago quartet's soaring guitar-driven anthems and beautifully crafted ballads instantly set them apart from their Seattle contemporaries. Possessing not one but two magnum opuses in their extensive back catalogue- the moody and reflective Siamese Dream, and the sprawling double-disc, diamond-certified Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness, found the band once tipped to be the next Nirvana entirely in a league of their own. The Pumpkins' career has been meticulously orchestrated by Billy Corgan, a songwriter for the ages who has never shied away from exploring and expanding the boundaries of alternative rock. Without his immeasurable creativity and irrefutable desire, the Smashing Pumpkins would never have achieved the successes which came their way. The Smashing Pumpkins on track revisits the band's triumphant first decade, uncovering the stories behind the songs on their six studio albums released during this period, as well as standalone singles, movie soundtrack entries, EPs, and a whole host of B-sides and rarities. Also acting as a detailed biography, this book is an essential guide to the music of one of the nineties' biggest rock bands.