Praise for
Anatomy of 55 More Songs: "Entertaining tidbits and insights infuse the second volume
of Marc Myers's eclectic array of musical hits, with singers, composers,
lyricists, and producers delving into the backstories of some of the most
recognizable, impactful songs of the 20th century. ...one of the real joys
here is in the way that those interviewed are so expressive and generous with
their unalloyed admiration for fellow artists... 'Anatomy' is an enjoyable
musical interlude -- you inevitably sing the songs in your head as you read
these stories. It would also, by the way, make one hell of a mixtape." --Daneet
Steffens,
Boston Globe "Highly, entertainingly readable." --L. Kent
Wolgamott,
Lincoln Journal Star"Anatomy of 55 More Songs is a fantastic
addition to any music lover's library." --
Glide Magazine "These are engaging narratives that are dressed up with
offbeat trivia that will make you the star conversationalist of any cocktail
party." --Sal Cataldi, NYSmusic.com
Praise for Marc Myers and Anatomy of a Song: "In these pieces...songwriters and
performers speak in their own voices...Because of Myers's skill as an
interviewer, their pride and enthusiasm come blasting through. Each story is a
pleasure to read and will deepen your listening experience...Myers bears down hard
on these songs and the artists rise to the standards he sets." --
New York
Times Book Review"A first-rate playlist...A rich history of both the music industry and the baby
boomer era." --
Los Angeles Times Book Review"Marc Myers's
Anatomy of a Song [is] a winning look at the
stories behind 45 pop, punk, folk, soul and country classics...A smart, gracious
book. His interviews yield some fascinating details." --
Washington Post"[A] splendid volume." --
Guardian"A music lover's dream book." --
Cleveland Plain Dealer"
Anatomy of a Song...reads like a dream karaoke playlist. Not a dud in
sight." --
Huffington Post"Who would've ever guessed the inspiration behind Gladys Knight's soul-stirring
'Midnight Train to Georgia' was '70s pinup queen Farrah Fawcett? That's just
one of the fascinating song histories revealed in the new book
Anatomy
of a Song." --
New York Post"The short, sharp chapters breeze by like a particularly well-curated
jukebox...Fast, fun and informative." --
Houston Press"The most revealing and entertaining
compilation of short stories on popular music we have seen this decade."--
Goldmine"
Anatomy of A Song. . . gets
the lowdown on about forty years of hits straight from the artists' mouths . .
. It's always cool to hear how the musical sausage gets made, especially when
it's made by geniuses in the field. But Myers also does an outstanding job of
unearthing the moments of humor and heartbreak that accompanied the creation of
these songs."--
American Songwriter"Myers . . . uncovers the
fascinating backstories behind many legendary songs that changed the trajectory
of music . . . Culling together anecdotal revelations about happy accidents,
deliberately vague lyrical choices and unexpected lapses of confidence, the
book manages to both demystify and humanize so many of its iconic subjects...
Filled with surprises for music fans and aspiring songwriters alike."--
BMI
Music"Who doesn't like to listen to
musicians tell their stories about the genesis of a song? Or to hear them laugh
at the deep meaning that listeners often invest in it when for them it was,
well, just a song about a breakup? Myers' book has something for everyone"--
No
Depression"The critical ability of Marc Myers
shows in his selection of topics and his persistence in hunting down the right
people to talk about their songs. But his talent as a writer shows in his
willingness to get out of the way and let them talk about their songs . . .
Myers pushes his subjects to recollect what had really happened that day in the
studio, that moment when the song first came to mind, that instant when the
radio began to play it."--
Washington Free Beacon "Countless fun facts dot
Anatomy
of a Song."--
Billboard"Myers' book succeeds as a
collection because he reveals the paradox of popular music: the magical change
that transpires once the personal becomes public . . . Perhaps the greatest
gift of
Anatomy of a Song is its range . . . This is a book that
encourages you to go back into your record collection, to the hits you think
you remember well."--
Las Vegas Weekly"Myers' . . . work is archival. It
is important. It is illuminating."--
Under the Radar"A detailed look at 45 iconic
popular songs . . . This will entice general readers and music lovers alike. In
his introduction, Myers calls the book an 'oral history jukebox' and
popular-music fans everywhere will want to be ready with a pocketful of dimes."--
Booklist"A compelling compendium of
behind-the-scenes shop talk that will excite even the most casual music geek."--
Bookreporter"A cultural history of the elusive
hit single, focused on artists' recollections and studio alchemy . . . The book's
strength lies in thoughtful, wry reflections from artists including Elvis
Costello, Jimmy Cliff, Stevie Wonder, Booker T. Jones, Dr. John, and Debbie
Harry. An entertaining record of the soundtrack of the baby boomer era."--
Kirkus
Reviews"Music fans will enjoy the
behind-the-songs stories."--
Publishers Weekly 
