Under The Ivy The Life Music Of Kate Bush

Under the Ivy examines Bush’s unconventional upbringing in South London, the blossoming of her talent, and her evolution into one of the most visually and sonically creative artists of the past four decades. Graeme masterfully weaves over 70 new interviews with those close to both the public artist and the private woman into his narrative. He grants unprecedented insight into Kate’s unique working methods, her pioneering use of the studio on landmark albums such as hounds of Love, her rejection of live performance, her key relationships and her profound influence on successive generations of musicians. The result is a detailed and utterly absorbing biography of Kate Bush, written with wit, style and substance. Under The Ivy is the definitive and updated account of the life and music of one of the world’s most gifted, private and often misunderstood artists.

This latest edition of Under The Ivy is fully updated to include analysis of Bush s stunning return to live performance in August 2014"

Selected and arranged by the author, and with a new introduction by novelist David Mitchell, How To Be Invisible presents the lyrics of Kate Bush published together for the first time. 'For millions around the world, Kate is way more than another singer-songwriter: she is a creator of musical companions that travel with you through life. One paradox about Kate is that while her lyrics are proudly idiosyncratic, those same lyrics evoke emotions and sensations that feel universal. Literature works in similar mysterious ways. Kate's the opposite of a confessional singer-songwriter ... You don't learn much about Kate from her songs. She's fond of masks and costumes - lyrically and literally - and of yarns, fabulations and atypical narrative viewpoints. Yet, these fiercely singular songs, which nobody else could have authored, are also maps of the heart, the psyche, the imagination. In other words, art.' David Mitchell

In this intimate and engaging biography, Graeme Thomson interviews Nelson himself, his band and those who knew him best en route to discovering the real Willie Nelson. The Outlaw brilliantly describes a complex and compelling man whose life and music reflect something fundamental at the heart of twentieth-century America. Thomson's revealing portrait is a timely reminder of the stature and achievements of a true living legend. Covering everything from dirt poor beginnings in Texas, global fame in the 70s, four marriages, the death of a son and affairs with Amy Irving and Candice Bergen up to his current position as a 73-year-old pot smoking man of the road, Thomson's account emerges as the first detailed, clear-eyed account of Nelson's fascinating life.

The "magisterial biography" (Chicago Tribune) of the most enigmatic Beatle, now in a paperback edition.

Kate Bush has written some of the most memorable songs in pop music history. Wuthering Heights, her debut single shot to number 1 in 1978 and she remains something of an enigma over a quarter of a century later. A singer, songwriter, musician, dancer, actress and director, Kate has inspired a devoted following around the world. Rob Jovanovic traces the story of Kate Bush's career, from her up-bringing in the Essex countryside through her first forays into music with a series of home recordings, to her number 1 debut album that propelled her to international stardom. Including exclusive interviews with studio musicians and choreographers, Jovanovic's biography emphasises both her voracious talent and her intensely private personality.