Great Albums – serie

Authoritatively written and including rare photography and memorabilia, this sumptuous slipcased hardcover is the only illustrated gift book to examine Prince’s most iconic album and film, Purple Rain.In 1984, Prince, along with his band, The Revolution, released what would become his best-selling album and a touchstone of 1980s pop culture. Purple Rain has gone on to sell 25 million copies and counting. In Prince and Purple Rain, Andrea Swensson, a Minneapolis-based journalist and host/co-producer of Prince | Official Podcast, takes a deep dive into the legendary musician’s most famous album on its 40th anniversary.The book features:A lush purple velvet slipcase with gold-foil letteringA foreword by Prince superfan Maya RudolphStunning performance and off-stage photographyInterviews with musicians who worked with PrinceImages of memorabilia from top collectors Chapters cover:Prince’s youth and early music career in Minneapolis, as well as each of the five studio albums that preceded Purple RainPrince’s backing band, The Revolution, and the backgrounds of each of its individual members, with an emphasis on the Purple Rain studio and touring members: drummer Bobby Z, bassist Brown Mark, guitarist Wendy Melvoin, keyboardist Lisa Coleman, and keyboardist Matt FinkTrack-by-track analyses of each sideA look at the groundbreaking film of the same name and its multiplatinum soundtrackAwards, accolades, and critical receptionPrince’s legacy post–Purple Rain, up to his untimely death in 2016Prince and Purple Rain is a definitive and beautifully produced tribute to a legendary album from a legendary performer and artist.The Great Albums series presents authoritative explorations of rock’s most revered records, beautifully packaged for fans to treasure. Delve into even more groundbreaking releases with: Pink Floyd and The Dark Side of the Moon, The Who & Quadrophenia, Bruce Springsteen and Born to Run, and Queen & A Night at the Opera, with more to come.

Celebrate the 50th anniversary of an undisputed prog rock masterpiece with this richly illustrated and highly giftable slip-cased volume. Just in time for the band’s Fifty Something tour, Rush and 2112: 50 Years tells the complete tale of the most revered prog rock album of all time with bold photography, insightful interviews and commentary, and rarely seen performance and off-stage photography.Rush formed in Toronto in 1968 and debuted their first album in 1974. Their second and third albums received middling reviews, then 2112 shot them into the stratosphere of global rock and began a wave of successful albums as their sound continued to evolve.Rush fans new and old can expect:A deep dive into how 2112 came together and why it is regarded as a masterpieceTrack-by-track analyses of the studio cut as well as insight into the 20-minute “2112” suite and why it worksHistorical insight and analysis about the state of rock in the mid-’70s and evolving ’80s, and how Rush created and sustained an unforgettable soundAnd much, much moreRush holds an outsized place in popular culture, and this book showcases why: The virtuosity of the lyrics and music, the raw talent of its original trio of Lee, Lifeson, and Pert, and bold compositions in the ever-changing soundscape of the ’70s and ’80s led to a storied career, and over 40 million records sold. Many critics and fans consider Rush one of, if not the greatest rock band of all time, and this book helps explain how Rush rose to the forefront of musical stardom and sustained that popularity for decades.Written by noted rock historian and avid Rush fan Daniel Bukszpan, this book is sure to delight new and old Rush fans alike from all over the world.The Great Albums series presents authoritative explorations of rock’s most revered records, beautifully packaged for fans to treasure. Delve into even more groundbreaking releases with: Pink Floyd and The Dark Side of the Moon, The Who & Quadrophenia, Prince and Purple Rain, Queen & A Night at the Opera, Bruce Springsteen and Born to Run, and many more to come.

Take a deep dive into one of the best-selling albums ever on the 50th anniversary of its release with this beautifully produced and authoritatively written slipcased edition.Veteran rock critic Martin Popoff leaves no stone unturned in taking apart Pink Floyd’s generation-spanning masterpiece, The Dark Side of the Moon, while exploring each of the album’s 10 tracks and their themes of madness, anxiety, and alienation. Chapters cover:The state of Pink Floyd as of 1972, with special emphasis on deposed founder Syd BarrettThe recording sessions at famed Abbey Road Studios, including techniques used and the roles of personnel such as engineer Alan ParsonsSong-by-song studies of each album side, including analyses of lyrics and the guitars, drums, keyboards, and synthesizers employed by members David Gilmour, Roger Waters, Nick Mason, and Richard WrightThe ground-breaking art and packaging created by design firm Hipgnosis and its founder Storm ThorgersonThe continent-hopping tours that supported the album and also introduced the songs before its releaseThe rock group’s trajectory post-Dark Side, including notable albums, tours, and the departure of WatersPopoff also takes you on side journeys examining each band member, session players, prog rock, the Live at Pompeii concert and film, Waters’ singular writing technique, Dark Side collectibles, awards, and more. There’s even a brief discography and complete LP tour dates.Presented in a 10.5" × 10.5" slipcased book, Pink Floyd and The Dark Side of the Moon is illustrated with stunning performance and candid off-stage photography as well as rare memorabilia.The result is a richly presented celebration and your ultimate tribute to the prog-rock masterpiece.The Great Albums series presents authoritative explorations of rock’s most revered records, beautifully packaged for fans to treasure. Delve into even more groundbreaking releases with: The Who & Quadrophenia, Prince and Purple Rain, Bruce Springsteen and Born to Run, and Queen & A Night at the Opera, with more to come.

Authoritatively written and featuring rare photography and memorabilia, this beautiful slipcased hardcover is the only illustrated gift book to examine Queen’s most iconic album, A Night at the Opera.In 1975, Queen released what would become their best-selling album, which also happened to introduce their most enduring song, “Bohemian Rhapsody.” A Night at the Opera has gone on the sell over 11 million copies worldwide and counting. In Queen and a Night at the Opera, rock historian Gillian Gaar takes a deep dive into the legendary English band’s most famous album on its 50th anniversary. Chapters cover:  Queen’s formation and history up to A Night at the Opera, including the three albums that preceded itThe recording sessions that resulted in the albumTrack-by-track analyses of each sideThe tour to support the album, and awards and accoladesThe band’s career after the album—and after the death of Freddie MercuryIn addition, numerous sidebars cover topics such as the “Bohemian Rhapsody” video, producer Roy Thomas Baker, Brian May’s “Red Special” guitar, and more. There are even capsule bios of Mercury and May, as well as bassist John Deacon and drummer Roger Taylor. IIlustrated with performance and off-stage photography as well as images of rare memorabilia, Queen and A Night at the Opera is a definitive and beautifully produced tribute to a legendary album from a legendary performer and artist.The Great Albums series presents authoritative explorations of rock’s most revered records, beautifully packaged for fans to treasure. Delve into even more groundbreaking releases with: Pink Floyd and The Dark Side of the Moon, The Who & Quadrophenia, Prince and Purple Rain, and Bruce Springsteen and Born to Run, with more to come.

Celebrate the 50th anniversary of Bruce Springsteen’s masterpiece of American rock ’n’ roll with this handsomely produced and stunningly illustrated volume.Bruce Springsteen and Born to Run: 50 Years is the definitive story of a landmark album in American rock music. In 1975, Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band released what would become their breakthrough album and arguably the most lauded album of Springsteen’s long, illustrious career. Born to Run has sold over 9 million copies and counting and continues to inspire musicians and music fans young and old from around the world.In this book, music journalist Sean Egan takes a deep dive into one of the legendary musician’s most famous albums on its 50th anniversary. Chapters cover Springsteen’s career prior to 1975, track-by-track analyses of each side, the studios where it was recorded, the supporting tour, and The Boss’s career after the LP. Illustrated with performance and off-stage photography as well as memorabilia, the book is presented as a slipcased hardcover. Springsteen fans new and old can expect:A deep dive into how the album came together and why it is regarded as a masterpieceTrack-by-track analyses of the studio cut as well as insight into the many disregarded tracks and ideas leading up to its recordingHistorical insight and analysis about the state of rock in the mid-’70s and how Springsteen assembled a wildly talented group of musicians in the E Street BandThe story of the battle between Springsteen and Columbia Records after his previous albums failed to ignite the public’s passionAnd much, much moreThis display-worthy book is a must for every Bruce Tramp’s collection. The Great Albums series presents authoritative explorations of rock’s most revered records, beautifully packaged for fans to treasure. Delve into even more groundbreaking releases with: Pink Floyd and The Dark Side of the Moon, The Who & Quadrophenia, Prince and Purple Rain, and Queen & A Night at the Opera, with more to come.

Discover the untold stories behind Fleetwood Mac’s masterpiece album in this expertly written and beautifully presented deep dive.Released in February 1977, Rumours transformed Fleetwood Mac from a veteran British-American rock act into a global phenomenon. On the album’s 50th anniversary, music journalist Andrea Swensson revisits the creation of this cultural landmark through insightful writing and more than 200 photographs and pieces of memorabilia.Tracing a tale of heartbreak, harmony, and enduring brilliance, this richly illustrated volume explores:Fleetwood Mac’s evolution before 1977 – from the Peter Green blues years to the Buckingham-Nicks era that made historyThe making of Rumours – recording at the Record Plant and the tension-fueled sessions that birthed classics like “Go Your Own Way,” “Dreams,” “Don’t Stop,” and “The Chain,” as well as the concurrent Universal Amphitheater shows in August 1976Track-by-track insights – thoughtful and knowledgeable examination of the songs captures the album’s musical and emotional depthThe band’s legacy – in addition to the reunion tours and accolades, Swensson underscores how Fleetwood Mac’s personal drama, artistry, and chemistry turned private pain into universal songsIn addition, the book covers the tour to support Rumours and sidebars address topics like the album artwork, later reissues, and each individual member. Presented as a slipcased hardcover, this is both a visual celebration and a comprehensive chronicle of an album that continues to define pop-rock perfection half a century later.For fans of rock history, design, and storytelling, Fleetwood Mac and Rumours: 50 Years is an essential tribute to the music, the musicians, and the myths behind one of the greatest records ever made.The Great Albums series presents authoritative explorations of rock’s most revered records, beautifully packaged for fans to treasure. Delve into even more groundbreaking releases with: Pink Floyd and The Dark Side of the Moon, Bruce Springsteen and Born to Run, Prince and Purple Rain, Queen & A Night at the Opera, Run-DMC and Raising Hell, The Who & Quadrophenia, and Eagles and Hotel California: 50 Years … with more to come!

Fight for your right to celebrate 40 years of Beastie Boys’ groundbreaking debut album—Licensed to Ill—through vivid photography, track-by-track analysis, and new interviews.When Licensed to Ill hit the Billboard charts in 1986, it didn’t just make history—it rewrote it. The Beastie Boys’ mix of punk energy, streetwise humor, and Rick Rubin’s hard-hitting production propelled the album to become the first rap LP to top the Billboard 200 and one of the fastest-selling debuts in history. Beastie Boys: Licensed to Ill - 40 Years invites you into the creative chaos that produced classics like “No Sleep Till Brooklyn,” “Girls,” and “Brass Monkey.” The book features:Over 200 images, including photographs, memorabilia, and candid studio and tour shotsA giftable slipcased hardcover formatFresh, behind-the-mic interviews from producers, collaborators, and cultural criticsAn in-depth exploration of each track, unpacking how three kids from New York City fused punk, rap, and irreverent wit into an enduring musical revolutionBeautifully packaged and timed to the album’s 40th anniversary, Beastie Boys: Licensed to Ill - 40 Years offers the definitive visual history of one of hip-hop’s most influential albums—essential for fans of music, pop culture, the 1980s, and rebellion in all forms.The Great Albums series presents authoritative explorations of rock’s most revered records, beautifully packaged for fans to treasure. Delve into even more groundbreaking releases with: Pink Floyd and The Dark Side of the Moon, Bruce Springsteen and Born to Run, Prince and Purple Rain, Queen & A Night at the Opera, Run-DMC and Raising Hell, The Who & Quadrophenia, Eagles and Hotel California: 50 Years, and Fleetwood Mac and Rumours … with more to come!

Take a deep dive into legendary hip-hop group Run-DMC’s groundbreaking album, Raising Hell, on its 40th anniversary with this handsome slipcased celebration.In 1985, Queens, New York–based rap group Run-DMC teamed with heavy metal producer Rick Rubin to record their breakthrough album and one of the most influential songs in rap and rock. The album, Raising Hell, went double platinum and sold over 3 million copies. The song, a collaboration with rock group Aerosmith covering that band’s 1975 hit “Walk This Way,” is credited with pushing hip-hop into the mainstream and launching the rap-rock genre. In Run DMC and Raising Hell: 40 Years, noted hip-hop historian JayQuan examines every aspect of the release, including: A look back at the group’s career prior to 1986Track-by-track analyses of each sideFigures associated with the group and the release, such as producer Rick RubinThe supporting tour and promotional efforts that followed the album’s releaseThe group’s career after the LPJayQuan draws heavily from his interviews with key figures, including surviving group members Joseph “Run“ Simmons and Darryl “DMC” McDaniels, as well as studio and label personnel. Illustrated with performance and off-stage photography, as well as select memorabilia, this beautiful slipcased hardcover is the ultimate word on a work that had a towering impact on both rap and rock and is an essential addition to the collection of any fan.The Great Albums series presents authoritative explorations of rock’s most revered records, beautifully packaged for fans to treasure. Delve into even more groundbreaking releases with: Pink Floyd and The Dark Side of the Moon, The Who & Quadrophenia, Prince and Purple Rain, Queen & A Night at the Opera, Bruce Springsteen and Born to Run, Rush and 2112, and many more to come.