Kirjahaku

Find out what 20 rock journalists and writers have to say about Rush's 20 studio albums.Formed in Toronto in 1968, the rock trio Rush has gone on to multiplatinum success behind the distinctive high register and virtuosic bass-playing of frontman Geddy Lee, the legendary drumming and lyric-writing of Neil Peart, and the guitar heroics of Alex Lifeson. Despite having just four chart-topping singles since the release of their debut LP in 1974, Rush has nonetheless sold more than 25 million albums in the U.S. and more than 40 million worldwide. Indeed, the Canadian trio may be the definition of an "album band," and this new book from prolific rock journalist and acknowledged Rush authority Martin Popoff pays tribute to the band's discography by moderating in-depth, frank, and entertaining conversations about all 20 of Rush's studio albums. Inside, the author gathers 20 rock journalists and authors who offer insights, opinions, and anecdotes about every release. Together, the conversations comprise a unique historical overview of the band, as well as a handsome discography. Popoff also includes loads of sidebars that provide complete track listings, details on album personnel, information on where and when the albums were recorded, and sidebar facts about the albums, their songs, and the band.

A thoughtfully curated and gloriously illustrated retrospective of the band’s studio releases, Queen, comes just in time for the 45th anniversary of their debut LP and biopic. Formed in 1970, Queen went on to become one of the most popular—and most successful—rock bands of all time. Even following the untimely death of beloved and magnetic frontman Freddie Mercury, and nearly 50 years after their formation, interest in the band has continued, evidenced by scores of reissues, arena tours with surviving members, and a feature-film biopic. In this new installment in Voyageur Press’s Album by Album series, rock journo Martin Popoff convenes a cast of 19 Queen experts and superfans to discuss all 15 of the band’s studio albums (including their soundtrack for the 1980 film Flash Gordon). Panelists include Queen experts, rock journalists, musicians, and record industry figures. The results are freewheeling discussions delving into the individual songs, the circumstances that surrounded the recording of each album, the band and contemporary rock contexts into which they were released, and more. The engaging text of this beautifully designed book is illustrated throughout with rare live performance and candid offstage photography, as well as scads of rare Queen ephemera. The Album by Album series is a unique approach to the rock bio, injecting the varied voices of several contributors. The results have even the most diehard fans rushing back to their MP3 players (or turntables) to confirm the details and opinions expressed!

A unique and beautifully produced celebration of the iconic and beloved rock star, Bowie at 75 features a slipcased hardcover with a gatefold timeline, gatefold artwork, frameable pull-out gig poster, and a pull-out photo print!Hendrix, Joplin, Mercury…few rock artists garner as much adulation after passing as they did in life. In Bowie at 75, veteran rock journalist Martin Popoff examines David Bowie’s extraordinary life through the lens of 75 significant career achievements and life events, guiding you through all 27 studio albums, as well as a curated selection of earworm singles. But Popoff delves deeper to reveal the events that helped chart the course of Bowie’s career: Guest appearances with artists like Iggy Pop, Lou Reed, Tina Turner, and QueenKey performances such as Live AidCollaborations with an incredible roster of guitarists that included Mick Ronson, Adrian Belew, Robert Fripp, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Nile Rodgers, and Earl SlickFilm and television rolesRomance…and more.From his eponymous 1967 debut LP and ending with Blackstar, released just two days before his death, Bowie is regarded as one of the most influential musicians and performers of the previous five decades, during which he constantly redefined himself. In examining 75 touchstones, Popoff gives you a unique view of Bowie’s career arc from folkie to the breakthrough single “Space Oddity” to his flamboyant glam rock alter ego, Ziggy Stardust, and beyond.Illustrated with live concert and candid offstage photography as well as memorabilia including gig posters, 7-inch picture sleeves, and more, this incredible package also includes a gatefold timeline, a gatefold painting depicting “A Party of Bowies,” a previously unpublished 8×10-inch glossy print, and a pullout poster by famed gig poster artist Frank Kozik. The result is a stunning tribute to one of the most influential and admired stars in rock history—in a milestone year.

A beautifully produced, photo-packed celebration of the ultimate rock band, AC/DC at 50 examines the extraordinary history of the Australian rockers through the lens of 50 milestone events and an illustrated gatefold timeline.Formed in Australia in 1973, AC/DC became one of the most popular and best-selling bands in rock history with their loud, heavy, sweat-drenched, blues-based rock. This richly illustrated book from prolific rock journalist Martin Popoff pays tribute to the band on the occasion of their 50th anniversary by curating and examining the 50 most significant milestones.Popoff covers everything down through the decades: The role played by the Angus and Malcolm Young’s older brother, GeorgeThe songwriting, legendary antics, and tragic death of vocalist Bon ScottThe mega tours undertaken in support of the LPsThe debut of singer Brian Johnson on the band’s mega breakthrough, Back in BlackThe band’s fallow 1980s and 1990s resurgenceLater difficulties, such as Malcolm’s onset of dementia and passing and the legal problems of drummer Phil RuddAnd, of course, each of the landmark studio LPsIn examining 50 touchstones, Popoff provides a unique presentation of AC/DC’s career arc from Sydney pub band to international mega-platinum stadium fillers. Every page is illustrated with stunning concert and candid offstage photography, including gig posters, 7-inch picture sleeves, ticket stubs, and more.The result is an epic tribute to one of the most influential and admired bands in rock history—in a milestone year.

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 The Who’s generation-spanning masterpiece, Quadrophenia, while exploring each of the album’s 17 tracks and their themes of identity, anxiety, and mental health. Chapters cover:The state of The Who as of 1973, including their role in Mod cultureThe recording sessions at famed Olympic Studios and the band’s own Battersea location, including techniques usedSong-by-song studies of each album side, including analyses of lyrics and the guitars, drums, keyboards, and synthesizers employed by members Pete Townshend, Roger Daltrey, John Entwistle, and Keith MoonThe 1979 motion picture based on the album’s song cycleThe continent-hopping tours that supported the albumThe rock group’s trajectory post-Quadrophenia, including notable albums and toursPopoff also takes you on side journeys examining each band member, mod vs. rocker culture, the album’s famous graphic design, manager/producers Chris Stamp and Kit Lambert, Quadrophenia collectibles, and more. There’s even a brief discography and complete LP tour dates.Presented in a 10" × 10" slipcased book, The Who & Quadrophenia 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 rock opera 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: Pink Floyd and The Dark Side of the Moon, Bruce Springsteen and Born to Run, Prince and Purple Rain, and Queen & A Night at the Opera, with 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.

With this beautifully produced book, relive the extraordinary history of the of the hottest band in the land through 50 milestone events. Formed in New York City in 1973, Kiss became one of the most popular and best-selling bands in rock history with their inventive stage presence and heavy, hook-filled catalog, both ideally suited for packing hockey arenas and football stadiums. This richly illustrated book from prolific rock journalist Martin Popoff pays tribute to the band on the occasion of their 50th anniversary by curating and examining the 50 most significant milestones. This exquisite volume features: Sturdy hardcover format Stunning concert and candid offstage photography, much of it never before published Images of memorabilia, including gig posters, 7-inch picture sleeves, ticket stubs, and more Gatefold Kiss timeline Popoff covers everything down through the decades: The band’s formation on the New York club scene Their fortuitous signing to the Casablanca label Infamous TV appearances, including Kiss Meets the Phantom of the Park The formation of the famous Kiss Army fan club Mega tours undertaken in support of the LPs Interband conflicts and personnel changes The band’s 1980s “unmasking” Innovative marketing such as comic books and the Kiss Convention And, of course, each of the landmark studio LPs The result is an epic tribute to one of the most influential and admired bands in rock history—in a milestone year.

Explore the extraordinary history of Van Halen through the groundbreaking band’s 50 most important moments, brought to vivid life with photos and memorabilia.Formed in Southern California in 1974, Van Halen became one of the best-selling bands in rock history and one of the highest-grossing tour acts with their rock-solid rhythm section, the histrionics of outrageous frontman David Lee Roth, and the wildly inventive and until-then unimaginable guitar heroics of Eddie Van Halen. In Van Halen at 50, prolific rock journalist Martin Popoff pays tribute to the band on the occasion of their 50th anniversary by curating 50 significant milestones, from their formation in 1974 to the passing of Eddie Van Halen in 2020. This volume features:Stunning concert and candid offstage photographyImages of memorabilia, including gig posters, vinyl record sleeves, ticket stubs, period ads, and moreGatefold Van Halen timelineAcross five decades, Popoff covers it all:The band’s formation in Pasadena, California, and early years as a So-Cal party band13 best-selling studio albums and the tours undertaken in support of the LPsThe departure of Roth and his replacement by “The Red Rocker” Sammy HagarNotable appearances like Texxas Jam, Farm Aid, and Monsters of RockA selection of their greatest singles, like the classic-rock standards “Runnin’ with the Devil,” “Hot for Teacher,” “Jump,” and “Why Can’t This Be Love?”Awards such as MTV Music Video Awards, platinum and diamond album certifications, and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of FameEddie Van Halen’s battle with cancerBassist Michael Anthony’s replacement by Eddie’s son, WolfgangIn addition, Popoff includes a selection of sidebars covering specialized topics like Eddie’s finger-tapping technique, the band’s album art, and the eternal Dave vs. Sammy question. Every page is illustrated with incredible images, including on- and off-stage photography, gig posters, 7-inch picture sleeves, ticket stubs, and more. The result is an apt tribute to one of the most popular bands in rock history.

Required reading for any metalhead, this updated compendium of in-depth, entertaining, and profusely illustrated conversations spanning all of Iron Maiden’s studio albums includes 2021’s Senjutsu.In this new edition of Iron Maiden: Album by Album, prolific rock journalist Martin Popoff pays tribute to Iron Maiden’s discography through a series of in-depth, frank, and fascinating conversations about all of the legendary heavy metal band’s studio albums. Inside, Popoff gathers together metal journalists, authors, and musicians, who offer insights, opinions, and anecdotes about every release.Richly illustrated with thoughtfully curated performance and offstage photography, as well as rare memorabilia, the conversations comprise a unique historical overview of the band, covering: Early albums with original lead singer Paul Di’AnnoThe songwriting of founder and bassist Steve HarrisThe impeccable talents of drummer Nicko McBrain and guitarists Dave Murray, Adrian Smith, and Janick GersMega tours undertaken in support of the LPsFights within the bandAnd much more—even their iconic mascot Eddie is sure to make an appearance or two!Popoff also includes loads of sidebars that provide complete track listings, details on album personnel, and information on where and when the albums were recorded.Reignite your passion for the masters of metal with this captivating album-by-album exploration. Up the Irons!

Required reading for any metalhead, this collection of entertaining illustrated conversations spans all of Judas Priest’s studio albums, right up through 2024’s Invincible Shield.In Judas Priest: Album by Album, prolific rock journalist Martin Popoff pays tribute to Judas Priest’s discography through a series of in-depth and fascinating conversations about all 19 of the legendary British heavy metal band’s studio albums. Inside, Popoff gathers together musicians and metal journalists who offer insights, opinions, and anecdotes about each release.The interviewees include names like Slash (Guns N' Roses), Marty Friedman (Megadeth), Charlie Benante (Anthrax), Todd La Torre (Queensrÿche), Bobby Ellsworth (Overkill), and more. Popoff also includes sidebars that provide complete track listings, details on album personnel, and information on where and when the albums were recorded.Richly illustrated with thoughtfully curated performance and offstage photography, as well as rare memorabilia, the conversations comprise a unique historical overview of the band, covering: Legendary guitarists K. K. Downing and Glenn TiptonThe work of iconic lead singer Rob HalfordThe roles of various producers in the band’s discographyMega tours undertaken in support of the LPsAnd much more—even controversies surrounding the band are covered.Reexamine the rich catalog of these metal masters with this entertaining and insightful album-by-album exploration.

This value-priced reissue of Bowie at 75 (2022) celebrates the beloved rock star with expert commentary, hundreds of images, and an illustrated gatefold timeline.Hendrix, Joplin, Mercury…few rock artists garner as much adulation after passing as they did in life. In David Bowie, veteran rock journalist Martin Popoff examines the rocker’s extraordinary life through the lens of 75 significant career achievements and life events, guiding you through all 27 studio albums, as well as a curated selection of earworm singles. But Popoff delves deeper to reveal the events that helped chart the course of Bowie’s career: Guest appearances with artists like Iggy Pop, Lou Reed, Tina Turner, and QueenKey performances such as Live AidCollaborations with an incredible roster of guitarists that included Mick Ronson, Adrian Belew, Robert Fripp, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Nile Rodgers, and Earl SlickFilm and television rolesRomance…and more.From his eponymous 1967 debut LP and ending with Blackstar, released just two days before his death, Bowie is regarded as one of the most influential musicians and performers of the previous five decades, during which he constantly redefined himself. In examining 75 touchstones, Popoff gives you a unique view of Bowie’s career arc from folkie to the breakthrough single “Space Oddity” to his flamboyant glam rock alter ego, Ziggy Stardust, and beyond.Illustrated with live concert and candid offstage photography as well as memorabilia including gig posters, 7-inch picture sleeves, and more, this incredible package also includes a gatefold timeline, making for a stunning tribute to one of the most influential and admired stars in rock history.

Celebrate four exhilarating and rebellious decades of Guns N’ Roses with this lushly illustrated journey through the band’s biggest moments.Formed on Los Angeles’ famed Sunset Strip in 1985, Guns N’ Roses worked their way up from the club scene in less than three years to become a best-selling recording act and a top tour draw. Along the way, there was no shortage of controversy to accompany the accolades. In Guns N’ Roses at 40, prolific rock biographer Martin Popoff curates 40 key touchstones in GN’R’s career, charting their formation and early history, key concert appearances, groundbreaking releases, notable collaborations, business challenges, personal difficulties, band quarrels, and more. This beautifully produced tribute features:Sturdy hardcover formatStunning photography, both on and off the stageImages of band memorabiliaGatefold Guns N’ Roses timelineComplete studio discographyPopoff covers it all:A history of the band’s scruffy early days on Hollywood’s Sunset Strip club sceneBackgrounds of founding members Axl Rose, Duff McKagan, Slash, Izzy Stradlin, and Steven AdlerRundowns of the key studio albums and the processes behind themAnalyses of the infamous incidents and controversies that seemed to follow the bandThe departures (and sometimes the returns) of key membersFirst-person interviews with bassists Duff McKagan and Tommy Stinson In examining 40 key pivot points in GN’R’s now-forty-year history, Guns N’ Roses at 40 provides a concise documentary-like view of the band that as much as any other helped drive a spike through the heart of hair metal. Combine this unique perspective with a gorgeous package and you have an indispensable addition to the collection of every fan.

Take a lively look back at the most significant 12-month span in Kiss’s career, 50 years on, joining Paul, Gene, Ace, and Peter as they conquer the world. 1976 suffered no shortage of notable events…Cincinnati’s “Big Red Machine” beat the Yankees in the World Series. Jimmy Carter beat Gerald Ford at the ballot box. Rocky lit up the big screen. And some guy named Bruce Jenner lit up the Summer Olympics. And it was all set against the backdrop of the United States Bicentennial.Kiss stomped into the fray with their platform boots, barnstorming the world and still finding time to record and release two of their all-time bestselling albums. Formed in 1973, Kiss had already grabbed attention with their outrageous makeup, stage show, and (of course) music. But in 1976 the band truly took off, unleashing Destroyer and Rock and Roll Overin a span of just eight months and logging more than 100 performances in North America and Europe. In Kiss ’76, Martin Popoff presents month-by-month narratives following the band around the world, across stages and through studios. The book features:Detailed analyses of both albums, including the recording sessions, sleeve art, and eachInfo panels detailing the albums’ personnel, key dates, and track listingsListings of tour dates and venuesExclusive author interview material from figures like guitarist Ace Frehley, producer Bob Ezrin, and collaborator Kim FowleyMonth-by-month sidebars offering concurrent world, entertainment, and music news, putting the band’s impressive achievements in the context of that momentous yearStunningly illustrated pages featuring performance and offstage photography, as well as period memorabilia and flat artThis nostalgic and handsomely produced book offers a unique look at a critical chapter in the band’s career, sure to appeal to the legions of Kiss fans.

Embark on a thrilling journey through the superlative recorded canon of one of the world’s most legendary heavy-metal bands. Music journalist Martin Popoff provides an intimate and scholarly look into the life and times of Iron Maiden. From their humble beginnings in the dingy clubs of East London to headlining arenas and festivals worldwide, the band’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and unrelenting dedication to remaining prolific and vital in the present day. Dive deep into their music, stage performances, and the iconic figure of Eddie, their undead mascot. Readers will discover the stories behind all their albums—such as Killers, The Number of the Beast, and Powerslave, through to their most recent, Senjutsu (and all solo releases)—as well as the inspiring creative and commercial resurgence that the band experienced beginning with the return of Bruce Dickinson to the fold in 1999. Anchored by the author’s 1995–2024 interviews with all band members, this book is framed most pertinently as an analysis of each Iron Maiden album, one per chapter, every song discussed musically and at the literary end, along with the album covers and the finer points of the recording process. All told, Hallowed by Their Name is the most voluminous and career-spanning reference-level book on Iron Maiden ever written. And with an explosion of photographic images as well, it’s sure to have fans scurrying back to the sacred texts—Iron Maiden’s beloved records—for additional and enriching reconsiderations of the many essential metal songs this band has given us over the years. This is a must-read for any music enthusiast, a tribute to the indomitable spirit of Iron Maiden, and a celebration of the band’s enduring six-decade legacy in the realm of heavy metal.

Embark on a thrilling journey through the superlative recorded canon of one of the world’s most legendary heavy metal bands. Music journalist Martin Popoff provides an intimate and scholarly look into the life and times of Iron Maiden. From their humble beginnings in the dingy clubs of East London to headlining arenas and festivals worldwide, the band’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and unrelenting dedication to remaining prolific and vital in the present day. Dive deep into their music, stage performances, and the iconic figure of Eddie, their undead mascot. Readers will discover the stories behind all their albums—such as Killers, The Number of the Beast, and Powerslave, through to their most recent, Senjutsu (and all solo releases)—as well as the inspiring creative and commercial resurgence that the band experienced beginning with the return of Bruce Dickinson to the fold in 1999. Anchored by the author’s 1995–2024 interviews with all band members, this book is framed most pertinently as an analysis of each Iron Maiden album, one per chapter, every song discussed musically and at the literary end, along with the album covers and the finer points of the recording process. All told, Hallowed By Their Name is the most voluminous and career-spanning reference-level book on Iron Maiden ever written. And with an explosion of photographic images as well, it’s sure to have fans scurrying back to the sacred texts—Iron Maiden’s beloved records—for additional and enriching reconsiderations of the many essential metal songs this band has given us over the years. It’s a must-read for any music enthusiast, a tribute to the indomitable spirit of Iron Maiden, and a celebration of the band’s enduring six-decade legacy in the realm of heavy metal. The features of this special limited edition include: • A limited print run of 666 copies worldwide (AVAILABLE WHILE SUPPLIES LAST, EXCLUSIVELY AT SCHIFFERBOOKS.COM AND SELECT RETAILERS) • Each edition is individually numbered on an etched metal plate (NUMBERS WILL BE SHIPPED AT RANDOM AND CAN NOT BE CUSTOM ORDERED OR SELECTED) • Slip case packaging • Black, edge-printed pages and bifurcated ribbon marker • Bound in stamped leather with ribbed spine and metal corners

In Dio: The Unholy Scriptures, embark on an electrifying journey through the tumultuous yet triumphant saga of one of heavy metal’s most legendary bands: Dio. Told through gripping anecdotes and candid interviews conducted with the author over the decades, Dio: The Unholy Scriptures unveils the untold stories behind the Dio band’s timeless anthems, revealing the passion, perseverance, and sheer audacity that defined the band’s unparalleled sound and style. Formed in 1982 by iconic vocalist Ronnie James Dio after departing from Black Sabbath, Dio emerged as a pioneering force in the heavy-metal scene. The band, initially comprising Dio, guitarist Vivian Campbell, bassist Jimmy Bain, and drummer Vinny Appice, released their debut album, Holy Diver, in 1983, which quickly became a classic, featuring anthems like “Rainbow in the Dark,” “Don’t Talk to Strangers,” and the triumphant title track. Throughout the 1980s, Dio continued to solidify their status as one of metal’s premier acts with albums like The Last in Line (1984) and Sacred Heart (1985), characterized by Dio’s powerful vocals, Campbell’s virtuosic guitar work, and epic songwriting. Despite lineup changes, including the departure of Campbell and Bain, Dio’s momentum remained strong into the 1990s with albums like Lock Up the Wolves (1990) and Strange Highways (1993). From epic stage performances to backstage dramas, experience the full spectrum of Dio’s rollercoaster ride through the annals of rock history, from the formation of the band through to Ronnie’s death in 2010. A must-read for metal heads and music enthusiasts alike, Dio: The Unholy Scriptures celebrates the enduring legacy of Ronnie James Dio’s namesake band, ensuring that their thunderous legacy reverberates through the ages.

Dive into the saga of Deep Purple and unravel the untold stories behind the legendary band, from their groundbreaking albums to their tumultuous journey through rock history to the present. Seven Decades of Deep Purple tells the electrifying story of one of the most iconic bands in rock history. From the band’s explosive formation in 1968 to the classic Mk. II lineup—Gillan, Blackmore, Glover, Lord, and Paice—and through all the iterations to the present day, this book delves deep into the band that brought the world unforgettable hits like “Hush,” “Speed King,” “Child in Time,” “Smoke on the Water,” “Highway Star,” “Burn,” and “Perfect Strangers.” Through nearly 50 interviews by the author with Purple alumni, plus dozens more with others who are part of this story, readers will journey through the group’s formation, lineup changes, album sessions, and live performances, with the narrative emerging as the story of creativity itself, a tale enhanced by the use of over 450 images. Album by album, it’s Deep Purple’s music that gives this book its solid-rock foundation. Starting with 1968’s Shades of Deep Purple, the book discusses all their genre-defining albums, including In Rock, Fireball, Machine Head, Burn, Purpendicular, Whoosh!, and 2024’s =1. Seven Decades of Deep Purple captures the essence of a band whose influence transcended generations and shaped the sound of modern rock. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to their music, this book is a must-read for anyone wanting to explore the legacy of one of rock’s most enduring and relentlessly vital and creative forces.

One of the world’s most prolific bands is being broken down track by track, album by album—and you have tickets to the details, facts, and secrets in Led Zeppelin?. Formed by the unlikely alliance of two ace London studio musicians and two bar-band bumpkins, Led Zeppelin went on to create the template for the marauding modern rock ’n’ roll band. Often described as “heavy,” any true fan will tell you that the band’s 9 studio albums and 81 tracks thereon are actually a complex amalgam of blues, psychedelia, rock, folk, and country that reveal the influences of Led Zeppelin’s four members. Veteran music journalist Martin Popoff picks apart each of these 81 tracks in exquisite detail, and for the first time ever, you can come along for the ride. Popoff analyzes the circumstances that led to their creation, the recording processes, the historical contexts, and more. Offstage and performance photography, as well as images of rare memorabilia, bring the band’s story to vivid life. Included as a special bonus, he also offers an introductory essay on each of the band’s nine studio albums, and sidebar features that explore influences on the band as well as song details, such as running time, instruments played, engineers, and studios.

EKickstart My Heart: A Metley Crde Day-by-DayE is an exciting chronology that celebrates in innovative form a through the use of day-by-day entries and supporting band quotes mostly collected firsthand by the author as well as memorabilia shots and photography a the crazy lives lived by Vince Mick Nikki and Tommy at the booze-drenched apex of the rock-'n'-roll food chain. Augmented with entries that help place the band in a wider rock context Popoff presents a swift-moving action-packed symphony of text and visuals that reprises his collaboration with Backbeat on similarly structured titles about Iron Maiden and Ozzy Osbourne. With very few Metley Crde-related books on the market EKickstart My HeartE will likely serve for years to come as the most complete a and completely party-hardy a celebration of this band now 35 years on and in the midst of completing its final tour ever.