The book delves into the events of January 6, 2021, at the Capitol, where chaos unfolded during the certification of the 2020 presidential election results. It critiques how the Democratic Party, the news media, and some Republicans blamed President Trump for inciting an insurrection. The author argues that the original narrative of the events has crumbled, and hundreds of Americans have been caught up in an unprecedented investigation by the Justice Department. The book claims that the public has been misled about several aspects of that day and aims to expose these truths.
George Orwell's '1984' presents a chilling vision of a future where the government, embodied by Big Brother, exerts total control over its citizens. The novel introduces concepts like 'doublethink' and 'Newspeak', which illustrate how language can be used to limit and shape thought. Winston Smith, the protagonist, works at the Ministry of Truth, altering historical records to fit the Party's narrative. His forbidden love affair with Julia and their attempt to join a resistance movement form the core of the plot. The book's exploration of surveillance, propaganda, and the malleability of truth continues to resonate with readers and influence discussions about privacy and government power.
This biography delves into Poe's fascinating life, including his personal struggles and literary achievements. It combines a biographical narrative with close readings of his works, offering new insights through previously unavailable archival materials.
Let It Be, released in 1970, is the Beatles' twelfth and final studio album. It captures the band's internal struggles and creative differences during its tumultuous final sessions. The album's title reflects the band's desire for peace and harmony, a stark contrast to the reality of their disintegrating relationships. Despite the tensions, the album features iconic tracks that showcase the band's musical talent. Let It Be's legacy is complex, representing both the peak of their creative output and the beginning of their end. The album's release was overshadowed by the band's impending breakup, adding to its bittersweet significance.
This biography by Roland Lazenby is a comprehensive and definitive study of Earvin 'Magic' Johnson's life. It spans his early years, his iconic basketball career with the Los Angeles Lakers, his HIV diagnosis and its impact, and his subsequent rise as a successful entrepreneur. The book is based on hundreds of interviews with Johnson’s coaches, teammates, opponents, friends, and loved ones, as well as key conversations with Johnson himself. It portrays Johnson’s tale as a generational saga that reveals much about his unique basketball journey and America itself.
This book, part of the 33⅓ series, is not just a critique of Celine Dion's album but an exploration of what it means to have 'taste' in music. Wilson examines his own biases and the broader cultural context, drawing on theorists like Pierre Bourdieu, Immanuel Kant, and others. The book questions elitist cultural biases and the status-seeking inherent in expressions of taste, making it a significant study of pop criticism and aesthetic models.
This book is a fixup collection of short stories that tell the history of robotics from its inception to a future where robots are integral to society. The stories are framed by Dr. Susan Calvin, a robopsychologist, recounting her experiences with various robots and the complexities that arise from their interactions with humans. The collection introduces Asimov's Three Laws of Robotics and delves into themes of morality, psychology, and the social implications of creating intelligent machines. The stories feature recurring characters such as Dr. Calvin, Powell, and Donovan, and explore how robots interpret and comply with the Three Laws, often leading to unexpected and thought-provoking outcomes.
Dark Side of the Moon, Pink Floyd's masterpiece, explores the themes of time, madness, and the pressures of fame. The album's innovative soundscapes and use of studio technology were groundbreaking for its time. The album's iconic cover art and its enduring popularity have cemented its place in music history. The album's songs are interconnected, creating a cohesive and immersive listening experience. Dark Side of the Moon remains a landmark achievement in progressive rock and continues to inspire musicians and listeners alike.
Knights in White Satin, a classic song by The Moody Blues, is known for its lush orchestration and introspective lyrics. The song's use of Mellotron creates a dreamy and ethereal atmosphere. The song's lyrics explore themes of love, loss, and the passage of time. The song's haunting melody and powerful vocals create a sense of longing and nostalgia. Knights in White Satin remains a testament to The Moody Blues' ability to create emotionally resonant and intellectually stimulating music.
Abbey Road, the Beatles' final studio album, is a landmark achievement in music history. The album's iconic cover features the band crossing Abbey Road, a scene that has become instantly recognizable. The album's medley of songs showcases the band's musical versatility and their ability to seamlessly blend different genres. The album's songs are both individually strong and collectively powerful, creating a cohesive and immersive listening experience. Abbey Road remains a testament to the Beatles' enduring legacy and their influence on popular music.
This week on the Rockonteurs podcast, we welcome sound engineer, producer, and musician Alan Parsons to the podcast. Alan was an integral part of some of the defining moments of music history from the recording of 'Abbey Road', to 'Dark Side of The Moon'. He also enjoyed great success with his own group the Alan Parsons Project.
June sees the 50th anniversary re-release of ’The Best Years of Our Lives’ from Steve Harley and Cockney Rebel which was co-produced by Alan.
Pre-Order it here: https://SteveHarley.lnk.to/TBY
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Rockonteurs with Gary Kemp and Guy Pratt 
