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3.87 AVERAGE
3.87 AVERAGE
I don't know that I agree 2016 was the best year for albums ever, but James certainly did a good job of convincing me. In fact I liked this book so much I found I didn't have nearly enough time to remember bands from one mention to another to write them down or look them up, so I've ordered a physical copy of this book so I can do just that. I consider myself a pretty big music fan with a really wide range of listening habits and yet from chapter to chapter James managed to throw out bands I'd never even heard of before. Once I have the physical book in hand I can go through and judge for myself. If you like music this is a must-have.
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
In periods of struggling music is a sanctuary. But James Acaster takes this to a whole new and impressive level. He decided to dedicate a great amount of time, energy and money to search, listen and appreciate music. But exclusively from the year 2016. Because 2016, by his declaration, was the best music year.
And he supports his decision in this book by mentioning all 366 albums he listened to, and giving elaborate reviews on many of them.
A stolen cookie, brexit, mental health, break ups. They all mix together as they unfolded during 2017.
At the end of the book there's even a 12 month calendar with the 366 albums to get through the next leap year!
He chose a wide variety of genres and countries of origin for the music he purchased and I was thrilled to find out that he even chose an album from Greece. Black Peak by Xylouris White!
What a treat!
But I would listen to him narrating the slow path of an ant across the wall, so I am not objective.
"Yes, I’m basically just shutting the world out and that’s probably not the best way to deal with your problems, but it’s rather nice to escape sometimes(/all the time) and music is perhaps the most rewarding distraction available to us as human beings."
And he supports his decision in this book by mentioning all 366 albums he listened to, and giving elaborate reviews on many of them.
A stolen cookie, brexit, mental health, break ups. They all mix together as they unfolded during 2017.
At the end of the book there's even a 12 month calendar with the 366 albums to get through the next leap year!
He chose a wide variety of genres and countries of origin for the music he purchased and I was thrilled to find out that he even chose an album from Greece. Black Peak by Xylouris White!
What a treat!
But I would listen to him narrating the slow path of an ant across the wall, so I am not objective.
"Yes, I’m basically just shutting the world out and that’s probably not the best way to deal with your problems, but it’s rather nice to escape sometimes(/all the time) and music is perhaps the most rewarding distraction available to us as human beings."
challenging
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
loved this book
I love James Acaster, and while not being anywhere near as comedic as his other books, it was a broad and meaningful look at music from 2016.
This book was really good! I wanted to get more James Acaster in my life but his musical reviews led me to discover and embrace music more than I ever have. I would have liked more of his personal life but I get it- when you have a really bad year and something that pulled you out if it, of course it's more enjoyable to share what gave you joy. I saw another review mention they would have liked more of the interviews he had with the different artists, and while I agree, I also think what he produced was a great book on music appreciation that actually results in music appreciation. Unlike the middle school class that had me revolting against all classical music.
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Honestly I loved James' first book. I also have been enjoying the podcast which this project has inspired and I really like the concept of this book. I unfortunately found it tedious to have a relentless barrage of album descriptions flung at me. It felt like all I was doing was collecting homework of albums to list to and that left me feeling guiltily. I did like James' way of connecting the music to his autobiographical story of the time he did the project. The narrative of his time during the project is really well described, funny and engaging and towards the end of the book I started skimming some of the music descriptions in order to read about James.
2 stars might be a bit harsh, for me there was too much wikipediesque artist, songs, album descriptions and it could have benefitted from being slightly more choosy or edited regarding those elements to keep me engaged with the story I was interested in. I understand that others will have hated James talking about himself and wanted longer album recommendations so... You can't suit everyone I suppose.
2 stars might be a bit harsh, for me there was too much wikipediesque artist, songs, album descriptions and it could have benefitted from being slightly more choosy or edited regarding those elements to keep me engaged with the story I was interested in. I understand that others will have hated James talking about himself and wanted longer album recommendations so... You can't suit everyone I suppose.