Product Description

Armed with a singing voice that makes children cry and a sense of melody that could best be described as challenging, Will Hodgkinson takes off on a songwriting journey. He receives lessons and advice from, among others, Keith Richards, Ray Davies, a brilliant recluse called Lawrence, and the hippy-era songwriter Bridget St John. But will his efforts be good enough to cut a 45rpm single at the famed Toe-Rag Studios in London?

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #108397 in Books
• Published on: 2008-06-15
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 304 pages

Review
'The art of songwriting is something I've explored all my life. It's a mysterious and elusive subject. In Song Man some of those mysteries have been unravelled. It's a great book' Richard Hawley 'An ace sequel to Guitar Man' Observer Music Monthly 'Once again, it's surprising how many famous names are willing to listen to our man's childlike fumblings, while artistic endeavour threatens to drive a truck through his seemingly lovely relationship it's hard to resist checking out Hodgkinson's efforts online' Time Out 'Amusing, informative and wish-fulfilling, Hodgkinson's book simultaneously makes you respect the genius of songwriters and fills you with hope that you might just be able to pen that number one yourself' Financial Times Magazine

About the Author
Will Hodgkinson was born in Newcastle and now lives in London with his wife and two children. He has written for the Guardian, Mojo, Vogue, Daily Telegraph, the Idler and Wallpaper. He is the author of the highly acclaimed Guitar Man, published by Bloomsbury in 2006.

Customer Reviews

Utter Perfection
If you are not really interested in the human phenomenon that is popular music then this book will be virtually impenetrable to you. If though, you have spent a few years absorbing the extraordinary sounds that have been conceived and recorded in the last fifty years then Hodginson's book (and indeed its predecessor) is an axiomatic text.
I am a failed musician and yearn to be able to rewind to my youth and take music more seriously in my formative years. I have been in several mediocre bands, normally as the weakest link. 'Song Man' revitalised my interest in music and especially songwriting after 15 years of famine. I was so profoundly affected that I resolved to write a song as soon as I finished reading the book. I am rarely inspired to such an extent. I wrote a rubbish song but thanks to this book I will try again, and again. Well done Will Hodgkinson, you changed my world.

i liked it
WH's account of his search for the songwriting knack is amusing and absorbing...although he and his (imaginary?) alter ego, Doyle, perhaps never match the naive heights of their debut 'mystery fox'.

Shouldn't that be Sour Grape Nut?
Why would Grape Nuts moan about this wonderful book?
No Idea, but his is obvisously a fool.
So take no heed, buy and enjoy Will's travails through the world of song. Humour and insights abound. Really it is a good read.