Obama Music: The music behind the man – I don’t think there are many people who would argue that Barack Obama is likely to be one of the most iconic leaders of the 21st century. And with such a prestigious mantle it’s not surprising that a lot of publishers are going to try and cash in during Obama’s presidency (and beyond), with a whole host of Barack-flavoured titles. In terms of quality, let’s face it, these titles are going to range from the very good to the absolutely dreadful. But one of the latest titles to be announced however, potentially looks like being one of the best; or at least one of the most intriguing.
Published by Legend Press on the 31st October, Obama Music by writer and critic Bonnie Greer, is described as ‘an interpretation of Obama through the culture and music that he chose to make his base’. In other words it’s an exploration of the music and culture of the South Side of Chicago, where Obama grew up and would have taken a lot of influence from. An interesting concept, certainly different from a normal biographical approach. Here’s what Tom Chalmers, Managing Director of Legend Press had to say:
We were delighted when we were approached to take part in this exciting project. Bonnie is a great current commentator, and we look forward to publishing this book about such an important subject and one of the great figures of the 21st Century.
Bonnie Greer was herself brought up on the South Side of Chicago, so it’s a given that she’s going to bring a lot of ‘insider knowledge’ to her book; not only about the difficulties and challenges facing black African American growing up in this area, but also of the music and culture which Obama would have found himself exposed to during his formative years. And with a promise that Greer’s exploration will cover a wide expanse of music-genres i.e. hip-hop, country, classical, rock and roll, blues, gospel, blues and jazz, it’s not just Obama fans who will be heading to the cash register with a copy of Obama Music in hand.
What do your bookshelves say about you? – The BBC’s online magazine has a short yet readable article by Siobhan Toman, on bookshelves, and what they say about their owner. Beginning with a brief focus on the popularity of the ubiquitous Ikea’s Billy bookcase (41 million sold since 1979 – I had no idea they were so popular), the article goes on to feature bookcase blogging supremo Peter Sandico, who states “people who want to appear to have serious or academic reading tastes display their classics, while keeping popular novels at the back of the bookcases”.
That people use their book displays simply to elevate an impression of their wordly intelligence is sad enough, but even sadder is the revelation by Tomas that there are companies out there who specialise in giving non-book lovers the ‘library look’, by using fake books to fill the gaps on their library shelves. Even the thought of that makes me cringe
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