Customer Reviews

Michael Anderson's Little Black Book of Songwriting

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Michael Anderson's book is quite simply, a dupe. Everything he says can be put into a couple of 3x5 cards. Don't waste your time. He merely goes through an outline of the definitions of song parts and has absolutely no advice on how to write songs or any kinds of pointers for improving your lyrical or melodic abilities. You won't be a better song writer after this book. In fact, some of the things he says are completely opposite from what I've seen in the real world with good and/or hit songs. Don't waste your time.

So he wrote one hit song that was a country hit. Big deal. Here is the fact about country music: Wordsmiths generally don't live here. Want to hear some masterful songwriting? Try Mark Knopfler, Ian Anderson, Gordon Lightfoot or Bob Dylan just to name a few. Some of their best songs were not hits either.

After reading this book, I have the advice you need. Pick your favourite writers and emulate them. Over time, you'll start to develop your own thing. Play for others, write plenty. It's hard work and not always successful on every try. Keep trying and listen critically.

A very straightforward to the point type of reading. This book has become one of my favorite reference books. Michael is my kind of author full of common sence and humor. You will not put this one down once you start reading it. Thanks Michael for a great read and valuable imformation. Bill Wren