Art & Music Audiobooks | Non-Fiction

[German] - Ich, die Gurke: 50 schlimme Geschichten aus dem Showbusiness

Ich, die Gurke ist eine kunterbunte Sammlung von 50 schlimmen Geschichten aus dem Showbusiness. Anikó Donáths frech erzählte Anekdoten sind weder Abrechnung noch Herumgejammer, sondern pointierte, köstliche Unterhaltung. Sie nimmt die Leserschaft mit hinter die Bühne: In ungeheizte Garderoben und Proberäume ohne Fenster – überall dorthin, wo der Glamour keinen Zutritt hat, aber so viel gelacht wird wie nirgendwo sonst. Wie man einen sprechenden Penis näht, warum Vogelscheuchen nicht zu unterschätzen sind und wie es sich anfühlt, als Meerschwein zu sterben – darauf dürfen Sie gespannt sein. Dieses Buch liest sich hervorragend zwischen Tür und Angel, im Tram oder im Wartezimmer. Ist der Akku Ihres Smartphones schon wieder leer? Schalten Sie ab – mit Ich, die Gurke.

Anikó Donáth (Author), Anikó Donáth (Narrator)

Audiobook

Music, Lyrics, and Life: A Field Guide for The Advancing Songwriter

A book for songwriters, future content creators, music lovers, and anyone who wants to understand how popular art forms are able to touch us so deeply—by an author who has honed these lessons over years of writing, performing, teaching, and mentoring. Music, Lyrics, and Life is a deep dive into the heart of questions asked by songwriters of all levels, from how to begin journaling to when you know that a song is finished. With humor and empathy, acclaimed singer-songwriter Mike Errico unravels both the mystery of songwriting and the logistics of life as a songwriter. For years, this set of tools, prompts, and ideas has inspired students on campuses including Yale, Wesleyan, Berklee, Oberlin, and NYU’s Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music. Alongside his own lessons, Errico interviews the writers, producers, and A&R executives behind today’s biggest hits and investigates the larger questions of creativity through lively conversations with a wide range of innovative thinkers: astrophysicist Janna Levin explains the importance of repetition, both in choruses and in the exploration of the universe; renowned painter John Currin praises the constraints of form, whether it’s within a right-angled canvas or a three-minute pop song; bestselling author George Saunders unpacks the hidden benefit of writing, and revising, authentically; and much more. The result is that Music, Lyrics, and Life ends up revealing as much about the art of songwriting as it does about who we are, and where we may be going.

Mike Errico (Author), Mike Errico (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Remarkable Big Band Era: Just What Is Nostalgia?

Just what is nostalgia? Here are provocative and exciting stories about a great period of popular music. It was a time when the nation was facing desperate days of the Great Depression as well on-going fears of a World War. The still young radio industry was a major force in helping provide a worried nation with a source of entertainment and comfort. The author/narrator had conversation/interviews with many of the major stars and he tells you about their talent and their wonderful music. It’s as though you’re sitting there listening as to one of the most memorable eras in the nation’s history. This turns back the pages of time to when the whole world was invited to dance and sing along. A dictionary tells you nostalgia is a sentimental longing or wistful affection for the past. This is history about “The Golden Days of Big Band Music.”

John Rayburn (Author), John Rayburn (Narrator)

Audiobook

Radio Records Dramatized Production 'A Christmas Carol'

We take great pride to invite you to walk back into the min-nineteenth century and live as never before the life and times of Ebeneezer Scrooge and 'A Christmas Carol'. Come with us to the streets of London to hear and feel the horses and carriages going over the cobble stone streets. Come and imagine in vivid color, sight and sound 'The Christmas Carol' bringing to life 36 characters that will push you imagination to the brink of reality. Come and envision Old jacob Marley appearing before his sinister old partner Scrooge to fortell of the things to happen which fate has set fortold. Feel the presents of the ghosts as they take Scrooge one by one from the past to the future. Feel the warmth and the laughter and even the sorrow of Tiny Tim and the Crachit Family. Come listen and envision as the towns people laugh with out sorrow of the passing of Old Scrooge and the barter with the pawnbroker over the simplest things he left behind. Envision what happened to Scrooge as the last phantom shows him the things of yet to come and the transformation of London's Coldest Old Miser. Truely this is 'A Christmas Carol' with no parts left out. We feel you will enjoy this story for it lives today as much as it did back then.

Adaptation By: Charles Kapitzky, Charles Dickens (Author), Audio Cast Of 29 Performers (Narrator)

Audiobook

War Is A Racket

War Is a Racket is Marine General Smedley Butler's classic treatise on why wars are conducted, who profits from them, and who pays the price. Few people are as qualified as General Butler to advance the argument encapsulated in his book's sensational title. When War Is a Racket was first published in 1935, Butler was the most decorated American soldier of his time. He had led several successful military operations in the Caribbean and in Central America, as well as in Europe during the First World War. Despite his success and his heroic status, however, Butler came away from these experiences with a deeply troubled view of both the purpose and the results of warfare.

General Smedley Darlington Butler (Author), William Dougan (Narrator)

Audiobook

Lone Star Linguistics: An Actor's Guide to Speaking with a Texan Accent

This audiocourse offers a focused and comprehensive guide for actors and stage performers to authentically learn and adopt the Texan accent. It presents a thorough exploration of the accent's nuances, helping learners understand and replicate its distinctive sounds and rhythms for their performances. The course begins by introducing the fundamental characteristics of the Texan dialect, emphasizing its unique phonetic qualities. Through detailed lessons, learners are familiarized with the key elements of the accent, including its notable drawl, specific vowel sounds, and the rhythmic patterns that distinguish it from other American dialects. The instruction is clear and methodical, providing step-by-step guidance to ensure learners can gradually build their proficiency. In addition to technical instruction, the course offers insights into the cultural and historical contexts that have shaped the Texan accent. This background knowledge enriches the learning experience, allowing performers to imbue their portrayals with authenticity and depth. The course carefully avoids stereotypes, encouraging a respectful and accurate representation of the dialect. Practical exercises and examples are integrated throughout the lessons, enabling learners to practice and refine their accent skills. These exercises are designed to be engaging and accessible, catering to a range of experience levels from beginners to more advanced students. The course is structured to be flexible, accommodating the varying schedules of busy performers. Its audio format makes it easy to practice and learn on the go, whether at home, in a studio, or while traveling. Overall, this audiocourse serves as a valuable tool for actors and performers aiming to master the Texan accent for their stage performances. It combines technical instruction with cultural insights, providing a well-rounded and effective approach to learning this distinctive American dialect.

Stephanie Lam (Author), Morgan Donovan (Narrator)

Audiobook

[German] - Geschichten aus den 70ern - Mein Lieblingssong, Band 1 (ungekürzt)

Wie eng Emotionen mit Musik verbunden sind, das erleben die Moderatoren Falk und Ryll regelmäßig in ihrem beliebten Podcast 'Mein Lieblingssong'. Im vorliegenden Album haben die beiden zwölf Geschichten an die 70er Jahre sorgfältig zusammengestellt. Im ersten Interview erzählt Andreas Bruhn, früheres Mitglied der Band 'Sisters of Mercy', warum 'Heroes' von David Bowie sein Lieblingssong ist und was er als Bandmitglied von 'Sisters of Mercy erlebt hat. Mit dem 'Song of the wind' von 1972 hat Ferdinand Svaricek einen instrumentalen Leckerbissen von Santana ausgesucht. Babička von Karel Gott ist der Lieblingssong von Uta Fussangel. Für Uta ist Babička der ultimative Familiensong und immer wieder auch eine Reise in Kindheitserinnerungen an ihre eigene Oma. Für Artur Frank war der Song 'New York, New York' von Frank Sinatra schon immer sein Lieblingssong. Mit 'Your Song' aus dem Jahr 1970 von Elton John hat Christof Mann vielleicht den 'größten' Song von Elton John als seinen Lieblingssong ausgewählt. Eine wahre Hymne für Überlebenskraft, Selbstbehauptung und Selbstständigkeit ist 'I will survive' von Gloria Gaynor, sagt Karin Diede-Becker. Durch ein besonderes Erlebnis wurde 'Am Fenster' von der Gruppe City aus dem Jahr 1977 der Lieblingssong von Peter Jumpertz. Wer ein musikalisches Wimmelbild erleben möchte, kommt an dem Lieblingssong von Uwe Schmalz nicht vorbei. 'Jungleland' von Bruce Springsteen bestimmt seit vielen Jahren Uwes Leben. Was Georg Feltes mit James Brown verbindet, das hat mit seinem Lieblingssong 'Listen to the music' von den Doobie Brothers zu tun. Mit 'Music' von John Miles hat Harry Fröhlich einen epochalen Song aus dem Jahr 1976 als seinen Lieblingssong ausgewählt. 'Ich weiß, was ich will' von Udo Jürgens steht für Peter Schmitz für ganz viel Liebe und Erinnerungen und prägt sein Leben bis heute. 'Wonderful tonight' von Eric Clapton ist Thomas Felgenträgers Lieblingssong und eine Ballade für die besondere Momente im Leben.

Andreas Ryll, Stephan Falk (Author), Andreas Ryll, Stephan Falk (Narrator)

Audiobook

Dark Cinema: The Evolution of Scare Tactics in Hollywood

Experience the Terrifying Journey of Horror Movies Through the Ages Step into the haunting world of 'Dark Cinema: The Evolution of Scare Tactics in Hollywood', a chilling exploration and thought-provoking analysis of the horror genre in film. With each suspense-riddled chapter, you'll delve into a different era and unravel the intricate craftsmanship that goes into invoking fear on the silver screen. This gripping book takes you back to the silent era, when the first pioneers of horror rendered audiences speechless. Imagine being present at the birth of the Golden Age of Hollywood Monsters, diving deep into the macabre brilliance of Universal’s iconic creatures and Hitchcock's mastery in psychological horror. As you transition from the eerie black and white frames to technicolor terror, you’ll gain newfound respect for the artists behind the grotesque makeup and spine-chilling special effects that still inspire awe today. 'Dark Cinema' gives you an exclusive seat at the most controversial turn of horror - the rise of psycho-social themes influenced by societal upheaval and moral panic. From the rise of slasher films to heart-pounding psychological thrillers, witness how filmmakers pushed the envelope to redefine what it means to be scared. As you reach more recent times, you’ll explore the authenticity that the new millennium's horror genre strives for. With the birth of found footage films to the remakes, reboots, and emerging technologies, get a candid look into modern horror's strive for reality that chaotically blends nostalgia with novelty. Fancy a hair-raising adventure? Allow the evolution of scare tactics in 'Dark Cinema' to pull back the curtain on an iconic genre interwoven with our shared cultural anxieties and darkest fears - making for an unforgettable journey. Ready to face your fears?

Gunther Adams (Author), Dorothy Fenwick (Narrator)

Audiobook

The True Story Behind Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds

This audiobook is narrated by a digital voice. The Birds was different from most of Hitchcock’s work. For admirers of Hitchcock, The Birds also raises disturbing questions about the director as a person. He was a complex and confusing character in many ways, and perhaps it’s not surprising that someone who built a career out of creating suspense and fear on-screen might also have had some darker sides to his personal life. Beyond the details of the story and how it came to be filmed, though, one of the most interesting questions about The Birds is why Hitchcock made it in the first place. It took its title from a short story by English author Daphne du Maurier, but beyond the basic idea of people being attacked by birds, it didn’t take much else from it. The storyline was pure Hitchcock. So where did it come from? It turns out that his inspiration was a strange and alarming incident that happened just a few miles from his home in California. This book uncovers the truth behind the plot as well as other factoids that fascinate any fan of the film.

Fergus Mason (Author), Digital Voice Mike G (Narrator)

Audiobook

[Swiss German; Alemannic] - De Ingo fiirt Wiehnachte: Lieder und Märli vom Häsli Ingo

DE INGO FIIRT WIEHNACHTE Tauche ein in Häsli Ingos zauberhafte Weihnachtswelt. Ob beim Guetzli backen, Weihnachtsgeschenke basteln oder Wunschzettel gestalten, das neue Häsli Ingo Album 'de Ingo fiirt Wiehnachte' begleitet dich mit altbekannten und neuen Weihnachtshits durch die Winterzeit. Natürlich dürfen die beliebten Häsli Ingo Hörspiele auch nicht fehlen. Mit seiner neuen Freundin dem kleinen Einhorn hüpft Häsli Ingo über die Wolken und am Guetzliwettbewerb bei fünf Sternekoch Oswaldo hilft Häsli Ingo dem Samichlaus die zahlreichen Chlausseckli zu füllen. Stille Nacht heilige Nacht, Schneeflöckli Wissröckli und min Wunschzädel sind nur einige der Lieder, die euch die schönste Zeit des Jahres versüssen werden. Häsli Ingo verbreitet Weihnachtsstimmung und freut sich auf alle Sing und Tanzzwerge, die mitfeiern möchten.

August Stapper, August Zarnack, Benedikt Widmann, Hedwig Haberkern, Josef Annegarn, Joseph Mohr, Nelly Gyimesi, Traditional (Author), Various (Narrator)

Audiobook

The True Story of the Jersey Boys: The Story Behind Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons

This audiobook is narrated by a digital voice. Throughout the 1960s, there's was one band that ruled the charts and defined the sound of a generation: The Four Seasons. On stage, they were clean cut kids from New Jersey—off stage there was an entirely different story. You’ve heard the music, now find out the stories behind the music. This book takes you inside the life of Frankie Valli and the history of The Four Season. While the contents of this biography have been researched, this book is not endorsed or affiliated in anyway with Frankie Valli or The Four Seasons.

Jennifer Warner (Author), Digital Voice Mike G (Narrator)

Audiobook

Reel Facts: Unbelievable Stuff About Famous Film Stars and Movies That Really Happened

This audiobook is narrated by a digital voice. 2023 BEST BOOK AWARDS FINALIST - BEST PERFORMING ARTS BOOK ONLY IN HOLLYWOOD CAN THINGS THIS UNBELIEVABLE HAPPEN As any actor, producer, director, or screenwriter can attest, working in the movie business isn't easy. After Jack Nicholson filmed his first screen test for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, studio mogul Louis B. Mayer politely told him afterwards: 'I don't know what we can use you for, but if we ever do need you, we'll need you real bad.' In the late 1960s, Paul, John, George, and Ringo–better known as The Beatles–were set to star in a movie version of J.R.R. Tolkien's epic fantasy novel, The Lord of the Rings, until Tolkien objected over the loudness of their music. Steven Spielberg snubbed Charlton Heston for the lead role in Jaws believing his 'save the day' disaster movie performances would overshadow the movie's real star–the killer shark. What does this unbelievable stuff have in common? Scores of these and other tantalizing tidbits and scintillating stories that really happened to famous film stars and in the movies are meticulously detailed in one fun, fact-filled volume, REEL FACTS. This fascinating, full-color copiously illustrated treasury offers an inside the Hollywood grapevine look at it all—classic movie star rejections, remarkable movie ideas that misfired (or the greatest movies never made), amazing extremes actors have undertaken in preparing for film roles, unforeseen calamities that disrupted or delayed movies in production, fantastic film foolery perpetrated in popular movies on audiences, notable casting mishaps, the worst screen kissers, and much more. For avid movie lovers and film buffs alike, this entertaining chronicle shows filmdom's favorite stars and movies in general like you have never seen them before.

Jeff Lenburg (Author), Morgan Williams (Narrator)

Audiobook

Art & Music Audiobooks in Non-Fiction