Author: Timothy English

Publisher: iUniverse

Published: 2007-10-12

Total Pages: 196

ISBN-13: 0595906923

"A fun read that'll have you replaying the songs in your mind and on your stereo." -Chicago Tribune Have you ever listened to a new song and felt as if you'd heard it before? It's not your imagination. Melodies are "borrowed," consciously or subconsciously, more than you might think. For instance, do you know: That U2's "Beautiful Day" shares part of its tune with an a-ha hit from the eighties? Why Huey Lewis was so upset when he first heard Ray Parker Jr.'s "Ghostbusters"? How John Lennon's classic "Imagine" bears an uncanny resemblance to a novelty record cut by his dad? Sounds Like Teen Spirit tells the fascinating true stories behind these and many other "sound-alike" songs. Showcasing well-known artists from the Beatles to Kraftwerk, the Staple Singers to U2, it's a virtual catalog of pop music's "secret history" for casual and hardcore rock-and-roll fans alike. With this entertaining and informative guide, you'll be surprised by the tremendously varied musical influences on your favorite songwriters and performers, and you'll develop a genuine appreciation for what it takes to create a melody that is comfortable and pleasing and yet fresh and original. Best of all, you're sure to discover some great artists and songs and hear familiar music in a fresh, new way!