Songbooks, like albums, boots, postcards, posters, pins, photo's, magazine articles, and other paraphernalia, are sought after and collected by many music fans, aficionado's, and collectors. Roger Waters/Pink Floyd fans are no different.
Songbooks are books of published music and lyrics from albums, major works, or collections of songs written and played by major music artists. There have been songbooks published for all of Roger Waters solo albums and most of Pink Floyd's albums, from "Dark Side of the Moon," to "The Wall," and also Dave Gilmour's version of Pink Floyd; "A Momentary Lapse of Reason" and "The Division Bell" (the book not yet released).
Like the album photo's, the front and back cover photo's of the Amused To Death songbook are exactly the same except for their larger size. Inside you'll find all the words and lyrics to all the songs on "Amused To Death" right along with all the music, stanzas, verses, and chorus', including the spoken words of sportscaster Marv Albert calling the play by play action of the war. The only exception, and a flagrant and grievous omission, are the words of Alf Razzell, spoken during "The Ballad of Bill Hubbard" and at the end of "Amused To Death". At least our club members will have access to these words which were published in REG issue number 5.
The music is arranged in the book for voice, piano and guitar, with lyrics and chord boxes. The music is not too complex, and easy enough to follow along with the album, or play solo. And if you're not much of a musician, like me, the guitar chord boxes make playing the songs fun and easy. However if you don't play an instrument at all, singing along to the album is fun too. If you can't sing either, then just reading along listening to Roger, can really put a whole new perspective on both the music and the album.
Aside from owning the book for the music, the lyrics, and the collectibility, the book contains some really great full page color photographs of Roger. You may have seen a few on the back covers of the last few issues of REG. The book is published by Music Sales Limited and is copyrighted 1992 by Pink Floyd Music Publishers Limited. It is printed in the United Kingdom by J.B. Offset Printers Limited, Mark, Tey, Essex, England. ISBN 0-7119-3220-4. Order no. AM90154.
Also the book contains the following guarantee: 'As publishers, we strive to produce every book to the highest commercial standards. The music has been freshly engraved and, whilst endeavoring to retain the original running order of the album, the book has been carefully designed to minimize awkward page turns and to make playing from it a real pleasure. Particular care has been given to specifying acid-free, neutral-sized paper which has not been chlorine bleached but produced with special regard for the environment. Throughout, the printing and binding have been planned to ensure a sturdy, attractive publication which should give years of enjoyment. If your copy fails to meet our high standards, please inform us and we will gladly replace it.' To get Music Sales' free complete catalogue lists of thousands of titles check with your local music shop, or order direct from Music Sales Limited by sending a cheque/postal order for £1.50 for postage to: Music Sales Limited, Newmarket Road, Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk IP33 3YB, England.
This book is a must have for every Roger Waters fan. It details the genius of Roger Waters even further, and increases the enjoyment of his latest and best work, the fantastic "Amused To Death." In fact, put the album on now and give it another listen.