Armed with a singing voice that makes children cry and a sense of melody that could best be described as challenging, Will Hodgkinson takes off on a songwriting journey. He receives lessons and advice from, among others, Keith Richards, Ray Davies, a brilliant recluse called Lawrence, and the hippy-era songwriter Bridget St John. But will his efforts be good enough to cut a 45rpm single at the famed Toe-Rag Studios in London?
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'The art of songwriting is something I've explored all my life. It's a mysterious and elusive subject. In Song Man some of those mysteries have been unravelled. It's a great book' Richard Hawley 'An ace sequel to Guitar Man' Observer Music Monthly 'Once again, it's surprising how many famous names are willing to listen to our man's childlike fumblings, while artistic endeavour threatens to drive a truck through his seemingly lovely relationship ... it's hard to resist checking out Hodgkinson's efforts online' Time Out 'Amusing, informative and wish-fulfilling, Hodgkinson's book simultaneously makes you respect the genius of songwriters and fills you with hope that you might just be able to pen that number one yourself' Financial Times Magazine
About the Author
Will Hodgkinson was born in Newcastle and now lives in London with his wife and two children. He has written for the Guardian, Mojo, Vogue, Daily Telegraph, the Idler and Wallpaper. He is the author of the highly acclaimed Guitar Man, published by Bloomsbury in 2006.
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
By Mr. John
Format:Paperback
If you are not really interested in the human phenomenon that is popular music then this book will be virtually impenetrable to you. If though, you have spent a few years absorbing the extraordinary sounds that have been conceived and recorded in the last fifty years then Hodginson's book (and indeed its predecessor) is an axiomatic text.
I am a failed musician and yearn to be able to rewind to my youth and take music more seriously in my formative years. I have been in several mediocre bands, normally as the weakest link. 'Song Man' revitalised my interest in music and especially songwriting after 15 years of famine. I was so profoundly affected that I resolved to write a song as soon as I finished reading the book. I am rarely inspired to such an extent. I wrote a rubbish song but thanks to this book I will try again, and again. Well done Will Hodgkinson, you changed my world.
I am a failed musician and yearn to be able to rewind to my youth and take music more seriously in my formative years. I have been in several mediocre bands, normally as the weakest link. 'Song Man' revitalised my interest in music and especially songwriting after 15 years of famine. I was so profoundly affected that I resolved to write a song as soon as I finished reading the book. I am rarely inspired to such an extent. I wrote a rubbish song but thanks to this book I will try again, and again. Well done Will Hodgkinson, you changed my world.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By John Fraser
Format:Paperback
In an age when people are desperately trying to get on TV for no reason other than to "become famous" it's pretty inspiring to read a book by someone keen to follow a dream and better themselves for no reason other than the love of it. Will Hodgkinson learnt how to play guitar for his last book and this time around he's trying to learn how to write a song. It's fair to say that he didn't exactly succeed on that front (as a visit to his myspace page might attest) but he tells his story with such infectious enthusiasm, coupled with a rich vein in self-deprecation, which means that you can't help but root for him as he follows his quest.
Much as he did in Guitar Man, he also unearths some great advise from a interesting array of characters - from the more obvious 60s guitar heroes of which he's such a fan, like Keith Richards and Ray Davies, to the likes of Andrew Lloyd Webber, and a eccentric recluse by the name of Lawrence who used to front an obscure 90s indie band.
Inspiring stuff - and occasionally laugh-out-loud funny. Just don't expect to see him performing at the 02 arena any time soon!
Much as he did in Guitar Man, he also unearths some great advise from a interesting array of characters - from the more obvious 60s guitar heroes of which he's such a fan, like Keith Richards and Ray Davies, to the likes of Andrew Lloyd Webber, and a eccentric recluse by the name of Lawrence who used to front an obscure 90s indie band.
Inspiring stuff - and occasionally laugh-out-loud funny. Just don't expect to see him performing at the 02 arena any time soon!
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By Mr. W. Lee
Format:Paperback
WH's account of his search for the songwriting knack is amusing and absorbing...although he and his (imaginary?) alter ego, Doyle, perhaps never match the naive heights of their debut 'mystery fox'.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
There's Hope For Us All...
Will Hodgkinson is a publisher's dream: erudite with a great sense of humour and the ability to squeeze evry last detail from an anecdote. Read more
Published on 12 May 2010 by Graeme Wright
5.0 out of 5 stars
Shouldn't that be Sour Grape Nut?
Why would Grape Nuts moan about this wonderful book?
No Idea, but his is obvisously a fool.
So take no heed, buy and enjoy Will's travails through the world of song. Read more
No Idea, but his is obvisously a fool.
So take no heed, buy and enjoy Will's travails through the world of song. Read more
Published on 22 April 2008 by A. WASHINGTON
5.0 out of 5 stars
a lesson in love
As a fan of Hodgkinsons excellent first book about learning the guitar, I was glad to find he'd lost none of his insight when graduating to something much tougher - writing a song... Read more
Published on 22 April 2008 by S. Armstrong
1.0 out of 5 stars
No Stars
I have an idea for Hodgkinson's next book: 'Ideas Man', in which our hero attempts to write a book that isn't mired in a nostalgic, imagined idea of the past, and doesn't rehash... Read more
Published on 8 Mar 2008 by Grape Nuts
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