Truly Inspiring

I cannot recommend this book enough. I found I was hanging on every word more so than most audio books I’ve ever listened to which only proves Jeff Tweedy’s skill with language and delivery and as someone well worth listening to in these areas. His writing on language in particular here is exceptionally useful and inspiring.

More than just a book about songwriting - this is a guide for creatives in all disciplines and for tackling self-doubt. He confronts pitfalls and tired clichés surrounding procrastination and ‘writer’s block’ offering extremely interesting and often unique and practical solutions and exercises to use.

In parts philosophical, biographical and with a dry humour this book felt like a comforting conversation with a friend who casts no judgement. He has truly inspired me in my songwriting pursuits and also affirmed in myself things I was already doing without realising. I have no doubt that this will make anyone a better songwriter but also more content with their skill set and how the process (no matter what level) is as much a part of the whole they wish to achieve.

This book also works best as an audio book as it is peppered with interesting audio files and even a song Tweedy is working on throughout.

I immediately purchased his previous book as I want to continue to listen to his thoughts, musings and processes longer than the 3.5hr duration of this book (which is a perfect length for a ‘guide’ book and covers more than I could have hoped so succinctly. And I sincerely hope he does write ‘How to be in a Band’!

6 people found this helpful

Master class in songwriting from Jeff Tweedy

Jeff Tweedy might not be a household name to most people but those who appreciate songwriting will know and admire his work with Americana band Wilco, his collaborations with Billy Bragg in re-imagining fragments of Woody Guthrie's long lost lyrics and his solo releases. He is the songwriters' songwriter.
In this shortish book, Jeff discusses the writing process and encourages listeners / readers to take his tips and to create their own songs. It is, apparently, easier than it appears and simple exercises such as word matches, sound fragments and "free writing" exercises can be used to unlock what is inside all of us to create something new and different. He demonstrates the process by collating ideas throughout the book that he brings together for a song ("Gwendoline") that he writes as part of the tuition. If you are like me, and have been trying to write songs for decades without too much reward, there are enough ideas in here to inspire you to the next level. I could listen to Jeff Tweedy talk about songwriting all day but, sadly, this is only a three hour book.

3 people found this helpful

not just for song writers

this book is an interesting look at the creative process. good for anyone wanting to create anything

2 people found this helpful

How to write lyrics, rather than a song

I liked Jeff Tweedy as a person and a presenter, but the book was about how to write lyrics, not a song

1 person found this helpful

A perfect book

Jeff Tweedy has written a book that not only serves to help someone create art but it also includes many great tools for life.

1 person found this helpful

GREAT BOOK, GREAT READING

totally fantastic, can't recommend it highly enough. the recording and reading is clear and Jeff's voice is as gentle and heartwarming as any fan of his music would expect.

1 person found this helpful

Great and motivating

I am a designer and writer, and this book felt like it was written for me.

stórskemmtileg hlustun

þetta var negla frábært hlustun, áhugaverð nálgun og hægt að tileinka sér margt fyrir margskonar

Must listen

Jeff Tweedy what can I say. Thank you for sharing your years of songwriting wisdom and all the ups and downs along the way. Legend.

I’m going to start writing regularly again. Thanks Jeff

After a few years since I last wrote a song, last night, I finished this book and wrote a song. And it feels good. The inspiration I needed.
Hope YOU do too.