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Speed of Sound
- Narrated by: Thomas Dolby
- Length: 10 hrs and 43 mins
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Summary
The remarkable story of rising to the top of the music charts, a second act as a tech pioneer and the sustaining power of creativity and art.
Thomas Dolby's hit songs 'She Blinded Me with Science' and 'Hyperactive!' catapulted him to international fame in the early '80s. A pioneer of new wave and electronica, Thomas combined a love for invention with a passion for music, and the result was a new sound that defined an era of revolutionary music. But as record company politics overshadowed the joy of performing, Thomas found a surprising second act.
Starting out in a rat-infested London bedsit, a teenage Thomas Dolby stacks boxes by day at the grocery and tinkers with a homemade synthesizer at night while catching the Police at a local dive bar, swinging by the pub to see the unknown Elvis Costello and starting the weekend with a Clash show at a small nightclub. London on the eve of the 1980s is a hotbed for music and culture, and a new sound is beginning to take shape, merging technology with the musical energy of punk rock. Thomas plays keyboards in other bands' shows and, with a bit of luck, finds his own style, quickly establishing himself on the scene and recording breakout hits that take radio, MTV and dance clubs by storm. The world is now his oyster, and sold-out arenas, world tours, even a friendship with Michael Jackson become the fabric of his life.
But as the record industry flounders and disillusionment sets in, Thomas turns his attention to Hollywood. Scoring films and computer games eventually leads him to Silicon Valley and a software start-up that turns up the volume on the digital music revolution. His company barely survives the dot-com bubble, but finally even the mavericks at Apple, Microsoft, Netscape and Nokia see the light. By 2005 two-thirds of the world's mobile phones embed his Beatnik software.
Life at the zenith of a tech empire proves to be just as full of big personalities, battling egos and roller-coaster success as his days spent at the top of the charts. The Speed of Soundis the story of an extraordinary man living an extraordinary life, a single-handed quest to make peace between art and the digital world.
Critic reviews
"Musician Thomas Dolby debuts with an absorbing account of his pioneering work merging digital music with film, technology, and science. In this story-filled memoir, Dolby draws deeply on his experiences as a synthesized music guru and early internet geek, offering wonderful scenes involving such notables as Michael Jackson, Joni Mitchell, David Bowie, Steve Jobs, and George Lucas. His innovative accomplishments, rendered in fascinating detail here, are legendary. This stellar book will appeal to readers interested in modern technology's startling effects on music and popular culture." ( Kirkus)
What listeners say about Speed of Sound
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- AMK
- 10-01-18
Very much at the speed of reality.
Like the old lifeboat he works in, Dolby's career has been tossed around in the storm that was the first dot com boom. Does it come right? A very atypical rock autobiography. No boring tales of bachanalia here. Unless you are interested in a personal history of music and tech in the 80's and 90's it might not be for you. His homes keep collapsing. He reads very well.
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- P. J. Burn
- 10-09-20
Amazing story
This is probably the best autobiography from a former rock/popstar. Thomas Dolby is so much more than that implies. Compelling listening...
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1 person found this helpful
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- Neil Spencer Bruce
- 27-10-17
i love you goodbye
loved this book, can't recommend it enough! The ups and downs of the music and technology industry so well explained with Thomas great narration style.
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- Ian
- 17-01-24
Great audio experience
An interesting life, well written and performed by the author. Highly recommended. Sit back listen and enjoy.
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- T.A. Holt
- 18-05-23
Terrific!
They say you can’t put a good book down. Well, in the case of this superbly delivered story it’s fair to say my earbuds have taken up permanent residence in the side of my head!
I remember Thomas’ hits well as a music-devouring teen in the 80s, but l was never a ‘full on’ fan.
The way the book is split into two separate careers (although linked by a common thread) is fantastic. It means I can play part two to my tech company owning son without him having to listen to stories of ‘old musicians’ as he would say.
I’m sure he will find the Dolby tech experience fascinating and educational in equal measure.
Personally, I love a good ‘old musician’s’ story having been a recording artist myself. This audiobook delivers both superbly.
Beautifully written and narrated by Thomas himself, this wonderful work is an absolute must listen.
….and don’t miss out on the gorgeous piece at the end.
Thank you Mr Thomas ‘Boffin’ Dolby. Stunning work.
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- c.clare
- 05-02-23
A must listen for Thomas Dolby fans
I’m glad Thomas narrated his own book; he did a great job. I knew Thomas was a gifted musician but I didn’t realise how instrumental he was with mobile ring tones.
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- Chris Miller
- 11-08-22
Outstanding - really enjoyed a study of Dolby’s career
I was aware of Thomas Dolby’s music and remember a memorable performance of ‘I scare myself’ on the Tube in the 80’s, but I had no idea about his impact on music technology. I’m not a big fan, but was keen to know a bit more about the music industry at the time I was a consumer. I listened to the audio book which is read by the author and frankly, it’s the best I’ve listened to so far. His recollections of his music years is brilliant, but the second part of the book about technology was also fascinating. If you are in your 50’s and around during the 80’s and 90’s with an interest in the music of the time - this is the book for you. Trust me, it’s really good and I will listen again in a few months time. I’ll also search out more of his music on YouTube.
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- funkyartist
- 13-01-20
Amazing insight to Dolbyland
I loved each story leading up to TMD’s present day.
What’s next for this often overlooked master?
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- Andrew
- 06-04-19
Awesome
Pretty much listened to this book from start to finish. Happy moment when I heard it was actually narrated by Thomas Dolby himself.
Absolutely brilliant for fans.
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- Valenni
- 18-11-18
Awesome and honest stories from the 80s synth era
Dolbys stories from Michael Jackson to Bill Gates were fascinating. What a life he had!
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