Subtitled âThe People and Processes Behind Self-Recorded Music,â this is a beautiful, hardbound coffee-table-style tome about making recordings that matter. Featuring excellent photos by Daniel Topete highlighting artists in their own creative spaces, as well as a captivating layout and design by Lawrence Azerrad [cover forTape Op#132], this book is a treat to take in. However, at the heart is the amiable Spencer Tweedy [#132], who visited and interviewed over 30 self-recording musicians about their process, technique, history, and art. Self-described as âa book dedicated to the special sound of self-recording,â Spencer talks to a lot of recordists, several of whom have appeared inTape Op, including Blake Mills [#115], Emitt Rhodes [#33], Mac DeMarco [#120], Jim OâRourke [#16], and Juana Molina [#119], plus many fascinating others we should (and hopefullywill) chat with, like Sharon Van Etten, Yuka Honda, Bobb Bruno (Best Coast), Suzanne Ciani, Open Mike Eagle, and Sadie Dupuis (Speedy Ortiz/SAD13). If youâre an artist, this collection can function as a sort of philosophical guide, proving that you are not alone in taking advantage of whatever is around you in order to capture recordings and make music. (And really; if youâre readingTape Opright now, this book is right up your alley, so you should buy and read it!) Even a non-recording music fan will still appreciate and benefit from the thoughtful interviews and gorgeous presentation. You canât go wrong!
($40,mirrorsoundbook.com) -LC