Songs That Saved Your Life (Revised Edition): The Art of The Smiths 1982-87

This was for a book, the book itself was sealed within two layers of plastic wrap, which was then in a strong brown paper envelope, the plastic wrap would have given an extra layer of protection should the outer layer become water damaged, which it did not.The book itself was in mint condition, no issues seen at all.The product was delivered within the estimated delivery time.No issues at all, would order from this seller again.

It’s amazing, besides the bad scuff on the front cover. Usually I would be mad, but I am just so happy to finally own this book. Also, I bought used so obviously I don’t expect it to be perfect!! thank you!!!

This mammoth undertaking called, The Songs that Saved Your Life is an ultra-detailed extremely meticulous look into the production of virtually every Smiths song in existence. It's simultaneously fascinating and annoyingly detailed.How much you'll enjoy this book ultimately depends on the depth of your fandom and your interest in the Smiths' musical production.The Songs that Saved Your Life is engaging and edifying, however, I wouldn't recommend it to everyone.This book is not for you if:1. You're only looking for Behind the Music / E! True Hollywood Story type gossip.2. You're only looking for lyrical interpretations of Smith songs.3. You're more interested the big picture rather than smaller details. Despite whatever feelings you may have for Mike Joyce, he actually writes a touching forward for the book -- mind you not as brilliant at Mick Middle's forward for Morrissey's Manchester -- but surprisingly optimistic and celebratory of the Smiths' legacy.The book lists about 80 Smiths songs in the order of the finished studio mater tape. To say "lists" is a bit of an understatement as The Songs that Saved Your Life is more or less the Encyclopedia Brittanica of Smiths songs.Not only does it catalog singles and B-sides, it includes detailed information on Smiths songs that have never seen the light of day by the general public. The most famous of these songs is, "A Matter of Opinion" which was uncovered by author Simon Goddard while listening to Mike Joyce's own master tapes in preparation for writing the book. There are also a number of untitled instrumentals produced by John Porter, Grant Showbiz and Stephen Street that are detailed as well.Each of the songs in the book lists the day & place it was recorded, who it was produced by and the format & month of the first UK release (admittedly a bit confusing from an American POV). Next comes the detailed history of the song, e.g. how the song came about, what influenced the song, musical and or lyrical drafts, anecdotes, UK chart placement, song keys, quotes from band members (including Morrissey), Rough Trade / Geoff Travis reaction and headlines and controversies.Now just when you thought you've learned everything possible about 'Wonderful Woman' for example, there are three more sections regarding the song's life in concert, on television and on the radio. The concert information is current to Morrissey's 2002 where Moz performed several Smiths song live. It did, however, feel somewhat eerie seeing in print information about a tour that just ended a couple months ago. What's good:The book can be read chronologically, or out of order. Skip the songs you hate (as if you'd actually hate any Smiths song) or pick a song you lurve and read up on it. You do, however, get a better sense of continuity having read it cover to cover.Short chapters - good for those of us with attention deficit disorder.Extremely detailed - More than you ever really wanted to knowThe Verdict: Undoubtedly Simon Goddard has created a masterpiece. By the time I got to page 250 I'm sure my IQ went up a point or two. The vast amounts of data included in the book are incredible. If you're a Smiths fan and you haven't bought this book yet. I have to ask, what are you waiting for?

Just wow! A must for any Smiths fan. Tells in detail each song and when/where it was played live. One of the best parts of this book is the tasty little bits of info about extras in the songs. Sound effects that were used, lyrics, Marr's almost endless dedication to guitar overdubs etc.Seriously, even if you're not a die hard fan, you'll really enjoy this book.

I don't know what I could really add to what other reviewers have already written about this book, but I will try. This is, along with this author's other book "Mozipedia," the most informative book on the music of The Smiths that exists. If you're a Smiths fan, you MUST have this book in your collection.

If Simon Goddard missed something, it wasn't much. Amazing book.

Great product. Great price. Great purchase!!

Love this book-so insightful and well written. I find myself using it anytime a Smith song comes on my iPhone, which is every other song! THANKS!

Picked out a colleague for works Secret Santa.Don't know them very well so was at a loss what to get her.A lil mouse told me she was massive Smiths fan. No brainer.Well received. Now I know something that we have in common. .

Es un libro muy completo e interesante. Tiene muchísimos datos curiosos sobre las canciones y es una excelente guía acerca de la carrera de The Smiths

Prologue vraiment original, et la suite ne fait que confirmer la première impression: sensible à l'extrême, mais également drôle et plus émouvant que je ne saurais exprimer.

It s still a very interesting book specially to know from where Morrissey takes his ideas for lyrics. It makes you want to read and see all those books and films

Llegó antes de lo esperado. Aunque el libro estaba abierto, es de muy buena calidad . Además vale cada centavo.