Sound Sleeping in the Neighborhood
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Jerry Van Amerongen's Unique Humor
  • funny
Sound Sleeping in the Neighborhood
Jerry Van Amerongen
Manufacturer: Andrews Mcmeel Pub
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

GeneralGeneral | Drawing | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Humor | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:
  1. The Neighborhood in Color The Neighborhood in Color
  2. High Stepping Through the Neighborhood High Stepping Through the Neighborhood
  3. Minnows In The Bath And Other Doggie Treats (Ballard Street Collection) Minnows In The Bath And Other Doggie Treats (Ballard Street Collection)
  4. Ballard Street Ballard Street

ASIN: 0836218027

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Jerry Van Amerongen's Unique Humor.......2006-04-25

No other cartoonist has the same sense of humor
as Jerry. Sometimes you have to go back to the
same cartoon several times before the true absurdity
of it really sinks in. After you see his bizarre
drawings accompanying our everyday, banal phrases,
you will not be able to say them again without
being reminded of the cartoons.

Here are some examples from this collection:

(1) We see a man in the kitchen banging a can
of vegetables onto the counter with a can opener
lying unused on the counter. His wife is looking
on with a frustrated look. The caption is:
"Cohabitation Axiom no. 6-The less it appears you
know how to do, the less you will have to do".

(2) A fellow is lying on his psychiatrist's couch
and behind him, the shrink is playing with a
rabbit doll. The patient is thinking to himself
"Why is Dr Reim's going on and on about green,
leafy vegetables?"

(3) We see laboratory rats in a cage with
microphones suspended above it. Off to the
side in the laboratory is a scientist sitting
dejectedly. The caption reads:
"After long years of study, Dr Bing was disheartened
to find the speech patters of the common rat consisted
primarily of expletives aimed directly at him".

(4) We are looking back stage at a talent show.
We see the back of a very large man. Looking
at him is one of the organizers with a shocked
look on his face. The caption reads:
"The next contestant is going to impersonate
North Dakota".

After you recover from busting a gut, get yourself
together and go out and get all of Jerry's books.

5 out of 5 stars funny.......2002-06-22

As always this book is funny as all the neighborhood books. Like the Far Side, but way funnier.

Inside Out, Underwear and Style in the UK
Average customer rating: Not rated
    Inside Out, Underwear and Style in the UK

    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Paperback
    ASIN: B000HWZ0DI

    Book Description

    Inside Out takes underwear out from under, exposing what lurks beneath the surface. Everything is revealed, from embarrassing but necessary items normally hidden from public view to the very British titillation of the Ann Summers party; from the physical and psychological 'uplift' of the Wonderbra to the glamour of the Agent Provocateur. A celebration of fashion, technology and culture as refracted through Great Britain's underwear industry, Inside Out paints a bold, inventive portrait of the constant tension between inspiration and constraint, fantasy and reality. Angela Carter, Judith Clark, Karen Kay, India Knight, James Pretove, Mary Quant and Serena Rees offer informed and seductively entertaining texts on a topic that touches us all - intimately! Dimension: 91/2 x 8 inches, 110 b&w and color reproductions.
    Inside Out: Underwear And Style in the Uk
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      Inside Out: Underwear And Style in the Uk
      Emily Campbell
      Manufacturer: Diane Pub Co
      ProductGroup: Book
      Binding: Paperback

      GeneralGeneral | Fashion | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
      GeneralGeneral | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
      ASIN: 0756785243

      Speed Bump: Cartoons for Idea People (Speed Bump series)
      Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
      • A fine survey which gathers these into themed chapters
      • Dave Coverly eats worms
      • Quirky, laugh out loud humor
      Speed Bump: Cartoons for Idea People (Speed Bump series)
      Dave Coverly
      Manufacturer: Ecw Press
      ProductGroup: Book
      Binding: Paperback

      CartooningCartooning | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books
      GeneralGeneral | Comic Strips | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books
      GeneralGeneral | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books
      GeneralGeneral | Graphic Novels | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books
      GeneralGeneral | Humor | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
      Satire, GeneralSatire, General | Humor | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
      Look Inside Entertainment BooksLook Inside Entertainment Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
      Similar Items:
      1. Just One %$#@ Speed Bump After Another . . .: More Cartoons (Speed Bump series) Just One %$#@ Speed Bump After Another . . .: More Cartoons (Speed Bump series)
      2. Speed Bump Speed Bump
      3. This Is Your First Rock Garden, Isn't It?: An Other Coast Collection (Other Coast Collections) This Is Your First Rock Garden, Isn't It?: An Other Coast Collection (Other Coast Collections)
      4. When Bad Things Happen to Stupid People: A Close to Home Collection When Bad Things Happen to Stupid People: A Close to Home Collection
      5. A Million Little Pieces of Close to Home: A Close to Home Collection A Million Little Pieces of Close to Home: A Close to Home Collection

      ASIN: 1550226584

      Book Description

      Relationships, health, work, and kids as well as philosophy and aliens are explored in this collection of thoughtful, hilarious panels from the widely syndicated Speed Bump cartoon. Oddball segues, drink recipes, caption contests, and prose pieces by the cartoonist furnish additional jokes and a wider perspective on the development of the comic strip. Aficionados and new fans of the cartoonist and his strip will find a thorough and amusing look at this popular cartoon.

      Customer Reviews:

      5 out of 5 stars A fine survey which gathers these into themed chapters.......2005-02-10

      There's no single theme to Speed Bump: Cartoons For Idea People, no basic philosophy - but his 'outtakes' appear in over 200 newspapers around the country and Speed Bump is a fine survey which gathers these into themed chapters, includes the author's introduction to each, and even presents a small portion of color cartoons with the black and white winners. Dave Coverly is funny and pointed: Speed Bump is running in its 10th year and has been nominated for numerous awards, so place this book at the top of the list.

      5 out of 5 stars Dave Coverly eats worms.......2005-01-15

      This is the funniest second book ever written by Dave Coverly....he is by far the best comic panelist working today. Plus I think he's completely kicked his Beanie Baby habit.

      5 out of 5 stars Quirky, laugh out loud humor.......2004-12-28

      It has been a long time since I've read a cartoon book that is laugh out loud funny. Dave Coverly's quirky sense of humor and drawing skills combine to create a book that is hard to put down until you have read every one of the cartoons. In fact I didn't put it down until I had completed it and had to keep sharing individual cartoons with others as I went along. A joy to read and sure to put a smile on your face, Speed Bump is highly recommended humor.

      The Wicked Traveler
      Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
      • wicked indeed!
      The Wicked Traveler
      Howard Tomb
      Manufacturer: Workman Publishing
      ProductGroup: Book
      Binding: Paperback
      Similar Items:
      1. Say What?: Talk Like A Local Without Putting Your Foot in It (Lonely Planet) Say What?: Talk Like A Local Without Putting Your Foot in It (Lonely Planet)
      2. Wicked French (Wicked) Wicked French (Wicked)
      3. Wicked Spanish (Wicked) Wicked Spanish (Wicked)
      4. Wicked German (Wicked Travel Series) Wicked German (Wicked Travel Series)
      5. Wicked Italian (Wicked) Wicked Italian (Wicked)

      ASIN: 0761135928

      Book Description

      Respond to Japanese Noh theater like a native: Kazoku sorrote no seppuku ga yokatta. (I love the part where the whole family disembowels themselves.) Speak to homicidal Parisian taxi drivers in a language theyll understand: Ou avez-vous appris conduire? En Italie? (Where did you learn to drive? Italy?) Discuss Italian olive oil with the proper degree of reverence: Un assaggio ti dice che le olive sono maturate di fronte ad una cattedrale. (One taste tells you the olives grew in full view of the cathedral.) Establish privacy needs in Mexico: Preferira una habitacin sin alacranes. (Id prefer a room without scorpions.) With seven titles and over 1.2 million copies in print, Howard Tombs Wicked phrase book series is the fiendishly irreverentand very successfulcollection that gives travelers the words they wish they could utter while, say, attempting to find the exit of the Louvre or facing a plate of fugu (poisonous blowfish) in Japan. Now, the five most popular Wicked booksItalian, French, Japanese, German, and Spanish have been updated and compiled into The Wicked Traveler. A$25 value for $8.95, its the ultimate impulse gift for anyone whod like to know how to say silly things in five different languages. Because, as Howard Tomb writes in his new introduction: Every country is different, but all foreign places have one thing in common: theyre weird.

      Customer Reviews:

      5 out of 5 stars wicked indeed!.......2005-08-24

      I am very happy to find the condenced wicked colletion into one book. I have purchased the individual books for years now; they make great gifts. These new book is well priced and has 5 languages to choose from. If you have a friend visiting Europe or Japan this is the book to give them!!
      Wicked Japanese For The Business Traveler
      Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
      • Depends on what you're looking for
      • Wickedly Funny
      • This is humor - not to be taken seriously
      • Loaded with Stereotypes
      • great one liners in Japanese
      Wicked Japanese For The Business Traveler
      Howard Tomb
      Manufacturer: Workman
      ProductGroup: Book
      Binding: Paperback

      BusinessBusiness | Humor | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
      GeneralGeneral | Humor | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
      JapaneseJapanese | Foreign Language | Dictionaries & Thesauruses | Reference | Subjects | Books
      PolyglotPolyglot | Foreign Language | Dictionaries & Thesauruses | Reference | Subjects | Books
      JapaneseJapanese | Instruction | Foreign Languages | Reference | Subjects | Books
      Phrasebooks - GeneralPhrasebooks - General | Instruction | Foreign Languages | Reference | Subjects | Books
      Southeast AsianSoutheast Asian | Instruction | Foreign Languages | Reference | Subjects | Books
      GeneralGeneral | Foreign Languages | Reference | Subjects | Books
      GuidebooksGuidebooks | Reference & Tips | Travel | Subjects | Books
      GeneralGeneral | Japan | Asia | Travel | Subjects | Books
      Look Inside Travel BooksLook Inside Travel Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
      BusinessBusiness | Humor | Entertainment | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
      GeneralGeneral | Humor | Entertainment | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
      JapaneseJapanese | Foreign Language | Dictionaries & Thesauruses | Reference | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
      PolyglotPolyglot | Foreign Language | Dictionaries & Thesauruses | Reference | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
      GeneralGeneral | Foreign Languages | Reference | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
      JapaneseJapanese | Instruction | Foreign Languages | Reference | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
      Phrasebooks - GeneralPhrasebooks - General | Instruction | Foreign Languages | Reference | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
      Southeast AsianSoutheast Asian | Instruction | Foreign Languages | Reference | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
      JapanJapan | Asia | Travel | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
      GuidebooksGuidebooks | Reference & Tips | Travel | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
      All 4-for-3 DealsAll 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
      Similar Items:
      1. Wicked Greek (Wicked Travel Series) Wicked Greek (Wicked Travel Series)
      2. Wicked Spanish (Wicked) Wicked Spanish (Wicked)
      3. Wicked French (Wicked) Wicked French (Wicked)
      4. Outrageous Japanese: Slang, Curses & Epithets Outrageous Japanese: Slang, Curses & Epithets
      5. Wicked German (Wicked Travel Series) Wicked German (Wicked Travel Series)

      ASIN: 0894808621

      Book Description

      From the sneakily successful travel series with over 1,000,000 copies in print, here is the pocket-sized guide that combines verbal self-defense with cultural insight. Specifically focused on getting in, getting around, and getting the deal done, Wicked Japanese prepares the gaijin (that's you) for a world so alien that just wearing the wrong necktie can spell certain death to the bargain you flew 18 hours to seal.

      Impress your host with your politeness--and recite the correct apology for grazing a stranger with your sleeve: Buchoho de makoto ni moshiwake gozaimasen ("Sorry to have injured you with my stupid clumsiness"). And if planning to work for a Japanese company, show that you're a team player: Yumei na daigaisha no hitotsu no hagurama ni nalitai ("I wish to be a tiny cog in a huge and honorable machine"). 93,000 copies in print.

      Customer Reviews:

      3 out of 5 stars Depends on what you're looking for.......2002-11-20

      I was looking for books to send to my niece in Japan. She thoroughly enjoyed the Max Danger book I sent and I wanted something in the same vein. This book is aimed at the male traveller. While it's entertaining as far as it goes, it doesn't really suit a twenty-something female. Now I face the dilemma of paying shipping to return an inexpensive book...

      4 out of 5 stars Wickedly Funny.......2001-01-30

      This book is definitely not politically correct, but if sarcastic, biting humor is your thing, this one will have you rolling. As other reviewers have stated, the humor in this book is often lost on Japanese people, but if you've ever lived here, you'll probably laugh yourself to tears by the middle of the book. I use the author's explanation on why few people travel to Japan for tourism often, and it always gets laughs.

      Be very careful about using the Japanese in this book, as some of the phrases are quite offensive. Still, this is a good antidote when you've read too many boring phrasebooks, or you've had a nasty bout of culture shock.

      4 out of 5 stars This is humor - not to be taken seriously.......2000-06-24

      As the previous reviewer indicated, this book is not a serious study of the Japanese language, and yes, it is full of stereotypes. But Howard Tomb's take on Japanese society is often hilarious! The book is especially funny for those foreigners who have lived or stayed in Japan for an extended period of time, although that is not a prerequisite to understand the humor.

      Tomb divides the book into different situations with explanations and a number of phrases for each. The phrases start out innocently enough, but get progressively outlandish and funny. For example, in the section for "Life in a Japanese Firm" you will note phrases with Japanese translations like:

      "I will always agree with my superiors, even when they are totally wrong" or

      "My dream is to be a tiny cog in a huge and honorable machine"

      I had a friend who actually tried to use these phrases in Japanese while working for a Japanese company, but no-one understood the sarcasm (everyone took his statements seriously!). In short, the book is often hilarious in English, but not necessarily so in Japanese.

      Wicked Japanese is definately worth the [money] for the laughs that it generates, but be careful if you actually decide to use it.

      2 out of 5 stars Loaded with Stereotypes.......2000-02-05

      This book had its moments, but it's certainly not to be taken seriously as phrasebook. Chockful of American stereotypes of Japan, most of the phrases, while actually Japanese, I can't imagine actually being used in real situations.

      Well, maybe the phrases to use if you're a female being groped on a train ("Arrest this pervert!").

      4 out of 5 stars great one liners in Japanese.......1998-09-19

      if you become annoyed with your Japanese hosts and need a witty comeback, this book is for you. Learn how to yell insults at baseball games, for example "Hey, little fella, stand up!"
      "But I Wouldn't Want to Live There!": Wicked Wisdom from Seasoned Travelers
      Average customer rating: 3 out of 5 stars
      • Fun Gift for Travellers
      "But I Wouldn't Want to Live There!": Wicked Wisdom from Seasoned Travelers
      Michael Cader
      Manufacturer: Running Pr
      ProductGroup: Book
      Binding: Hardcover

      Jokes & RiddlesJokes & Riddles | Humor | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
      GeneralGeneral | Foreign Languages | Reference | Subjects | Books
      GeneralGeneral | Geography | Earth Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books
      GeneralGeneral | Travel | Subjects | Books
      ASIN: 1561382809

      Customer Reviews:

      3 out of 5 stars Fun Gift for Travellers.......2002-07-02

      This collection of guotes about places from around the world is great fun. I keep it in the bathroom and when I have a party friends often return from the facilities quoting the book. A great gift for traveller friends.
      Wicked French for the Traveler
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        Wicked French for the Traveler
        Howard Tomb
        Manufacturer: Angus & Robertson (UK)
        ProductGroup: Book
        Binding: Paperback

        Study & TeachingStudy & Teaching | Words & Language | Reference | Subjects | Books
        GeneralGeneral | Foreign Languages | Reference | Subjects | Books
        GeneralGeneral | France | Europe | Travel | Subjects | Books
        ASIN: 020716665X
        WICKED ITALIAN FOR THE TRAVELER
        Average customer rating: Not rated
          WICKED ITALIAN FOR THE TRAVELER
          Howard Tomb
          Manufacturer: Workman
          ProductGroup: Book
          Binding: Paperback

          GeneralGeneral | Italy | Europe | Travel | Subjects | Books
          ASIN: B000RB157E
          Wicked Spanish for the Traveler
          Average customer rating: Not rated
            Wicked Spanish for the Traveler
            Howard Tomb
            Manufacturer: Workman Publishing, NY
            ProductGroup: Book
            Binding: Paperback
            ASIN: B000KABQCQ
            Wicked Spanish for the Traveler
            Average customer rating: Not rated
              Wicked Spanish for the Traveler
              Howard Tomb
              Manufacturer: Workman Publishing Company, Incorporated
              ProductGroup: Book
              Binding: Mass Market Paperback
              ASIN: B000TQ9NMG

              Bring In The Peacocks . . . Or Memoirs Of A Hollywood Producer
              Average customer rating: Not rated
                Bring In The Peacocks . . . Or Memoirs Of A Hollywood Producer
                Hank Moonjean
                Manufacturer: Authorhouse
                ProductGroup: Book
                Binding: Paperback

                GeneralGeneral | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
                MemoirsMemoirs | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
                Direction & ProductionDirection & Production | Movies | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
                GeneralGeneral | Movies | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
                ASIN: 1418434108

                Teach Yourself Guitar Theory
                Average customer rating: 3 out of 5 stars
                • Helpful for next step
                Teach Yourself Guitar Theory
                Rodger Edison
                Manufacturer: Alfred Publishing Company
                ProductGroup: Book
                Binding: Paperback

                GuitarGuitar | Instruments & Performers | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
                GeneralGeneral | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
                TheoryTheory | Theory, Composition & Performance | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
                Look Inside Entertainment BooksLook Inside Entertainment Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
                GeneralGeneral | Music | Entertainment | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
                GuitarGuitar | Instruments & Performers | Music | Entertainment | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
                TheoryTheory | Theory, Composition & Performance | Music | Entertainment | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
                All 4-for-3 DealsAll 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
                ASIN: 0882846884

                Customer Reviews:

                3 out of 5 stars Helpful for next step.......2001-05-27

                I recently got this book so that I could move on in my guitar playing beyond tab and simple ways of showing and understanding music. Although confusing at times, I though it was reallly a great book.
                Teach Yourself Music Theory (Teach Yourself Music)
                Average customer rating: 3 out of 5 stars
                • Useful, but its success is limited by not explaining *why* things are the way they are
                Teach Yourself Music Theory (Teach Yourself Music)
                Margaret Richer
                Manufacturer: Teach Yourself Books
                ProductGroup: Book
                Binding: Paperback

                GeneralGeneral | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
                TechniquesTechniques | Theory, Composition & Performance | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
                TheoryTheory | Theory, Composition & Performance | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
                ASIN: 034087130X

                Customer Reviews:

                3 out of 5 stars Useful, but its success is limited by not explaining *why* things are the way they are.......2007-05-22

                A few years ago I began listening to contemporary music, that is to say, classical music composed after World War II (e.g. Ligeti, Gubaidulina, Boulez, Norgard, and so forth). While I found the soundworld of these composers immediately entertaining, I was intrigued by the concepts their music is based on. I needed an introduction to music theory for the complete beginner, and Margaret Richer's TEACH YOURSELF MUSIC THEORY is one of the few options I found.

                TEACH YOURSELF MUSIC THEORY begins simply enough with rhythm. Richer proceeds to reading the staff, understanding sharps and flats (with the piano keyboard as an illustration) and to knowing the various types of scales. The bulk of the book is dedicated to the ins and outs of common-practice tonality. The author does try to reach out to diverse audiences, for jazz and rock get as much attention to classical music. Sometimes classical gets the short shrift, as although some minutiae of Baroque ornamentation is abundantly treated, counterpoint (one of the unique contributions the Western traditional has offered to music) gets a mere paragraph! Still, the exercises in the basics are pretty rigorous, and the CD that accompanies the book is easy to use. Also, the emphasis is clearly on the theory behind Western music, as the author calls a number of sounds dissonant when in various indigenous musical cultures they are seen as perfectly normal.

                Though Richer discusses the "what" of music theory, she doesn't discuss the "why", and I felt that that could have made it easier for some readers. Music theory has a basis in real life: a given sound is a wave made up of a fundamental and partials, and that's why the Western diatonic scale ultimately has the arrangement it does. Once I began reading descriptions of the music of the spectralist movement, composers like Grisey, Norgard, and Saariaho, I felt much more comfortable with the theory, as I know why it works the way it does. With Richer's book, however, all of the theory seems arbitrary. For example, Richer explains that timbre is the difference in sound between two instruments playing the same note, but she doesn't explain how it works, nor that the sound of an instrument can be altered through certain techniques (like strings playing harmonics or a trumpet sounded with a mute).

                Now, that lack of acoustic explanation won't bother all readers, and those looking to understand popular music and jazz will probably be happy with what's here, but for readers interested in 20th century musical developments, I would recommend a few additional resources. The first is Per Norgard's article "Inside a Symphony" published in the journal Numus West in 1975. Another is a special collection of papers on the spectralist movement published by the Musical Times several years ago. And finally, Kurt Stone's Music Notation in the Twentieth Century (W.W. Norton, 1980) will show the reader those new features of contemporary music scores that Richer's book is too simple to adequately cover.
                Teach Yourself Music Theory
                Average customer rating: 3 out of 5 stars
                • Useful, but its success is limited by not explaining *why* things are the way they are
                • Great for me
                • Pretty bad
                Teach Yourself Music Theory
                Margaret Richer
                Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill
                ProductGroup: Book
                Binding: Paperback

                GeneralGeneral | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
                TheoryTheory | Theory, Composition & Performance | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
                All TitlesAll Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
                EntertainmentEntertainment | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
                Similar Items:
                1. The Complete Idiot's Guide to Music Theory, 2nd Edition (The Complete Idiot's Guide) The Complete Idiot's Guide to Music Theory, 2nd Edition (The Complete Idiot's Guide)

                ASIN: 0071429859

                Book Description

                Based on a highly successful approach to music education used at some of today's most progressive learning institutions, Teach Yourself Music Theory offers beginners a practical, creative approach to learning the fundamentals of music theory. Rather than committing abstract concepts and terminology to memory, you will learn by doing and discovering. Material is introduced in bite-sized increments, backed by many helpful hints, self-tests, and diagrams. The large format book is accompanied by a CD with 75 minutes of audio instruction.

                Customer Reviews:

                3 out of 5 stars Useful, but its success is limited by not explaining *why* things are the way they are.......2007-05-22

                A few years ago I began listening to contemporary music, that is to say, classical music composed after World War II (e.g. Ligeti, Gubaidulina, Boulez, Norgard, and so forth). While I found the soundworld of these composers immediately entertaining, I was intrigued by the concepts their music is based on. I needed an introduction to music theory for the complete beginner, and Margaret Richer's TEACH YOURSELF MUSIC THEORY is one of the few options I found.

                TEACH YOURSELF MUSIC THEORY begins simply enough with rhythm. Richer proceeds to reading the staff, understanding sharps and flats (with the piano keyboard as an illustration) and to knowing the various types of scales. The bulk of the book is dedicated to the ins and outs of common-practice tonality. The author does try to reach out to diverse audiences, for jazz and rock get as much attention to classical music. Sometimes classical gets the short shrift, as although some minutiae of Baroque ornamentation is abundantly treated, counterpoint (one of the unique contributions the Western traditional has offered to music) gets a mere paragraph! Still, the exercises in the basics are pretty rigorous, and the CD that accompanies the book is easy to use. Also, the emphasis is clearly on the theory behind Western music, as the author calls a number of sounds dissonant when in various indigenous musical cultures they are seen as perfectly normal.

                Though Richer discusses the "what" of music theory, she doesn't discuss the "why", and I felt that that could have made it easier for some readers. Music theory has a basis in real life: a given sound is a wave made up of a fundamental and partials, and that's why the Western diatonic scale ultimately has the arrangement it does. Once I began reading descriptions of the music of the spectralist movement, composers like Grisey, Norgard, and Saariaho, I felt much more comfortable with the theory, as I know why it works the way it does. With Richer's book, however, all of the theory seems arbitrary. For example, Richer explains that timbre is the difference in sound between two instruments playing the same note, but she doesn't explain how it works, nor that the sound of an instrument can be altered through certain techniques (like strings playing harmonics or a trumpet sounded wih a mute).

                Now, that lack of acoustic explanation won't bother all readers, and those looking to understand popular music and jazz will probably be happy with what's here, but for readers interested in 20th century musical developments, I would recommend a few additional resources. The first is Per Norgard's article "Inside a Symphony" published in the journal Numus West in 1975. Another is a special collection of papers on the spectralist movement published by the Musical Times several years ago. And finally, Kurt Stone's Music Notation in the Twentieth Century (W.W. Norton, 1980) will show the reader those new features of contemporary music scores that Richer's book is too simple to adequately cover.

                4 out of 5 stars Great for me.......2004-04-27

                I'm not a musician but have picked up books over the years trying to toy around with music theory. But I've never found a book that was useful to me. Until this one. I can't say enough about this book - it is by far the best book I've seen for beginning music theory students. Listening to the CD clarifies the lessons. I finally know what 9/8 and 12/8 times look and sound like. Creating rhythm, composing answering rhythms - great stuff for me and its made so easy. A definitive music theory book for dummies.

                2 out of 5 stars Pretty bad.......2003-07-07

                This book was slightly interesting to someone who plays piano at an intermediate level, but to a very advanced player, this book would be useless. This book lives up to it's title's name, but doesn't get very "in depth" into anything. Not recomended unless you're a very beginner.
                Teach Yourself to Read Music: Guide for Pop, Rock, Blues and Jazz Singers
                Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
                • A Very Good Primer
                • Learning Music
                Teach Yourself to Read Music: Guide for Pop, Rock, Blues and Jazz Singers

                Manufacturer: Houston Publishing, Inc.
                ProductGroup: Book
                Binding: Paperback

                VoiceVoice | Instruments & Performers | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
                SongbooksSongbooks | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
                GeneralGeneral | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
                Instruction & StudyInstruction & Study | Theory, Composition & Performance | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
                TechniquesTechniques | Theory, Composition & Performance | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
                TheoryTheory | Theory, Composition & Performance | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
                Similar Items:
                1. Learn to Read Music Learn to Read Music

                ASIN: 0793594219

                Book Description

                Covers everything any singer needs to know to read music! Includes examples, exercises, songs, answers and an assignment for each chapter. This book starts slowly with the basics and adds more complicated elements one by one. It uses visual images to help you hear in your head what you see on the page. Unlike most other sight singing books, it is specially geared to the singer of pop music. Once you learn the system, you can sight sing in any given key. The accompanying CD will help you to monitor your efforts.

                Customer Reviews:

                5 out of 5 stars A Very Good Primer.......2005-08-16

                This book is laid out in a very accessible way and the accompanying CD is a boon. If you already have a good ear, you can learn how to sightsing using this book. The author straighforwardly explains the basics of scales, key signatures, timing, and notation. You establish confidence early on, and when the lessons get a little more complicated, you just sail right on through. Deutsch gives you just enough and makes it so easy, it has inspired me to dig deeper and study more.

                4 out of 5 stars Learning Music.......2000-06-23

                After reading this book, I felt like I was back in Elementary school. This is a great learning book and if music interests you, you should read it. I love music and I felt I could expand my knowledge of it so I read this book and I didn't regret a moment of it.
                Mel Bay You Can Teach Yourself About Music (You Can Teach Yourself Music Series)
                Average customer rating: Not rated
                  Mel Bay You Can Teach Yourself About Music (You Can Teach Yourself Music Series)
                  L. Dean Bye
                  Manufacturer: Mel Bay Publications, Inc.
                  ProductGroup: Book
                  Binding: Paperback

                  GeneralGeneral | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
                  AppreciationAppreciation | Theory, Composition & Performance | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
                  Instruction & StudyInstruction & Study | Theory, Composition & Performance | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
                  TheoryTheory | Theory, Composition & Performance | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
                  ASIN: 0871662612

                  Product Description

                  A creative self-teaching text, which provides a through grounding in the fundamentals of music, this book is essential reading for beginning instrumentalists and vocalists providing a comprehensive musical dictionary, "self- instructional" theory lessons designed to motivate, and a wealth of historical information.
                  The Piano (Teach Yourself Books)
                  Average customer rating: 3 out of 5 stars
                  • Good book
                  • It is a good book for beginners, but lacks essential details
                  The Piano (Teach Yourself Books)
                  King Palmer
                  Manufacturer: Teach Yourself
                  ProductGroup: Book
                  Binding: Paperback

                  GeneralGeneral | Instruments & Performers | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
                  PianoPiano | Instruments & Performers | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
                  GeneralGeneral | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
                  Instruction & StudyInstruction & Study | Theory, Composition & Performance | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
                  TheoryTheory | Theory, Composition & Performance | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
                  ASIN: 0844239364

                  Customer Reviews:

                  3 out of 5 stars Good book.......1998-12-17

                  While this book may not cover everything, that cannot be expected in the limited number of pages.(150?) For it's size, the book covers a great variety of interesting piano theory and technique. If a beginner, you may get lost in a lot of the terminology like "tetrachords" etc. but a careful reading of this book will result in a better understanding of many valuable aspects of the piano.

                  3 out of 5 stars It is a good book for beginners, but lacks essential details.......1998-02-24

                  It is a good book for beginners but lacks essential details, many important topics like harmonization, modulation etc are just touched. Also there are only a few practices or exercises. The problem is that the writer has touched almost all the topics but has failed to explain any of them. I would not recommend this book even for beginners, as less detail is as good as no detail. It would have been better if the writer had devoted more pages to important topics like sight reading, hormonay, modulation etc.
                  Teach Yourself Guitar - Includes cd (Music Theory - set in standard Notation and Tablature - with easy-to-follow exercises)
                  Average customer rating: Not rated
                    Teach Yourself Guitar - Includes cd (Music Theory - set in standard Notation and Tablature - with easy-to-follow exercises)

                    Manufacturer: East Coast Books
                    ProductGroup: Book
                    Binding: Paperback
                    ASIN: 1585600695
                    Teach Yourself Rock Theory
                    Average customer rating: Not rated
                      Teach Yourself Rock Theory
                      Steve Tarshis
                      Manufacturer: Music Sales Corp
                      ProductGroup: Book
                      Binding: Paperback

                      GeneralGeneral | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
                      ASIN: 0825622042

                      Queen's Gambit Declined: 5 Bf4
                      Average customer rating: Not rated
                        Queen's Gambit Declined: 5 Bf4
                        Colin Crouch
                        Manufacturer: Everyman Chess
                        ProductGroup: Book
                        Binding: Paperback

                        ChessChess | Board Games | Puzzles & Games | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
                        GeneralGeneral | Puzzles & Games | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
                        Look Inside Entertainment BooksLook Inside Entertainment Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
                        Similar Items:
                        1. Queen's Gambit Declined: Bg5 Systems Queen's Gambit Declined: Bg5 Systems
                        2. Unusual Queen's Gambit Declined (Everyman Chess) Unusual Queen's Gambit Declined (Everyman Chess)
                        3. Queen's Gambit Declined Queen's Gambit Declined
                        4. The Pirc in Black and White: Detailed Coverage of an Enterprising Chess Opening (Everyman Chess) The Pirc in Black and White: Detailed Coverage of an Enterprising Chess Opening (Everyman Chess)
                        5. Beating Unusual Chess Openings: Dealing With the English, Reti, King's Indian Attack and Other Annoying Systems (Everyman Chess) Beating Unusual Chess Openings: Dealing With the English, Reti, King's Indian Attack and Other Annoying Systems (Everyman Chess)

                        ASIN: 1857442075

                        Crisp: Behavior-Based Interviewing: Selecting the Right Person for the Job (Crisp Fifty-Minute Series)
                        Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
                        • Practical, but a little too many HR/Legal warnings for me
                        • Answers and Details - not just concepts
                        • A sound/unque methodology for interviewing applicants.
                        Crisp: Behavior-Based Interviewing: Selecting the Right Person for the Job (Crisp Fifty-Minute Series)
                        Terry L. Fitzwater
                        Manufacturer: Crisp Learning
                        ProductGroup: Book
                        Binding: Paperback

                        Children's BooksChildren's Books | Subjects | Books | Baby-3 | Ages 4-8 | Ages 9-12 | Animals | Arts & Music | Books on Cassette | Books on CD | Authors & Illustrators, A-Z | Computers | Educational | History & Historical Fiction | Issues | Literature | Obsessions | People & Places | Popular Characters | Reference & Nonfiction | Religions | Science, Nature & How It Works | Series | Sports & Activities
                        InterviewingInterviewing | Job Hunting & Careers | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
                        GeneralGeneral | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
                        Human Resources & Personnel ManagementHuman Resources & Personnel Management | Industries & Professions | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
                        ManagementManagement | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
                        EntrepreneurshipEntrepreneurship | Small Business & Entrepreneurship | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
                        Case StudiesCase Studies | Reference | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
                        Manager's Guides to ComputingManager's Guides to Computing | Business & Culture | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books
                        GeneralGeneral | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books
                        Look Inside Business BooksLook Inside Business Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
                        Look Inside Children's BooksLook Inside Children's Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
                        Look Inside Computer BooksLook Inside Computer Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
                        Look Inside Reference BooksLook Inside Reference Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
                        All TitlesAll Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
                        Business & InvestingBusiness & Investing | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
                        Children's BooksChildren's Books | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
                        Computers & InternetComputers & Internet | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
                        Similar Items:
                        1. 96 Great Interview Questions to Ask Before You Hire 96 Great Interview Questions to Ask Before You Hire
                        2. High-Impact Interview Questions: 701 Behavior-based Questions to Find the Right Person for Every Job High-Impact Interview Questions: 701 Behavior-based Questions to Find the Right Person for Every Job
                        3. Behavioral Interviewing Guide: A Practical, Structured Approach For Conducting Effective Selection Interviews. Behavioral Interviewing Guide: A Practical, Structured Approach For Conducting Effective Selection Interviews.
                        4. Interviewing and Selecting High Performers: Every Manager's Guide to Effective Interviewing Techniques Interviewing and Selecting High Performers: Every Manager's Guide to Effective Interviewing Techniques
                        5. Hiring the Best:  Manager's Guide to Effective Interviewing and Recruiting, Fifth Edition Hiring the Best: Manager's Guide to Effective Interviewing and Recruiting, Fifth Edition

                        ASIN: 1560525835

                        Book Description

                        After reading this book, you'll have the critical skills to find the right person for the right job every time, develop clear and accurate job descriptions and requirements, establish a fair and defensible hiring process, and construct unbiased, objective interview questions. To compete in today's market, businesses must adapt quickly to the ever-changing environment. Finding the right person to fit your company's needs is essential. This course will help you develop practical, specific, well-defined behavioral criteria to determine if a candidate can deliver the expected results.

                        Customer Reviews:

                        3 out of 5 stars Practical, but a little too many HR/Legal warnings for me.......2006-06-30

                        This book is brief and practical. I would call it Behavioral Interviewing 101 ... or maybe better ... for K-5th grade. It's a little too basic and it comes from the perspective that the reader knows nothing about interviewing, including some very basic legal snafus.

                        5 out of 5 stars Answers and Details - not just concepts.......2000-08-18

                        Terry has another winner here. He continues his style of real world ideas and detailed recommendations. The ton of actual interview questions included will be a reminder for experienced interviewers and a "bible" for new comers to the activity. Selecting the right folks is critical to organizational success. This book is critical for that selection process.

                        5 out of 5 stars A sound/unque methodology for interviewing applicants........2000-08-18

                        This book presents a unique way to set up the interview process. By following the steps outlined in this book anyone in the organization can interview for any open position. Of special note, the book ends with 200 behavior based interview questions that you can use immediately. I highly recommend this book.

                        Books:

                        1. Speaking Desires Can Be Dangerous: The Poetics of the Unconscious
                        2. Splendours of an Islamic World: The Art and Architecture of the Mamluks
                        3. Sunkissed: Swimwear and the Hollywood Beauty
                        4. Surrealist Painters and Poets: An Anthology
                        5. Temporary Discomfort: Chapter I-V: Davos, Genoa, New York, Evian, Geneva
                        6. The Age of Gold: Surrealist Cinema (Persistence of Vision, 3)
                        7. The Art and Architecture of Freemasonary
                        8. The Best of Willy 'n Ethel
                        9. The Collector's Guide to Vintage Cigarette Packs (Schiffer Book for Collectors)
                        10. The Encyclopedia of Pastel Techniques

                        Books Index

                        Books Home

                        Recommended Books

                        1. Diana: An Extraordinary Life
                        2. Applying UML and Patterns: An Introduction to Object-Oriented Analysis and Design and Iterative Deve
                        3. Ali and Nino: A Love Story
                        4. Amulets: Sacred Charms of Power and Protection
                        5. Advanced Maya Texturing and Lighting
                        6. Carbon Black
                        7. AK-47: The Weapon that Changed the Face of War
                        8. 101 Trees of Indiana: A Field Guide
                        9. Arctic and Antarctic: A Modern Geographical Synthesis
                        10. Y Tu, Donde Vives