Book description
Fifty great writers reflect on the albums that shaped them in this captivating collection curated by the New Statesman's Tom Gatti.Our favorite albums are our most faithful companions: we listen to them hundreds of times over decades, we know them far better than any novel or film. These records don't just soundtrack our lives but work their way deep inside us, shaping our outlook and identity, forging our friendships and charting our love affairs. They become part of our story.In Long Players, fifty of our finest authors write about the albums that changed their lives, from Deborah Levy on Bowie to Daisy Johnson on Lizzo, Ben Okri on Miles Davis to David Mitchell on Joni Mitchell, Sarah Perry on Rachmaninov to Bernardine Evaristo on Sweet Honey in the Rock.Part meditation on the album form and part candid self-portrait, each of these miniature essays reveals music's power to transport the listener to a particular time and place. REM's Automatic for the People sends Olivia Laing back to first love and heartbreak, Bjork's Post resolves a crisis of faith and sexuality for a young Marlon James, while Fragile by Yes instils in George Saunders the confidence to take his own creative path. This collection is an intoxicating mix of memoir and music writing, spanning the golden age of vinyl and the streaming era, and showing how a single LP can shape a writer's mind.Featuring writing from Marlon James, Ali Smith, George Saunders, Bernardine Evaristo, Ian Rankin, Rachel Kushner, Ben Okri, Patricia Lockwood, Sarah Perry, Neil Gaiman, Tracey Thorn, Clive James, Eimear McBride, Neil Tennant, Daisy Johnson, David Mitchell, Esi Edugyan, Deborah Levy, among many others.
Lady Petal
Audiobooks made convenient – this app's functionality is a true gift. Auto-rewind is a very handy feature. Excellent app.
D-Hog-Day
This app has added a new layer of enjoyment to my downtime – I'm truly grateful. With this app, audiobook listening has become an integral part of my daily routines – it's a game-changer. Looping playback is an invaluable tool for my study sessions. It helps me grasp complex concepts. Great for multitasking! I listened while cooking, driving, and even working out, and it kept me entertained the whole time. The narrator’s voice was pleasant, and the story flowed smoothly. Very enjoyable! Great for fans of this genre! The pacing, narration, and production quality were all excellent. It felt like a movie playing in my mind. I’ll be checking out more from this narrator for sure.
Skirble
The convenience of having a library at my fingertips is unparalleled. 💡 This app's convenience is a blessing – I can squeeze in reading time between managing household tasks! 📱👩🍳 Binaural audio processing is a game-changer – my ears stay comfortable during long listening sessions. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer. It enhances the clarity of recordings and makes my listening sessions more enjoyable.
Sly Silvermoon
Thanks to ListenBook's automatic extraction of artwork and metadata, my library looks organized and appealing. ListenBook's innovation, seamless playback, and versatile features make it a standout app. I can't imagine my life without this app – it's my constant source of books. 💪 Crushing workouts while devouring books – this app makes fitness fun and educational! 🏋️♀️🎉 Navigating through chapters is a breeze with ListenBook. It's easy to jump to specific sections.
Mint Ness
ListenBook's commitment to providing top-notch audio quality has taken my audiobook experience to a new level. Audiobooks at my fingertips – this app's functionality is truly impressive. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature enhances my audiobook experience, ensuring I catch every detail. ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve ever used. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Great job, developers!
Freeze Queen
The app is so easy to set up. I was listening to my books in no time. ListenBook has completely changed how I enjoy audiobooks. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate. Five stars!
Springheel Jack
I'd love to see more classic titles, but the current selection is already fantastic. Kudos to the developers for creating an app that caters to audiobook lovers like me. From sleek design to functional features, it's a true gem. 💎📚
Little General
This app has made my workouts and chores so much more enjoyable. Quick access to chapters and controls makes ListenBook a joy to use. It's a seamless experience. One of the best audiobooks I’ve heard! The story was compelling, and the narrator’s delivery added depth to every scene. I found myself looking for excuses to listen just a little longer. Will definitely revisit this one!
ThoughtTrail
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is like a magic wand, transforming noisy environments into serene listening spaces. Adjusting the tone of the voice is a game-changer. It's like customizing my listening experience.
Titanium Ladybug
Savoring captivating stories has become a breeze with this app's sleek design and convenient features. It's like having a personal reading assistant! 📱📖 ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is like a magical spell that transports me into the heart of the story. Book groups are a thoughtful addition. They help me keep related titles together for a seamless experience. Looping playback helps me focus on challenging content and grasp complex concepts. A study must-have! The interface is sleek and modern. It’s a joy to use.
Spoiler
Sharing audiobooks with friends is a breeze thanks to ListenBook Pro's AirDrop and sharing options. Spread the joy of a good story! ListenBook’s playback is silky-smooth. The app is packed with useful features.
CoB@lt
The narrator's voice in some audiobooks is so soothing, it's like a spa for the ears. This app has transformed my daily routines into immersive storytelling experiences. 🚶♀️🎧 Walking and listening has never been this smooth – this app's user-friendly interface makes it a breeze to enjoy my favorite stories. 🏞️📖 ListenBook's controls for looping and shuffling playback have made studying and revisiting content a breeze. Adjustable playback speed is my secret weapon for covering more material in less time. A productivity boost!
Gunhawk
I love that I can switch between devices seamlessly and continue where I left off. I'm no longer missing out on great stories – this app fits perfectly into my lifestyle. 🎧 This app has changed my reading game! Now I can 'read' while I work – genius! 📚💼 The app's compatibility with CarPlay adds an extra layer of convenience, especially during road trips.
Pogue
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a blessing for clear dictaphone recordings. Navigating chapters is a breeze with ListenBook. It's a user-friendly and seamless experience. The app's ability to handle various audio formats is impressive. No more file conversions!
Digger
The seamless integration with my car's audio system is a road trip dream. Kudos to the creators for making literature so accessible and enjoyable. 🚶♀️🌌 This app's functionality makes every walk an adventure – I'm immersed in stories as I explore the world around me. 🏞️📖
Dream Killer
I'm able to catch up on my reading list even during the busiest days. Effortlessly managing my audiobook library – this app's design is commendable. ListenBook's dedication to user convenience is evident in the drag-and-drop download feature from web browsers. The app's compatibility with CarPlay is a dream for road trips. It keeps me entertained. ListenBook Pro is worth every penny. Unlimited audiobook length? Count me in!
M8deUp
⏰ Maximizing my time with efficient features – this app's functionality lets me dive into stories even in the busiest moments. 📚⏳ My daily workouts are more enjoyable now, thanks to seamless integration with Apple Watch.
Fire Fish
With this app, I've turned my everyday moments into meaningful opportunities for growth and learning. 📱 No more lugging around heavy books – this app brings the library to my phone! 📚📱 📱 An app that respects my time and delivers on functionality – audiobook listening has never been this effortless. 📖🔗 Efficiency meets audiobooks – this app's functionality is a perfect match. Effortlessly enjoying audiobook journeys – this app's ease of use is a winner.
Avenge Paws
🏃♀️📚 Running with purpose – audiobooks keep my mind engaged as I conquer my fitness goals. 🏃♀️🎧 Automatic metadata extraction keeps my library organized. It's a time-saver!
Sir Shark
I can't imagine my daily rituals without this app – it's a constant source of joy. Sharing audiobooks with friends is a blast. AirDrop makes it seamless. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a wonderful way to spread the joy of storytelling. ListenBook is the ultimate audiobook player. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, making it a joy to use. Five stars!
Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience