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.
Oblivion
Automatic metadata retrieval is a neat touch. My library is well-organized. With ListenBook Pro, I can enjoy super long audiobooks. It's fantastic! I love the ability to change the playback pitch. Itβs a unique feature. I don't have strong feelings about this one either way. The narration was competent but forgettable. The story itself was more engaging than the performance.
Coldy
I've rediscovered the joy of reading through the convenience of audiobooks. I'm amazed at ListenBook's intuitive interface and precise controls β it's a joy to navigate. Quick access to chapters is a blessing. No more scrolling through endless content.
Shay
Audiobook enthusiasts, gather round! This app's remarkable features, including audio filters and compatibility, have transformed my commutes into captivating journeys. ππ§ ListenBook is the ultimate audiobook player. The app supports all formats, and the import process is seamless. I love the playback history featureβitβs so easy to revisit my favorite parts. Highly recommend this app!
Berry Succubus
Being able to adjust playback speed suits everyone's preferences β a thoughtful feature. Tone adjustment is such an innovative feature. It adds a personal touch to narration.
Alley Frog
ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a fascinating way to add a personal touch to my audiobook journey. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer. My audio quality has improved dramatically.
Jelly Momentum
The ListenBook app has transformed my device into a treasure trove of knowledge and entertainment. ListenBook's library organization and book groups help me keep my content neatly sorted. ListenBook has transformed my daily activities into opportunities for personal growth. ListenBook has redefined the way I experience stories, turning every moment into an adventure. Absolutely loved the narration! The voice actor brought the characters to life with distinct tones and emotions. The production quality was top-notch, with no background noise or distractions. A truly immersive experience!
Sugar Domino
ListenBook's features are a dream come true for anyone who loves to learn on the go. π§ββοΈβ Sipping tea and getting lost in stories β the ultimate way to unwind! π΅π Effortlessly exploring new worlds β this app's design is user-centric and efficient. Seamless audiobook integration β this app's functionality is a technological marvel. This app is a game-changer for audiobook lovers! The interface is clean and easy to use.
Twine X
This app has become my loyal companion during travels and relaxation times. Seamless audiobook integration β this app's functionality is a true gem.
Silver Agent
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook is a fantastic way to spread the joy of listening. π Unleashing the power of audiobooks with this user-friendly app β it's like having a personal storyteller on demand! ππ₯ I'm amazed by the app's versatility in downloading audio. It accommodates various sources seamlessly. The audio filters make a noticeable difference. ListenBook provides an excellent listening experience. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books at night.
Wild Hair
ListenBook has made audiobook listening a personalized and enriching journey. πββοΈπ Running through chapters, literally! This app keeps me motivated on the track. πββοΈπ A functional audiobook. It kept me entertained, but I wasnβt blown away. The narratorβs performance was competent, though some emotional scenes fell a bit flat. The narration elevated an already good book to greatness! The performer's subtle vocal variations conveyed nuance I might have missed while reading. Their ability to maintain consistent character voices across many hours was impressive. Technical quality was flawless throughout.
WordWanderer
I'm hooked on this app's seamless performance β it's like having a personal audiobook curator. Simplifying audiobook management β this app's functionality is a true asset.
Trash
Listening to audiobooks with my kids has become a cherished bonding activity. ListenBook has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary journeys of the mind. This app's sleek design and effortless navigation have made my audiobook journey a true delight. I love the ability to import books from my computer. Itβs so easy.
Midnight Rider
The fact that ListenBook doesn't just play, but enhances audio quality, is truly remarkable. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a brilliant way to connect. ListenBook is my go-to companion for immersive audiobook experiences. The ease of use and extensive format support make it a must-have!
Necessary Momentum
ListenBook's configurable auto-rewind after interruptions is a smart addition that keeps me on track. I love how this app brings stories to life, even during my morning jogs. I love the ability to change the background color. Itβs a nice touch.
Demand Chopper
Audiobooks have become my companion during long walks, transforming exercise into a pleasure. Efficiency and ease combined β this app is a must-have for book lovers. Great app! ListenBook supports so many formats, and the playback is always smooth. This audiobook performed its function without excelling. The narrator's delivery was straightforward and easy to follow, though lacking in dramatic flair. The recording quality was decent with only occasional minor inconsistencies in volume. An acceptable but forgettable listening experience.
Spontan8ty
ππ Road trips have never been this entertaining β this app keeps me engaged on the highway! ππ Book groups help me keep series together and navigate my collection more efficiently. A great feature!
Iron Jesus
Thanks to ListenBook's extensive statistics, I can track my audiobook consumption and celebrate my progress. ListenBook is like a personal audiobook curator, allowing me to enjoy my favorite speeches and lectures with unmatched comfort and convenience. From MP3 to FLAC, this app plays them all flawlessly. Say goodbye to compatibility issues! The app is so reliable. Iβve never had any issues with it.
Saturn Extreme
This app is a true gift for book lovers β it's like having a personal library wherever I go. ListenBook's dedication to excellence shines through in its performance and features. ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback features add versatility to my audiobook listening experience.
BuffFreak
Thanks for making my daily commute to work enjoyable and engaging! With ListenBook, I can effortlessly manage and organize my audiobook library. π₯ Spicing up my routine with this app β it's like having a personal storyteller on hand at all times! β¨π Efficiency meets audiobooks β this app's functionality is a true standout.
Thunder Nut
Unparalleled support for CarPlay and Apple Watch means I can take my audiobooks anywhere, anytime. π§ββοΈβ Savoring moments of tranquility with a cup of tea and captivating tales! π΅π π± It's like having a personal audiobook library at my fingertips! This app's functionality is a dream come true for book lovers. ππ₯ The book groups feature is a thoughtful addition. It helps me keep my series and related titles together.
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