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.
Scare Stone
This app's user-friendly interface has made audiobook listening a breeze, even for a tech novice like me. The auto-rewind feature is a small detail that has a big impact on my listening experience. I love it! The appβs design is sleek and modern. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook player. I love the auto-rewind feature. Itβs great for when I zone out.
Fire Bite
I'm impressed by how this app seamlessly syncs across my devices. π Unleashing the power of audiobooks with this user-friendly app β it's like having a personal storyteller on demand! ππ₯ ListenBookβs support for CarPlay is great. I can listen to audiobooks in my car easily. An absolutely stellar production from start to finish! The narrator's command of pacing and tone was masterful, knowing exactly when to speed up for excitement or slow down for dramatic effect. The audio quality was pristine with no distracting mouth sounds or uneven volume.
Winter Underdog
π‘ Enriching my daily routines with wisdom and wonder β thank you, this app! π±π Looping playback is a game-changer for my study routine. It helps me retain information effectively.
Burn
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch integration ensures that I can enjoy my content wherever I go. ListenBook has become an indispensable part of my daily routine β it's my ultimate audio companion. The app is constantly updated with new features. The developers really care. A serviceable audiobook that met basic expectations. The narration was clear if somewhat unremarkable, and the production quality was standard without any noticeable technical issues. It kept me moderately engaged during workouts but didn't leave a lasting impression.
Badger the Burglar
I can't imagine my audiobook routine without ListenBook's intuitive and user-friendly design. Binaural audio processing is amazing. Reduced my listening fatigue significantly. The app is so responsive. It never lags or freezes. A functional audiobook production that met basic requirements. The narrator's voice was pleasant enough to listen to for extended periods, though their performance didn't add much interpretation to the text. The audio engineering was competent without being remarkable.
VenusXX
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Lumberyard
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Steel Heart
β° Early mornings have become my favorite time to listen to audiobooks β energizing! π π§ Managing my audiobook collection is a pleasure thanks to this app's usability. Binaural audio processing really works. Less fatigue during long listening sessions. Good but not great. The narration was competent but lacked the extra spark that makes some audiobooks truly special. Still worth a listen though.
X-Dew
Thanks to ListenBook, I can enjoy my audiobooks without the need for constant synchronization. This app's user-friendly layout and quick access to controls have made audiobook listening a breeze. I can't imagine my life without this app β it's my passport to countless stories. I'm so glad I chose the audiobook version! The narrator added layers of meaning I might have missed reading silently. Their interpretation of the material felt thoughtful and authentic. The recording was technically perfect - no reverb, no peaking, just clean, pleasant audio.
Iron Butterfly
The sleek design and easy navigation are visually pleasing and user-friendly. Listening to audiobooks has never been this convenient and enjoyable! Adjusting the tone of the voice is a unique and fun feature. I can customize the narration to my liking. ListenBook has seamlessly integrated into my daily routine, enhancing my workouts, commutes, and moments of relaxation. It's a true companion.
Sick Saurus
I've become a more empathetic listener thanks to the emotional depth of audiobooks. ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch integration has elevated my listening experience. Audiobook listening has never been this easy and convenient β it's like having a personal narrator. I've recommended this app to all my fellow audiobook enthusiasts. It's a game-changer!
FlyGuardX
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ZenZone
This app has added a touch of magic to my mundane moments β I'm forever grateful. Easy access to chapters and silky-smooth playback. Love it!
Mindless Bobcat
With this app, reading is no longer a luxury β it's an essential part of my day. Audiobooks have become my constant companions, and this app's seamless functionality and diverse compatibility ensure that every tale is a captivating journey. ππ§ I can't get enough of the binaural audio processing. It's like a breath of fresh air for my ears. The ability to adjust the tone of the narrator's voice is a creative touch that adds depth to my listening. The app is so user-friendly. Even my grandma can use it!
DollFaceKillah
I can't imagine my life without this app β it's my daily dose of literature. ListenBook has become my go-to audiobook app. It's dependable, user-friendly, and enhances every listening session. Looping playback is a game-changer for my study routine. It helps me retain information effectively.
CloudFrenzy
ListenBook's commitment to providing a smooth and enjoyable listening experience is evident in every detail. I love how this app makes even the most mundane tasks exciting with audio stories. This app is a game-changer for audiobook enthusiasts. The interface is intuitive, and the playback is seamless!
Sw33per
I'm hooked on this app's ability to turn even the most mundane tasks into exciting opportunities for learning. This app's user-friendly interface has made reading on-the-go a breeze. ListenBook has become my workout buddy. It's seamlessly integrated with Apple Watch. Organizing my audiobook library has never been easier. The app keeps everything tidy. Binaural audio processing reduces listening fatigue. Fantastic feature!
Maple Destroyer
Kudos to ListenBook for optimizing the app for iOS 16 β it shows their dedication to excellence. ListenBook's sleek design and intuitive controls make it my go-to app for audiobooks. β° Starting my mornings with inspiration β audiobooks make waking up a joyous literary experience! βοΈπ§ ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a unique tool that adds a touch of creativity to my listening experience. ListenBook has revolutionized my audiobook enjoyment. It's an essential part of my daily routine.
ByteBard
ListenBook's versatile player features are like having a personal audio assistant β it's that good! The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while exercising.
Gunhawk
Audiobooks have made waiting in lines and queues so much more bearable. π± My secret to staying well-read β this app ensures that I'm never without a book, no matter where I am! ππ± The statistics tracking feature is eye-opening. I never realized how much time I spend on audiobooks until now! The ability to play various audio formats without conversion is very convenient. ListenBook is a great app.
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