Book description
In this funny and poignant memoir and cultural history, the television personality, columnist, and author of Drag pays homage to Lou Reed's groundbreaking album Transformer on its fiftieth anniversary and recalls its influence on his coming of age and coming out through glam rock.In November 1972, Lou Reed released his album, Transformer because he thought it was "dreary for gay people to have to listen to straight people's love songs." That groundbreaking idea echoed with the times. That same year, Sweden was the first country to legalize gender-affirming surgery, and San Francisco struck down employment discrimination based on sexual orientation.Sometimes an artistic creation perfectly aligns with a broader social and political history, and Transformer--with the songs "Walk on the Wild Side," "Perfect Day," and "Vicious"--perfectly captured its time. "Walk on the Wild Side" was banned on radio across the country but became a massive hit when young people threatened to boycott stations that would not play it. The album's cover featured a high-contrast image of Lou, flaunting a new mascara'd glamrock incarnation, shot by legend Mick Rock, thereby underscoring his intention to create "a gay album."In Transformer, Doonan tells the story of how Lou Reed came to make the album with the help of David Bowie, and places its creation within the course of Reed's life. Doonan offers first-hand testimony of the album's impact on the LGBTQ+ community, recalling how it transformed his own life as a 20-year-old working class kid from Reading, England, who had just discovered the joys of London Glam Rock and was sparked by the artistic freedom of Warhol's The Factory. Transformer was a revelation--hearing Reed's songs, Doonan understood how the world was changing for him and his friends.A poignant, personal addition to modern music and LGBTQ+ history, Transformer captures a pivotal moment when those long silenced were finally given a voice. As transgender icon Candy Darling, highlighted in his lyrics, told Reed, "It's so nice to hear ourselves."Transformer includes approximatively 16 pages of black-and-white and color photos.
Street Jolly
I'm amazed at how effortlessly I can immerse myself in stories with this app. π An app that turns house chores into exciting adventures β count me in! π§Ήπ
Pop Bee
Binaural audio processing on ListenBook is a thoughtful addition that keeps my ears comfortable during extended listening sessions. Bookmarks have become my study companion. I can easily revisit important passages in my audiobooks. ListenBook Pro takes things up a notch with unlimited audiobook length. It's a game-changer! I'm amazed by the attention to detail, from automatic metadata extraction to customizable settings. ListenBook has seamlessly integrated into my daily life, enhancing my workouts, commutes, and relaxation periods. It's an indispensable part of my routine.
Rosie Bird
I can't get enough of this app β it's a true game-changer for book lovers. Audiobooks on demand β this app's functionality is a true technological gem. Navigating audiobooks seamlessly β this app's design is top-notch.
Iron Jesus
ListenBook's compatibility with playlists and CUE files is a great addition for those who love organized listening. Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro adds a personal touch to my experience. Seamless integration of audiobooks β this app's ease of use is impressive. Supports extensive playlists and bookmarks. Very user-friendly.
Pluto
ListenBook's interface is sleek and user-friendly, making navigation a breeze. Streamlining audiobook enjoyment β this app's functionality is truly impressive.
Murder Matter
An audiobook lover's dream come true. So many options, I'm in heaven! No more hassle with converting files β ListenBook supports a wide range of formats for a seamless listening experience. Simplifying audiobook adventures β this app's ease of use is a delight. Configurable auto-rewind is genius. No more confusion when I pause and resume. ListenBookβs playback speed control is very useful. I can listen at my own pace.
Sass Burst
Audiobooks have become a source of inspiration and motivation, thanks to this app. This app has become my ultimate travel companion, ensuring that I'm always entertained and inspired. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a revelation. It eliminates distractions and enhances the clarity of recordings, resulting in a more immersive experience. I love the ability to change the playback pitch. Itβs a unique feature.
Dewdrop Doll
I've started reading more books than ever before, all thanks to this app. Accessing my favorite audiobooks has never been easier β this app's user-centric design and comprehensive features make it an absolute gem. π±π§ ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is like a magic wand that transforms even the noisiest environments into cozy listening spaces. Listening to audiobooks on my iPad has never been easier. Highly recommend ListenBook!
101
This app has enriched my daily routine and added a touch of intellectual stimulation. π₯ Audiobook enjoyment at the tap of a finger β this app's functionality is a testament to modern convenience. π±π ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has significantly improved the audio quality of my recordings.
Classy Dancer
ListenBook has become my go-to workout companion. It keeps me motivated and entertained. Bookmarks are a fantastic organizational tool. They help me keep track of important moments in my audiobooks. Adjusting playback speed has revolutionized the way I learn and enjoy audiobooks. I can adapt the pace to my needs, maximizing comprehension and retention.
Sandbox
ListenBook's support for a variety of audio formats ensures that I can access my content without any limitations. As a busy individual, I appreciate ListenBook's versatility in downloading audio files from various sources. It's a time-saver for sure! ListenBook has changed my audiobook game forever. No more format woes! I'm impressed by the app's compatibility with CarPlay. It keeps me entertained on long drives.
Chocolate Thunder
Now I can enjoy my favorite books anytime, even during workouts. Audiobook pleasure at its finest! This app's sleek design and efficient organization ensure that every story is accessible and delightful. ππ
Doz
ListenBook's commitment to providing a high-quality audiobook experience is truly commendable. This app's ease of use has made my daily activities more enjoyable and educational. ποΈπ§ Escaping to paradise with a beach read β this app is my vacation in audio form! ποΈπ ListenBook is my constant companion during workouts. The controls are so easy to use. The variety of supported formats means I can enjoy audiobooks from different sources hassle-free.
Granola
This app's convenience has transformed my reading habits β it's a game-changer. Navigating audiobooks seamlessly β this app's design is a true winner. Quick access to chapters and controls makes ListenBook a joy to use. It's a seamless experience. CUE playlist support helps me organize my audiobooks efficiently. It's a great organizational tool. I love the ability to import books from my computer. Itβs so easy.
Bad Beh8vior
This app is a gift for anyone with a busy lifestyle β I can enjoy books while doing chores! Audiobooks have become my constant companions during my daily activities. This app has brought storytelling into every corner of my life β it's incredible. Adjustable playback speed is a brilliant feature. It adds a layer of customization to my audiobook enjoyment.
Breadmaker
This app's ease of use has made my daily tasks so much more enjoyable. Quick access to chapters and controls makes ListenBook a joy to use. It's a seamless experience. is a breeze with ListenBook. It's convenient and reliable. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books at night.
QuantumQuill
I'm addicted to this app's curated playlists and recommendations β they're spot on. ListenBook has given me the gift of time β turning daily tasks into moments of inspiration. π Adding excitement to everyday tasks β this app is my partner in productivity! ππ Quick access to chapters and smooth playback. Excellent app!
Feral Mayhem
I'm hooked on this app β it's like Netflix for book lovers! Perfect for listening to educational content. Highly recommend! I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections.
Lucky Martian
ListenBook is a game-changer β it plays a wide variety of formats without any conversion needed. This app's ease of use has made my daily tasks so much more enjoyable. π‘ Embracing audiobooks while tidying up the house β it's like having a helper! π π Adjustable playback speed is my secret weapon for covering more material in less time. A productivity boost! Perfect for listening to educational materials. Highly efficient and useful.
Gothic Slacker
π Dancing through chores with audiobooks β this app turns cleaning into a lively and literary affair! πΆπ The attention to detail is commendable. Artwork and metadata are sorted automatically.
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