http://blog.mtvmusic.com/2010/04/20/mtv-music-book-club-lights-on-the-oath/

The books Lights talks about is The Oath by Frank Peretti.  I was not familiar with him.  According to Lights, the book fits under the fantasy/horror genre.  It is about a cult that has to do with a dragon.  She talks some about the themes behind it. 

I certainly want to read this book after seeing her talk about.  I was into fantasy books as a teen then kind of fell out of them for a while.  In the last few months, I have picked up more and more.  I think that pretty much any vampire books fall under this and if you look at my list of books I’ve read this year, you will see that is my main source of enjoyment these days.  Plus I’ve picked up a few Dan Koontz books which are probably along that horror/thiller type novel.  Oh and I’ve decided that I want to read the Mercy Thompson series by Patricia Briggs.

The part of the interview that made me think the most was the last question about if a song or album can tell a whole story.  Lights answer not quite.  I would agree with her almost completely but there are some exceptions to that.  If you are looking at the whole album, there is some concept albums that tell an entire story.  A perfect example of this is What to do When You Are Dead by Armor for Sleep.   The album tells the entire story of a person that commits suicide for the one they love, goes into life as a ghost, then ends with moving on.  There is main characters, there is a plot, and there is emotions.  It definitely tells a complete story.

On the other hand, there is concept albums like Volcano by Gatsbys American Dream.  The songs are based on Lord of the Flies by William Golding.  Some songs are emotion driven, other are more story.  Overall, you get a feel of the novel but the album doesn’t tell the whole story.

As for songs, Lights definitely has a point that maybe a ten minute country ballad can but most songs just give a peak.  In the case of Meg and Dia, they write a lot of their songs based on novels.  They usually are about the emotions you feel after reading the books though.  Like in the song Indiana, based on the novel of the same title by George Sands, as a reader, you definitely notice the sad injustices going on.  That is exactly what the girls wrote about in the song.

The only example I can think of that is a relatively short song that captures a whole story is Bob and Bonnie by Houston Calls.  It tells the story of a couple that meets, falls in love, and lives happily ever after.  I can’t think of any songs that capture a whole novel though.  I do think that would be nearly impossible.

Man, I love when music and books combine! Nothing makes me happier.

PS, make sure to check out The Listening by Lights! It is amazing.  My favorite song is Pretend [Reprise].  Close behind it is The Last Thing on Your Mind which I actually plan to have a line from tattooed on me.

          I absolutely love when one form of art inspires others.  I find it such a cool concept.  For example of my favorite band is Meg and Dia and a large number of their songs were inspired by books.  I’ve read so many interviews of them where they say they were finishing a book, cry, completely overcome with emotions so they poured them into a song.

          The article I found today seems to be pushing the idea of something being inspired by something else even further. Margaret Atwood not only is touring for her new book but has made an hour long play to go with it that will also include music.  It sounds so different and interesting.

          It looks like it is coming to Seattle so I might consider going if work lets me.  It is only a discussing and signing in Seattle though which is sad.  I would rather see the whole production.  It would be cool to hear Atwood talk though.

          What do you think about Atwoods book tour?

http://uk.news.yahoo.com/35/20090728/tmusic-joel-madden-to-write-good-book-716af92.html

          It doesn’t seem like Madden is any rush to finish the book.  Most article I found quoted him as saying “If I put a book out.”   After that he would also have to actually sign a book deal but I doubt that would be any kind of issue.   Not to be negative against famous people but it makes it pretty easy to get a book deal.

          If you have ever listen to Madden’s lyrics, you will be able to predict how interesting his memior will be.  His father walked out he and his twin brother Benji were sixteen.   Both brothers took up jobs in order to help their mother out to support the family that also included two younger siblings.    Sometime later all the siblings actually decided to take their mother’s maiden name (Madden) because they wanted no association with their father. 

          Good Charlotte was formed when Madden was still in high school.  After some years they began playing small shows at bars and eventually got radio play.  After some time their first single, Little Things, made it onto the Billboard charts.  Many predicted that would be the last we saw of these boys but then Young and the Hopeless hit the shelves.  Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous was the first single which gots the band many MTV gigs but it was far from being the only one.  The album brought a slew of megahits including  The Anthem, Girls and Boys, and Hold On.    The band also released “Chronicles of Life and Death” which did okay but not great, and “Good Morning Revival” which spawned another chart topping single,  “Dance Floor Anthem.”  The band is currently working on a fifth album.  They have gone from small bars, to stadiums, to big venues and everything in between.  I’m sure the book will have lots of interesting stories about their many tours.

          In another interesting life turn, Madden ended up dating hollywood party girl Nicole Richie.   The couple has a daughter named Harlow and is expected a second child.  They have been spotted buying blue baby stuff so it looks like it is a boy for this adorable family. 

          For Hawlow’s baby shower, the couple encouraged guest to bring only books as gifts saying they would love their child to have a huge libary of books.  Sounds like my kind of couple!!! 

        Richie and Madden also started The Richie Madden Children’s Foundation which helps mom’s and families to be with regular baby items that they otherwise could not afford.  Madden is also involved with UNICEF. 

          Sounds like more than enough life stories to fill a very interesting book.  I wish Madden the best of luck in continuing with the book.  I actually loved Richie’s book (it was girly and cheesy but that is okay sometimes) so perhaps she will be able to help her man out!

           Will you buy Madden’s book?