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THE COME UP

AN ORAL HISTORY OF THE RISE OF HIP-HOP

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Virtuoso narrator Dion Graham delivers the exhilarating historical narrative in this work, while a cast of 13 convincing pro voices perform a large assortment of interview quotes from key executives and pioneer artists in the hip-hop revolution. The illuminating quotes are finely orchestrated as a rapid-fire symphony of street-smart voices, creating a high-impact soundscape that gives hip-hop's origin story a steady supply of New York City immediacy. With its unsung heroes and lively jockeying for audiences and recognition, this oral history of today's most popular music form could not have a better master of ceremonies than Graham. The creativity of his phrasing palette and ability to consistently deliver enthusiasm and punchy drama turns this audio into a hero's journey about how an art form is born and matures.

Pub Date: Oct. 18, 2022

Duration: 18 hrs, 15 mins

DD ISBN: 9780593634936

Publisher: Random House Audio

Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026

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    WELCOME TO YOUR LIFE

    LOVE, DEATH & TEARS FOR FEARS

    A different kind of rock star memoir, rooted in astrology and conveyed with gentle grace and intelligence.

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    Orzabal relates his history as a rock star with a conscience. Orzabal is a member of Tears for Fears, the 1980s pop duo that continues to record and perform. Their early ubiquitous hits remain staples on streaming services and movie soundtracks. Orzabal relates his unique path to stardom and shares the difficult story of his life of artistry and tragedy in a weathered British lilt. While his artistic compatriots may have enjoyed the usual spoils of pop stardom, Orzabal sought primal scream therapy. Orzabal's performance here is engaging and therapeutic.

    A different kind of rock star memoir, rooted in astrology and conveyed with gentle grace and intelligence.

    Pub Date: Aug. 4, 2026

    Duration: 10 hrs, 18 mins

    DD ISBN: 9780063455153

    Publisher: Harper Audio

    Review Posted Online: Aug. 21, 2026

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      MATCHING MINDS WITH SONDHEIM

      THE PUZZLES AND GAMES OF THE BROADWAY LEGEND

      Joseph does his energetic best to explain the games and puzzles, but without visuals, this audiobook leaves us wanting more.

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      Joseph offers a completely original look at Stephen Sondheim’s life—as a game and puzzle aficionado. A master of musical theater, Sondheim believed lyrics were “an elegant form of puzzle.” He hosted game nights at his home with celebrities Leonard Bernstein, Meryl Streep, Tony Kushner, and many others. Joseph describes games such as Hostilities, The Murder Game, and cutthroat Anagrams. Quotes from other Sondheim biographies and numerous personal anecdotes reveal that some critics felt Sondheim’s game nights were self-indulgent, held only to prove he was the smartest person in the room, while others agreed that the nights were occasionally mean-spirited and frequently naughty but always fun.

      Joseph does his energetic best to explain the games and puzzles, but without visuals, this audiobook leaves us wanting more.

      Pub Date: July 28, 2026

      Duration: 11 hrs, 29 mins

      DD ISBN: 9798216552475

      Publisher: Bloomsbury

      Review Posted Online: Sept. 3, 2026

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