A fascinating book, a lot of places where iconic records came into being. I love it and think it's a must read for any music lover.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine

My thanks to both NetGalley and the publisher ECW Press for an advanced copy of this music and photography book on studios, creation and the music made.

Recording studios are as famous as many of the bands and albums that have come out of them. Abbey Road, Sun Studio, Electric Ladyland, a Victorian house in New Orleans where Dylan recorded, with producer Mark Howard. Known for his ability to record anywhere and for a sense of finding places that can be used as a unique recording space, Howard, an award- winning producer, engineer and sound mixer, has worked with a diverse group of artists from famous to just getting there. Recording Icons/ Creative Spaces is a photographic memoir of studios reborn, created or imagined in locales all around the world.

The book is a companion piece to Howard's first book Listen Up!: Recording Music with Bob Dylan, Neil Young, U2, R.E.M., The Tragically Hip, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Tom Waits... which goes into more detail about the recording sessions with stories about the creative give and take between producer and artist out of which great music arises. This book is more a story told in photographs about the studios and their locations. Using time lapse photos, so as not to be intrusive which might effect the creative process and ruin a moment, the photos capture studio spaces before and after, artists at play, at rest and playing songs that will become famous. Seeing a studio form from nothing, or just in a room with a nice view is amazing, and watching what Howard and his techs do must be amazing. A simple room remains simple, the view perfect, the ambience the same even when miked for sound, baffles put in to preserve the noise, and instruments laid out when inspiration hits. The book features, deserted hotels, abandoned theaters of slight tawdry backgrounds, even a surf church near Hawai'i.

Photos take the place of words here, giving readers an idea of what it takes to create music in unconventional settings. Imagine just bringing in equipment and making a room fit for Bob Dylan, Tom Waits, or Joni Mitchell, people who have seen the best studios, and worked with the best equipment. Making them feel at ease, giving them a feeling of comfort and professionalism, while pushing them to dig deep and create in way that might not have done in years, that is a real gift, and one that shows on the pages. There are a few stories about working outside of that musical comfort zone, but listening to the albums, shows that sometimes discomfort yields great art. This book demands that music should be played while pages are flipped, so find a comfortable couch and a musical conveyance and read while listening to tunes.

A book that will make a great gift for music fans, fans of musical creation and geeks for sound. The photographs are beautiful and tell the story of something wonderful being created from nothing, and while fancy studios and state of the art equipment is great, the right person, with the right people can make extraordinary things.

A glimpse into the lifestyles of your favourite rockers. Who knew the office could be so beautiful. From LA to Hawaii and beyond, take a peak at the recording studios your favourite music is played in.

What a fantastic collection of photographs! This book is so fascinating, a glimpse behind the scenes. Some of the places shown are simply incredible! A must for music lovers!