Chris Gibson Livres

The book delves into the evolution of surfboards, examining their journey from regional craft traditions in Hawai'i, southern California, and southeastern Australia to becoming central to a thriving billion-dollar industry. It highlights the rich heritage of surfboard crafting, the intricacies of custom production, and how local geography influences board styles. Additionally, it addresses the preservation of hand-crafting skills in an increasingly commercialized market.

A smart and surprising political inventory for how America can reunite and revitalize in a time of crisis.

"After a string of commercial disappointments, in 1986 Australian rock band The Church were simultaneously dropped by Warner Brothers in the US and EMI in Australia. The future looked bleak. Seemingly from nowhere, Arista Records founder Clive Davis took a liking to the enigmatic band, flying them to LA to record with West Coast hitmakers Waddy Wachtel and Greg Ladanyi. Amid fractious sessions, and with no obvious hit song in the bag, they played Davis a demo recording of a strange leftover song. Neither a ballad nor a rocker, with mercurial lyrics, fugitive chords and a mystifying backwards bagpipe solo, "Under the Milky Way" transfixed Davis, who insisted it be included. Chris Gibson delves into the mysteries of this mercurial classic, tracing both its slippery cultural geography and its sumptuous songcraft"--

Exploring the connections between music, space, and identity, this book delves into various cultural "scenes" and the national music landscape. It offers a comprehensive perspective on popular music, examining how these elements intertwine and shape individual and collective identities across different environments.

Focusing on the vibrant community surrounding a beloved festival, this book showcases the local characters, lookalikes, impersonators, and tribute artists who bring the spirit of Elvis to life. Through the lens of dedicated fans, it paints a vivid picture of the town that celebrates this iconic figure, highlighting the unique culture and enthusiasm that make the event special.

The annual Parkes Elvis Festival draws thousands to a small Australian town, where fans don wigs and jumpsuits to celebrate the King in extreme heat. This book delves into the origins of the festival and explores the local community, featuring colorful characters, lookalikes, impersonators, and tribute artists. Written by devoted festival enthusiasts, it captures the unique spirit and cultural significance of Parkes, revealing how a quiet town became a vibrant hub for Elvis fans.

Set in a library, this immersive poem features a unique format where each right-hand page showcases a captivating image from another book, while the left-hand page presents a line of text along with a QR code. Scanning the QR code leads readers to the complete work from which the image originates, creating a layered reading experience. This innovative approach transforms the book into a library itself, inviting exploration and discovery through each poetic line.

Focusing on the transient moments that shape our identities, this illustrated collection offers a series of poetic experiments. Each poem captures the essence of life's fleeting experiences, inviting readers to reflect on the significance of these defining instances. The interplay of imagery and verse enhances the exploration of personal journeys, making it a thoughtful and evocative read.

Exploring the impact of music festivals on rural revitalization, the book is divided into two parts. The first section addresses global issues affecting festivals, while the second delves into various festival types across North America, Europe, and Australasia, including country, jazz, opera, and alternative music. Based on five years of in-depth research in Australia, the authors highlight the significance of these festivals in driving rural and regional change.