This Is Your Brain on Music: The Science of a Human Obsession by Daniel J. Levitin Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of This Is Your Brain on Music: The Science of a Human Obsession
Book Review: Music to my eyes...
Summary: 4 Stars
A very interesting explanation on what makes music sooo attractive to the vast majority of us... the first two chapters are in my opinion, heavy to read (I had to go back several times to try and get the idea); actually, in this regard I found the first statements of the author a little bit contradictory, since as he somehow explains, science (technical facts) should be explained "easily"... well, it wasn't in my opinion for the most of the beginning. After that, the book gets much lighter, much friendlier and "simple" to understand.
The way -Daniel Levitin explains- how our brain rather than "concentrate" certain functions or types of information in particular parts of our brains (as it was thought), rather "distributes" them in several to be first accumulated and then processed between all of those (and others) I found new and fascinating. Also, the property that our brains have to adapt and learn new things (tricks!) is overwhelming too... (There's hope then!), contrary to the ancient believe that as we grow old, new knowledges are difficult to learn (assimilate). Then he explains how these and other characteristics add to make music sooo enjoyable... (it is possible to live without TV, but not without a radio!).
Good book. I'm glad I ordered it!
Book Review: Intriguing and erudite book
Summary: 5 Stars
By: Pam Stockwell
The bestseller "This is Your Brain on Music" by Daniel J. Levitin combines music and science for a delightful perspective on the importance of music to humankind. The book offers a scientific, yet lovably compassionate, view on music's influence and why and how it has a substantial impact on our lives.
The book offers practical information on music, such as explaining tempo and timbre, in a simple way that is accommodating for someone new to music lingo while still compelling enough for the music virtuoso. For example, many music experts know about tempo, but few know a four percent change in tempo is inaudible to the average person. The chapter called "Anticipation" is especially entertaining in its analysis of how our expectations of rhythm build our musical preferences. "Anticipation" also reveals the exhilarating affect of broken rhythmic expectations, and how it has propelled the success of bands like The Police.
I thoroughly enjoyed the numerous pop culture references, such as Bob Dylan getting booed off stage in 1965 for using the once taboo electric guitar. The examples of real musical events tied to Levitin's points make the book relevant to me, and anyone else who might feel far removed from the inside of the music industry. Levitin's ability to lure us into the intimate details of music, from its basic components to the looming industry itself, is charming and provocative. The book glorifies music, making me wish I did not quit those guitar lessons, but simultaneously invokes a new appreciation for music. Levitin reminds us of music's omnipresence in society that is often taken for granted.
One might ask what makes this book different from any other book about music and its societal affect. After all, there is a plethora of books with similar subject matter crowding bookshelves, such as "The Business of Music" by M. William Krasilovsky. But "This is Your Brain on Music" has the unique ability to give an interesting, thorough, and educational account of many aspects of music, while always keeping content upbeat and surprising. One can find an infinitesimal array of books about the music industry, but there are very few that address, appreciate, and portray the history and influence of music quite like Levitin.
I would recommend this book to anyone because it is a worthwhile read capable of making someone think, a commendable characteristic for any knowledge cravers such as myself. Levitin's latest tops my list as an absolute "must read" for music lovers. While countless bestsellers can only rave about polarizing issues and taboo subjects, "This is Your Brain on Music" analyzes a lighthearted issue offering much to contemplate, and even more to learn. This book will make people reflect on why music continues to be a vital part of so many peoples' lives for days after finishing the last page.
Book Review: Music - brain
Summary: 3 Stars
Although this book was recommended I found it a little disappointing. It was interesting and the stories were fun, however he lacks the color and concrete imagery that I expected. I purchased this book for my 14 year old son who is working toward being a professional Classical musician and I don't believe he would get much out of it as there are so many references to popular music that he has never heard that he would have no reference point. I did enjoy the story about meeting Crick, but I though overall it was tough so stick with the book until the end. Overall I know there are better reads out there concerning music and our understanding of such.Book Review: Interestingly probative; woefully incomplete
Summary: 2 Stars
Let me first say that I enjoyed reading this book. It helped me better understand both music and neuroscience. Music's influence on us is a fascinating and powerful subject.
That having been said, however, I do need to make at least one criticism. Levitin's evolutionary explanation for the development of music is egregiously one-sided. He suggests, with others, that music may be an outward demonstration of intelligence and physical prowess - look at me, I can afford to waste all this time and energy - akin to the male peacock's tail. THIS IS ALL WELL AND GOOD FOR MALES, BUT WHAT ABOUT FEMALES!? I read not one sentence in Levitin's book explaining what evolutionary theory would have to say about female singing. I'm willing to accept adaptive explanations for many things.. but in this case Levitin does little to ward off the inevitable criticism that his book features a number of very half-based "just so" stories.
Book Review: Might be too technical for the average listener
Summary: 4 Stars
A background in music that goes beyond light listening is required to follow parts of this book easily. Or time and effort could be necessary for many readers. But that would take you away from listening to your favorite music unless you can read about music and listen to it at the same time.