This Is What It Sounds Like

If you've ever wondered why a specific record gives you goosebumps, but has no effect whatsoever on your friend, this is the book for you. Rogers, who engineered records for Prince, Barenaked Ladies and many others, describes the seven key attributes of a given record (authenticity, realism, novelty, rhythm, melody, lyrics and timbre) and provides examples for the extremes of each, so you can develop your own “listener profile.” She lost me a little when she got all science-y about our brain's various areas and neural pathways, but considering she started college in her 40s and is now a professor of cognitive neuroscience, she's allowed to show off a bit. There is a website associated with the book that has links to all of the songs that are mentioned; check it out to listen to old and possibly new favorites.