Send "James Yorkston " Ringtones to your Cell 
| Drownedinsound |
 A new venture for Domino Records sees the venerable old indie branching out into the world of book publishing. Far from a step into the complete unknown however, Domino's first book comes from the perennially underrated singer-songwriter, James Yorkston. Although this is the first book by either, party the project had precedent in the joint publication (with Faber) of Loops, a journal as 'a space for artists to publish tour diaries, non-sequiturs and think-pieces and an opportunity for writers to stretch out and go off-map to share their thoughts and ideas.' One 'artist' was, of course, Yorkston; his contribution, a diary of his 2004 tour of Ireland, forming the first chapter of this book. Subsequently having penned further pieces he approached Faber tentatively: 'This may be the last thing you want to hear but I’ve written some more'. This self-deprecation is typical of Yorkston's sense of humour and being of the natural, as opposed to fishing-for-compliments, variety never wears thin despite its constant presence. The decision to write the 'diaries' in proper prose has also reaped dividends, for Yorkston has an evocative, but never precious, way with words. It is in his descriptions of people whom he encounters that he most excels as a writer such as his New York hotel neighbours: 'Herman Munster (without the make-up) looking man with a pet brick (really) to one side and a very small transsexual – I'm guessing – dressed as Marilyn Monroe to the other'. Without delving into travel guide territory, Yorkston typically gives his tuppence worth on each city, but in pragmatic terms. He bemoans the transition of the Dublin he knew as a child into 'another shiny city with identikit shops and identikit silver cars...' which '...makes travelling less interesting', but acknowledges the consolation of a 'suspiciously scented Subway sandwich or, some Marks & Spencer drawers' in each town....full text |
| Jamesyorkston |
| We are delighted to announce details of the first ever publication from The Domino Press, the new publishing imprint from Domino Records. The book is written by James Yorkston, one of Domino’s most esteemed and critically acclaimed artists. It’s Lovely to be Here – The Touring Diaries of a Scottish Gent will be available from 3rd February 2011. Presented as a series of tour diaries, It’s Lovely to be Here offers a mix of deadpan humour and wide-eyed wonder whilst mapping out the realities and endless disorientations of life on the road. By turns poignant, witty and philosophical, James Yorkston’s account becomes an ongoing search for meaning in the lyrics, chords, bars and van window-views of a modern day troubadour. James’ style of songwriting: self-aware, self-deprecating, conversational and highly romantic - paired with his gift for storytelling - has made a natural transition to the printed page. Like the man himself it is by turns amusing, charming and occasionally a little despondent. A welcome antidote to the celebrity memoir, this compelling account of life on the road is a must for music fans across the board. All human life is here, and quite a lot of whisky....full text |
James Yorkston lyrics
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