Why We Love Music: From Mozart to Metallica - The Emotional Power of Beautiful Sounds

Description

Did you know that . . . Carrying a musical instrument makes you more attractive? Music can cure insomnia? Music can change the taste of wine? The Mozart effect has nothing to do with Mozart? Barry Manilow songs can be used for crowd control? Why does music affect you so profoundly? It impacts the way you think, talk, feel, behave and even spend money. With his conversational style, humour, and endless knowledge, scientist and musician John Powell showcases fascinating studies - for example that shoppers spend more money in stores that play classical music and, even more astounding, they are more likely to buy German wine in stores playing German music. With chapters on music and emotions, music as medicine, music and intelligence, and much more, WHY WE LOVE MUSIC will entertain through to the very last page. A delightful journey through the psychology and science of music, WHY WE LOVE MUSIC is the perfect book for anyone who loves a tune.

Dr John Powell is a physicist and a classically trained musician, with naturally curly hair. He has given lectures at international laser conferences and played guitar in pubs in return for free beer. He prefers the latter activity. He holds a master's degree in music composition and a PhD in physics, and has taught physics at the universities of Nottingham and Lulea (Sweden) and musical acoustics at Sheffield University. He lives in Nottingham.

Raises fascinating questions about the opportunities and pitfalls of our glut of music - Financial Times If you have ever felt intimidated by music and its terminology of whole and half steps, scales and chords, this book will put you at ease - Wall Street Journal A fascinating book, intriguing - Mark Radcliffe, BBC 6 Music In this book, Powell does for music what Masters and Johnson did for sex - Bernie Krause A treat for music lovers - Big Issue An engaging guide to the science of sound . . . He delivers a solid case for why people love (and need) music - Publishers Weekly