{"title":"Matthew Bannister","description":"\u003cp\u003eExplore the fascinating world of \u003cem\u003eMatthew Bannister\u003c\/em\u003e, a renowned figure in the realms of music and broadcasting, whose works gracefully blend arts and culture. Bannister is celebrated for his insightful and thought-provoking contributions to the literary world, with particular emphasis on music appreciation and its cultural impact.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAmong his noteworthy titles is \u003cem\u003eThe Front Lawn's Songs from the Front Lawn\u003c\/em\u003e, a compelling exploration of the iconic New Zealand music duo, The Front Lawn, known for their distinctive blend of music and theatrical performance art. This book offers readers a unique look into how the band shaped and reflected cultural narratives through their creative work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBannister’s literature is perfect for those passionate about understanding the intricate links between music, culture, and societal influences. His writing is both informative and engaging, making it accessible to readers who seek to deepen their appreciation of the arts. Dive into Matthew Bannister's collection to discover a vivid intersection of music and cultural storytelling.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"the-front-lawns-songs-from-the-front-lawn-by-matthew-bannister-9781501390098","title":"The Front Lawn's Songs from the Front Lawn","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Front Lawn is a multi-award-winning, much-loved New Zealand duo-turned-trio comprising Don McGlashan, Harry Sinclair, and, eventually, Jennifer Ward-Lealand. A 1980s variety act, The Front Lawn was part of an Aotearoa\/New Zealand alternative tradition of duos that combine music, comedy, theatre, and film.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTheir debut album, \u003ci\u003eSongs from The Front Lawn\u003c\/i\u003e (1989), distilled McGlashan and Sinclair’s theatrical stage show and their groundbreaking short films, \u003ci\u003eWalkshort\u003c\/i\u003e and \u003ci\u003eThe Lounge Bar\u003c\/i\u003e, while also thrusting the band into the burgeoning New Zealand indie scene. The album is a snapshot of ’80s New Zealand, a turbulent, creative period for indie music, indie film, and musical theatre, celebrating local identity in new ways.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eStarting with a social and cultural background of New Zealand in the late 1970s, the book covers McGlashan and Sinclair’s upbringing on Auckland’s North Shore, early artistic influences, and overseas experiences leading to the formation of the group. Much attention is paid to the duo’s philosophy, early performances, the process of recording the album—including The Front Lawn’s collaboration with Wellington avant-garde\/cabaret group Six Volts and the addition of Jennifer Ward-Lealand as the group’s third member—and analysis of each of the album’s 10 songs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn parting, Matthew Bannister discusses the group’s second and final album, \u003ci\u003eMore Songs from The Front Lawn\u003c\/i\u003e, as well as the individual members’ subsequent artistic careers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Allen \u0026 Unwin","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47341244776684,"sku":"9781501390098","price":27.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/15180603482722.jpg?v=1772188271"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.co.nz\/collections\/matthew-bannister.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}