As a fan of both music and literature, Long Players by Tom Gatti immediately piqued my interest. The premise is simple yet captivating: a collection of essays where writers share the one album that has been a touchstone in their lives. For someone like me, who loves exploring the deep connections between art forms, this book promised to be an immersive experience. And to some extent, it delivered.

The introduction is a standout. Gatti’s passion for the project shines through, setting the stage for what could have been a symphony of perspectives on music and life. His enthusiasm is infectious, and it’s clear that this was a labour of love. By the end of the introduction, I was fully invested, ready to dive into the essays and discover new albums and authors.

The structure of the book—short, bite-sized essays—makes it perfect for dipping in and out of. It’s the kind of book you can keep on your nightstand and read between other commitments. However, this format also proved to be a double-edged sword. While some essays struck a chord, others felt a little flat. The brevity often left me craving more depth, especially when a writer’s connection to an album was particularly intriguing.

For the Popsugar 2025 challenge, this book fulfils A book where music plays an integral part of the storyline

One of the unexpected joys of reading Long Players was the way it compelled me to pause and listen. Albums I hadn’t encountered before, or hadn’t revisited in years, suddenly became part of my soundtrack for the week. It’s a testament to the book’s concept that it doesn’t just make you want to read—it makes you want to listen. And, of course, my never-ending TBR pile grew even longer as I added authors whose essays stood out. An example of an essay that left me playing the album on rotation was The Rhythms of the Saints by Paul Simon which was introduced to be by Kate Morrison. Her essay painted a beautiful picture of the album and also introduced me to the poetry of Richard Walcott.

Another favourite essay of mine was that of Daisy Johnson as she transported me back to Glastonbury as her description of having Lizzo’ Cuz I Love You on repeat pre and post her journey to Worthy Farm was something I could relate to.

That said, I couldn’t help but feel the book might have been better suited to a different medium. The essays originally appeared in print, and while they’re engaging in print, they’d be even more compelling as a podcast series. Hearing the contributors discuss their chosen albums, perhaps interspersed with snippets of the music itself, would add a dynamic layer that’s hard to replicate on the page.

Overall, Long Players is an enjoyable read, especially for music lovers and those who relish discovering the personal stories behind artistic choices. But it’s not without its limitations. It’s a book that will expand your playlists and introduce you to new voices, but it might leave you wishing for a bit more depth and resonance.

If you’ve read Long Players or are intrigued by the concept, I’d love to hear your thoughts! Which albums have been the soundtrack to your life, and why? Drop a comment below or connect with me on social media to continue the conversation.