Customer Reviews

All Music Guide to Rock 2nd Edition (Amg All Music Guide Series)

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I read about this book in 'Mojo Magazine', where they stated that this guide was "the most useful single volume your money can buy." I ran right out and bought it and am glad I did. This is the best book on rock I have seen and I have read them all. Not only does it cover all major artists and albums, but there are dozens of essays, music maps, references, etc. What does not fit between the covers can be found on their web site at AllMusic.com.

I wish the word "comprehensive" wasn't used on the cover of this book because it isn't comprehensive. Some groups, that weren't obscure in their time at least, aren't here. And many of the groups that are here don't have all their albums reviewed. They may have a review of a group's "Greatest Hits CD" and that's it. This book has 5 star reviews of music I think sounds awful and 2 star reviews of music I think sounds good, so it's all in the ear of the listener. As a guide it's good, but I'll bet you haven't heard of half the groups here, so if you buy something by one of these groups based on the review, don't be shocked if it doesn't sound as good as you were led to believe. Also, if you hear something by a group you like but aren't familiar with and want to buy some of their music you may not see it all listed here. They could at least tell you all album titles a group had. Still, it's one of the best guides I've seen, I'm not sorry I got it, and actually recommend it.

It may not be all-encompassing as many would wish (with the tens of thousands of recorded pop music artists in the world, it would be impossible to catalog them all) but this is, by far, the most earnest and thorough attempt to compile reviews of the music which has moved three generations of young people. I've actually purchased music of many artists I'd never heard of before after thumbing through the pages of this guide. I eagerly anticipate the publication of the next edition (and am hopeful that the editors address some of the omissions complained about by others). This is not "the perfect" CD guide, but it is truly the best and most up-to-date one there is out there.

The All Music Guide to Rock is exactly what it claims to be. The sheer breadth of artists covered is staggering for one volume; though that may be the book's downfall. Some reviews, for space reasons, are too short to gain a clear insight into the album/artist, and often albums are skipped over because the editors deem them insignificant. However, this is a minor oversight. Nearly every artist you could possibly think of is in this book, complete with reviews of their albums, bios, and other extremely useful info. Once you start reading, you'll want to explore all 1000-plus pages. Buy this book - you'll still be reading it years from now.

Everything accurate that gives music listeners the best and worst rock, rap & soul artist albums reviewd on what CD to get or not buy. Also features every biography story on their life and history of these musical bands. It makes a perfect christmas or birthday gift for anyone who want to know and read about. This is the 2nd edition book on the All Music Guide collection there is also the first and third volume series available!

Some of the written reviews are inconsistent with their corresponding "star ratings". For instance, some albums will get mediocre reviews, but receive 5 out of 5 stars. Others will receive glowing reviews, & only get 3 or 4 stars. And you may not agree with the authors' assessments. However, enough info is usually given to allow you to decide for yourself.

Far superior to the Rolling Stone guides in scope. My one complaint is their album ratings. They give high ratings to virtually 90% of the albums rated. Surely they must beleive some albums are weak.

This has supplanted the Rolling Stone guide as the best for this genre. Has capsule (sometimes too short) reviews of numerous CDs, bands, etc. Good for anyone getting started in rock (been around about five decades, now). Does not mention every singer or band (how could it?) but is more than acceptable and often is good reading. With so many new bands, new releases, and new re-releases coming out all the time, this book has done an admirable job and I am awaiting the next edition. This book used to be out on CD-ROM. This was a good idea except that people could not make their own CD lists and rate the CDs that they owned. Also, the interface was not very user friendly. With the demise of Microsoft Music Central, there is a need for this type of software again.

The All Music Guide to Rock is exactly what it claims to be. The sheer breadth of artists covered is staggering for one volume; though that may be the book's downfall. Some reviews, for space reasons, are too short to gain a clear insight into the album/artist, and often albums are skipped over because the editors deem them insignificant. However, this is a minor oversight. Nearly every artist you could possibly think of is in this book, complete with reviews of their albums, bios, and other extremely useful info. Once you start reading, you'll want to explore all 1000-plus pages. Buy this book - you'll still be reading it years from now.

If everything is good, then nothing is good. The ratings, and not just those I disagree with, are not worth much. The Music Hound Guides's ratings are much more reliable for items a listener might not be familiar with. The All Music reviewers aren't nearly discriminating enough. Still, it's a fun book to have for the historical sketches of each artist or group, and they do list more recordings than MH, so at least you get more titles.