Customer Reviews

The Pocket DJ

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

I bought this book on a whim and while I can't say I regret the decision, I'm not entirely happy about it either. This is a handy reference guide for those out there who have just gotten their iPod and want some ideas. It is a decent introduction to several artists such as Michael Jackson, Guided By Voices, etc. The best part by far is the "celebrity" playlists. Those kinds of things are always fun.

The author has a pretty wide variety of music in here but there is so much more out there. For instance, she has included a playlist for the alt-country genre that has no Wilco on it. I know there is much more to that genre than Wilco but really...none of their songs?! I found myself scribbling in the margins and adding bands or songs I found better or more appropriate. Perhaps this was the author's purpose.

As a started guide or additional reference, this is a good springboard for a vast music collection. Remember that this is Lewitinn's idea of good music and should be expanded upon.

This is a valiant effort but the author concentrates way too much on contemporary music and "trendy" scene bands; it's as though she never listened to anything that came out before 1980.

A far better bet is "Music Lust" by Nic Harcourt, which is basically the same concept but written by a professional music journalist and KCRW radio DJ, which gives much better lists of songs and artists.

This is just terrible. The writer has a very limited palette in terms of her musical knowledge and should not have been given any authority on the topic. This is not for a music fan. Books like this mock the people down in the trenches who really have something to say and know their stuff. It's unfortunate that garbage such as this is thrown out there like an episode of Gossip Girl. Lame!

Lewitinn's playlists are mostly rock and R&B songs, but as a heaver iPod user, her book has given me some good ideas for creating my on playlists, such as my "Baby, baby", "Love You", Political Rap, and "Duets" playlists. This is a useful book if you're building an iPod or other MP3 collection, and if you're wanting to dome DJing.

Just an FYI about the athor, Sarah was a professional music journalist. She worked for spin as a writer and editor for a good number of years... Oh and now she owns a successful little indie label... So I think it's safe to say she's got some cred in the industry... Just thought you should know. The book is a great starter for ipod newbies wanting to expand. It truly is packed full of info, and I agree that the celeb playlists are great. But for those who really have alot of music knowledge, trust your gut, and pick your music on your own. That's what really makes it fun anyway...

The movie High Fidelity describes my life in many ways. I'm one of those people that can sit around for hours concentrating on making the perfect playlist & mixtapes. HOURS that become DAYS.

That being said, this book is brillant. Lewitinn gives a good look at many genres and gives good ideas for many different playlist. I adore this book & it will stay with me for many years to come.

The only two flaws that I found with this book were the focus on indie pop (although good music). I would have liked to have seen genres varied more on individual list. That, and the constant repitition of some artist is irksome. However, like I said, this book is a tremedous asset.

WOW. I cannot believe someone actually gave Sarah Lewittin (one of today's most pretentious wannabe pseudo-celebs) a book deal, and what's worse is that I cannot believe they actually greenlighted this ridiculous idea, to put a bunch of 'recommended' playlists together and call it a book.

Dribbly drivel indeed.

What a waste of $10. I predict this will soon be in 99 cent bargain bins across the county, and even then it would be considered a waste of 99 cents. What a joke both her and this ridiculous excuse for a book are, even in this day and age where any idiot can write a book and anyone can become famous. This in particular really is mind boggling.

I am always picking up this book, even to read for fun. I am an amateur DJ and this book has really helped me pick my feet off the ground. This book is perfect for me because I am a teen and only DJ teen partys, lock-ins, and Church functions. My iPod video library has about 75% of these playlists on it and I use all of them! If you like the type of music in this book than it is for you!!!!!

For anyone whos wanted to be a superstar at a party, this book should be your bible. Sarah Lewitinn directs your train of thought for you... giving you ammo for any trivia game, and better, any chance you get to take the decks. The celebrity playlists are a nice window onto the listening habits of some of musics finest contributors....

here's a better idea...instead of buying this book, give me $10 and I'll kick you in the nuts. Obviously if you need someone to tell you what to put on a playlist, you are a retard. ALTROCK!