New Rolling Stone Encyclopedia Of Rock & Roll: Completely Revised And Updated (Paperback)

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Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Contributing editor Jon Pareles notes in the preface that rock is about tension "between formula and innovation...between independence and the chance to reach the mass public." This work, while definitive, leans toward formula and mass appeal, taking few chances. Ultimately, it is a reference work on rock'n'roll, not of rock'n'roll. That being said, it's hard to argue with 2200 meticulously researched entries describing rock figures from the famous to the all but forgotten. A typical entry for a band gives the year and date the group formed, the members and their birth dates and places, their instruments, and a discography followed by an essay. The essays range from 100 words (Mungo Jerry) to four-plus pages (Elvis) and deal noncritically with the artists' work, history, and influence. The discographies are often incomplete, which the editors chalk up to the overlaps created by compilation and greatest-hits albums. There are also essays that attempt to define genres (rap, industrial, techno, etc.), which unfortunately give scant detail and fail to distinguish between those artists who have entries in the book and those who do not. Also, there are no bibliographies for either the genre or artist essays. Despite these flaws, however, if you are looking for a basic reference on rock'n'roll, this is the one to buy. Recommended for all libraries.
Adam Mazmanian, "Library Journal"
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Description

A completely revised and updated source, featuring more than five hundred new entries, offers an authoritative and comprehensive look at the history of rock and roll, giving a full picture of the rock scene. 75,000 first printing.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 1136 pages
• Publisher: Fireside; Revised edition (November 9, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0684810441
• ISBN-13: 978-0684810447
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 7 x 2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #305,407 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Have for Music Lovers, March 17, 1999

By A Customer

This is the definative RockNRoll reference book. It may not contain every band that ever was, but does it really need too. Helpfully lists band members names, birthdates and hometowns, when and where the band was formed All the albums up til publishing date etc... Contains non-biased entries with a special page for each section on Grammy winners -- who won what and when, as well as a listing of the Hall of Famers. This is the way to start your Music reference collection, I know, because its how I started mine.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Buy several.. one for you and others for gifts, May 7, 2000

By	David E. Levine (Peekskill , NY USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

This is a book that belongs on every music lover's book shelf. It is the type of reference book that any rock lover would like so, you can be sure it will be appreciated if you give it as a gift. If you don't know what to get a friend for a gift, this is a sure bet. The book is comprehensive in that it has entries on even fairly obscure performers. You can look up just about anyone. Years ago, the Holy Modal Rounders were performing at my college and the band drifted into my dorm room where a few friends of mine and the band partied. Of course, I wanted to find out more about them and they were listed. Everyone, from the pioneers of rock 'n roll, to rock stars of the 90s are included in this book. No matter what era of rock and what rock style you are in to, the artists are sure to be incuded. Each band has a complete listing of personnel, so if there have been changes in the band, all personnel are listed and the dates of the changes are noted. I recommend this book to you and to your friends (for gifts).

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An invaluable resource for quick artist info, April 30, 2000

By	Thomas McKnight (Orlando, Florida) - See all my reviews

As the former Acquisition Manager for the Hard Rock Cafe memorabilia department I found this book to be an invaluable resource time and again. I am still involved with the memo world as an online content specialist and use this book virtually everyday as I don't think anyone can remember everything verbatim no matter how involved they may be with music and/or it's history. The information contained in the RS encyclopedia offers a quick reference to chronological listing of each artists discography and the text usually supports that with info regarding more significant artist career movement. As always, no amount of information is ever too much and this volume at times does leave a little bit to be desired, but as a quick reference and informative overview guide it is definately commendable and it includes a greater number of artists than any other reference book I am familiar with . The only other book I find to be more useful with regard to specific chronological movement of an artist's career is entitled "Rock Movers and Shakers" by Dafydd Rees/Luke Crampton, 1991, it may be out of print but is still available second hand, however due to the degree of content on the artists included therein, it does not cover as great a degree of entries as does the RS Encyclopedia. Another good resource/review guide are Trouser Press Rock Publications. Individual biography/autobio offer the most detailed resource providing they are penned by a respectable source.