Product Description

First published in 1990, The Encyclopedia of Popular Music is the largest project ever undertaken on the subject. This authoritative biographical encyclopedia of rock, pop, and jazz artists covers popular music from 1900 to the present, including folk, blues, world music, rock, heavy metal, techno, reggae, and hip hop. Edited and largely written by Colin Larkin, it is exhaustive, meticulous, authoritative - and incredibly fun to read. Critically acclaimed in its previous three editions, the Fourth Edition will not disappoint fans seeking authoritative and reliable information about popular music from around the world. Expanded to ten volumes, the new edition contains 6,000 new entries and extensive revisions and updates throughout the existing text, yielding 50% more material than the 1998 Third Edition. In addition to thousands of biographical entries, this A-Z reference also includes entries covering popular music genres, trends, styles, record labels, venues, and festivals. Key dates, biographies, and further reading are provided for artists covered, along with complete discographies that include record labels, release dates, and a 5-star album rating system. The text also features a special section of album entries, focusing on the most critically significant offerings. From Grateful Dead to The Killers, from Whitesnake to White Stripes, from R.E.M. to Blink-182, from The Jazz Singer to Jerry Springer - The Opera, and from Bye Bye Birdie to Rent, The Encyclopedia of Popular Music, Fourth Edition has something informative and clever to say about everyone's favourite performer. The Encyclopedia of Popular Music will also be available online from November 2007.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #16495 in Books
• Published on: 2007-09-14
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 1600 pages

OUP
"A work of almost frightening completeness" (The Times of the previous edition))

Review
Larkin works virtually single-handed, and is to be congratulated on his achievement. (Liz Thomson, The Independent )

Without question the most useful reference work on popular music (Jools Holland of the previous edition) )

Besides being a fascinating, arm-stretching achievement, this extraordinary work is testament to editor Colin Larkin's indefatigable belief in the power of music. This is simply a must-have for anyone interested in the broad church of popular music. (Patrick Humphries, Record Collector )

The ultimate pantheon of pop. (Record Collector )

Remarkably up-to-date...this is an acquisition without equal for all academic and public libraries and will easily replace either edition. (Library Journal. Starred Review (of the previous edition) )

It is fun and informative, and essential for any library that serves readers interested in popular music. (Choice (of the previous edition) )

The Longest love letter to music- (Tony Parsons Daily Telegraph (of the previous edition) )

A work of almost frightening completeness (The Times of the previous edition) )

Very possibly the best rock reference book ever (Q Magazine (of the previous edition) )

Above criticism the meticulous accuracy is infuriating (The Guardian (of the previous edition) )

[The Encyclopedia of Popular Music is] the popular music equivalent to the New Grove Dictionary of Music, and as such has no equal in or put of print... (Library Journal (of the previous edition) )

Larkin's precise and finely-tuned critical apparatus allows him (and us) to form a judgement that transcends the fleeting character of many acts. (Norman Lebrecht )

Those even remotely interested in any sort of popular music or popular culture in general will find this a treasure trove of information. Nothing remotely as comprehensive on the topic exists. A most enjoyable read and an essential purchase for all libraries. (Library Journal )

The Guardian (of the previous edition)
"Above criticism the meticulous accuracy is infuriating"

Customer Reviews

An absolute must for any serious music fan
I treated myself to this book a while ago, and since buying it it has rarely left my side. The scope of information, and the sheer knowledge shown by Colin Larkin is astounding - where else could you find out just about everything you need to know - in concise form - about Bob Marley, then turn the page and see the same care and attention given to Marmalade (who started life as Dean Ford and The Gaylords, I kid you not!)

Packed within its 1600 pages - this is no small tome! - are facts and little nuggets of info to make any serious pop/rock/reggae/dance...etc fan hearts glow, and the honest rating of just about every major album released by the artists is a boom to knowing exactly which album is the best representation of any given artists music.

It also helps that the writing itself is clear and intellegent, no muso speak or gushing fan nonsense here, just good, concise prose that gives it to you stright, no chaser!

Serious about music, then this is the book for you. Go on, save up and treat yourself, you know it makes sense!

Huge disappointment
I bought this from a Record Collector review hoping for information and images on more obscure artists that don't feature in the more popular publications. I was hugely disappointed. I have tried Fuhrs Fruhling, Meco, Swamptrash, Ian Matthews Southern Comfort, Spirogyra, Joe Beck, Rumplestiltskin and Sandy Posey and none is listed. There are no images. It may provide the detail some need on well-known artists but it appears to be too selective. I have stopped using it. Mint copy going cheap!?

An invaluable resource for record stores.
The one volume edition sits right next to my computer where it has earned its cost many times over. I use the reviews when selecting CD's to purchase from Amazon. Whilst I do not agree with all the ratings given it does offer a wonderful guide to saleability of items in my record store. Many customers comment on the excellent range of stock I carry at MediaMania (see www.mediamania.info). Most of this can be attributed to this guide.