"The Encyclopedia of Popular Music" by Colin Larkin is an extensive and authoritative guide that delves into the world of popular music from the 1960s to the early 2000s. With its wealth of information on various music genres, artists, albums, and songs, this comprehensive reference book is an invaluable resource for both music lovers and researchers.
Larkin's passion and expertise in music shine through in this book, as he provides in-depth analysis and critical reviews of the most influential musicians of the time. Covering over 27,000 entries, the encyclopedia spans rock, pop, jazz, hip hop, country, and more. Each entry includes vital details such as release dates, producers, band members, and chart positions, allowing readers to delve into the rich history of popular music.
The organization of the encyclopedia is intuitive and user-friendly, with entries arranged alphabetically for easy access to specific artists or topics of interest. Larkin's writing style is informative yet engaging, making the exploration of popular music an enthralling journey.
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A standout feature of this book is the recommended listening lists included at the end of each entry. These lists allow readers to expand their musical horizons and discover new artists and albums that they may not have come across otherwise. The encyclopedia also provides biographical information, offering readers insight into the personal lives and influences of the musicians.
"The Encyclopedia of Popular Music" by Colin Larkin is a meticulously researched and comprehensive book that offers a detailed exploration of the history of popular music. Music enthusiasts, researchers, and anyone curious about the evolution of popular music will find this book to be an indispensable addition to their library.
What are readers saying?
"The Encyclopedia of Popular Music" by Colin Larkin is a book that has received varied responses from its readers. While some readers praise the book for its comprehensive nature and wealth of information, others criticize the author's biased perspective and insufficient depth in certain areas.
Many reviewers appreciate the extensive coverage of various musical genres, artists, and albums found in Larkin's work. They find the book to be a valuable reference guide that provides a comprehensive overview of popular music. Described as well-researched and informative, readers appreciate the opportunity to explore different musical eras and discover new artists.
However, some reviews express concerns about the author's biases towards certain genres or artists, particularly in rock and pop. Critics argue that this bias prevents the book from being objective and fails to recognize lesser-known or underappreciated artists. Additionally, some readers feel that certain genres are not covered as comprehensively as they would like.
The level of detail in the book is another aspect that receives mixed feedback. While some readers appreciate the concise entries, others find the lack of depth on certain topics disappointing. Some reviewers suggest that the book could benefit from more in-depth analysis and interpretation to provide a better understanding of the music and its impact.
Several reviewers mention outdated information and inaccuracies in the book, indicating that it may not be entirely up-to-date with recent developments in the music industry. Despite these criticisms, most readers still view the book as a valuable resource, but they recommend cross-referencing with other sources for the most accurate and current information.
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