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I expected the book to be somewhat more "readable" rather than a catalogue of artists; however, it is useful as the latter. You will not be disappointed with the volume, and you will probably pull it out frequently when shopping for blues music, reviewing artists heard on public radio's blues shows, or when browsing the internet for non-copyrighted blues recordings (many of the oldest recordings are in public domain).
The price also makes it worthwhile. If it guides you toward a single, more satisfying blues recording (or helps you avoid a single stinker), then it's paid for itself.
by Michael Erlewine (Editor), et al . In here one will find the biographies of more then 965 blues artists, reviews of recordings historical essays. Highly Recommended,
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I find that this book is a TREASURE and I base my decisions on whether or not to purchase a Jazz recording largely on the recommendations that are in this guide. I also read it to learn more about my favorite musicians and the life they lead or are leading today. The reviews are absolutely accurate in my opinion and when the guide rates a recording at 5 stars, you will know that it is the very best and you will get your money's worth. If the reviews are 0 (zero) then you know that is a recording to skip. I trust these editors and so far they haven't let me down one bit.
Believe me, this is an absolute must have to any enthusiast of Jazz. Trust me this book will NOT guide you in obtaining a bad recording (CD).
HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!
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Complaints? I've got a few. The editing in this volume is not up to the series' usual standards. Some of the biographical sketches are sloppily written and some artists seem to have been left out unintentially (for example, Area Code 615 is mentioned many times in the text, but doesn't get an entry). Also, as long as I'm complaining, some of the decisions about who to include are a little loopy -- the Greatful Dead but not John Prine? And music reference books go stale fast -- the latest entries in this one are from mid 1996, so a new edition is called for.
With all that said, I spent half the night reading through this one, promising myself that I'd go to sleep after I read just one more entry... If you're anything more than the most casual country fan, you need this book.
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An improvement would be to show all artists which appear on each CD.
I am eagerly waiting for the third edition.
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These points aside, most of the reviews are fairly well written and informed. Whether or not you agree with the opinions expressed, the authors generally have solid reasoning for their comments. Still, one could wish for better accuracy for a book that is supposedly so comphrensive.
Hey guys, if you're looking for an additional writer I'm available!
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