From country and R&B to rock and hip-hop, 100 Albums That Changed Popular Music: A Reference Guide tells the stories behind the most groundbreaking, influential, and often controversial albums ever recorded.
Chris Smith is a Vancouver-based writer and photographer whose credits range from Rolling Stone, Billboard, and MTV to the University of Chicago Magazine and the Journal of Visual Anthropology. In addition to music and film journalism, he has worked as a combat correspondent, a festival producer, a travel writer, an anthropologist, a wildlife photographer, and a musician. He is the author of two volumes of the Greenwood Encyclopedia of Rock History, (Greenwood, 2005) and currently teaches cultural criticism at the University of British Columbia.
[A]n essential reference for any collection strong in popular music
history.
*Midwest Book Review/Internet Bookwatch*
Smith knows this is a subjective process, and he does not expect
everyone to agree with him. His criteria for inclusion are not
simply commercial success or critical acclaim, but also the degree
to which a recording inspired others to imitate it, follow the
direction it led,or take up music themselves….this guide provides a
though-provoking look at the development of the dominant art form
of the last fifty years. It will serve as a useful selection or
listening guide for wide range of audiences from high school to
adult.
*Lawrence Looks at Books*
In his preface, Smith (music journalist and professor of cultural
criticism, U. of British Colombia) emphasizes that the albums
listed in this volume were chosen not for their status as classics
or popular favorites, but for their impact on American music and
popular culture (though not all the artists are American). The 100
albums that made the grade were all released after the advent of
the 12 LP in 1948. Each entry contains a description of the album
and its influence; as well as justification, in the form of
critical responses, an examination of the scope of its influence,
and the author's opinions, for its inclusion. Entries are organized
chronologically into seven eras of significant change. This
reference includes a timeline of recorded music, an appendix
profiling ten important record producers and ten albums that almost
made the list, and alphabetical and chronological indexes.
*Reference & Research Book News*
The best thing about any Top 100 list or Best Album Ever magazine
story is the inevitable rash of arguments that will start over why,
say, The Beatles' Revolver isn't included, or why more Stevie
Wonder didn't make the grade….[a]uthor Chris Smith does a fine job
of putting his 100 choices into historical context. The book is
broken down chronologically; the oldest album dissected is the
Anthology of American Folk Music from 1952, and the newest is
1999's Slim Shady LP by Eminem. Smith dedicates about three pages
to each album, and he also includes sections on significant
producers and albums that almost made the cut.
*The Salt Lake Tribune*
|
Ask a Question About this Product More... |
|
