From Library Journal
As accurate and obsessively detailed as www.allmusic.com is, its print cousins can seem somewhat redundant. This well-established entry, now in its third edition, offers biographical and listener's advisory information on artists and recordings that All Music Guide (AMG) editors Bogdanov, Chris Woodstra, and Stephen Thomas Erlewine have deemed rock an all-encompassing term that includes pop, soul, R&B, rap, and easy listening. Since the last edition (1997), about 3000 album reviews and 400 artist profiles have been added. That makes for a total of 2200 alphabetically arranged artist entries and 14,000 reviews (rated on a scale of one to five stars), most of which are signed. While the contributors cover a remarkable range of new artists from Aaliyah to Weezer, they often give short shrift to those who recorded prior to the 1980s; sometimes, whole bodies of work are ignored in favor of "best of" compilations. Refreshingly, most reviews are free of rock elitism, so useful guidance is given for styles often reviled by critics (e.g., heavy metal). The closing section offers a series of introductory essays on various rock styles, some obvious ("British Invasion") and others obscure ("Jangle Pop"). Also included are dozens of "music maps," flow charts that illustrate the development of each style. The AMG provides more detail and analysis of an artist's career than the MusicHound, Rough Guide, and Rolling Stone books, so having circulating copies on hand may be most appropriate. Recommended, but keep the web site bookmarked. Lloyd Jansen, Stockton-San Joaquin Cty. P.L., CACopyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.


Book Description
Easy to use and fun to explore, this 1,400-page tome is the most complete guide ever published on the artists and recordings that really rock. Compiled by dozens of music critics, it reviews and rates more than 14,000 great albums by over 2,200 artists and groups in more than 400 styles - both mainstream and alternative - including bootlegs, import-only releases, important out-of-print recordings, and lesser-known cult artists. A brief profile details each performerÕs career, while insightful reviews of top recordings help define the musicianÕs artistic development and impact on rock. Expanded biographies spotlight major figures, along with complete album discographies. Also features educational essays and "music maps" that chart the evolution of rockÕs diverse subgenres at a glance.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

"Now in its third edition, the All Music Guide to Rock is the definitive record guide, offering expert advice on rock music in all its incarnations. Comprehensive yet easy to use, this thoroughly revised and updated guide offers insightful information about favorite artists and recordings, while shining a spotlight on forgotten gems." From Roy Orbison to Radiohead, this guide covers it all, capturing the evolution of rock & roll and its split into a dizzying array of specialty niches. Over 14,000 albums have been reviewed and rated by AMG's music critics as they guide you through the evergrowing range of recordings, including compilations, box sets, reissues, and collections from the past and present. You'll also find concise biographies of over 2,000 artists, as well as educational essays and "music maps" that chart the evolution of musical styles, highlighting key performers and influences.

FROM THE CRITICS

Library Journal