David Roberts (28) (1954–)

Warning: If you are not a bibliophile, please skip to paragraph two, where I will talk about this book's content. If you are still reading, then I am going to presume that you will know what I mean when I say that certain books ooze quality and are a joy to hold: this is one such. The tome is not so much lavishly illustrated, as packed with so many quality images that it just might explode upon one's bookshelf. The layout is pleasing to the eye and incredibly easy to follow. There is an show more explanation as to the meaning of the graphics, etc. but, I found that I could instinctively follow the flow of information - and if I can.....

This book is a Who's Who of rock music. It details the personnel, albums and major historical events of the genre. I have dipped in to see what it says, not just about the leading lights, Bob Dylan, the Rolling Stones, but also some of the lesser known names of rock. To date, I have not been disappointed with the results and have found information that I did not know about groups with which I thought that I was thoroughly familiar. I have also discovered artists that are new to my circle of knowledge and so, I can guess that this is a pretty comprehensive work. "When I were a lad", classical music was to be taken seriously, and a few people might have made a case for show tunes; but rock was an ephemeral mistake, which would soon be nothing more than an embarrassing memory. Well, I for one, am pleased that it is now taken more seriously and, if you feel the same way, your bookshelf is seriously lacking if it does not sport a copy of this excellent work. show less

Read in June, 2013
Format Paperback (edit)
Review Excellent resource!

There is a guide (a chart) showing how to use Rock Chronicles
Each band detailed includes bio, history, photos and the guide items listed below.

It contains such items as color coded music style, years active, Grammy winning designation, founding member (s), band members currently active,
band member names and their birth (and death ) dates, color coding of instruments, colors denote instruments members played, name of band show more member and years active in the group..... there's more........................shall I go on?
grammy winning album or rock album of the year, global sales of top selling albums, color bar denoting instruments played, alphabetic index,
bold type for the first member of each band, contributor's initials, record label, name of studio album.

The book concludes with the following sections:
Grammy award winners, rock and roll inductees, contributors, bibliography, websites, label abbreviations , picture credits, acknowledgements and performer directory

You need to see this book to believe the amount of effort put into its construction!

I've ordered my copy. show less