Reviews

Originally published in 1992 as a modest four-volume set, this remarkable compendium of facts about all manner of popular music and culture, edited and largely written by Larkin (All-Time Top 1000 Albums), has in this fourth edition been fully revised and expanded to a ten-volume set with 6000 new entries. The first eight volumes feature alphabetical entries, the ninth volume presents an exhaustive bibliography and a discography, and the tenth is made up of indexes (by song and album title as well as a general index). There are entries on jazz, country, folk, reggae, rap, rock, film scores, musicals, world music, and other genres. Classical crossover composers, e.g., Leonard Bernstein and Philip Glass, are generously covered. A welcome addition is the inclusion of a five-star album-rating system. Larkin explains this rating system, as well as other editorial decisions, in an informal and witty but persuasive introduction to Volume 1, which also includes an excellent introductory essay. Larkin and his "small band of contributors" are based in the United Kingdom, thus, many of the obscure British pop musicians may be unknown to American readers. But to Larkin's credit, he is remarkably inclusive of little-known pop figures from the United States, Europe, and the rest of the world. Bottom Line The depth of most of the entries is highly impressive, especially given this project's ambitious scope. Those even remotely interested in any sort of popular music or popular culture in general will find this a treasure trove of information. Nothing remotely as comprehensive on the topic exists. A most enjoyable read and an essential purchase for all libraries. [Available online as a subscription product that is interactive with Grove Music Online; published in partnership with Muze; see Q&A with the editor on p. 110.-Ed.]-Larry Lipkis, Moravian Coll., Bethlehem, PA Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information.