Author: Martin Popoff
Edition: Hardcover, 256 pages
Tell me more: Because so much has been written about Led Zeppelin since the band's formation nearly 50 years ago, it is almost overwhelming for new fans of the Rock and Roll Hall of Famers to know where to start in terms of deciphering the secrets behind the British quartet's nine studio albums. Look no further than the recently-released Led Zeppelin: All the Albums, All the Songs penned by well-known music journalist Martin Popoff. This beautifully-illustrated book provides insights into the creation of the 81 enduring rock tracks blending folk, blues, Celtic and rock that comprised Led Zep's original catalog spanning from their eponymous 1969 disc to the late 1978 recordings featured on "In Through The Out Door" (the rarities-minded 1982 release "Coda" is also assessed in depth). Yours truly has always been perplexed at the how rock fans and critics often argue about the merits of Led Zeppelin's recordings and songs, but Popoff makes a compelling case for the band's singular and groundbreaking rock brew that continues to inspire and influence new generations of musicians long after the band's demise. Information: martinpopoff.com.
Author: Gillian G. Gaar
Edition: Hardcover, 224 pages
Tell me more: Widely-regarded as the greatest and most influential rock guitarist of all time, Jimi Hendrix carved out his amazing legacy from the middle of 1966 until his death at age 27 in September 1970. Author Gillian G. Gaar's wonderful HENDRIX: The Illustrated History is worthy of its talented subject — the newly-published hardcover book has images spanning from Hendrix's childhood to those taken shortly before his death; along with the wealth of photographs, album artwork and posters are well-written details about the singer-guitarist's life and career. Hendrix aficionados will love details on the gear that the guitar great used, as well as the selected live appearances list highlighting many of his most notable concert appearances and "selected discography" featured in the book. HENDRIX: The Illustrated History is truly a must-have for fans of Hendrix and those whose life-long quest is to master the art of playing guitar. Information: amazon.com.
Author: Martin Popoff
Edition: Hardcover, 192 pages
Tell me more: When Canadian rock trio Rush was finally inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013, it provided acknowledgement that bassist-keyboardist-vocalist Geddy Lee, guitarist Alex Lifeson and drummer-lyricist Neil Peart are one of rock's most powerful, talented and unique voices. In addition, as of 2017, Rush has reportedly sold more than 65 million albums worldwide since the early 1970s. Now author Martin Popoff — widely considered an expert on Rush — explores the 50-year history of the band in his outstanding Rush: Album By Album." Spanning from Rush's self-titled 1974 debut to 2012's excellent Clockwork Angels, every Rush album is covered via a comprehensive look reflecting not only Popoff's views but those he collects in conversations featuring the likes of Kirk Hammett (lead guitarist of Metallica), Paul Gilbert (guitarist in Mr. Big), Mike Portnoy (the drummer of Dream Theater) and other notable names who provide additional depth into the work of Rush. As is fitting of the ambition of Rush, the conversations and narrative in Rush: Album By Album covers not only the music (including well-known solos) and lyrics, but related live performances and album artwork. Information: martinpopoff.com.
Author: Edited by David Konjoyan; foreword by Jimmy Jam
Edition: Hardcover, 208 pages
Tell me more: While most music fans recognize that The Recording Academy presents its GRAMMYs to honor award-winning music that has had an impact in a specific year, the majority of those who catch the televised ceremony might not know about the Special Merit Awards section of the GRAMMY program book where deserving persons are honored through the Lifetime Achievement Award, Trustees Award and Technical GRAMMY Award. These special awards honor individuals who have distinguished themselves over the course of many years and come from a wide range of musical genres. Now A Grammy Salute to Music Legends shines a bright light on these notables who have earned Special Merit Awards, with the seminal music pioneers typically celebrated by artists they have influenced. For example, Tom Petty's tribute to George Harrison's Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015 and Kris Kristofferson's tribute to Leonard Cohen for the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2010 are among the many highlights in the insightful anthology. Information: halleonardbooks.com.
Author: Douglas Harr
Edition: Hardcover, 396 pages
Tell me more: Rockin' the City of Angels celebrates the 1970s. Big time. The coffee-table book closely mirrors the size of an LP vinyl album cover, spans 396 pages and includes more than 600 images. Written by Douglas Harr and designed by Tilman Reitzle, Rockin' the City of Angels brings together the work of a number of photographers to capture the parade of stellar concerts staged in Los Angeles during the 1970s. Indeed, images of The Who, the Rolling Stones, Elton John, Yes, AC/DC, Queen, David Bowie, Paul McCartney & Wings, and others are showcased here. Photographers whose images are featured in the volume include Richard E. Aaron, Jørgen Angel, Fin Costello, Ian Dickson, Armando Gallo, Stacey Katsis, Terry O’Neill, Neal Preston, Michael Putland, Jim Summaria, Lisa Tanner, Brian Weiner and Neil Zlowzower. Information: https://www.facebook.com/rockinthecityofangels/. You can also purchase the book from Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/Amazon-RTCOA.
Robert Kinsler
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