30 Non-Periodical Publications (Progressive Music)
Description
This article is from the Progressive Music FAQ, by Phil Kime(Philip@kime.org.uk) with numerous contributions by others.
30 Non-Periodical Publications (Progressive Music)
This section covers a few books or any other single publications
concerning progressive music. Also listed are a few well known
publications on some "core" figures. Lists of magazines, fanzines,
newsletters etc. follow.
::Title::
Rocking the Classics
::Author::
Edward Macan
::Publisher::
Oxford University Press
::Year::
1997
::ISBN::
ISBN 0-19-509887-0
ISBN 0-19-5098888-9 (pbk.)
::Comments::
New 290-page book about progressive rock.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
::Title::
The Billboard Guide to Progressive Music
::Author::
Bradley Smith
::Publisher::
Billboard
::Year::
1997
::ISBN::
0-8230-7665-2
::Comments::
It covers only the most progressive recordings of the groups
it details and as such isn't a discography as much as it is a
buyers guide, but then no one wants a long list of stuff except a
completist. Its features include a prog overview, explanations of
different styles, addresses for record distributors and labels. Very
good descriptions of the music (even the cover art). Misses out on a
few groups: no evidence for e.g. of Dead Can Dance, After Crying,
Art Zoyd. Covers about 330 recordings in detail and as many again
in an appendix in the back.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
::Title::
"Uncle Joe's Guide to Progressive Rock"
::Comments::
A somewhat one dimensional, but fairly informative guide to the
histories of Pink Floyd, Yes, Genesis, The Moody Blues and ELP.
Not very well written.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
::Title::
"La Discographie du Rock Francais"
::Comments::
La Discographie du Rock Francais is a very good survey of all
progressive music in our country. In spite of the title, 95% of
the survey is indeed progressive (including Jazz rock, Zeuhl and
some free rock). Musea mention they will soon issue a new edition,
more complete. The previous one is very good and in both in French
and English. The authors are Francis Grosse and Bernard Gueffier.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
::Title::
"Il Retorno del Pop Italiano" ("The Return of Italian Pop")
::Author::
Paolo Barotto
::Publisher::
Vinyl Magic
::ISBN::
8-016158-220124
::Comments::
Despite the title, a good guide to Italian progressive
rock. Written in Italian. There is a 1996 English edition.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
::Title::
The Tapestry of Delights: The Comprehensive Guide to British
Music of the Beat, RB, Psychedelic and Progressive Eras 1963-1976
::Author::
Vernon Joynson
::Publisher::
Borderline, PO Box 3819, Glasgow, G43 1UT, UK
::ISBN::
1-899855-00-9
::Comments::
A pretty comprehensive book, which covers all except the most
obscure British prog bands of the era.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
::Title::
Fuzz, Acid and Flowers: A Comprehensive Guide to American Garage,
Psychedelic and Hippie Rock (1964-1975)
::Author::
Vernon Joynson
::Publisher::
Borderline, PO Box 3819, Glasgow, G43 1UT, UK
::ISBN::
0-9512875-8-3
::Comments::
Another comprehensive book indeed, but the prog content is less
than the above.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
::Title::
Cosmic Dreams at Play: A Guide to German Progressive and Electronic
Rock
::Author::
Dag Erik Asbjornsen
::Publisher::
Borderline, PO Box 3819, Glasgow, G43 1UT, UK
::ISBN::
1-899855-01-7
::Comments::
A good Krautrock book. Pretty comprehensive in terms of coverage.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
::Title::
"Brian Eno: His Music and the Vertical Colour of Sound"
::Author::
Eric Tamm
::Publisher::
Faber and Faber
::Year::
1989
::ISBN::
0-571-12958-7
::Comments::
Very informative including discographies. Some people find Tamm's
style annoying. About $13 in the US and £15 in the UK.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
::Title::
"Robert Fripp: From King Crimson to Guitar Craft"
::Author::
Eric Tamm
::Publisher::
Faber and Faber
::Year::
1990
::ISBN::
0-571-12912-9
::Comments::
Much better Tamm effort with interesting descriptions of his
experiences on a guitar craft course from the days when Fripp
still used to teach them. Good history of Crimson. Recommended
although still rather poorly written. About $13 in the US and
£15 in the UK.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
::Title::
"Wrong Movements: A Robert Wyatt History"
::Author::
Michael King
::Publisher::
SAF Publishing
::Year::
1994
::ISBN::
0-946719-101-1
::Comments::
A very good book concerning a great man. The book is largely a
list of just about every live appearance the man has made and
with whom. The list of "whos" is astounding. Some nice quotes and
historical material. Highly recommended. £14.95 in the UK. No
idea about the US.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
::Title::
"File Under Popular: Theoretical and Critical Writings on Music"
::Author::
Chris Cutler
::Publisher::
November Books (UK)/Autonomedia (US)
::Year::
1985 (reprinted 1991 and 1993)
::ISBN::
0-936756-34-9 (pbk)
::Comments::
Chris Cutler's perspective on the meaning of the word
"progressive". Concentrates on what he perceives to be central
radical musicians of our time. This is mainly involved with The
Residents, Sun Ra and Henry Cow.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
::Title::
KRAUTROCKSAMPLER: One Head's Guide to the Great Kosmiche Musik-1968
Onwards
::Author::
Julian Cope
::Publisher::
Head Heritage
::Year::
1995
::ISBN::
0-9526719-1-3
::Comments::
Despite its many flaws, this first edition (yes, a second one
is in the works) works because of Cope's obvious love for the
music. There are several inexcusable omissions (hopefully to be
corrected in the coming edition) and the overall organization
leaves something to be desired. This is, however, a great place
for the uninnitiated to start, and will be of interest to the
mid-level Krautrock fan. Krautrock fans of great experience will
probably find nothing of value here.
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