The definitive rock encyclopedia for the 21st century. Arranged alphabetically by band name for ease of reference, Rock Chronicles offers a fascinating, encyclopedic study of the ever-shifting line-ups, appearances, labels, sounds and successes of 250 of the most important rock acts of the past fifty years. It is a must for any music fan. Rock Chronicles is designed for today's visually-savvy generation. Innovative, color-coded infographics give at-a-glance coverage of the last five decades from 1960 to 2010. Insightful commentary highlighted with photographs gives the lowdown on every member--whatever their role in the band, however short-lived their time with them, and however well known. Coverage is expanded for the 50 biggest acts to include stunning displays of iconic photographs that chart their dramatic changes in appearance. Year-by-year color timelines trace the evolution of these influential bands. Readers may be surprised to learn how fluid membership has been for some acts. Total sales figures are given for the ten most successful albums. The book closes with a fact-filled, cross-referenced performer directory of all the bands that each performer played in and when. Comprehensive, information-packed and compelling, Rock Chronicles is the essential reference for everyone who loves rock music. Gr 5 Up-Profiling about 250 rock bands or performers from AC/DC to ZZ Top-and including Chuck Berry and Arcade Fire-this alphabetically arranged encyclopedia offers opportunities for quick reference and casual browsing, if not systematic study. Each high-density spread sandwiches a narrative history in tiny type between thumbnail photos of a band's complete lineup and a color-coded time line that simultaneously identifies chief instrument and years of service for each major member, along with significant recordings. Selected bands get a second spread of small performance and album cover photos. Along with an index of names, the back matter includes selective lists of websites, Grammy winners, and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees. Aside from occasional nods to such groups as A-Ha or Mano Negra/Manu Chao, the editor largely sticks to the British/North American scene, and his definition of "Rock" is loose enough to include Elvis Presley and the New York Dolls but (typically) not female performers such as Joan Jett or Heart's Wilson sisters. Furthermore, though Paul McCartney and John Lennon earn individual entries as well as collective ones, other influential solo musicians such as Sting, Peter Gabriel, and even Eric Clapton do not. Still, as a source of quick historical background (and where online resources are not available) this might be considered as an alternative or update for the Rolling Stone Encyclopedia of Rock and Roll (Fireside, 2001) or other older surveys.-John Peters, Children's Literature Consultant, New York Cityα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. More than 250 legendary rock ’n’ roll bands (and more than 1,750 individual musicians) are profiled in this unique book. Arranged alphabetically by band name, one- or two-page entries feature color-coded charts showing the core members of each band, their roles, and the time periods they were active. The narrative briefly discusses a band’s beginnings, highlights, and discography. Readers can use this book to identify who was in what band, when, as well as find out who played on various studio albums. Fifty top bands (such as the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, and the Who) get an additional two-page spread of color photographs. Numerous cross-references abound, and an index lists all of the performers noted in the book. An absolute must for any rock-music fan, this book would make an excellent addition to circulating collections. --Rebecca Vnuk The year-in, year-out grind of rock stardom is meticulously mapped in this prosaic encyclopedia of notable bands. The AC/DC-to-ZZ Top selection includes 250 groups from the classic rock era and later...comprising all the familiar names along with influential obscurities... Colorful graphics detail album releases, sales figures, and shifting rosters of bandmates... Casual data-mining reveals striking patterns: rock music is almost as male-dominated as pro baseball; bands are such onerous workplaces that their members can't wait to quit; and they always come back for sexagenarian reunion tours.... Will introduce browsers to music they hadn't realized they would like. ( Publishers Weekly 2012-03-12) Well-written and up-to-date ...this book will be a welcome and heavily used addition to any rock 'n' roll buff's library. (Brett Rohlwing, Milwaukee Public Library Library Journal 2012-12-01) Rock Chronicles will fascinate any fan of music trivia. (Francois Marchand Vancouver Sun 2012-12-15) For the music aficionado on your holiday shopping list, Rock Chronicles might fit the stocking. (Kevin Amorim Long Islan