Appetite for Definition

October 29, 2018
Music writer King debuts with a thoroughly researched and entertainingly written guide to the more than 200 subgenres of rock music. In short but sharp entries, King shows his appreciation for rock’s “messy confluence of events,” including the way British Invasion rockers such as the Beatles and the Rolling Stones were influenced by motown, how glam rock influenced punk rock, and how the blues was the basis for of heavy metal. King excels in his ability to parse the differences between newer genres such as shoegaze in the early 1990s (“heavy amounts of delay and reverb to achieve a lazy, dream-like quality”), slowcore in the late 1990s (“distorted and lead-footed... hardcore with a heavy foot on the brakes”), and chillwave in the late 2000s (“ethereal, mellow”). King also offers suggestions in each entry for “Pioneer” tracks so readers can compile their own playlists. Whether setting apart progressive rock (Genesis, Pink Floyd, Rush) from progressive metal (Dream Theater, Gojira, Opeth) or negotiating the subtle distinctions among folk rock, folk punk, folk metal, and freak folk, King brings an informative voice that will enlighten all fans of rock music in its many permutations. This encyclopedia of rock is sure to spark many heated conversations.

November 15, 2018

Fans of rock music who engage in long conversations about the relative merits of bands may find this slim volume from rock journalist King the resource they didn't know they needed. Each of the genre entries begins with a brief description of the origins and history of the music type. Short lists such as "pioneer tracks," "other key players," and "crossover tracks" provide eager readers with a music finding aid, listing key tracks in each genre, the names of other important rock acts, and relevant songs from other music styles. VERDICT Recommended to all interested in the history of rock music, those looking for new music recommendations, and anyone who wants to improve their rock and roll vocabulary.--Todd Spires, Bradley Univ. Lib., Peoria, IL

Copyright 2018 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

December 15, 2018
What's the difference between garage punk and garage rock? How about new wave and no wave? What does C86 music sound like? Music writer King has produced an accessible, thorough, and illuminating reference book spanning the sprawling, knotty family tree of rock music, from the 1950s to the present. The book features over 150 subgenres?including rockish variations on punk, folk, soul, pop, and metal?that get a short summary along with the key tracks and artists that best exemplify their sound. Even more useful are each chapter's crossover tracks, songs from other subgenres perceptively picked by King that overlap in style and encourage musical serendipity, like an analog version of you may also like . . . The chapter on punk rock, for example, name checks the Ramones and the Sex Pistols but also Chuck Berry and Louie Louie by the Kingsmen. Best dipped into rather than read through (with King's curated Spotify playlists at the ready), the book works as casual reading, a handy reference tool, inspiration for listeners stuck in a musical rut, and a welcome addition to library music collections.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2018, American Library Association.)