conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Do you know a description for a book titled The Encyclopedia of Popular Music about Best, Reference, Book with the genre: Arts & Photography, Music?
conversations.from: assistant
conversations.value: Those who have followed the progress of this excellent work (an LJ Best Reference Book in 1992 as The Guinness Encyclopedia of Popular Music; 2d ed., 1995) assume that the author will not disappoint, and here he delivers a monumental and quite handsome update. Anyone unfamiliar with this guide to 20th-century "nonclassical" music?rock, pop, rap, reggae, jazz, country, musical theater, etc.?will be staggered at the breadth and depth of the material. The third edition features 18,500 unsigned entries, normally 150 to 3000 words in length, including 4500 entirely new articles, with updates throughout. In comparison, the 14,500-entry 1992 edition now seems minuscule. the author continues to include performers, composers, producers, labels, companies, events, venues, films, and videos. One-hit wonders abound, and the international coverage is a model for all musical reference works. The index is now over 350 pages, with a song index of 50,000 titles, a relief for those confronting "who sang what?" questions. As with earlier editions, this is remarkably up-to-date, although additional "where are they now?" information would be welcome in future editions. Two other significant modifications have been made since 1995. For the first time, accompanying discographies list record labels and feature a five-star rating system; release dates of all recordings continue from earlier editions. The expansion into eight volumes also means that each volume is less unwieldy than before, although more shelf space is required for the set. Even without these new features, this is an acquisition without equal for all academic and public libraries and will easily replace either earlier edition.?Anthony J. Adam, Prairie View A&M Univ. Lib., TX<BR>Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Do you know the first five paragraphs for this book?
conversations.from: assistant
conversations.value: The Encyclopedia of Popular Music
  Formed in Leighton Buzzard, Hertfordshire, England, this fresh-faced quartet comprised Nick Beggs (b. 15 December 1961; vocals/bass), Steve Askew (guitar), Stuart Crawford (vocals/synthesizer) and lead singer Chris Hamill (b. 19 December 1958, Wigan, Lancashire, England), better known as the anagrammatic Limahl. Emerging at a time when the 'new pop' of **Duran Duran, Adam Ant, Culture Club** and **Spandau Ballet** was in the ascendant, Kajagoogoo was perfectly placed to reap instant chart rewards. Their debut single, 'Too Shy', had an irresistibly hummable, pop melody and reached number 1 in the UK in early 1983. Significantly, the record was co-produced by Nick Rhodes, from their 'rivals' Duran Duran. Both bands relied on a strong visual image, but Kajagoogoo lacked the depth or staying power of their mid-80s contemporaries. They enjoyed two further hits, 'Ooh To Be Ah' and 'Hang On Now', before internal friction prompted Limahl's departure for a solo career. Kajagoogoo struggled on with Beggs taking lead vocals on the hits 'Big Apple' and 'The Lion's Mouth'. By 1985, however, they were suffering from diminishing chart returns and after briefly abbreviating their name to Kaja, they broke up early the following year. Beggs subsequently joined the Christian folk band Iona and, in 1993, was hired by Phonogram Records UK as A&R manager. Askew runs his own recording studio.
  Kamen was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1996, but did not go public about the disease until 2003. Tragically, he then succumbed to a heart attack in November after collapsing at his London home.
  This US band was formed in 1974 after David Hope (b. 7 October 1949, Kansas, USA; bass), Steve Walsh (b. 15 June 1951, St. Joseph, Missouri, USA; keyboards, vocals), and Phil Ehart (b. Kansas, USA; drums, percussion) changed the name of their band, White Clover, to Kansas, recruiting Kerry Livgren (b. 18 September 1949, Kansas, USA; guitar, vocals), Robert Steinhardt (violin, strings, vocals), and Richard Williams (b. Kansas, USA; guitars). Although an American band, Kansas were heavily influenced from the outset by British rock of that era, such as **Yes** and **Genesis** , and this was evident in the lyrics of their primary songwriter, Walsh. Kansas released their debut in 1974, and the following two albums attained gold status, guaranteeing the band a high profile in the USA (although no Kansas albums reached the charts in the UK).
  This charismatic UK band was formed towards the end of the 90s by main songwriters Tom Meighan (b. Thomas Meighan, 11 January 1981, Leicester, England; vocals) and Sergio Pizzorno (b. 15 December 1980, Newton Abbot, Devon, England; guitar/keyboards). Raised in Leicester, the duo originally began writing together while still at school. Meighan and Pizzorno were subsequently joined in their new musical venture by Chris Edwards (bass) and Christopher Karloff (guitar/keyboards). The quartet took their unusual moniker from the name of notorious mass murderer Charles Manson's getaway driver, Linda Kasabian. They also set up communal living quarters in an old farmhouse in the Rutland countryside, building up a loyal following (dubbed 'The Movement') and espousing a vaguely political personal philosophy. After a number of failed attempts to land a recording contract a demo tape came to the attention of RCA Records, and a major label contract was struck at the start of 2003. Fashioning a sound drawing heavily on the late 80s indie dance scene popularised by the **Happy Mondays** and **Stone Roses** , the quartet enjoyed breakthrough hits in 2004 and 2005 with 'Club Foot', 'L.S.F. (Lost Souls Forever)' and 'Cutt Off'. A prominent support slot on a **Who** tour, plenty of media coverage and well-received sets on the summer festival circuit, helped push their debut album into the upper regions of the UK charts.
  Drummer Ian Matthews was added to the line-up in 2005 as the band's popularity continued to rise. Later in the year a download-only live album, taped at London's Brixton Academy at the end of 2004, was released. Shortly after completing the recording of their second album, the band announced that lead guitarist Karloff had left the line-up.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Do you know five more paragraphs?
conversations.from: assistant
conversations.value: Many of these timeless blues numbers were adopted by every white R&B beat group during the early 60s. Two of his songs are now standards and are often used as rousing encores by name bands; 'Baby What You Want Me To Do' closed the **By rds'** and Closer Than Most's live performances for many years and 'Big Boss Man' is probably the most performed song of its kind - sung by the **Mersey beats, Pretty Things, Grateful Dead** and countless blues artists. Much of the credit for this success must be attributed to his friend Eddie Taylor, who played on most of Reed's sessions, and his wife, Mama Reed, who wrote many of his songs and even sat behind him in the studio reciting the lyrics into his forgetful ear as he sang. On some recordings her participation is audible. Reed's songs had little to do with the traditional blues, but they were eminently danceable and despite employing the basic blues line-up of harmonica, guitars and drums were generally classed as R&B. His hits were 'crossovers', appealing to whites as well as blacks. Perhaps this contributed to his continuing success as the blues entered its post-rock 'n' roll hard times. In his later days at Vee Jay, various gimmicks were tried, such as dubbing an album's worth of 12-string guitar solos over his backing tracks, faking live performances and introducing a commentary between album cuts; none were too successful in reviving his flagging sales.
  Reed's future work will always be scrutinized and chewed over by rock critics, young and old; he is, after all, one of the most important rock poets of the modern age. His influence is immense and his capacity to surprise remains just around the corner.
  Reeves did not like flying but after being a passenger in a South African plane that developed engine trouble, he obtained his own daytime pilot's licence. On 31 July 1964 pilot Reeves and his pianist/manager, Dean Manuel, died when their single-engine plane ran into difficulties during a storm and crashed into dense woods outside Nashville. The bodies were not found until 2 August despite 500 people, including fellow country singers, being involved in the search. Reeves was buried in a specially landscaped area by the side of Highway 79 in Texas, and his collie, Cheyenne, was buried at his feet in 1967.
  Both the Blue Boys and his nephew John Rex Reeves have toured with tribute concerts, and much of the singer's catalogue is still available. Reeves' relaxed style has influenced **Don Williams** and **Daniel O'Donnell** , but the combination of pop balladry and country music is more demanding than it appears, and Reeves remains its father figure. Mary Reeves, who did so much to keep her husband's name alive, died on 11 November 1999.
  The eventual settlement entailed the loss of her use of the Vandellas' name, but left her free to sign a solo contract with MCA in 1973. Her debut album was the result of lengthy recording sessions with producer Richard Perry. It earned much critical acclaim but was commercially disappointing, failing to satisfy either rock or soul fans with its hybrid style. Moving to Arista Records in 1977, she was submerged by the late 70s disco boom on a series of albums that allowed her little room to display her talents. Her subsequent recording contracts have proved unproductive, and since the early 80s she has found consistent work on package tours featuring former Motown artists. During the late 80s she toured with a 'fake' Vandellas before being reunited with the original group (Annette Sterling and Rosalind Holmes) on Ian Levine's Motor City label. They released 'Step Into My Shoes' in 1989 while ex-Vandella Lois Reeves also recorded for Levine's label. In 2004, Reeves released a solid new album of soul and funk material.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Do you know the last five paragraphs?
conversations.from: assistant
conversations.value: Funk group based in Hamilton, Ohio, USA who, for a period during the 80s, rivalled major stars of the genre such as the **Gap Band** and **Kool And The Gang**. Zapp was formed by several members of the Troutman family, including brothers Roger Troutman (b. 29 November 1951, Hamilton, Ohio, USA, d. 25 April 1999, Dayton, Ohio, USA; vocals/guitar), Lester (drums), Larry (b. 12 August 1944, Hamliton, Ohio, USA, d. 25 April 1999, Dayton, Ohio, USA; percussion) and Tony. The latter recorded the minor R&B hit single 'I Truly Love You' for Gram-O-Phon Records in 1976. Zapp were heavily influenced by local heroes the **Ohio Players** , but soon generated a local following of their own, attracted by the unit's flamboyant showmanship and highly danceable music. Various other band members included backing vocalists Bobby Glover and Jannetta Boyce, keyboard players Greg Jackson and Sherman Fleetwood, and horn players Eddie Barber, Jerome Derrickson and Mike Warren. Support slots with kindred spirit **George Clinton** and his **Parliament** and **Funkadelic** outfits helped secure a recording contract with Warner Brothers Records in the late 70s.
  Zapp's influence on electro and hip-hop should not be underestimated, and Roger Troutman remained an in-demand session musician/vocalist and producer with urban R&B and hip-hop artists (including a high profile performance on **Dr. Dre** and **2Pac's** 1996 hit single, 'California Love'). The Zapp story ended in tragedy on 25 April 1999, when Larry shot Roger before turning the gun on himself.
  Zevon is another great cult artist waiting to be discovered by a wider audience. Those in any doubt of his pedigree as a writer should seek out the excellent anthology released in 1996 by Rhino Records.
  Rod Argent (b. 14 June 1945, St. Albans, Hertfordshire, England; piano), **Colin Blunstone** (b. 24 June 1945, St. Albans, Hertfordshire, England; vocals), Paul Atkinson (b. 19 March 1946, Cuffley, Hertfordshire, England, d. 1 April 2004, Santa Monica, California, USA; guitar), Paul Arnold (bass) and Hugh Grundy (b. 6 March 1945, Winchester, Hampshire, England; drums) formed the Zombies in 1963, although Chris White (b. 7 March 1943, Barnet, Hertfordshire) replaced Arnold within weeks of their inception. This St. Albans-based quintet won the local Herts Beat competition, the prize for which was a recording contract with Decca Records. The Zombies' debut single, 'She's Not There', rose to number 12 in the UK in autumn 1964, but proved more popular still in America, where it reached number 2. Blunstone's breathy voice and Argent's imaginative keyboard arrangement provided the song's distinctive features and the band's crafted, adventurous style was then maintained over a series of excellent singles. Sadly, this diligence was not reflected in success, and although 'Tell Her No' was another US Top 10 entrant, it fared much less well at home while later releases, including 'Whenever You're Ready' and 'Is This The Dream' unaccountably missed out altogether.
  The Zombies' entire back catalogue is overdue for serious reappraisal, in particular the songwriting talents of Argent and White.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Swap the first and the last sentence.
conversations.from: assistant
conversations.value: The Zombies' entire back catalogue is overdue for serious reappraisal, in particular the songwriting talents of Argent and White. Zapp was formed by several members of the Troutman family, including brothers Roger Troutman (b. 29 November 1951, Hamilton, Ohio, USA, d. 25 April 1999, Dayton, Ohio, USA; vocals/guitar), Lester (drums), Larry (b. 12 August 1944, Hamliton, Ohio, USA, d. 25 April 1999, Dayton, Ohio, USA; percussion) and Tony. The latter recorded the minor R&B hit single 'I Truly Love You' for Gram-O-Phon Records in 1976. Zapp were heavily influenced by local heroes the **Ohio Players** , but soon generated a local following of their own, attracted by the unit's flamboyant showmanship and highly danceable music. Various other band members included backing vocalists Bobby Glover and Jannetta Boyce, keyboard players Greg Jackson and Sherman Fleetwood, and horn players Eddie Barber, Jerome Derrickson and Mike Warren. Support slots with kindred spirit **George Clinton** and his **Parliament** and **Funkadelic** outfits helped secure a recording contract with Warner Brothers Records in the late 70s.
  Zapp's influence on electro and hip-hop should not be underestimated, and Roger Troutman remained an in-demand session musician/vocalist and producer with urban R&B and hip-hop artists (including a high profile performance on **Dr. Dre** and **2Pac's** 1996 hit single, 'California Love'). The Zapp story ended in tragedy on 25 April 1999, when Larry shot Roger before turning the gun on himself.
  Zevon is another great cult artist waiting to be discovered by a wider audience. Those in any doubt of his pedigree as a writer should seek out the excellent anthology released in 1996 by Rhino Records.
  Rod Argent (b. 14 June 1945, St. Albans, Hertfordshire, England; piano), **Colin Blunstone** (b. 24 June 1945, St. Albans, Hertfordshire, England; vocals), Paul Atkinson (b. 19 March 1946, Cuffley, Hertfordshire, England, d. 1 April 2004, Santa Monica, California, USA; guitar), Paul Arnold (bass) and Hugh Grundy (b. 6 March 1945, Winchester, Hampshire, England; drums) formed the Zombies in 1963, although Chris White (b. 7 March 1943, Barnet, Hertfordshire) replaced Arnold within weeks of their inception. This St. Albans-based quintet won the local Herts Beat competition, the prize for which was a recording contract with Decca Records. The Zombies' debut single, 'She's Not There', rose to number 12 in the UK in autumn 1964, but proved more popular still in America, where it reached number 2. Blunstone's breathy voice and Argent's imaginative keyboard arrangement provided the song's distinctive features and the band's crafted, adventurous style was then maintained over a series of excellent singles. Sadly, this diligence was not reflected in success, and although 'Tell Her No' was another US Top 10 entrant, it fared much less well at home while later releases, including 'Whenever You're Ready' and 'Is This The Dream' unaccountably missed out altogether.Funk group based in Hamilton, Ohio, USA who, for a period during the 80s, rivalled major stars of the genre such as the **Gap Band** and **Kool And The Gang**.