Overview
Sound Trackers is a series of books that documents the greats of popular music over the last 50 years. From bill Haley to the Beatles, pink Floyd to police, it looks at their lives, their music, their careers and at their fans, the teenagers, their fashions and how they spent their time. Since the ‘50s popular music has had a tremendous impact on modern culture, not only on the young, but throughout society. These books explore how.
Heavy Metal follows the bad boys of rock ‘n’ roll from early heavy metallers Led Zeppelin to iron maiden. Included too are street rockers of the ‘90s such as Guns N’ Roses and Bon Jovi.
Examines notable recording artists of the heavy metal movement, including AC/DC, Aerosmith, Black Sabbath, Alice Cooper, Iron Maiden, Kiss, and Van Halen.
Editorials
School Library Journal
Gr 5-8-Full- or double-page spreads briefly highlight the careers of representative artists from each musical style. Metal includes bands like Black Sabbath, Cream, Guns N' Roses, Iron Maiden, Kiss, Led Zeppelin, Metallica, and Van Halen. Pop covers artists such as Bruce Springsteen, Tina Turner, Elton John, Madonna, and Prince. While the uninitiated will get a good sense of the most important musicians that define each style, the brief entries are reminiscent of encyclopedia articles. Though Brunning offers a straightforward presentation of facts, some point of view is evident as when he criticizes Queen lead singer Freddie Mercury for becoming "a victim of the ignorance of the risks of his decadent lifestyle" in Pop. Color photos abound, along with CD graphics that contain notable recordings. Sidebars provide contextual information such as the impact of MTV on a recording's success. Both books include a two-page "Gazetteer" of other examples of the genre. Readers would probably do better with individual biographies or materials published for adults. Still, the lively format of these books may appeal to reluctant readers.-Tim Wadham, Maricopa County Library District, Phoenix, AZ Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.|Childrens Book Watch
1980s Pop (579-X $15.95) and 1960s Pop (576-5 $15.95). Each book discusses groups, eras, and the musical influences involved. Highly recommended picks for any learning about modern music.—Childrens Book Watch