I first encountered Quirin's and Cohen's book in the 1970s. It remains the only approach to an annual ranking of hit singles that makes any real sense. Joel Whitburn and his folks at Record Research would do well to take on these two guys as consultants; Quirin's and Cohen's ranking system is a great deal more sophisticated than Whitburn's and yields far more reasonable results.

I've followed the charts since the early 70s and done DJ work for 15 years. Quirin and Cohen level the playing field for songs that straddle New Years. By calculating points for each title, ROCK 100 considers more than chart position alone. Though there's a limit to the years Billboard charts covers, I'd like to see years before and after the span of this volume, and I've had lots of requests for a Country version and an R&B version. I hope there's a market for them. Great investment!

No other listing of the top hits of each year gives full credit to those songs released at the beginning or end of the year. These rankings are as accurate as i've seen and i've followed the charts for over 45 years. I would like the years 1992 to 1998 done though.

This is just about the finest book there is on the almighty Clash, the only one that can really make you feel, if only for a white hot moment, that you're *there* while the band bashes out its masterpieces less than a dozen feet away, in some dank forgotten club a quarter century ago. You're so close for a second that you can read the phrases stenciled on Joe's military garb, count the zippers on Simmo's trousers, or feel the sweat from Jonesy's unshorn locks splashing on your face, not to mention the gob of a thousand punks flying over your head. And look who's in the crowd with you! Lester Bangs, Debbie Harry, Andy Warhol (altho' he's probably ligging about backstage), Martin Scorsese, that young ne'er-do-well of the NYC scene Harley Flanagan, even Johnny Thunders has stopped by on his way to cop.

Man, could the Clash dress: from the Pollock-esque/Sex shop/Teddy/Rude boy of the early years, to the "collars-up mate"/perfect quiff & creepers days of 'London Calling,' to the quasi-military/cop fatigues of the final era. Check out the guys in an American supermarket, Joe counting out his American dollars; or hanging out in Bob Gruen's NYC apartment watching Dolls' videos; or goofing off, in full rock leathers, at various airports round the globe. Really, please, and with all sincerity, can I go back and just *be* with those guys, come on, huh, please, just for a minute or two?

But I can't, and you can't, and this book (along with Johnny Green's 'A RIOT OF OUR OWN' memoir) is the closest we're gonna get in these sore days. Bob Gruen's stunning, intimate, exhilirating photos over six years of the Clash's career are second to none, revealing them in all their raging glory. So open the book, grab a Guiness, blast the tunes, and relive the true punk era, and thank your lucky stars, bittersweet that they may be, that there was never any reunion. This is the best you're gonna get.

This book is fantastic! Although it may seem a bit expensive at first, it pays for itself and then some! It has some of the more common Clash photographs in it, but it is also loaded with rare ones. The pictures are big and clear, and captions are given on many of them by The Clash, Bob Gruen, and others associated with them. It's really cool to get their take on it, and you get some background stories too. I can't reccommend it more highly.

This book is massive and is worth the 20 bucks or so it costs. A mixture of color and black and white photography enhances the pure energy of live shows and candid shots backstage. The captions from the band members themselves as well as the mysterious Bernie Rhodes, David Johansen, Caroline Coon, and Richard Hell are humorous and interesting.

This is the kind of book that you would read cover to cover. But if you were a fussy fan you would want this book in your collection for reference.

The best book about the Beatles, with "The Complete Beatles Recording Sessions", of same author.

Mark Lewisohn set a new standard for primary source research in rock music. This vastly informative book combines, in slightly truncated form, his brilliant day-by-day books "The Beatles Recording Sessions" and "The Beatles Live." Also included are film and radio appearances. Along the way are many suitable and wonderful photographs. Great for browsing or for obsessive fans to devour start to finish.

This is my favorite book about not only Jimi Hendrix, but Robert Johnson and Charlie Christian too. Occasionally Charles Shaar Murray gets a little carried away during his wordy descriptions, but it doesn't matter. If you want to learn about the evolution of African American guitarists, this is the place to start.

Perhaps the best book written on rock music.

Unlike the usual gossip-laden rock bios (which I sometimes relish too, I'll admit), Murray's book is a serious piece of work. I've yet to come across a rock author as capable as Murray in analyzing the most important aspect of our Jimi-worship-- the MUSIC. Murray's book delves into the sociocultural groundwork of Jimi's musical style, and makes very astute leaps in connecting Jimi's music to various influences. Murray is perhaps the most intelligent rock biographer I've ever read (and I've read most of the major ones). At certain times, it's as though Murray's descriptive skill nearly matches his subject's musical genius. In any event, this book certainly does Jimi justice. Murray's descriptions of some of Jimi's well-known material are awesome. He describes an instance of Jimi's tight playing as (sorry if I slightly misquote) a "propulsive ball of rhythm, densely packed with ideas," and so forth. Murray is singularly able to verbally express what we deeply feel about Jimi's music, but have a hard time explaining to others. You know how tough it is to convince non-believers why you KNOW that Jimi is a genius, when they think that he was merely a hyped-up, noisy, wildman-clown, right? Well, read Charles Murray's book. I think it'll sooth your soul, and you'll come away with a deeper knowledge and appreciation of his subject. Hats off to Murray!

Robert Smith's lyrics are of another world. He is the only true poet of our generation. His words can create emotions that Dickinson would be jealous of. The Cure Songwords is an incredible book every Cure fan must own. As for those who do not know of the Cure. Just read the book and you'll know the beauty of Robert Smith.

Robert Smith is undoubtably one of the most gifted songwriters of our time. His lyrics are full of unique imagery, with emotions that range from the highs of elation to the depths of dispair... The words are sometimes soothing-- other times bordering on disturbing and bizarre-- but always honest and thought-provoking. His lyrics stand alone beautifully as modern poetry.

This is the collection of emotions, more than words... a collection of thoughts an history of the Cure. Lyrics to everything up through Disentigration, it is a must for any die hard Cure collector. Ever wonder what the lyrics to some of those b-sides on the Kiss Me album, they're in here!!!

This book is only for the diehard DMB fans. The intricate details taken to make the parts sound exactly as those on the album is a tremendous step (especially for a band that is known to improvise) and will take much practice in order to master. The five-part guitar for Two Step really shines in this book, even adding parts for the pizzicato violin parts and Tim's intro solos. If you are tired of trying to figure out which way to play "Crash Into Me" from OLGA (at one time I think I counted ten ways to play it), then this book is for you.

Basically Dave Matthews Band has never had anything below excellant. This is just another example of how great and musically talented he, Leroi, Stefan, Carter, and Boyd are. Their new album just shows how able they are to do anything they want. They are open to new ideas and can always do it a million times better than anyone else.

Jeff Jacobson and Paul Pappas have created a well-edited, accurate portfolio of the music to Dave Matthews Band's "Crash". A perfect companion to the CD for all guitar players - preferably those DMB-inclined.

The photographs in this book are mesmerising, and the accompanying text gives you a real insight into the lives of this legendery group. Truly a book to have on display and not on the bookshelf.

A beaut! The cover and paper qualities set the tone of the content. The candid humorous posed and unposed photos are an absolute delight. I love the edge to edge photos which are complemented by the definite lack of color throughout the book, enhancing it's stylish feel. A wonderful book for anybody to enjoy the most exciting musical group we have ever known. It's a must!!

I have been a Beatles fan forever and cannot remember ever feeling as nostalgic as when I turned the pages of this beautiful book. It has become my most prized Beatles possession. Purely and simply, every Beatles fan should buy this book!

Willis has a genius for searching climbing literature and coming up with gripping passages to incorporate into his anthologies. Some readers will find that they already own most of the original books, making the anthology unnecessary. However, for those who only like the exciting bits, or who don't want to collect dozens of volumes, Willis' works are perfect. The latest installment continues to incorporate writings on many different climbing styles and historical periods, both fiction and nonfiction.

This is a great compilation of climbing stories. Some are inspiring while others will make you think about whether this is really something you want to be doing. Also highly recommended for those addicted to mountaineering literature is the editor's book "Epic" for more of the same...

As you can see from the table of contents and the editorial reviews, this book contains writings by lots of great mountaineers and climbers. Many of the authors discuss experiences when they have had to deal with fear, loss, and the difficult question of risk; they also share some of the lessons that they have learned from years of being challenged by nature and other people. Willis' compilation includes a selection of both fictional and true stories that I found to be a balanced combination of very funny, poignant, sad, and--best of all--inspiring. Reading this book really made me want to get outside! One of the convenient things about this book is that the stories are rather short, so it's easy to pick it up for a brief escape from the hustle and bustle of the city...There is also a bibliography so one can read further about any of the stories, if one chooses.

I've been gym climbing off and on for years, mostly in the last three months as there is an excellent wall at the school I go to, and found this book to be quite helpful in getting me ready for the trip outside. I have been able to climb outside in the past only with the help of other more experienced climbers, and thanks to the help of this book and other resources, I am beginning to feel comfortable going out without the help. However, do not let this book be your only resource. There are many terms not adequately defined and several concepts are not introduced, but are referenced. For instance, the author refers to the "magic X", a method of attaching to anchors, but never defines it, and doesn't even say anything more than "use the magic x method of equalizing the anchors" for many pages. However, if you have other available sources of information, this guide can fill the gaps.

Any gym climbers who are aspiring to climb outside must buy this book. It is a very comprehensive book that helps guide the transition from gym climbing to outdoor climbing. There are detailed exercises on proper top rope placement, rappelling, self-rescue, and a number of other safety issues. The advice is clear and safe. You really should go with someone more experienced when you try these techniques, but the book makes an excellent case for being safe and going beyond what is normally done. For example, you should back up your rappel with an autoblock or a fireman's belay. Why not do this easy thing that may save your life? Your friend that teaches you how to climb may not show you these lifesaving techniques. I rarely see people back up their rappel!
As you get more experienced and want to make the transition to trad climbing, it teaches important techniques like making a multi-directional anchor for your first trad anchor by using a sliding girth hitch. It takes extra time, but it may save your life by preventing all your gear placement from zippering (popping out) after your fall. Happy climbing and safe climbing to you!

One book every climber must have. Much more specific to rock climbing than "the bible", "Mountaineering: the Freedom of the Hills".

If you and a partner go through the exercises you will be better skilled than most of the climbers on the rocks.

Covers basic skills, and has great sections on setting up Toprope anchors and placing protection on Lead.

ONLY problem is the casual use of girth-hitched slings. Girth hitching seriously reduces rope strength.

Clyde has done an excellent job of taking on the strength and endurance issues relative to climbing. You won't find the technique focus of other successful climbing instructionals such as Performance Rock Climbing or Flash Training, but you will find much solid background for developing depth and background in your aerobic and anaerobic programs. Much good reference information is included also.

If you're looking for a book that explains not only what to do to increase your climbing performance but also how to do and why to do, don't look further, get Soles' book right away. I got into mountain climbing 3 years ago and all through these years I craved for a book about training for mountaineering explaining the principles and containing useful sample programs, but all that stuff out there were about training for rock climbing only, except Mark Twight's Extreme Alpinism with its valuable chapters on training. Twight's book is excellent, though the chapters about training are not detailed enough naturally, it's not a book about training after all. Well, I don't have to crave anymore, I found what I was looking for and more in Clyde's book. It doesn't matter if you're an alpinist or a sport climber or whatever, I'm sure this book will work for everyone.

Maybe most important of all, take Clyde's word, learn to have fun while training. This book surely will help you on this one...

After reading this book my first thought was I don't need to write the book on climbing training i had planned. As a sports physiologist, trainer and climber I had been disappointed by the lack of scientically sound and useful book on training for climbing, soles has filled this gap.

Whilst I don't agree with all of soles theories, these are minor differences due mainly to differnet interpretations of research.

As with all sports, climbing needs to much more extensive research into performance and training, but Soles has produced and excellent volume with current knowledge.

All in all an excellent book I would have no hesitation in recommending to anyone interested in improving there climbing performance, no matter what your level of climber. An emminently readable and usefull book.