MusicHound

Last updated

MusicHound (often stylized as musicHound) was a compiler of genre-specific music guides published in the United States by Visible Ink Press between 1996 and 2002. After publishing eleven album guides, the MusicHound series was sold to London-based Music Sales Group, [1] whose company Omnibus Press had originally distributed the books outside America. The series' founding editor was Gary Graff, [2] formerly a music critic with the Detroit Free Press . [1]

Contents

Subtitled "The Essential Album Guide", each publication typically contained entries providing an overview of an artist's career and dividing their work into categories such as "what to buy", "what's next", "what to avoid" and "worth searching for". [3] Among the MusicHound album guides were titles dedicated to rock, blues, classical, jazz, world music, swing, and soundtrack recordings. Further to the canine analogy in the series title, albums were graded according to a "bone" rating system: five bones constituting the highest score, down to a bold-rendered "woof!", signifying "dog food". [4]

Graff has said that he had envisioned the books as buyer's guides, specifically: "something akin to a good record store clerk or that fellow shopper you meet while you're looking through the racks and with whom you strike up a spontaneous conversation". [1] Gale-owned Visible Ink also published a series of VideoHound film guides, beginning with 1991's Golden Movie Retriever. [5]

MusicHound Rock: The Essential Album Guide

Edited by Gary Graff and published in 1996, MusicHound Rock was the first guide in the series. [1] A revised edition appeared in 1999, co-edited by Graff and Daniel Durchholz. [6] Among the guide's reviewers were US music critics Joel Selvin ( San Francisco Chronicle ), Mark J. Petracca ( Creem ), Greg Kot ( Chicago Tribune , Rolling Stone ), Brian Mansfield ( USA Today ), Thor Christensen ( Dallas Morning News , Spin ), and Roger Catlin ( Hartford Courant ). [7] Other contributors included: Gary Pig Gold, who went on to work on six subsequent MusicHound guides; [8] Grant Alden and Peter Blackstock, co-founding editors of No Depression magazine; The Big Takeover publisher Jack Rabid, who had previously written for Trouser Press 's record guide; [9] Guitar World editor Alan Paul; and Anders Wright, [7] news editor of the music website Wall of Sound. [10] In 1996, the book contained entries for some 2500 artists; in this first edition, the reviewers deemed that 541 albums were worthy of a five-bone rating. [11]

The 1999 edition came with a CD, supplied by Capitol Records, [12] and included "What album changed your life?" sidebars written by celebrity musicians. Among the latter contributors were the following: Joan Baez, Peter Buck, Adam Clayton, Phil Collins, Jakob Dylan, Ben Harper, Mickey Hart, Lenny Kravitz, Simon Le Bon, Stevie Nicks, Lou Reed, Robbie Robertson, Gene Simmons, Patti Smith, Paul Stanley, Sting and Pete Townshend. [13] The book's foreword was written by Doug Fieger, [14] singer and guitarist with the Knack. [15] Writing in The Riverfront Times in July 1999, Jason Toon noted "some unique elements" that the guide offered – such as details on each artist's main influences and who they in turn influenced – while comparing MusicHound Rock with reference works by Penguin, Rough Guide and AllMusic. [16]

Other publications

MusicHound Classical: The Essential Album Guide (1996)
MusicHound Country: The Essential Album Guide (1997)
MusicHound Blues: The Essential Album Guide (1998)
MusicHound Folk: The Essential Album Guide (1998)
MusicHound R&B: The Essential Album Guide (1998) [19]
MusicHound Jazz: The Essential Album Guide (1998) [20]
MusicHound Lounge: The Essential Album Guide to Martini Music and Easy Listening (1998)
MusicHound Swing!: The Essential Album Guide (1999) [21]
MusicHound Soundtracks: The Essential Album Guide to Film, Television and Stage Music (1999)
MusicHound World: The Essential Album Guide (2000)

Citations

  1. 1 2 3 4 Ward, Steven. "Losin' His Mind in Detroit Rock City: An Interview with Gary Graff". rockcritics.com. Retrieved November 14, 2014.
  2. ↑ Weingarten, Emily (October 17, 2006). "Interview Record (Gary Graff)". University of Michigan School of Music. Archived from the original on December 15, 2012. Retrieved November 14, 2014.
  3. ↑ Jordan, Miles (July–August 1999). "Jazz Reviews: MusicHound Blues: The Essential Album Guide". JazzTimes . Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved November 14, 2014.
  4. ↑ Graff and Durchholz, p. xiii.
  5. ↑ Gale, Thomson (1991). VideoHound's Golden Movie Retriever 1991. ISBN   978-0-8103-9404-9 . Retrieved July 19, 2024.
  6. ↑ "MusicHound rock: the essential album guide / edited by Gary Graff and Daniel Durchholz". Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Library & Archives. Archived from the original on November 23, 2014. Retrieved November 14, 2014.
  7. 1 2 Graff and Durchholz, pp. xvi–xxii.
  8. ↑ "Gary Pig Gold". Rock's Backpages . Retrieved November 14, 2014.
  9. ↑ Toon, Jason (July 21, 1999). "Rock Stock: A book report on the best tomes to consult before buying tunes [continued]". Riverfront Times . Archived from the original on November 29, 2014. Retrieved November 14, 2014.
  10. ↑ Hiatt, Brian (February 25, 2000). "Academy Restricted L.A. Times' Grammys Coverage, Paper Says". mtv.com. Archived from the original on December 5, 2014. Retrieved November 14, 2014.
  11. ↑ "Gary Graff – MusicHound". rocklistmusic.co.uk. Retrieved November 14, 2014.
  12. ↑ Henkle, Douglas H. (July 31, 2014). "MusicHound / VideoHound (books) Discography". FolkLib. Retrieved November 14, 2014.
  13. ↑ Graff and Durchholz, pp. vii–viii.
  14. ↑ "Alibris listing". Alibris. Retrieved November 14, 2014.
  15. ↑ The New Rolling Stone Encyclopedia of Rock & Roll, p. 552.
  16. ↑ Toon, Jason (July 21, 1999). "Rock Stock: A book report on the best tomes to consult before buying tunes". Riverfront Times . Retrieved November 14, 2014.
  17. ↑ Terry, Peter (June 15, 1998). "Book Review: MusicHound Folk: The Essential Album Guide". forewordreviews.com. Retrieved November 13, 2014.
  18. ↑ Mabus, Joel (October 1998). "MusicHound Folk". Folk Alliance Newsletter. Retrieved November 14, 2014.
  19. ↑ "Blues Books: Listing and reviews of the blues in literature". Mojohand.com. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved November 14, 2014.
  20. ↑ Terry, Peter (December 16, 1998). "Book Review: MusicHound Jazz: The Essential Album Guide". forewordreviews.com. Retrieved November 14, 2014.
  21. ↑ Wood, Joe (1999). "MusicHound's Swing!". RetroSpective. Retrieved November 14, 2014.
  22. ↑ Wheeler, Jeffrey (December 1999). "December 1999 Film Music CD Reviews: MusicHound Soundtracks". Film Music on the Web. Retrieved November 14, 2014.
  23. ↑ PSF staff (November 1999). "MusicHound World". Perfect Sound Forever . Retrieved November 14, 2014.

Sources

Related Research Articles

<i>Moondog Matinee</i> 1973 studio album by the Band

Moondog Matinee is the fifth studio album by Canadian/American rock group the Band, released in 1973. It consists entirely of cover material reflecting the group's love of R&B and blues music, with one exception in their interpretation of the theme from the film The Third Man.

<i>Olé ELO</i> 1976 greatest hits album by Electric Light Orchestra

Olé ELO is a compilation album by the Electric Light Orchestra (ELO) covering their early years. Released in 1976, this LP was originally compiled by United Artists Records as a promotional album for American radio stations, but when copies of the LP started selling to fans "underground" United Artists decided to release it in the US to capitalize on the band's growing popularity.

<i>Starr Struck: Best of Ringo Starr, Vol. 2</i> 1989 greatest hits album by Ringo Starr

Starr Struck: Best of Ringo Starr, Vol. 2 is Ringo Starr's second official compilation album, released in the US in 1989.

<i>Live at the Isle of Wight Festival 1970</i> (The Who album) 1996 live album by The Who

Live at the Isle of Wight Festival is a double live album by The Who, recorded at the Isle of Wight Festival on 29 August 1970, and released in 1996. A DVD of the concert was also released for the first time in 1996.

<i>Youre Gonna Get It!</i> 1978 studio album by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

You're Gonna Get It! is the second studio album by the American rock band Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, released on May 2, 1978, by Shelter Records. Originally, the album was to be titled Terminal Romance. Its design and art direction was handled by Josh Kosh. The album peaked at No. 23 on the Billboard Top LPs & Tapes chart in its release year, a higher position than its predecessor, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers (1976).

<i>Strange Magic: The Best of Electric Light Orchestra</i> 1995 greatest hits album by Electric Light Orchestra

Strange Magic: The Best of Electric Light Orchestra is a compilation album by Electric Light Orchestra (ELO), released in 1995 only in the US.

<i>Something for Everybody</i> 1961 studio album by Elvis Presley

Something for Everybody is the sixth studio album by American singer and musician Elvis Presley, released on RCA Victor in mono and stereo, LPM/LSP 2370, in May 1961. Recording sessions took place on November 8, 1960, at Radio Recorders in Hollywood, and on March 12, 1961 at RCA Studio B in Nashville, Tennessee. In the United States, it peaked at number 1 on Billboard's Top Pop LPs chart. It was certified Gold on July 15, 1999 by the Recording Industry Association of America. The album remained at #1 for three weeks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jeopardy (song)</span> 1983 single by The Greg Kihn Band

"Jeopardy" is a song released by the Greg Kihn Band, from their 1983 album Kihnspiracy. It was the band's only Top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, reaching number 2 in May 1983.

<i>The Light Shines On</i> 1977 greatest hits album by Electric Light Orchestra

The Light Shines On is a compilation album by Electric Light Orchestra (ELO). This is the second Harvest compilation of their early years with the label, followed in 1979 by volume 2. It features 5 tracks from ELO's debut album, 3 tracks from their second album and the non album single Showdown, although both 10538 Overture and Roll Over Beethoven are the single edits. The full length versions are featured on volume 2.

<i>For LP Fans Only</i> 1959 compilation album by Elvis Presley

For LP Fans Only is a compilation album by American singer and musician Elvis Presley, released on February 6, 1959 by RCA Victor. It compiled previously released material from an August 1956 recording session at 20th Century Fox Stage One, a September 1956 session at Radio Recorders in Hollywood, sessions on January 10 and 11 at the RCA Victor Studios in Nashville, two more at the RCA Victor Studios in New York, and multiple sessions at Sun Studio. The album reached number 19 on the Billboard Top Pop Albums chart.

<i>Whos Greatest Hits</i> 1983 album

Who's Greatest Hits is a 1983 greatest hits compilation album from the Who released in the US. It includes the rare track "Relay", presented here in its original full length. An earlier appearance on Hooligans has shortened it by almost 30 seconds. The vinyl LP also includes the original single version of "Won't Get Fooled Again." On the CD it's the full-length album version. Who's Greatest Hits has sold over 2 million copies and was certified 2× platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America.

<i>Indianola Mississippi Seeds</i> 1970 studio album by B. B. King

Indianola Mississippi Seeds is B. B. King's eighteenth studio album. It was released in October 1970 on ABC Records on LP and May 1989 on MCA Records on CD. On this album B. B. King mixed elements of blues and rock music. Producer Bill Szymczyk decided to follow up on the success of the hit "The Thrill Is Gone" by matching King with a musical all-star cast. The result was one of King's most critically acclaimed albums and one of the most highly regarded blues crossover albums of all time.

<i>The Blue Ridge Rangers</i> 1973 uncredited studio album by John Fogerty

The Blue Ridge Rangers is the first solo studio album by John Fogerty, the former lead singer and lead guitarist of Creedence Clearwater Revival.

<i>Guns in the Ghetto</i> 1997 studio album by UB40

Guns in the Ghetto is a studio album by UB40. It was released in 1997 on the DEP International label.

<i>Gabba Gabba Hey: A Tribute to the Ramones</i> 1991 compilation album by Various artists

Gabba Gabba Hey: A Tribute to the Ramones is a Ramones tribute album. While many recorded tributes to the Ramones would be recorded subsequently, this was the first such effort. It was released in 1991 on the Triple X label. The record is named after the band's famous slogan Gabba Gabba Hey, from the song "Pinhead" on their album Leave Home.

<i>Twos Missing</i> 1987 album

Two's Missing is a compilation album by English rock band The Who.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gary Graff</span> American music journalist and author (born 1960)

Gary Graff is an American music journalist and author.

<i>Love</i> (Aztec Camera album) 1987 studio album by Aztec Camera

Love is the third studio album by Scottish pop group Aztec Camera, released in November 1987 on Sire. While it was released under the Aztec Camera name, Roddy Frame was the only remaining permanent member of the group and he recorded the album alongside a group of session musicians. Departing from the indie and folk-rock approach of earlier records, Love incorporated R&B influences, seemingly to break the American market. It failed to do so but did achieve commercial success in the UK, reaching No. 10 on the albums chart, following the success of its third single "Somewhere in My Heart", which reached No. 3 on the UK Singles Chart. As a result, it became the band's most commercially successful album.

<i>Spooky Two</i> 1969 studio album by Spooky Tooth

Spooky Two is the second studio album by the English rock band Spooky Tooth. It was originally released in March 1969, on the label Island Records.

Wall of Sound was an American music website that provided news, reviews, and information on musical artists. The site was launched and developed in the mid-1990s by Paul Allen's software and website company, Starwave, in Seattle, Washington. In April 1997, Starwave entered into a joint venture partnership with ABC News, which expanded the coverage of the company's internet services into the ABC domain. A year later, Wall of Sound – along with Starwave sites such as Mr. Showbiz, NBA.com and NASCAR Online – was part of a joint e-commerce initiative between ABC and ESPN.

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.