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1,000 Recordings to Hear Before You Die
The musical adventure of a lifetime. The most exciting book on music in years. A book of treasure, a book of discovery, a book to open your ears to new worlds of pleasure. Doing for music what Patricia Schultz—author of the phenomenal 1,000 Places to See Before You Die—does for travel, Tom Moon recommends 1,000 recordings guaranteed to give listeners the joy, the mystery, the revelation, the sheer fun of great music.
This is a book both broad and deep, drawing from the diverse worlds of classical, jazz, rock, pop, blues, country, folk, musicals, hip-hop, world, opera, soundtracks, and more. It's arranged alphabetically by artist to create the kind of unexpected juxtapositions that break down genre bias and broaden listeners’ horizons— it makes every listener a seeker, actively pursuing new artists and new sounds, and reconfirming the greatness of the classics. Flanking J. S. Bach and his six entries, for example, are the little-known R&B singer Baby Huey and the '80s Rastafarian hard-core punk band Bad Brains. Farther down the The Band, Samuel Barber, Cecelia Bartoli, Count Basie, and Afropop star Waldemer Bastos.
Each entry is passionately written, with expert listening notes, fascinating anecdotes, and the occasional perfect quote—"Your collection could be filled with nothing but music from Ray Charles," said Tom Waits, "and you'd have a completely balanced diet." Every entry identifies key tracks, additional works by the artist, and where to go next. And in the back, indexes and playlists for different moods and occasions.
This is a book both broad and deep, drawing from the diverse worlds of classical, jazz, rock, pop, blues, country, folk, musicals, hip-hop, world, opera, soundtracks, and more. It's arranged alphabetically by artist to create the kind of unexpected juxtapositions that break down genre bias and broaden listeners’ horizons— it makes every listener a seeker, actively pursuing new artists and new sounds, and reconfirming the greatness of the classics. Flanking J. S. Bach and his six entries, for example, are the little-known R&B singer Baby Huey and the '80s Rastafarian hard-core punk band Bad Brains. Farther down the The Band, Samuel Barber, Cecelia Bartoli, Count Basie, and Afropop star Waldemer Bastos.
Each entry is passionately written, with expert listening notes, fascinating anecdotes, and the occasional perfect quote—"Your collection could be filled with nothing but music from Ray Charles," said Tom Waits, "and you'd have a completely balanced diet." Every entry identifies key tracks, additional works by the artist, and where to go next. And in the back, indexes and playlists for different moods and occasions.
1007 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
226 people are currently reading
2072 people want to read
About the author
Tom Moon
6 books4 followersFor the last three and a half years, award-winning music journalist Tom Moon has been searching out peak musical experiences from all genres and every corner of the earth. 1000 Recordings To Hear Before You Die, published by Workman Publishing in August 2008, is the result of his journey. Covering both acknowledged world-culture masterworks (J.S. Bach's Goldberg Variations) and recordings that have been unfairly overlooked (Nick Drake's Five Leaves Left), the book is designed to encourage listeners to become explorers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
April 4, 2012
I'm extremely passionate about music, so I'm probably harder on this book than a lot of other folks are.
I find it a VERY mixed bag. On one hand, out of the 1000+ recordings listed, there are many very fine ones. On the other hand, there are also many recordings that I don't want to waste the time I have left in this life listening to. I didn't expect that I would agree with all of Tom Moon's choices. I have good friends who could suggest 1000 recordings for me to listen to, and I know that I wouldn't agree with all of their choices. However, I'm pretty sure that their choices wouldn't insult my intelligence and sensibilities. Many of Tom Moon's choices do just that. This book includes too many examples of mediocre music/musicians, music that's just plain crap, and recordings by musicians I admire that are not anywhere near those musicians' best recordings (and I doubt that anyone familiar with their work with the exception of Tom Moon would think they were). This is not quibbling about musicians I admire whose recordings were left out.
I also have the sense that Mr Moon or his publisher decided that certain recordings by certain musicians that are VERY popular HAD to be included to increase the recognizability quotient of the book. That's probably a choice that Mr. Moon and the publisher made and that's their right.
My review is my right. I give the book two stars in general. I give it five stars for introducing me to the music of Iren Marek. So three stars as a compromise.
This book did make me think about making a list of recordings from my own collection that I want to make sure I listen to at least once more before I die. It may be 1000, it may be more, it may be less. I probably will do that and I thank Mr. Moon for that.
I find it a VERY mixed bag. On one hand, out of the 1000+ recordings listed, there are many very fine ones. On the other hand, there are also many recordings that I don't want to waste the time I have left in this life listening to. I didn't expect that I would agree with all of Tom Moon's choices. I have good friends who could suggest 1000 recordings for me to listen to, and I know that I wouldn't agree with all of their choices. However, I'm pretty sure that their choices wouldn't insult my intelligence and sensibilities. Many of Tom Moon's choices do just that. This book includes too many examples of mediocre music/musicians, music that's just plain crap, and recordings by musicians I admire that are not anywhere near those musicians' best recordings (and I doubt that anyone familiar with their work with the exception of Tom Moon would think they were). This is not quibbling about musicians I admire whose recordings were left out.
I also have the sense that Mr Moon or his publisher decided that certain recordings by certain musicians that are VERY popular HAD to be included to increase the recognizability quotient of the book. That's probably a choice that Mr. Moon and the publisher made and that's their right.
My review is my right. I give the book two stars in general. I give it five stars for introducing me to the music of Iren Marek. So three stars as a compromise.
This book did make me think about making a list of recordings from my own collection that I want to make sure I listen to at least once more before I die. It may be 1000, it may be more, it may be less. I probably will do that and I thank Mr. Moon for that.
May 24, 2016
I've been thinking of the 1000 Recordings as my music project for the last year and five months, but it has also been my reading project! I started listening to the music in June of 2013, and just listened to my final album yesterday. Along the way, I encountered MUCH music that I had never heard before, and as I did, I read the commentary by Tom Moon (and often branched off into more research of my own.) Sometimes I agreed with his choices for the list, often I did NOT, but always I was challenged and enriched by a project that has broadened my musical horizons and given me so much pleasure at the same time. I give this book five stars not because it is a perfect encapsulation of the best music in the world, but because to even attempt such a list is a worthy endeavor. What's represented here - rock, pop, jazz, opera, symphony, reggae, blues, folk, country, techno, hip-hop, rap, gospel, musical theater, international music of great variety - may be only one man's opinion of what is the best of the best. But as such, it is at the very least a jumping off place for THIS person to begin to form her own views about what makes great music great. Thanks to music streaming sites, I've been able to rocket through the book and the music in less than a year and a half. Thanks to this book, I'm only beginning my journey to explore in more depth what music is out there!
January 17, 2012
I picked this book up from Amazon for my Kindle for $1.99. Definitely a bargin at the price, and certainly a great jumping off point for anyone really wanting to explore music.
I have to say though; my feelings toward the book were tainted from the first chapter when the author listed Fiona Apple's second album (the incredibly pretenious one (oh wait, that describes ALL of Apple's music!) with the title 90 words long) as a recording I "must hear" before I die.
REALLY?!!??!?
Fiona frickin' Apple? You included her over say, anything by Wanda Jackson? U2's "Achtung Baby"? What about some contemporary country music/musicians (which I felt was sorely lacking) like Mary Chapin Carpenter or Vince Gill? Eva Cassidy? I could go on, but seriously, FIONA APPLE? Give me a break.
I have to say though; my feelings toward the book were tainted from the first chapter when the author listed Fiona Apple's second album (the incredibly pretenious one (oh wait, that describes ALL of Apple's music!) with the title 90 words long) as a recording I "must hear" before I die.
REALLY?!!??!?
Fiona frickin' Apple? You included her over say, anything by Wanda Jackson? U2's "Achtung Baby"? What about some contemporary country music/musicians (which I felt was sorely lacking) like Mary Chapin Carpenter or Vince Gill? Eva Cassidy? I could go on, but seriously, FIONA APPLE? Give me a break.
December 30, 2009
I received this as a gift about a year ago. I like the way Moon considers music - his associations and recommendations...even when I find myself in disagreement. It will be on my "currently-reading" list for a while longer. Might be just the right type of material to have a Kindle-type reader.
December 14, 2008
The title pretty much says it all.
I read through nearly 90% of the entries, taking notes along the way. But the library wanted it back so I had to skim the rest. Darn them.
I found a lot new music to listen to and try and pondered why Moon choose the right artist at times but the wrong albums. My personal opinion obviously. (M.I.A. is awesome but Kala is the best, not Arular) He also lists 108 recordings at the end that he didn't get to list in the main book.
If you're a music fan, this is well worth checking out.
I read through nearly 90% of the entries, taking notes along the way. But the library wanted it back so I had to skim the rest. Darn them.
I found a lot new music to listen to and try and pondered why Moon choose the right artist at times but the wrong albums. My personal opinion obviously. (M.I.A. is awesome but Kala is the best, not Arular) He also lists 108 recordings at the end that he didn't get to list in the main book.
If you're a music fan, this is well worth checking out.
December 31, 2022
i definitely learned a lot from this book, hopefully i will remember some of it at least. admittedly, i was always very anxious to listen to the recording so sometimes i skimmed the descriptions. i didn't always agree with the author and at times felt like he was a little sexist and pompous and at other times cruel for making me listen to 12 hours of wagner, but i did appreciate his immense breadth of knowledge and commitment to being a musicphile.
January 10, 2022
I think a book like this just isn't going to get much reaction. When it comes to music - people like what they like. I think he did a great job of being diverse in his selections, however.
December 15, 2024
So I got this for Xmas back in 2013 and read through A and part of B and then kind of lost it in the shuffle. Going through bookshelves this year I finally had a "I keep thinking I should read the rest, just do it" moment, and so this became what I read on the stationary bike when I was between other books and also what I'd keep in the bathroom for reading there.
It's fair to say that books like this are going to be frustrating purely due to the nature of the project; if anything I appreciate them leaving off a definitive "the" or any other pretense to this being The Canon. Both in terms of when it was written (this sort of thing is always out of date before it's finished) and coming from one person's vantage point, it's of course going to leave out some things. I'm not mad about any of that.
The good is that the whole thing is well organized, there's enough other recommendations to inflate the number of recordings it encompasses well beyond 1k, and the writing is often interesting. As someone without much of a grounding in classical, world music, jazz, or opera, Moon seems to be quite good on these, and a number of the albums I've flagged to look up and hear are in those areas. Areas I am more familiar with (electronic, metal, 'experimental' I guess)... well, the few examples here are not bad even if they're not what I'd pick.
(Brief aside for just a genuine, petty personal grudge; not one mention of Underworld at all? Even when covering the Trainspotting soundtrack? Not even one of the "further listening" picks? C'mon.)
Even though there's plenty of rock (and... some pop, more on that later) here, this is still the kind of volume where David Bowie gets one album picked (Ziggy, natch) and Richard Strauss gets four. That's not "wrong" (nor is it "right," neither distinction makes sense in this context), just the viewpoint Moon has. And if that's the only place we parted ways, this would have another star.
But no... go read the entry on Britney Spears (where he speculates she might not realize what the strings in "Toxic" might be based on!) or Alanis Morrissette or (by contrast) Norah Jones, or note the way he talks about the rap and metal and pop he doesn't like in entries intended to contrast that stuff. Go check out the Simply Red entry (a band... I would not include in one of these, to be sure) for the only mention of the not-in-the-index George Michael in the entire book, where directly after dismissing Hall & Oates we get this in depth commentary: "George Michael? Please."
So yeah, lots of these entries are edifying and/or entertaining, but there's an occasional but vicious streak of disdain for 'talentless' pop starlets and gangsta rappers and etc etc. Leaves a sour taste, to be honest. Which is a shame, because clearly an enormous amount of knowledge, love, and work went into this, and when he's rhapsodizing about why a symphony, opera, vocal performance, regional genre of music is so beautiful and worthwhile it feels like it's paying off. I would have rather this tried less to be all things and just left out the things he couldn't include without taking digs at it (and keeping those out of the other entries as well; plenty of people did and do love both Jones and her contemporaries that he holds in contempt). I do have a number of new things to check out now, at least.
It's fair to say that books like this are going to be frustrating purely due to the nature of the project; if anything I appreciate them leaving off a definitive "the" or any other pretense to this being The Canon. Both in terms of when it was written (this sort of thing is always out of date before it's finished) and coming from one person's vantage point, it's of course going to leave out some things. I'm not mad about any of that.
The good is that the whole thing is well organized, there's enough other recommendations to inflate the number of recordings it encompasses well beyond 1k, and the writing is often interesting. As someone without much of a grounding in classical, world music, jazz, or opera, Moon seems to be quite good on these, and a number of the albums I've flagged to look up and hear are in those areas. Areas I am more familiar with (electronic, metal, 'experimental' I guess)... well, the few examples here are not bad even if they're not what I'd pick.
(Brief aside for just a genuine, petty personal grudge; not one mention of Underworld at all? Even when covering the Trainspotting soundtrack? Not even one of the "further listening" picks? C'mon.)
Even though there's plenty of rock (and... some pop, more on that later) here, this is still the kind of volume where David Bowie gets one album picked (Ziggy, natch) and Richard Strauss gets four. That's not "wrong" (nor is it "right," neither distinction makes sense in this context), just the viewpoint Moon has. And if that's the only place we parted ways, this would have another star.
But no... go read the entry on Britney Spears (where he speculates she might not realize what the strings in "Toxic" might be based on!) or Alanis Morrissette or (by contrast) Norah Jones, or note the way he talks about the rap and metal and pop he doesn't like in entries intended to contrast that stuff. Go check out the Simply Red entry (a band... I would not include in one of these, to be sure) for the only mention of the not-in-the-index George Michael in the entire book, where directly after dismissing Hall & Oates we get this in depth commentary: "George Michael? Please."
So yeah, lots of these entries are edifying and/or entertaining, but there's an occasional but vicious streak of disdain for 'talentless' pop starlets and gangsta rappers and etc etc. Leaves a sour taste, to be honest. Which is a shame, because clearly an enormous amount of knowledge, love, and work went into this, and when he's rhapsodizing about why a symphony, opera, vocal performance, regional genre of music is so beautiful and worthwhile it feels like it's paying off. I would have rather this tried less to be all things and just left out the things he couldn't include without taking digs at it (and keeping those out of the other entries as well; plenty of people did and do love both Jones and her contemporaries that he holds in contempt). I do have a number of new things to check out now, at least.
Read
June 21, 2012Lacy Cox
APA Citation: Moon, T. (2008). 1,000 recording to hear before you die. New York, NY: Workman Publishing Company, Inc.
Reference: Bibliography/Index
Call Number: Ref 101 Moo
Relevance & Relationship: Offers interesting information on recordings that could be used by any music class including band, choir, and chorus. This school has a large chorus (over 200 members) and a large band (70-85 members). This book could also be used by high school students who enjoy music. The book is listed for around $20.00 but can be found online for a cheaper price.
Purpose: This book could be enjoyed by all students no matter the grade level and would particularly be of interests to music teachers and students. This book could be used as a resource for music teachers to introduce different types of music to their students.
Validity: The author has 20 years of experience in the music genre and has published several books and was a music critic during this time.
Format: Print edition but can be accessed online to play short excerpts of songs included in the book. Pictures of some bands are also included with most pages being divided down down the middle with a line for two columns of information.
Arrangement & Presentation: Alphabetical, occasion, and mood index to find any song. Songs are organized alphabetically throughout the book with a table of contents.
Diversity: This book could be enjoyed by all students no matter the intellectual level and might be enjoyed more by special needs students who could listen to many of these songs. All different genres are covered in the book and could be enjoyed by all different culturally diverse students.
Review Citation: http://www.amazon.com/000-Recordings-...
APA Citation: Moon, T. (2008). 1,000 recording to hear before you die. New York, NY: Workman Publishing Company, Inc.
Reference: Bibliography/Index
Call Number: Ref 101 Moo
Relevance & Relationship: Offers interesting information on recordings that could be used by any music class including band, choir, and chorus. This school has a large chorus (over 200 members) and a large band (70-85 members). This book could also be used by high school students who enjoy music. The book is listed for around $20.00 but can be found online for a cheaper price.
Purpose: This book could be enjoyed by all students no matter the grade level and would particularly be of interests to music teachers and students. This book could be used as a resource for music teachers to introduce different types of music to their students.
Validity: The author has 20 years of experience in the music genre and has published several books and was a music critic during this time.
Format: Print edition but can be accessed online to play short excerpts of songs included in the book. Pictures of some bands are also included with most pages being divided down down the middle with a line for two columns of information.
Arrangement & Presentation: Alphabetical, occasion, and mood index to find any song. Songs are organized alphabetically throughout the book with a table of contents.
Diversity: This book could be enjoyed by all students no matter the intellectual level and might be enjoyed more by special needs students who could listen to many of these songs. All different genres are covered in the book and could be enjoyed by all different culturally diverse students.
Review Citation: http://www.amazon.com/000-Recordings-...
reference
February 13, 2021It's fun to get a few suggestions by genre, and I enjoyed seeing the recommendations. I would have liked fewer recordings and more about the recordings and more design around the book experience.
To me, a recording is defined by three primary attributes: the music, the performer, and the sound mixing. Perhaps there is also a moment or story about the venue like Chess Record Studio. I had expected these to be considered for orchestra music. Sometimes it was just about the music and not the other parts that define a recording. I got the impression that selections favored larger collections. For example, here is Gershwin Complete Works for Piano or a Nina Simone Anthology.
Thank said, for classical, I like this book better than Penguin's Guide to Classical Recordings which has it's strengths, but isn't great for exploring. Also, I see myself coming back to Tom Moon's entries more than I see myself referring to the Penguin Guide.
I loved the idea of the Another Interpretation, Next Stop, After that. To add more to an experience of a piece of music, but I wanted the book to expand on that idea more. I will give it a try one day and see where the direction takes me.
The organization of the book could have done more to facilitate exploration and create a deeper experience like the Next Stop and After that suggestions, but instead the book is ordered alphabetically by important person in the recording. This ordering makes it less ideal for musical immersion.
The special indices have two alternatives, see all entries listed by genre or listed by theme (get the party started for example). These are better for experience but aren't super user friendly, esp. if you have a hard copy of the book. I had digital so it required only a couple clicks to return to the index and one click to get to an entry.
To me, a recording is defined by three primary attributes: the music, the performer, and the sound mixing. Perhaps there is also a moment or story about the venue like Chess Record Studio. I had expected these to be considered for orchestra music. Sometimes it was just about the music and not the other parts that define a recording. I got the impression that selections favored larger collections. For example, here is Gershwin Complete Works for Piano or a Nina Simone Anthology.
Thank said, for classical, I like this book better than Penguin's Guide to Classical Recordings which has it's strengths, but isn't great for exploring. Also, I see myself coming back to Tom Moon's entries more than I see myself referring to the Penguin Guide.
I loved the idea of the Another Interpretation, Next Stop, After that. To add more to an experience of a piece of music, but I wanted the book to expand on that idea more. I will give it a try one day and see where the direction takes me.
The organization of the book could have done more to facilitate exploration and create a deeper experience like the Next Stop and After that suggestions, but instead the book is ordered alphabetically by important person in the recording. This ordering makes it less ideal for musical immersion.
The special indices have two alternatives, see all entries listed by genre or listed by theme (get the party started for example). These are better for experience but aren't super user friendly, esp. if you have a hard copy of the book. I had digital so it required only a couple clicks to return to the index and one click to get to an entry.
August 18, 2008
This just might be the single best music review source I've read and I've read a lot of them. Moon, the critic at the Philadelphia Enquirer (and a frequent contributor to NPR) succeeds on just about every level, delivering perceptive, scholarly entries on albums from not only the world of rock/pop, but jazz, electronica, classical and world music. The sheer breadth of his taste is amazing and, as such, the book is destined to turn up new nuggets for just about any listener. The entries work as nice appreciations for fans familiar with the source or as introductions that help to point neophytes in new directions. Throughout, Moon's tone is scholarly, yet warm and if he doesn't break the records down with the wit and voice of somebody like Rob Sheffield, his passion shows through and his observations are spot on page after page after page.. He also appends each entry with useful notes, including other catalog choices by the artist and next steps--the result is a guide that will keep even avid fans busy for months or even years. As with any book, some of his choices will raise eyebrows (Lucinda Williams represented by "Sweet Old World" and not "Lucinda Williams" or "Car Wheels on a Gravel Road"??) but that's part of the fun of a book like this.
February 12, 2012
I'm really enjoying this gift from my sister-in-law. I've made it to page 95, which features "Moanin" by Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers." Great tune for Sunday morning.
Not sure where all my other comments on this book went, but I'm up to the song "New Dream," by Old and New Dream ... a jazzy selection and a really nice one for my final grading session of the semester. Well, this is the beginning of the long final grading session, to be clear on that. It will last for days.
12/11 and up to Chick Corea's :Light as a Feather" -- so free.
12/18 listening to B.B. King, Live at the Regal.
2/11/12 "Better Living Through Chemistry" by Fatboy Slim
Not sure where all my other comments on this book went, but I'm up to the song "New Dream," by Old and New Dream ... a jazzy selection and a really nice one for my final grading session of the semester. Well, this is the beginning of the long final grading session, to be clear on that. It will last for days.
12/11 and up to Chick Corea's :Light as a Feather" -- so free.
12/18 listening to B.B. King, Live at the Regal.
2/11/12 "Better Living Through Chemistry" by Fatboy Slim
September 17, 2018
I got my 99c worth!
So I bought this on Kindle something like six years ago and - thanks to the magic of music streaming services - I have been able to listen to probably 98% of the recommended albums. (And if I couldn't find a complete album, YouTube could help out with most artists.)
There are some limits to hearing 1,000 albums picked by only one guy. And the passage of time is such that there are many, many musical sounds not represented in this book's collection. (Scandinavian Pop being one of them!)
But it served it's purpose. I grew up on classical music and wanted to broaden my horizons. This book has definitely helped with that. With Tom Moon as an enthusiastic guide, I've learned to look past my initial impression of an album and start to hear what it might mean for others. Why it might have brilliance in a different way.
And now that I've finished this book - in time for my 40th birthday! - I'm ready to start picking my own music to listen to. After all, there's a big field to pick from.
So I bought this on Kindle something like six years ago and - thanks to the magic of music streaming services - I have been able to listen to probably 98% of the recommended albums. (And if I couldn't find a complete album, YouTube could help out with most artists.)
There are some limits to hearing 1,000 albums picked by only one guy. And the passage of time is such that there are many, many musical sounds not represented in this book's collection. (Scandinavian Pop being one of them!)
But it served it's purpose. I grew up on classical music and wanted to broaden my horizons. This book has definitely helped with that. With Tom Moon as an enthusiastic guide, I've learned to look past my initial impression of an album and start to hear what it might mean for others. Why it might have brilliance in a different way.
And now that I've finished this book - in time for my 40th birthday! - I'm ready to start picking my own music to listen to. After all, there's a big field to pick from.
October 14, 2020
Over the last 18 months I have listened to 1,000 albums that make up this book. I wasn't always able to find the exact album listed (although probably found about 95%). Where that was the case I found the closest thing available.
As with any of these type of books, the individual will always find it hit and miss. You'll always think of a hundred albums you can't believe didn't make it, and question a lot of the things that were included.
I found this whole process worth it for two albums that I may never have heard in my life, and I am very grateful that I was introduced to the through this book. The first was Nina Simone's 'I Put a Spell on You.' I have probably listened to this 50 times since it came up in the book. It is a beauty. Second, 'Tea for the Tillerman' by Cat Stevens. Another amazing album that I may never have stumbled on.
As with any of these type of books, the individual will always find it hit and miss. You'll always think of a hundred albums you can't believe didn't make it, and question a lot of the things that were included.
I found this whole process worth it for two albums that I may never have heard in my life, and I am very grateful that I was introduced to the through this book. The first was Nina Simone's 'I Put a Spell on You.' I have probably listened to this 50 times since it came up in the book. It is a beauty. Second, 'Tea for the Tillerman' by Cat Stevens. Another amazing album that I may never have stumbled on.
December 22, 2018
Written in the same font and format as "1000 Places to See before you die" book. Music is such a personal and subjective topic, and there are so many good recordings beyond these chosen 1000, that I'm sure it's difficult to limit the recordings to only 1000. But there are a number of artists who have been totally ignored. Some artists have more than one recording attributed to them. What happened, for instance, in the "B" section to artists like Beausoleil, George Benson, The Bee Gees and the Beach Boys? Billy Joel, the "piano man" is ignored from the "J" section. Why were their recordings totally ignored? Meanwhile, although they are a great band, 6 of the Beatles' albums are listed. I'd say this is an extremely biased list.
June 19, 2018
I went through and added the music which sounded interesting to my phone, so now I can listen to the best classical, old school rock and pop which I have never listened to. It has been great especially as I love classical but had no idea where to start with it all. Great descriptions and pointers for future reference if you like a certain album too.
November 11, 2018
Although the book provided great summaries, the vast majority of the albums were Jazz, R&B, or Pop, not to mention that it wasted space with the majority of Bob Dylan's discography. I will be writing my own version of this novel, which will include a much more expansive list.
August 27, 2021
I should have realized that a book with this title would be overwhelming. I thought the author was recommending 1,000 songs. No. He was talking about albums.
It was fairly interesting to skim quickly. I didn't feel the need to read it more carefully though.
It was fairly interesting to skim quickly. I didn't feel the need to read it more carefully though.
March 13, 2018
A book that is a list. I love lists. It’s a way of life. This is just way too much information to process from a library book.
August 5, 2018
Interesting choices but needs an update.
January 10, 2019
Impressive range, but purely a matter of taste. Mine and author’s do not coincide
February 10, 2021
Great reference guide for expanding one's listening habits. And no, you're not supposed to agree with every title listed.
December 11, 2023
Listened to tracks from every album I could in a 16 month project
December 19, 2019
Excellent selection of music, unlike 1001 Albums, here you’ll find a selection of World music, Classical, Opera.... great reference for the music lover.
March 7, 2013
1,000 RECORDINGS TO HEAR BEFORE YOU DIE
by Tom Moon
I found this book really useful; it led me to putting in requests to my library as soon as I started to read it. Each artist is listed alphabetically, with a few types of index to help you find what you are looking for. But this book is not about Looking, it is more about Discovering. Let's say you find a composer/ musician you like, after you've read about them, there is a NEXT STOP, which leads you to a similar composer, and in some cases there is a: AND AFTER THAT, leading you on to more discoveries.
Unlike some similar books about music this book covers more than one musical genre, there is not much left out. You can find Blues, Classical, Country, Rock, Opera, Pop, R&B, Electronica, Folk, Gospel, Hip-hop, Jazz, and many more. Although the photos of artists are small and black and white, they are a nice touch to the book layout.
Opening the book at random, instantly leads you to something new. Jazz, Classical, or Rock.
Tom Moon has done a great job with this compilation, he has a detailed knowledge and understanding of music, which is common when it is confined to one genre, such as R&B, or Jazz. But when you consider the huge range of recordings in this book, with so many different types of music, it is a magnificent effort.
I am immediately tempted to sample many other musical experiences, rather than sit in the same groove I've been in for years. Most of us could do with broadening our musical tastes.
Of course, like anyone else, I can find some of my particular favourites are either not mentioned or skimmed over with a sentence, when I would have devoted a page or a chapter. That of course, is just to be expected. You might also notice that every entry is given lavish praise. If it were a book of reviews, then that would not be good. It is a book of the best of recordings available, so there would be no point in putting in music that was average.
This book has been out for about four years now, but is still available in both paperback and eBook. With more than 1,000 pages in this book, you'll always have something to read, and plenty to listen to before you die.
www.what2readnext.com
by Tom Moon
I found this book really useful; it led me to putting in requests to my library as soon as I started to read it. Each artist is listed alphabetically, with a few types of index to help you find what you are looking for. But this book is not about Looking, it is more about Discovering. Let's say you find a composer/ musician you like, after you've read about them, there is a NEXT STOP, which leads you to a similar composer, and in some cases there is a: AND AFTER THAT, leading you on to more discoveries.
Unlike some similar books about music this book covers more than one musical genre, there is not much left out. You can find Blues, Classical, Country, Rock, Opera, Pop, R&B, Electronica, Folk, Gospel, Hip-hop, Jazz, and many more. Although the photos of artists are small and black and white, they are a nice touch to the book layout.
Opening the book at random, instantly leads you to something new. Jazz, Classical, or Rock.
Tom Moon has done a great job with this compilation, he has a detailed knowledge and understanding of music, which is common when it is confined to one genre, such as R&B, or Jazz. But when you consider the huge range of recordings in this book, with so many different types of music, it is a magnificent effort.
I am immediately tempted to sample many other musical experiences, rather than sit in the same groove I've been in for years. Most of us could do with broadening our musical tastes.
Of course, like anyone else, I can find some of my particular favourites are either not mentioned or skimmed over with a sentence, when I would have devoted a page or a chapter. That of course, is just to be expected. You might also notice that every entry is given lavish praise. If it were a book of reviews, then that would not be good. It is a book of the best of recordings available, so there would be no point in putting in music that was average.
This book has been out for about four years now, but is still available in both paperback and eBook. With more than 1,000 pages in this book, you'll always have something to read, and plenty to listen to before you die.
www.what2readnext.com
September 6, 2023
When I got this book as a gift from daughter Meg I randomly opened it to page 256, which featured Brain Salad, Surgery by Emerson Lake and Palmer, were the author so accurately and precisely presented his analysis, which captured why I believe ELP is the greatest big rock band to ever exist, maybe the greatest musicians.
I will listen to that album again in its entirety, this time, focusing on all the musical nuances that the author identified.
This book will introduce me to new music genres, and provide some well written insights into each musical composition. A great book to continue pursuing my musical journey.
I will listen to that album again in its entirety, this time, focusing on all the musical nuances that the author identified.
This book will introduce me to new music genres, and provide some well written insights into each musical composition. A great book to continue pursuing my musical journey.
February 8, 2019
I've always considered my musical tastes to be rather broad, but I don't hold a candle to Tom Moon. His interesting (and thick) book "1,000 Recordings To Hear Before You Die" is far more than just another superfluous list of the "greatest songs of all time." Granted, musical taste is individual and personal, and not everyone will agree with every choice he's made, but there's plenty of variety, from pop and rock to classical and opera, from R & B and Hip Hop to Jazz and Musicals, and everything in between. He's even included lots of selections from around the world that will please the international listener.
I like the format of the book with the music listed alphabetically by artist or composer instead of ranked or grouped by genre, encouraging the reader to broaden their listening selections (there is a listing by genre in the back). Each entry, which is more often than not for a whole album, explains *why* he chose it and what he believes makes it worth hearing. My only complaint was with the format of each block of text, where three lines stretch across the page before switching to 2 columns - it gets a little confusing when you start the beginning of the second column. With each recording he includes notable other recordings from the same artist and also choices from similar artists. There's even a listing at the back that includes the works that didn't make the final 1000, but were close. And many readers will find the "occasions indexes" from the back of the book to be interesting, such as "romance enhancers," "play this for the kids," and "lazy Sunday morning," among others.
Honestly, I was a bit skeptical, expecting just another compilation of songs, some I would agree or disagree with and most I would care less about. But reading his justifications made me want to give some songs and artists a second listen, or find others I'd never heard before. And I found myself not even feeling offended that many of my favorites didn't make his cut. While I'm not sure I'd agree with or even appreciate everything he's included, it's an incredible listing that is sure to broaden your musical horizons.
I like the format of the book with the music listed alphabetically by artist or composer instead of ranked or grouped by genre, encouraging the reader to broaden their listening selections (there is a listing by genre in the back). Each entry, which is more often than not for a whole album, explains *why* he chose it and what he believes makes it worth hearing. My only complaint was with the format of each block of text, where three lines stretch across the page before switching to 2 columns - it gets a little confusing when you start the beginning of the second column. With each recording he includes notable other recordings from the same artist and also choices from similar artists. There's even a listing at the back that includes the works that didn't make the final 1000, but were close. And many readers will find the "occasions indexes" from the back of the book to be interesting, such as "romance enhancers," "play this for the kids," and "lazy Sunday morning," among others.
Honestly, I was a bit skeptical, expecting just another compilation of songs, some I would agree or disagree with and most I would care less about. But reading his justifications made me want to give some songs and artists a second listen, or find others I'd never heard before. And I found myself not even feeling offended that many of my favorites didn't make his cut. While I'm not sure I'd agree with or even appreciate everything he's included, it's an incredible listing that is sure to broaden your musical horizons.
June 7, 2023
This is fantastic, within the bounds of how fantastic a work like this can be. Tom Moon is very well-seasoned, and of course I immediately jumped to the types of music I know best - opera, folk, classical - and found that I agreed with almost all of his choices. Sometimes he may challenge me (the LuPone "Sweeney Todd" over the Lansbury?) but rarely did I disagree (the right Wagners, the ideal "Porgy and Bess", a great "Pelleas", and so on). More to the point, by providing a range of suggestions with each album, he effectively expands the book's scope to 3 or 4,000 recordings, and allows you to delve more.
Of course no-one will agree with all of his choices, or with best recordings by an artist or composer, but that's the perils of making a decision. Moon here has shown an open-mindedness to music genres that has me keen to explore everything I've missed. There's a Spotify playlist, which I think is official, to go with it.
If there's a flaw for me, it's that I think he could use an introduction. Maybe 40 pages: a 15-page history of music, and then 2-3 pages on each genre, just the most basic of primers. This is, of course, an absurd proposition on some level. How can anyone explain a genre so quickly, and how do we teach how to "read" music in this way? Problem is: I think it's necessary. As an opera lover, I agree with all of Moon's choices (even if I could fill a book on 1,000 opera recordings alone) but many of these are moderate-to-advanced level, not for amateurs. These are the best recordings, but they may not be obvious to a newcomer to opera. Particularly works like "Pelleas" or "Wozzeck". Even an attempt at explaining some of the major evolutions of the artform, and things to listen for, may have been good. For me, with genres I'm completely uncertain of (e.g. rock) I would have appreciated the same. But, this is the age of the internet, so I'm sure I will find someone's blog to guide me. A+
Of course no-one will agree with all of his choices, or with best recordings by an artist or composer, but that's the perils of making a decision. Moon here has shown an open-mindedness to music genres that has me keen to explore everything I've missed. There's a Spotify playlist, which I think is official, to go with it.
If there's a flaw for me, it's that I think he could use an introduction. Maybe 40 pages: a 15-page history of music, and then 2-3 pages on each genre, just the most basic of primers. This is, of course, an absurd proposition on some level. How can anyone explain a genre so quickly, and how do we teach how to "read" music in this way? Problem is: I think it's necessary. As an opera lover, I agree with all of Moon's choices (even if I could fill a book on 1,000 opera recordings alone) but many of these are moderate-to-advanced level, not for amateurs. These are the best recordings, but they may not be obvious to a newcomer to opera. Particularly works like "Pelleas" or "Wozzeck". Even an attempt at explaining some of the major evolutions of the artform, and things to listen for, may have been good. For me, with genres I'm completely uncertain of (e.g. rock) I would have appreciated the same. But, this is the age of the internet, so I'm sure I will find someone's blog to guide me. A+
November 22, 2008
Let's agree not to quibble about whether our favorite recordings made it into the list. Just the sheer scope and breadth of this book would make it a useful resource. But Moon goes well beyond scope and provides a means of discovering great music that most of us would be unlikely to discover on our own. So to evaluate this book it is better not to ask 'does it include what I like', but rather 'does it help me find great music to listen to'.
To give you an idea of what this book is like, here are the basic elements:
* 1007 pages
* general index: 65 pages
* classical and opera performers index : 13 pages
* classical and opera composers index : 5 pages
* 'occasions' index, comprising 'cocktail hour', 'get the party started', 'music to inspire reflection', 'romance enhancers', 'cardio workout', 'play this for the kids', 'roadtrip soundtrack AM', 'roadtrip soundtrack PM', 'lazy sunday morning', 'headphone journey', 'superman's earbuds'.
* genres index : 15 pages
Moon also includes a page listing sources of hard-to-find music. In addition you can visit 1000recordings.com, and the Amazon 1000 recordings site.
The 1000 recordings are albums, not individual tracks. Each entry includes a brief review, usually including the historical and musical context and history. The entry also includes the release year, publisher, key tracks, other titles from the same performer, and 'links' to related music.
Big warning here: this book can be a huge time-suck. I've found myself opening the book just to find something to buy at the Amazon MP3 store, and two hours later I'm still browsing.
This book is worth the price, even if you are a very casual music listener (as I am).
To give you an idea of what this book is like, here are the basic elements:
* 1007 pages
* general index: 65 pages
* classical and opera performers index : 13 pages
* classical and opera composers index : 5 pages
* 'occasions' index, comprising 'cocktail hour', 'get the party started', 'music to inspire reflection', 'romance enhancers', 'cardio workout', 'play this for the kids', 'roadtrip soundtrack AM', 'roadtrip soundtrack PM', 'lazy sunday morning', 'headphone journey', 'superman's earbuds'.
* genres index : 15 pages
Moon also includes a page listing sources of hard-to-find music. In addition you can visit 1000recordings.com, and the Amazon 1000 recordings site.
The 1000 recordings are albums, not individual tracks. Each entry includes a brief review, usually including the historical and musical context and history. The entry also includes the release year, publisher, key tracks, other titles from the same performer, and 'links' to related music.
Big warning here: this book can be a huge time-suck. I've found myself opening the book just to find something to buy at the Amazon MP3 store, and two hours later I'm still browsing.
This book is worth the price, even if you are a very casual music listener (as I am).
September 22, 2008
I'm moving this off of my "reading" list because while it's fun to poke through it's not something I'm planning on ever reading straight through cover-to-cover.
I do enjoy it though. Lotsa neat little trivia about the recordings. Some music I'm very familiar with. Some I've only touched on occasionally and a lot that I've never heard of some of which I'll be tracking down.
I'm especially pleased by the "Next Stop" and "After That" notes at the end of each recording. It's a nifty way to figure out other groups you might like when you enjoyed an album.
There are a lot of musicians that I think ought to have made it in to the list that aren't here. And there are a few that I question. (Zappa's only entry is his live album?!?!?) But the author is pretty clear about the fact that his criteria is completely subjective.
(On a personal note: The Beatles have 5 entries. Van Halen has none. Make of that what you will. And for those that don't understand, you may want to review my friends list.)
I do enjoy it though. Lotsa neat little trivia about the recordings. Some music I'm very familiar with. Some I've only touched on occasionally and a lot that I've never heard of some of which I'll be tracking down.
I'm especially pleased by the "Next Stop" and "After That" notes at the end of each recording. It's a nifty way to figure out other groups you might like when you enjoyed an album.
There are a lot of musicians that I think ought to have made it in to the list that aren't here. And there are a few that I question. (Zappa's only entry is his live album?!?!?) But the author is pretty clear about the fact that his criteria is completely subjective.
(On a personal note: The Beatles have 5 entries. Van Halen has none. Make of that what you will. And for those that don't understand, you may want to review my friends list.)
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