Peter Meltzer
has provided lovers of music from 1965-1975 with a treasure
trove of fascinating information in the form of questions
and answers. He is quick to point out that this is not a trivia
book, although I think it could be used as a source for a
trivia game if you had the right players who know the music
of that decade.
The book begins with an eleven-page introduction
that explains the format of the book and how Meltzer developed
his criteria for inclusion within. The introduction is followed
by 40 chapters over 375 pages, followed by end notes and a
thorough index for quick reference. I found the latter most
helpful when I wanted to see if my favorite bands were mentioned
and on what page or pages.
It is obvious that Meltzer, who is an attorney,
put his research skills to good use, and took his time (about
two years) to create a detailed and accurate book, which is
encyclopedic in many respects.
The book is indeed clever and will likely
provoke memories of the music of the period for those old
enough to remember the bands and songs of their youth, and
would provide an ample backdrop for teaching younger people
about music they may or may not know.
I could see Meltzer’s work being used
as a teaching tool, perhaps at a music school or even in a
general arts college course.
While I have not yet read every page, I can
assure you that I’m savoring each chapter and having
a blast while remembering some forgotten songs, and discovering
some obscure facts that I never knew about some of my favorite
music. I have even suggested to my husband that we quiz each
other on what we learn from the book and then use our newfound
knowledge to impress our friends! |
