The Best Music You've Never Heard

by Nigel Williamson

The Rough Guide to the Best Music You've Never Heard is a winning collection of amazing stories of tragic mavericks and unlucky contenders, highlighting hundreds of lost classics and hidden gems.

The guide traces the musicians who fell by the wayside; from the bands that could have been The Beatles to the acts that were better than the acts that made it. Find out why David Ackles is the Elton John that never was (and why Elton John agrees). Clue-up on the infamous lost albums from some of rock's biggest stars and discover the tales of the side-projects by famous artists that got away, not to mention the cult albums reviled at the time they were released…that are actually really good.

Frank and opinionated, the guide is packed with playlists, includes stylish archive photos as well as contributions from music industry insiders including Bat for Lashes. If you're looking for great new music, this book will show it to you. If you think you've heard it all, it'll put you to the test.

Genres: Music, Nonfiction, Reference, 21st Century, History

276 pages, Paperback

First published October 20, 2008

Reviews

[Grant Ellis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I picked it up for a browse in my local library thinking it would be just like thousands of others - cheaply researched and written but I was pleasantly surprised and got it out. I discovered a few artists that I hadn't come across before. I liked the breadth of genres that it covered.

[Steven · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this particular Rough Guide made me seek out the artists listed within or explore those of which I've only had a passing familiarity. Many of these names have been cited regularly by the music press or bands themselves: Daniel Johnston, Yo La Tengo, Spacemen 3, etc. It's funny how the authors point out certain albums that, at press time, have yet come to light or certain artists that have been neglected, which have now been released or the focus of attention. (For example, they talk about Brian Wilson's SMiLE album, and there's a Judee Sill tribute album that will be released later this year.) In the end, the book accomplishes its goal of giving me more than sufficient reasons to hunt for the artists awaiting a rediscovery.

[Owen Spencer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book showcases highly talented musical artists who somehow failed to succeed commercially. Fortunately, the passage of time has resulted in an increased awareness of these artists, and their recordings are now (finally) beginning to sell. I was aware of only about 1/4 of the artists in this book (and I know far more about popular 20th Century music than the average person), so it was an exciting read. Most of this music really SHOULD have been popular if there was any justice. If you love 20th Century music (especially rock and pop post-1960) you should definitely check this book out from your local library (or buy it).

[Phil Overeem · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good, but too heavy on prog and folk and too obvious in other places. No Swamp Dogg???? No country (Stoney Edwards???) It's Limeys what put it together, so we can forgive a little. I have already ordered a few things from it.

[Kwoomac · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can think of nothing more fun than discovering music I'm not yet familiar with. Best to read this book in front of the computer so you can youtube the various artists. I've found some new favorites as a result. A great reference book.

[Calvin]

Im not sure if it says something about me or Williamson that I had Albums by more than half the people in the book.

[PJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like that the Rough Guides website has streaming audio of a selection of the artists and songs mentioned in the book. That's easier than trying to track down this elusive music.

[Alana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Found some really good music that i would have probably not have been exposed to otherwise.