1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die: (edition 2011)

Now newly revised, this fascinating book is the ultimate critical guide to history's greatest albums, spanning more than fifty years of outstanding music across all genres, from the genesis of Fifties rock 'n' roll to the technological and electronic innovations of the 2000s. With inside knowledge and incisive criticism from ninety internationally acclaimed music journalists, this updated edition provides an indispensable companion to the music itself. Illustrated with more than 900 iconic images of album covers, bands and artists, 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die is a must-have for the musically inspired.

Freshly revised and updated - and now in its seventh year - 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die is your essential guide to the best recorded music. You'll find a mouth-watering choice of listening here: from Miles Davis's jazz landmark Kind of Blue (1959) to The White Stripes' triumphant Elephant (2003), alongside groundbreaking releases by contemporary artists. Explore musical history from the symphonic pop of The Beach Boys' Pet Sounds to the gargantuan grunge of Nirvana's Nevermind.
As well as the acknowledged milestones without which no collection is complete, you'll discover many unexpected treats, such as Einstürzende Neubauten's power tool-enhanced soundscapes and Aphex Twin's sonic troublemaking.
1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die pays homage to the forces that have shaped the world of contemporary music and dips into a multitude of genres - incorporating a vast quota of rock and pop, but also slices of jazz, funk, punk, disco, soul, hip-hop, experimental directions, world music, and a wide cross section of dance music. Detailed descriptions of each album are accompanied by fascinating insights and trivia. What did Time magazine consider the twentieth century's greatest album? Which anthem by Prince was an attempt to emulate Bob Seger? And what links Count Basie and Batman? Relive Bob Dylan's darkly visionary Highway 61 Revisited, recorded in 1965 in an America at war with itself as well as Vietnam. Skip forward to Johnny Cash's remarkable renaissance in the 1990s and Ali Farka Touré's final masterpiece.
From lesser-known cult gems to acknowledged "classics", this new edition of 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die opens up a world of inspirational music for you to discover.