 |
| Recommended
Reading |
| General Canadian History |
| Released in conjunction with a four CD
compilation to commemorate the 25th anniversary of The
Juno Awards, "Oh What A Feeling" features a year
by year chronological account of Canada's music history
as well as information on the Juno Awards from 1971 to
1996. Though lacking specific information like the day
and month associated to an event, this book is still an
excellent historical reference ; A great addition to the
recent "Oh What A Feeling II" compilation. This
book is available from Music Books Plus and Amazon. |
| If general biographical information is
more to your linking, then you'll enjoy "The
Encyclopedia of Canadian Rock, Pop and Folk Music"
by Rick Jackson (author of the "Encyclopedia of Canadian
Country Music"). A more recent version of this book can
be found online at Canoe but I always like to have a
hard copy. A great gift for the Canadian music fan. A
new revised version will be available soon from Music Books Plus and Amazon.ca |
| Last but not least are "Top 40 Hits:
The Essential Charts Guide" and "Top Albums: The
Essential Charts Guide" by chart researcher Nanda
Lwyn. If it was in the singles charts in Canada from
1975 to 1999 or in the album charts in Canada from 1977
to 2002 then it is likely listed in this book, by
artist, date and peak chart position. Every radio
station, pop music historian and biographer should have
these books. Both books are available from Music Books Plus or Chapters-Indigo. |
| Biographies |
| A hometown favorite, Alanis
Morissette has been one of my favorite Canadian
songwriters and female vocalists since her beginnings as
a pop artist. Back when I was the first person to write
a discography (videography) for her for the net (for the
now defunct site for cult children’s program “You Can’t
Do That On Television”), I was quite surprised when I
heard she had signed to Madonna’s new label for such a
large advance ; $10 million dollars - An amount rarely
given to a Canadian pop artist at the time. But history
speaks for itself ; From a pop tot on local television
variety program “Homegrown Café” and target for “green
slime” to her multiple Diamond certifications and Juno
Award wins, “Alanis Morissette: A
Biography” by Paul Cantin has it
all. This book is available from Amazon.com. |
| “Celine Dion - My
Story” by Georges-Hébert Germain
& Celine Dion is another noteworthy biography. From
her childhood in Charlemagne, through her françophone
pop career in Quebec and Europe to one of the most
recognizable names in the world, this book details her
life and career, further than the previous authorized
biography by the same author that was published in 1997,
and includes personal revelations related to her
“retirement” and the unfortunate incident of her
husband’s cancer. Being mostly a fan of her french
material, I of course prefer the original french version
of this and the previous biography, “Ma Vie, Mon
Rêve” and “Céline”, which are available from Archambault, but the english versions are available from
Amazon.com in Hardcover & Paperback. |
| Music Industry |
| If you are in a band or want a job in
the music industry, the first book I believe you should
purchase is The Indie Band Bible by Moist
guitarist Mark Makoway. Filling the void left by the
lack of a more recent “Some Straight Talk About The
Music Business” by Canadian author Mona Coxson, this
excellent book contains vital information for
independent bands and more. Definitely recommended, even
for those who are just curious about the music industry
in Canada. |
| “Music , Money &
Success” is as described, “The
Insider’s Guide To The Music Industry”. A more
intermediate guide to the industry, this book by
industry experts Jeffrey and Todd Barbec explains the
inner workings of this industry in a more in-depth
manner than The Indie Band Bible , yet in a
comprehensive, laymen’s manner. Though not Canadian, it
contains general information that can be used by
Canadians, especially those who wish to market their
talents to the States. The more recent paperback
version is available from Amazon.ca and Amazon.com. |
And finally, for those looking for
connections in the industry, I would recommend
“Music Directory Canada, Eighth
Edition”. An incredible source
of information, this affordable book contains contact
information for most of Canada’s labels (both major and
indie), distributors, publishers, radio stations (both
commercial and campus), venues (including some clubs),
associations, etc.
|
This book would be a great addition
to the aforementioned guides to the industry,
accompanied by "The Indie Bible", an international
contact guide by Canadian author David Wimble that
includes several essential internet contacts and various
articles by top industry experts. |
|
| BTW, a quick reference to music
industry terminology is available : "The Dictionary of Music
Business Terms” is an excellent
reference guide for those just starting in the industry.
This book is available from Amazon.ca and Amazon.com. |
| Miscellaneous |
| Music Online is a great book for
people who have just started using the Internet. This
book by Canadian author Frank Lenk includes information
as well as web site addresses related to music on the
Internet. This book is available from Amazon.ca and Amazon.com. | |
| | |
