Rating: 
Summary: Must-Own
Review: If you library doesn't have a copy, give your inter-library-loan librarian some job security and request the library find you a copy outside their system. I got my first glimpse at Powell's Encyclopedia that way. I was in it every night before dozing off. I really didn't look forward to the day I had to return it. That day did come, and I ordered my own copy that night. The book lives up to its Encyclopedia title. It gives bios and histories, musical reviews and more. Almost every musician who's impacted Christian music (CCM/rock) is mentioned. Some might even surprise you: Alice Cooper, Little Richard, Donna Summer, U-2, Bob Dylan. The book's current enough that it mentions Ginny Owens' first two CDs, and even Rock and Roll Worship Circus's independent work. The only drawbacks I noted were that the book didn't list various awards like the Dove, or the big festivals like Cornerstone. Those areas could have gotten a bit of attention. Powell could also have included a history of Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) and how it technically doesn't include Gospel or Southern Gospel which "could" really claim being contemporary, Christian, and music. My computer precluded my loading the accompanying CD-ROM, so I can't comment on that. Hopefully, when my computer gets fixed and I receive my personal copy, I'll find the missing awards/history/festivals information.
Rating:
Summary: Must-Own
Review: If you library doesn't have a copy, give your inter-library-loan librarian some job security and request the library find you a copy outside their system. I got my first glimpse at Powell's Encyclopedia that way. I was in it every night before dozing off. I really didn't look forward to the day I had to return it. That day did come, and I ordered my own copy that night. The book lives up to its Encyclopedia title. It gives bios and histories, musical reviews and more. Almost every musician who's impacted Christian music (CCM/rock) is mentioned. Some might even surprise you: Alice Cooper, Little Richard, Donna Summer, U-2, Bob Dylan. The book's current enough that it mentions Ginny Owens' first two CDs, and even Rock and Roll Worship Circus's independent work. The only drawbacks I noted were that the book didn't list various awards like the Dove, or the big festivals like Cornerstone. Those areas could have gotten a bit of attention. Powell could also have included a history of Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) and how it technically doesn't include Gospel or Southern Gospel which "could" really claim being contemporary, Christian, and music. My computer precluded my loading the accompanying CD-ROM, so I can't comment on that. Hopefully, when my computer gets fixed and I receive my personal copy, I'll find the missing awards/history/festivals information.
Rating: 
Summary: This is huge!
Review: Just the fact that this book now exists is cause for celebration. I'm sure many have thought "Someone needs to write a guide to Christian Music" through the years, but having the time and the means to do so was another thing. Well, those of us who have spent hours and hours reading and referring to the Rolling Stone Record Guide, The Music Hound Essential Rock Album Guide, The Mojo Collection or any other "guide" books now have a Christian equilivant. And man, is it quite a read! Over 1,000 pages and more than 1,000 artists/groups covered. I just got my copy a few days ago, so I've only had the chance to skim through it, but I'm looking forward to getting more in-depth in the coming weeks (months?). My first impressions are that this is a really well researched and written book. Like previous reviewers, I found that the author's biases are pretty obvious, but not unexpected in an undertaking of this size. A quick glance found several factual mistakes - crediting the wrong David Huff on the Disco Saints releases (it was session guitarist extrodinare and Giant member Huff who headed this up, not the guy from David and the Giants), placing keyboardist Tony Banks in Yes instead of Genesis, referring to Koinonia's Abe Laboriel as a guitarist instead of the incredible bassist he is (even though he's listed as the bassist in the Koinonia group description) to name a few that popped up on first read through. There were also some artists and releases omitted which caught me by surprise - rappers BPM, techno greats Paradigim Shift, early alternative rockers Black and White World and (Christian) blues pioneers Q-Stone, as well as the afore mentioned Koiniona's 1992 self-titled release on Blue Moon. Again, some mistakes and omissions are bound to come along when this much information is being dissiminated. Enough nit-picking, though. This book is truly a Godsend for anyone who cares about Christian music. The scope of the research that was done is incredible to think about. In the end, it's a captivating read and will prove to be an invaluable resource. Thank you Professor Powell for taking on such a project and seeing it to fruition! Now, if there were only someone out there brave enough to review and rate the albums referred to in this book, using stars or numbered ratings (like the Rolling Stone guides). As far as I know, nothing like that for Christian music has ever existed. Any takers?
Rating:
Summary: For Any Christian Who Likes Rock And Roll
Review: This book is an absolute treasure-an incredible achievement! Over 1900 entries containing everything that anyone could ever want to know about any artist even remotely connected with Christian music. There are full, lengthy entries on all of the big name Christian stars (Steven Curtis Chapman, DC Talk, Amy Grant, etc.). There are also appropriate listings of mainstream artists whose recordings have sometimes dealt explicitly with matters of faith (Creed, U2, and lots of different country and R&B stars). There are reminiscences and updates on long-forgotten Christian artists from years ago-including those who only made a single album and then disappeared. And, best of all, there are major articles on the critics' favorites-edgy artists who don't get a lot of attention in the official Christian music scene but who have made some of the best music the field has to offer. If you're a Christian music fan-this is the book you've been waiting for! If you're skeptical about the whole Christian rock thing-well, then, this book is really for you! The author realizes that there are vast differences in quality and style-he knows that many of his readers will only like a smattering of what he includes. He doesn't try to sell the music, but he helps you find which of the artists will be most to your liking. He also has an uproarious sense of humor that makes reading the book a delight. He obviously loves the music but he doesn't take it too seriously. He is witty, provocative, and never, ever forgets that rock and roll (even Christian rock and roll) is supposed to be fun!
Rating:
Summary: Comprehensive, fair, but be prepared
Review: This is a wonderful and nostalgic book for long time CCM fans. Everybody is here. I have wasted hours poring thru it. The author is opinionated but fair in his reviews. But readers who share the popular evangelical views on abortion, homosexuality, and particularly eschatology (dispensational pre-millenialism a la Left Behind) may not see their perspectives reflected in the essays. A stellar work. I wish I could have had time to do such a fun project.
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