Having read this version, the 1979 edition, and the 1992 ‘Album Guide’ from cover to cover (literally) more than once I can say with educated, informed certainty (well, as far as subjectivity
goes) that this is the superior version.
As for the 2004 edition, it either was too boring to remember or I gave up hope after reading 92’s reviews.
Of course, in terms of music reviews, this book – and indeed all printed review guides – is irrelevant; made so by the internet and the “age of information”.
But to me, it holds more than a nostalgic charm. I don’t even care about MANY of the musicians/groups reviewed, but the reviews themselves are often, to me, works of art in themselves. They are written, much like R. Christgau’s printed guides, with REAL feeling; very subjective and very opinionated.
Why is that better than a completely objective approach? Because an “objective” approach to music is sterile. It is clean, logical, unemotional…everything that most music is NOT.
Music is about feeling, and so is this. Something that many people need to be reminded of.
Superior to the ’79 version because it’s more expansive and references changes in reviews from 79-83.
Superior to the ’92 version because it has spirit, spark. You know…soul.
As I’ve said to/about more than one entity, if you want a camp follower’s A+++ for every recording, best to get a camp follower to write it…not a critic. And if you want a sterile, objective “analysis”…you have my pity.
And, to paraphrase R. Christgau: Why are you reading this blog?
Grade: A