Guinness British Hit Singles - David Roberts (Editor)

DID YOU KNOW? The first edition of the Guinness Book of British Hit Singles was published in 1977. The 13th edition includes singles up to 1999 and is an essential party tool. We have spent many a drunken evening asking music trivia questions. You can even make it into a party game! It is equally great if you want a quiet evening in, as it is quite compulsive reading (or maybe I am an anorak!) This edition has a whopping 544 pages and retails for £13, but is usually available cheaper if you hunt around. It is easy to read and has lots of interesting pictures. The book is split up into lots of fascinating chapters and has something for everyone. ...  Read the complete review

It is a shame that this book has not brought out a new edition for years, meaning that any information you want about new music or chart positions has to be done by roaming aimlessly around the Internet, which can be a right nuisance. What is the book then: The book is an a-z of British hit singles since the time UK charts began, which I understand is 1956. Several editions of the book have been published and each one brings it closer up to date, inducting new artists and chart positions into the pages. How is it set out: Vey easy to use, it starts with the letter A and works through to Z. So you will see all the hits ABC have ...  Read the complete review

Released in early 2001, the 14th edition of "British Hit Singles" covers all Official chart positions from when it started in the early 50's. So, if you were wondering what position Madonna's "Holiday" single got to (in the official UK top 40, you would search for Madonna (the book's in alphabetical order so it's very simple) and then there would be a list of all her singles. The list simply is set out like this: 14 Jan 84- Holiday- Sire- 6- 11 In order this is Date of release Name of track Company Highest Chart Position Weeks spent on chart Above the list, there is a brief biography ...  Read the complete review

I was recommended, Three Singing Pigs by Kaye Umansky, by a friend when I first began to teach music and singing to a group of 5-7 year olds. The book features 13 stories with musical elements; these range from simple rhymes to well known tunes to activities and games. Stories include: Little Red Hen, Three Billy Goats Gruff and the Hairy Scarey Castle. The stories cover musical elements such as pulse and rhythm, and explains how to present these concepts to young children. It also provides instructions on how to make simple instruments to produce sounds which accompany the stories. At the back of the book melody lines are also provided for each story. ...  Read the complete review