Electro Shock!

By Greg Rule

This compelling book explores the innovative performers of the past three decades who have used synthesizers to create new music that inspired and influenced the masses. The book treats fans to conversations with some of the biggest electronic hitmakers since the '70s: Chemical Brothers, Trent Reznor, Aphex Twin, and others. Each profile spotlights the artist's most prized electronic gear with a photo, historical details, and specifications. Includes an essential electronica listening guide and 50 black & white photos. 240 pages, 7 3/8″ x 9 1/4″

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0879305827
• ISBN13: 9780879305826
• Release Date: April 1999
• Publisher: Backbeat Books
• Length: 248 Pages
• Weight: 1.20 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 7.4" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

Interesting peek inside some very creative minds

This book was a great read. I got it because I love electronic music and it was interesting to learn all the origins of some of synths. The cool thing about the book is that you really get a very specific, articulated description of how the artists came up with their sounds and the processes they follow. The only bad thing is that some of it is so in depth that at points it reads the synth's owner's manual and goes on and on about the tech specs to a point where it's very dry. BUT the artist's interviews absolutely make up for that and for this reason I reccomend this book if you want to find out how electronic music began and evolved to what it was in the late 90's.

Electro Shocked My Socks Off!

This is an excellent chance to learn about the music, gear, and artists behind the phenomenon known as electronica. Everything from the the primordial creators of the genre to it's wide-spread, present-day personalities. Rule's interviews are always informative yet personal, thus allowing the reader to learn not just the hard music facts but the personal details just as well. The equipment reviews are equally entertaining and informative. Rule goes above and beyond the usual instrument critiques by releasing its birthplace, birthdate, measurements, price, availability, lengthy description, and often an interview of a person(s)who played a part in the production of the unit. As both an electronica fan and musician, I was able to extract knowledge and entertainment from this book. I experienced no "tedious reading" while exploring this book--it was a grand safari. I reccomend this book to any one that remotely enjoys electronica or would like to more about the genre.