A Potpourri of Melodies and Mayhem: Latin American and Canadian Rock, Pop, Beat, R&B, Folk, Garage, Psych and Prog 1963-1976

Musicologist and author Vernon Joynson's 2008 title "Dreams, Fantasies And Nightmares From Far Away Lands Revisited" has been put to bed and replaced by two titles. The first "A Melange Of Musical Pipedreams And Pandemonium" was released earlier this year. The second, title, "A Potpourri Of Melodies And Mayhem" covers Latin American and Canadian rock, pop, beat, R&B, folk, garage, psych and prog rock 1963-1976 and is reviewed here.It is also important to note that while the book mainly covers the period 1963-1976 in terms of detailed discographies; releases and bibliographical information about the bands and artists featured in the book that continued to record beyond this time-frame are included too, albeit not in quite such detail.Whilst some may be sad that “Dreams …”, which has been out of print for many years now, will never be updated again, the good news is that the demise of "Dreams" has given birth to two new titles,first "A Melange Of Musical Pipedreams And Pandemonium" covered Australia, New Zealand, Africa, Turkey and The Middle East. The second of these "A Potpourri......" greatly expands the coverage of bands from Latin America and Canada."Potpourri" follows the same format of author Vernon Joynson's expanded two volume edition of "Tapestry Of Delights" so far as the information contained in each individual entry is concerned. This means it contains detailed discographies (encompassing albums, EPs and 45s, original releases and reissues), bibliographies, comments regarding their music, compilation appearances, and an up-to-date rarity scale for all albums releases between 1963 and 1976 for each entry. There are also excellent descriptions of the careers and music of the majority of bands/artists featured. The 12-page full color section of album artwork photos is joined by copious numbers of black and white photos in the individual band entries. For the devoted music collectors, as well as casual music fans, this is invaluable information.The handsome, softbound book, 896 pages in length, with its striking front cover retails for 55 pounds sterling, but, there are many fine online book sellers offering the tome at a greatly discounted price. It is worth seeking these out to get yourselves the best deal you can The retail price is slightly higher than its predecessor "A Melange Of Musical Pipedreams And Pandemonium" but this is due to the book being considerably, 128 pages, greater in length.Proudly joining Joynson's other incredible rock music encyclopedia, "Fuzz, Acid And Flowers" "Tapestry Of Delights," and the previously mentioned "A Melange Of Musical Pipedreams And Pandemonium" this massive volume is absolutely jam packed with information, all available within finger tip range. A most impressive addition indeed, I cannot recommend this work highly enough. Many, many hours were spent collecting data, translating languages, listening to the relevant music, collecting and publishing photographs of bands and album artwork alike. Be sure to pick up a copy before this tome goes out of print and prices skyrocket as they have when his previous works have gone out of print. I guarantee you will not be disappointed.

Cuba, Barbados? I can think of a few bands worthy of inclusion. I doubt they were included in the US tome. Easily overlooked as there is CV confusion as to which subcontinent the Caribbean falls under. Admittedly not substantial enough to warrant its own volume though. Not much point in scanning recent compilations, you might as well scan the original labels the singles were sourced from.The word-for-word Spanish and French translations often border on the ridiculous. Maybe consult with native speakers next time?

This was a birthday gift for my husband who collects books such as this. He was absolutely thrilled as it completed a collection.

Vernon Joynson is the bomb when it comes to books covering the music of this period and this book is no exception. Waiting patiently for one covering Europe!