Rating: 
Summary: Pity I trusted the reviews
Review: Too bad that I believed the good reviews of this book. I purchased it so that I could play guitar (the editorial review stated that it had guitar chords in an easy-to-use format) along with the songs. I have never seen a more poorly laid out book to try to play guitar to in my life! Confusing doesn't begin to describe it.
Take a look at the sample pages 3-29 (I wish I had), that is exactly how the material is presented. In my opinion, a terrible waste of money.
Rating:
Summary: Pity I trusted the reviews
Review: Too bad that I believed the good reviews of this book. I purchased it so that I could play guitar (the editorial review stated that it had guitar chords in an easy-to-use format) along with the songs. I have never seen a more poorly laid out book to try to play guitar to in my life! Confusing doesn't begin to describe it.
Take a look at the sample pages 3-29 (I wish I had), that is exactly how the material is presented. In my opinion, a terrible waste of money.
Rating: 
Summary: Essential!
Review: We have two copies in our household and plan to buy more. Make sure you get the spiral-bound version, though, because that holds up to actual use much better than the other one.This is the best book I've ever seen for singalongs, jam sessions, etc. There are songs in it that I've never heard, but that's because there are SO many songs! And I do wish that they'd put out a version (I know it would have to be several volumes) with at least the melody line for each song, but I understand the decision to just have the words and chords for most of the songs. The indices - by topic and performer - are very helpful. I found myself wishing for another index by time period last teek, though. I'm told that a new collection, Rise Up Singing II, I suppose, is in the works. I hope so! This one is getting a little dated (how relevant are most of the 60's protest songs today?) but is still a marvelous resource.
Rating:
Summary: one of my very favorites
Review: When I first came across the first edition, at the Philly FOlk Fest, I literally jumped up and down in excitement. They were sold out and while we waited for a new supply to arrive a friend and I sang our way through the sample book. I had to buy the second edition a few years ago because my original copy was falling apart, quite literally. (But I still have it; couldn't bear to throw it away.) The second ed adds a much-needed songwriter index. You couldn't play the songs in this book if you don't already know the tune, since only chords are listed for most songs. On the other hand I can't open to any page without finding songs I know (and usually, love). Many of these are songs you won't find in other songbooks. All are singable. Included songs run the gamut of folk music (and that includes trad, Celtic and other ethnicities, folk-rock, singer-songwriter, and on and on) as well as Motown, Tin Pan Alley, a few showtunes, and more. When I first came across the first edition, at the Philly FOlk Fest, I literally jumped up and down in excitement. They were sold out and while we waited for a new supply to arrive a friend and I sang our way through the sample book.
Rating:
Summary: Not all to everyone but I *love* it.
Review: With knowledge of most basic chords and a fondness for folky music (traditional & revival + related - old English/Irish, spirituals, 60s-70s pop) I'll page through for hours picking through these tunes.
I'm familiar with ~ 15% of the songs here but that's still loads. When I pick up a new Leadbelly CD or hear a classic on the radio I look it up and usually find it - dog ear another page.
Some of the reviews seem to be looking for a teaching guide. I wouldn't call S.O. that but if you're looking for a classic source of classic tunes, definitely pick this one up!
Rating:
Summary: Not all to everyone but I *love* it.
Review: With knowledge of most basic chords and a fondness for folky music (traditional & revival + related - old English/Irish, spirituals, 60s-70s pop) I'll page through for hours picking through these tunes.
I'm familiar with ~ 15% of the songs here but that's still loads. When I pick up a new Leadbelly CD or hear a classic on the radio I look it up and usually find it - dog ear another page.
Some of the reviews seem to be looking for a teaching guide. I wouldn't call S.O. that but if you're looking for a classic source of classic tunes, definitely pick this one up!
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