Looking for the Perfect Beat : The Art and Culture of the DJ

Rating:
Summary: I expected more!
Review: For those wishing a more comprehensive history on DJ culture, you will be better served by reading "Last Night A DJ Saved My Life". I expected a lot more from this book, although I did like the informal structure of the book as it reads as if the author was having a conversation with a room full of DJs. But it contains so many DJ's that no one has ever heard of...and I get the feeling that the nightclub DJ is not well represented...nor is the music industry itself. The section on record pools is abysmal! After 27 years in the music industry, I may be a little jaded, but I expect a person to at least get it right.

Rating:
Summary: Beginers Only
Review: I am going on my 2nd reading of this book and I got 10x more out of it the second time around, it's truly fascinating how it takes you on a journey from early 70's and the first "true" DJ's all the way to the present state of dance music. Meet over 40 DJ's in interviews from all types of genres along with comments from the cream of the crop in the DJ world throughout the entire book. If you are a DJ, this book is a MUST....if you are thinking about getting into DJing or love the dance music scene this book is also a must (but in small letters). Every DJ is in search of that perfect mix and not the "train wreck" and this book is far from a train wreck like some of the other reviewers had referred to. I'm sure if you appreciate the DJ culture that you will also appreciate this great read.

Rating:
Summary: Superb, comprehensive, lively!
Review: I really don't think anyone could ask for a better introduction to the how, the who, the why, the when of DJing. Reighley has definitely done his homework, as demonstrated from both the thorough retelling of DJ history and the numerous interviews with top-flight DJs, and that's exactly what I expected considering his past work. What really took me by surprise was the wealth of information he gathered (again, mostly from interviews with Big Name DJs mixed with his own experience) for those interested in starting out as DJs, from selection of mics and mixers to tips on establishing and maintaining a vinyl arsenal. And the fact that I enjoyed reading this so...much even though I have no interest in being a DJ myself speaks well of the quality of writing and the numerous insights into the nature of modern dance music.

Rating:
Summary: Beginers Only
Review: I've been spining records for well over 15 years in one of the hardest and most competitive markets in the USA(SF,Ca). It is a good book for the clueless DJ, but I wish there where more profiles of the Pioneering and Independent Blue collar DJ's less on the DJ as part of a band(DJ with a major label contract). And where is the LARRY LEVAN, WALTER GIBBONS, RON HARDY, FRANKIE, TONY, JELLYBEAN and GRANDMASTER FLASH profiles, ommiting these guys is a sin. Also the author should have included a section on the DJ as producer (D.I.T.C. crew). The words of wisdom by Fracios K and David Mancuso are the only redeaming factors of this book. It seems this book has a hidden agenda, promote dj's who are who don't need it. Most of the profiles and quotes are from New Schoolers who were never into music until they took there first "E" (Dj Rap). This book has a good idea but it doesn't even begin to scratch the surface of the craft.

Rating:
Summary: Great Light Reading.
Review: This book is great for picking up between breaks from spinning, or for reading on the way to work on the train while you think about your turntables at home, but it's not an in-depth account of DJing like "Last Night a DJ Saved My Life."
I felt the author was enthusiastic about the music and was knowledgeable of its history, but the "Meet the DJ" sections and the hundreds of quotes sometimes hindered the flow of the mix.
I consider this book a companion to other DJ books.

Rating:
Summary: Almost interesting, not too helpful
Review: This is simply the most amazing book on DJ culture ever written. Kurt Reighley's book, with its series of quoted excerpts from real, live top DJs, mixed with his cutting insights and scintillating bios of key players in the evolution of DJ culture offers a nice balance.