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In the Country of Country: A Journey to the Roots of American MusicIn the Country of Country: A Journey to the Roots of American Music by Nicholas Dawidoff
Buy new: $11.96 / Used from: $2.37
Part travelogue, part history, part biography. Readable, entertaining and intelligent.
All Music Guide to Country: The Definitive Guide to Country MusicAll Music Guide to Country: The Definitive Guide to Country Music
Buy used from: $24.16
An essential reference book for those starting out down the country road.
The Rough Guide to Country: 100 Essential CDs (Rough Guide 100 Esntl CD Guide)The Rough Guide to Country: 100 Essential CDs (Rough Guide 100 Esntl CD Guide) by Kurt Wolff
Buy used from: $14.28
A REAL gem. Wolff is a great companion for those beginning to explore country. Passionate, intelligent and informative without being condescending.
Heartaches by the Number: Country Music's 500 Greatest SinglesHeartaches by the Number: Country Music's 500 Greatest Singles by David Cantwell
Buy new: $21.24 / Used from: $5.84
You may balk at some of the choices and some of the interpretative readings of songs may stick in your throat - but this is a great and interesting read.
The Encyclopedia of Country Music: The Ultimate Guide to the MusicThe Encyclopedia of Country Music: The Ultimate Guide to the Music
Buy new: $26.37 / Used from: $10.55
From the Country Music Hall of Fame people. Nuff said.
The Rough Guide to Country Music (Rough Guide Music Guides)The Rough Guide to Country Music (Rough Guide Music Guides) by Kurt Wolff
Buy used from: $3.75
Contains some great essays on country music's many sub-genres.
Country: The Twisted Roots Of Rock 'n' RollCountry: The Twisted Roots Of Rock 'n' Roll by Nick Tosches
Buy new: $13.36 / Used from: $5.98
Compulsive, compelling, weird and absolutely wonderful.
Southwest ShuffleSouthwest Shuffle by Rich Kienzle
Buy new: $27.95 / Used from: $18.73
Fascinating study of those musicians on the jazzier side of country. Kienzle also contributes informative liner notes to the Columbia Country Classics series listed below.
The NPR Curious Listener's Guide To American Folk MusicThe NPR Curious Listener's Guide To American Folk Music by Kip Lornell
Buy used from: $0.90
Tattooed on Their Tongues: Journey Through the Backrooms of American MusicTattooed on Their Tongues: Journey Through the Backrooms of American Music by Colin Escott
Buy used from: $9.99
What Colin Escott doesn't know about American music just ain't worth knowing.
Columbia Country Classics, Vol. 1: The Golden AgeColumbia Country Classics, Vol. 1: The Golden Age by Various Artists
Buy used from: $2.75
The first of a series of five fine compilations which, taken as a whole, provide a hugely enjoyable starting place for your country journey. Rich Kienzle supplies useful liner notes for all five CDs.
Columbia Country Classics, Vol. 2: Honky Tonk HeroesColumbia Country Classics, Vol. 2: Honky Tonk Heroes by Various Artists
Buy used from: $3.59
Columbia Country Classics, Vol. 3: AmericanaColumbia Country Classics, Vol. 3: Americana by Various Artists
Buy used from: $1.95
Columbia Country Classics, Vol. 4: Nashville SoundColumbia Country Classics, Vol. 4: Nashville Sound by Various Artists
Buy used from: $1.90
Columbia Country Classics, Vol. 5: A New TraditionColumbia Country Classics, Vol. 5: A New Tradition by Various Artists
Buy used from: $17.39
Country Music PeopleCountry Music People
Buy new: $84.30
A monthly magazine published here in the UK. Includes news, features, interviews and a reviews section which is, in my opinion, second to none.