Moments in Time 2.0
Tom Locke
Hub Consulting Services (2024)
ISBN: 978-1777827335
Reviewed by Joan Kirschner for Reader Views (06/2025)
5* – A Musical Journey That’s Perfectly in Tune
Moments in Time 2.0 is the thoroughly delightful sequel to Canadian author Tom Locke’s first book on the classics of pop and rock music, Moments in Time. I was unaware of that volume, but undoubtedly it is at least as enjoyable as this one, so it is now high on my to-be-read list. Both books focus on the music of the rock and roll era, referencing its beginnings in the 1950s, though this volume is mainly concerned with the 1960s through the 1980s.
Moments in Time 2.0 is the print version of weekly audio segments the author presents on Treasure Island Oldies, a Canadian resource focused on the history of popular music: https://www.treasureislandoldies.com/newsite/moments-in-time/. Since Locke lists the original air dates of his presentations with each vignette in the book, this is useful background information for readers who may wish to hear them.
The book follows a unique format. It devotes two pages of backstory to each artist that Locke features, with each vignette (or story, as the author refers to them) concluding with a QR code that allows the reader to listen to a song that’s been highlighted. Not only are the stories fun, informative reading for music fans, but being able to immediately hear the song Locke discusses is a wonderful bonus. While some of the songs will bring back memories, others might be more obscure and will bring something new to the reader. The author expresses a remarkable grasp of both pop culture and music history that will be sure to engage readers with those interests.
Locke has cleverly grouped his stories by creating a unifying theme or topic, leading off, for example, with what he calls ‘The “Bobby” Era.’ All the artists featured in this grouping were Bobbys, and if you, the reader, are of a certain age, you will most likely recall them and their big hits, which are now, of course, truly Golden Oldies.
In addition to Locke’s stories and musical selections, Moments in Time 2.0 has been attractively designed with musical graphics and an easy-to-read typeface, which are both appropriate and complementary to the content.
For music aficionados, particularly those of the Baby Boomer generation, it will really be a delight, as well as a nostalgic trip down memory lane, to immerse themselves in this book. Locke is a clever writer and gifted storyteller.
Moments in Time 2.0 is chock-full of insider anecdotes. Reading the book is a reminder of the radio programs of earlier decades when nationally known disc jockeys like Wolfman Jack and Cousin Brucie Morrow broadcast personality-flavored programs on powerful AM stations that reverberated across the country. Many then-teenagers,
this reviewer included, once listened to those programs while lingering with friends in our cars, or alone late at night by the light of the radio dial in a darkened bedroom when the rest of the household was asleep. This book is for all of us who share those memories.
The past few years have seen the passing of many famous artists who made their mark in the 60s, 70s, and 80s. We have lost musical greats including Tina Turner, Denny Laine, Roberta Flack, and most recently, Sly Stone and Brian Wilson. Wilson was especially widely remembered in many obituaries and with tributes in internet postings by other leading musicians, both his contemporaries and younger artists. Last week, as I was reading Moments in Time 2.0 by Tom Locke, and put the book aside for the night, Wilson’s death was announced. When I returned to it the next evening, I found that the very next story was one about Wilson – and I really did feel the magic of those “Good Vibrations” once again.