While browsing the new site I noticed how much I am missing the book section of the old site. I think it was a really splendid advisor, and I would not mind it having a comeback as well.
In the meantime, some recent purchases:
Gordon King: When Does the Mind-Bending Start?: The Life and Times of World of Twist
Brox+1 - Berlin Possibility
Trevor Horn - Adventures In Modern Recording
Paul Morley- From Manchester With Love
Matt Anniss - Join The Future
Thanks for the tips. I’m reading the Paul Morley and will pontificate on that shortly. We’ve got all the old reviews and I’d like them to see the light of day again. It’s just a matter of what format – now we’ve got these longer pieces, and ones with author interviews. Those 150 word reviews were fun tho. I’m sure we’ll squeeze them back in somewhere.
I’m halfway through the DIY Soundsystem book, Dreaming in Yellow by Harry Harrison. It’s really interesting to see how the house soundsystems like them and Tonka grew and were linked to the traveller scene.
Got Nightfly: The Life of Steely Dan’s Donald Fagen on top of my stack, ready to go as soon as I get through the novel I’m reading. I’ll definitely be reading the Trevor Horn book, and I’m waiting on the paperback edition of John Lurie’s book to come out.
I’m sure you’re all familiar with the title, and anyone who has put on a party in the back room of a pub for ten mates will surely relate.
What surprised me though, was just how much warmth and empathy Harold has for the scene and how this comes across in his writing. The tales of putting do’s on in venues owned by villains and paid gigs in awful bars are all there, but what elevates this book is the passion, past and present, he has for what he was doing. Essential reading.
I thought it (Long Relationships) was about the most accurate depiction of the acid house/rave scene for most of us out there. Those who never quite managed to make the top tiers. Highly recommended.
Just started it. Used to go to loads of DiY and Smokescreen parties which were always excellent. Didn’t go to many of the illegal ones in the woods though much to my regret nowadays.
Despite living in Sheffield, Nottingham & near Nottingham & having loads of friends in commoun I didnt go to many but I did go to to this one & now walk my dog at 6.30 am every day past where it was!
In general I love the ethos of crusty raver crews, but their music is usually fucking awful, so I’ve always seen DiY as a delightful anomaly. Respect to Velocity Press.