Energy Flash: A Journey Through Rave Music and Dance Culture

Energy Flash: A Journey Through Rave Music and Dance Culture

4.21 of 5 stars 4.21  ·  rating details  ·  137 ratings  ·  8 reviews
Energy Flash is the story of rave culture. The first critical history of the music as well as the drugs, Energy Flash charts the journey from Chicago house and Detroit techno to the blissed-out daze of acid house and 'Madchester', through the mass hysteria of early nineties hardcore rave and the birth of jungle, right up to today's glorious confusion of styles and scenes;...more
Paperback, 493 pages
Published 1998 by Picador
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Francis
I use this book regularly in my research around mdma, ecstasy, rave culture etc. there's a depth of information here that is vital. i'd also recommend his account of Sadie Plant, Nick Land and the cybernetic culture research unit at Warwick University:
http://energyflashbysimonreynolds.blo...
Zach
Only decided to read select chapters, but here's my take on what I read.

The topic wasn't really down my alley, after all, but a lot of what Reynolds had to say about the ecstasy and rave culture was interesting. There were times when he name-drops left and right, making it hard to keep track of who's who. The writing, at times, can also get somewhat boring. Otherwise,

Overall, he profiles the scenes in Chicago, New York, and the U.K. completely and goes through all of the further influence rave...more
David
THE history of the Uk acid-house movement insightfully analysed and dissected by perhaps the best writer on musi cthat there is - Reynold's approach strikes a great balance between academic rigour and an immensely readable style. His books on post-punk and nostalgia/pop culture are equally impressive.
Joe
Apr 20, 2009 Joe is currently reading it
I'm gonna nail this one this summer. Lovin it so far - eye opening in detail, but I feel a little undersold on the narrative structure. I'll probably pick up the new edition to find out whether he can take it further than triphop and d'n'b (two very dead sounds...).
Ludovico
'Ardkore you know the score!!!
Fundmental compendium for anyone interested in the so called rave culture. Nice dot connecting between the drug (ab)use, the society and the music. The chapters on the Hardcore and Drum n bass scene gave me goose skin...
Kyle
As a detailed and passionate trip through a long history of dance culture, this is a great read. As an introduction to dance genres/culture for newbies, it will prove daunting in its scope and intellect. 'Energy Flash' is more for those already interested and versed in EDM; in that sense, reading it is like talking to an impassioned friend while sharing a pint.
Edmole
Reading Simon Reynolds is as enjoyable as anything he writes about. And he writes about some enjoyable things. Look at the cover of this book though, right - IT'S ABOUT DRUGS. LOOK AT IT. DRUGS.
Amar Pai
This is the British edition. The American version was republished as "Generation Ecstasy" or some such.
Dima Shumov
May 09, 2013 Dima Shumov marked it as to-read
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Linda
May 01, 2013 Linda is currently reading it
James Elliott
May 01, 2013 James Elliott is currently reading it  ·  review of another edition
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Apr 30, 2013 Nova deViator marked it as to-read
Shelves: wishlist
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Energy Flash: A Journey Through Rave Music And Dance Culture (Paperback)
Energy Flash: A Journey Through Rave Music and Dance Culture (Paperback)
Energy Flash: A Journey Through Rave Music and Dance Culture (Kindle Edition)
Energy Flash: A Journey Through Rave Music and Dance Culture (ebook)
Energy Flash: A Journey Through Rave Music and Dance Culture (Paperback)

Simon Reynolds is one of the most respected music journalists working today, and his writing is both influential and polarizing. He draws on an impressive range of knowledge, and writes with a fluid, engaging style. His books Rip it Up and Start Again and Generation Ecstasy are well-regarded works about their respective genres, and RETROMANIA may be his most broadly appealing book yet. It makes an...more
More about Simon Reynolds...
Rip It Up and Start Again Retromania: Pop Culture's Addiction to Its Own Past Generation Ecstasy Totally Wired: Post Punk Interviews And Overviews The Sex Revolts: Gender, Rebellion, and Rock 'n' Roll

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