Nick's review
Rip It Up and Start Again: Post-Punk 1978-1984
by Simon Reynolds
Nick's review
Rip It Up and Start Again: Post-Punk 1978-1984 by Simon Reynolds
Nick's review
rating:
recommended for: amy rose, joseph o'leary, culture vultures
the unofficial sequel to PLEASE KILL ME, complete with matching cover design. Although not an oral history, the first three quarters of the book propelled me through some surprisingly interesting post-punk crevices with writerly panache; as noted elsewhere, this guy manages cultural history that borders on the literary. i got a little bored the last two chapters or so, as i imagine the author did: the swan song of vitality and passion is a slow drain.
but if you're into everything from lo-fi and DIY aesthetics, punk rock, glitterpop, 80s dance, or goth (or if you're currently digging on the new wave of synthpop, which is just about everyone i know) this is a great read - the early 80s had a lot more to offer musically than i'd ever expected, and some of the bands i'd been somewhat dismissive of take on a whole new sheen when so thoroughly contextualized. ps thanks for introducing me to the desperate bicycles, simon!
but if you're into everything from lo-fi and DIY aesthetics, punk rock, glitterpop, 80s dance, or goth (or if you're currently digging on the new wave of synthpop, which is just about everyone i know) this is a great read - the early 80s had a lot more to offer musically than i'd ever expected, and some of the bands i'd been somewhat dismissive of take on a whole new sheen when so thoroughly contextualized. ps thanks for introducing me to the desperate bicycles, simon!
