Geoffrey Notkin's Blog - Posts Tagged "the-slits"

Clothes, Clothes, Clothes. Music, Music, Music. Boys, Boys, Boys.: A Memoir by Viv Albertine

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


As a veteran of the original punk rock movement in London and having written extensively about it, I am not easily impressed by punk memoirs, but I was extremely impressed and moved by Viv’s work. I saw her band, The Slits, numerous times during the punk years and was expecting an amusing reminiscence of the punk years, but Viv’s memoir is so much more than that. A sometimes-harrowingly honest look back at an extraordinarily varied life that sees her as punk rock star, TV producer, filmmaker, mother, cancer survivor, and artist, “Clothes … Music … Boys” is written in a lively, conversational style and is peppered with anecdotes and insights into music, music history, and the importance of creativity. It is so much more than a rock ’n’ roll memoir. Viv recounts a life built on uncompromising individuality and courage, and her amazing journey will inspire all who strive to find meaning through adventure and creativity. I loved every page. Five stars and a tip of the hat to a fellow punk rocker turned author.



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