CAYN WHITE - DRUNK AND INCAPABLE

I paid £3 for this collection of poems and did so, with pleasure, in advance of its release. Why? Because Cayn White is a likeable lad who has got off his arse and had a go and participating in this scene that is ideal for anyone willing to chance their arm. The previous time I'd seen Cayn strut his stuff was at The Yorkshire Punks Picnic in Halifax where he was amiable and most importantly - pissed as a fart! The obvious influences are indeed just that - obvious - but Cayn does things his way and throws in many of his efforts with a complete DIY attitude. That, my dear reader, will do for me and after receiving my copy of this book and reading almost immediately I am more than convinced it was brass well spent.

What do you get for your money though? Well fuck all if you ain't already got a copy because this was a limited run that has now sold out. That'll teach ya! If you did get a copy then you get 18 easy to read and relate to rhymes that will raise a smile and many a titter. Cayn has many a good point to make and does so with a sense of the perverse and idiotic never far away. Tales of bird flu, biscuits falling into cups of tea, being trapped in a porn shop and dating a psychopath all seem fantastical but the hard edged stuff is in there as well with the poignancy and heartbreak of 'For A Friend' and 'A Glimpse Of God' certainly noteworthy.

I have no favourites here as I enjoyed each and every scribbling and I accept it isn't the most profound prose to hit the shelves but it is very fuckin' real and done by someone who ain't afraid to commit to the cause and have his say. Volume 2 should be on the way soon so get them coins ready to roll Cayns way.

SID VICIOUS/NO ONE IS INNOCENT - ALAN PARKER

Once again the tale of the spiky haired rebel is told, this time with an unbiased view that relates all of the stars failings and misdemeanours. This book, I am sure, will raise the eyebrows of the fan and the punking punter with a passing interest and create a situation where one really has to re-evaluate what they actually think about Mr Vicious. However intense the authors enthusiasm and fondness for his subject he never holds back on making out Vicious to be the good guy/bad guy in equal measure.

The book is a fascinating tale of misdirection, utter stupidity and attempting to live up to the creature other, less caring people, have made you. Sid Vicious comes across as a hero and zero in the same sentence and from a personal perspective I now look upon the one time Sex Pistol as of limited talent, easily led, an unthinking thug and surprisingly one who was indeed innocent of murder. There is no doubt we are dealing here with a complex character who really didn't give a fuck and lived out the rock and roll dream to it's sorry, tragic end.

Pistols fans and beyond will love this but the ones who deem John Simon Ritchie/Beverley a hero may be sorely sobered up with this well research factual saga. The main winning formula is that the book has many characters that you just don't know whether to love or loathe but one thing is for sure - circumstance had some fun here with several unaware victims given a real duff deal.

TOUCHING FROM A DISTANCE - DEBORAH CURTIS

Written by the widow of Joy Division frontman Ian Curtis this is an emotional tale of psychological torment, marital strife, mental abuse and gloomy nihilism. As Deborah Curtis states this book is to lay to rest the ghost of her late husband, and may it be said, she does so with great effect.

Curtis is portrayed as something far from a hero, and the life he gives to his young and vulnerable wife is anything but blissful. The man they made a myth from is moody, overbearing, awkward and unpredicably erratic which when intertwined with his 'early death' obsession and his drug experimentation all points to a disastrous conclusion. His adulterous lifestyle is obnoxiously selfish and then suddenly Curtis comes across as despairingly caring - all contributing to a paradox of a man who still has many questions hanging over his head.

The narrator writes with great emotion and her open and honest style is really quite impressive. There is no holding back here and the authoress should be truly applauded for this great account of living with a schizophrenic epileptic on the brink of stardom.

I read this in a couple of sittings and came away with a different outlook on a man so many admire. For fans of Joy Division and Ian Curtis himself, prepare to have your dreams smashed apart.

The lyrics at the end of the book are a nice addition and the more one reflects back on the textual matter the warnings unfold.

77 SULPHATE STRIP - BARRY CAIN

An eyewitness account of the famous punk year with some of the key players re-assessing comments and emotions during interviews both then and now. The style can sometimes be a bit to arty but the authors unique style of writing shouldn't be cast in a bad light as the wordage used is what gives the book both character and realism. It is though a tome filled with many an anecdote that isn't so well known and I am sure everyone who reads this will raise an eyebrow or two at some of the more revealing moments. The fact that it's not just an arse-licking narration of the more known bands and includes one or two lesser known acts only adds to the convincing reading material.

The main ensnaring theme of this book is the final interviews that bring together some famous names from the glowing punk year and gets their reflections on all what transpired and how it has effected their lives. It kind of tidies everything up along the way and gets the reader abreast of things in the spit and puke arena. Cain is downright honest throughout and despite being a jounalist for Record Mirror seems to throw off those limiting shackles and unashamedly throws in his own passion and joy albeit sometimes a little speed induced.

The contempary interviews with Lydon, Scabies and Cornwell are particularly interesting and from start to finish this book gives you plenty of entertainment.

GODS LONELY MEN - PETE HAYNES

With the same title as The Lurkers second album release this book is a factual account of what it was like to be in a punk rock band in the late seventies despite being at odds with society and people in general. Bordering on the misanthropic but remaining charmingly honest throughout Pete Haynes (aka Manic Esso) gives us a retro peek into the grimy pub and pogo circuit and its place in a divided society where, as is the norm, if your face don't fit then its tough fuckin' shit.

The characters we meet along the way are given true life as the author relates his innermost feelings towards these passing persons in The Lurkers journey. Similar to his drumming role Haynes sits back and watches events unfold then coolly, yet passionately, assesses each situation thus revealing, more often than not, a shit grained undercurrent steeped in prejudice, dishonesty and hatred. No favourites are played here and the main lure of the text is found in the way the author overcomes the depressing attitudes of the masses.

Mr Haynes has his mental hang-ups, but hey don't we all, but the survivor shines through and I feel a small victory for the everyday man is made as connections are made and opinions stood by despite the constant downpour of doubt and external negation.

Subtle, sweet, soberiong and straight - and - a solid read throughout.

THE MODFATHER - DAVID LINES

This biography of one mans obsession with The Jam and in particular Paul Weller is truly compulsive reading and for some reason of insistent fascination one can hardly wait to find out ‘what happens next’.

David Lines captures the naivety of adolescence perfectly and the whole tale unfolds with a watershed of innocence, foolishness and delightful misdirection.  Anecdotes of unattainable love, wilful drinking and cringing embarrassment are frequent occurrences as is the abundance of honest humour that make ‘Linesy’ a most likeable chap.  The text is kept simple but suitably descriptive with characters and situations easily envisioned and felt.   Fans of The Jam will adore this as will anyone who had a childhood hero (come on be honest) and anyone who likes to reminisce about the good old days.  Steeped in nostalgia the book name drops several classic brand names with Rubik's Cube, Blue Riband Bars, Um-Bongo and Betamax Video Recorders to name a few.  It’s all there and the scenes of yesteryear are painted very vividly indeed.

 The author has a great sense of timing and many hilarious moments is had due to nothing more than neat, efficient penmanship.  Vital text is perfectly positioned and many emotions are dealt with which only adds to the depth of the whole story.

A choice little book and if you play your cards right can be bought for a choice price (HMV-£3) or from a bog standard bookshop for £7.99 – still a bargain.

SKA'D FOR LIFE - HORACE PANTER

A personal account of the life and times of Horace Panter and his bass playing role in the influential and much acclaimed leaders of the British ska movement, The Specials.

It captures a time when the country was falling apart at the scenes, employment was increasing daily and racial tensions were blatantly rife.  An era when the country needed a band to confront the cultural differences and depolarize the populace.  The first wave of punk was over and the second more street-sounding blitz was well settled when The Specials first set out on the journey to Ska’dom.  Interesting times indeed and to be involved in the music scene in those unsettled years really took a vast amount of belief and dedication.

What makes this book so special is the author’s cool writing approach and ‘in retrospect’ stance where he assesses his feelings and general attitude at the time of those heady years.  The open honest approach is a necessary ingredient in any biographical work especially so when relating the tale of a close-knit band that literally fell apart at the seams.

You would think that being in a successful band would be plain-sailing but here we get an insight into the positive and negative factors that plague the day to day life of the rockstar.  Egos, opinions, poor organisation, ludicrous time-management, and an ocean of personal demands, we see Panter methodically strip bare the ins and outs of the whole Ska scene and come across as a man left bewildered by what actually transpired. 

The high work schedule that The Specials went through at their peak is breathtaking and it is with a sense of foreboding that you read this book as regards the ever-nearing demise of a band capable of greater longevity than they actually achieved.

A thoroughly cracking account and as the author says of Jerry Dammers (keyboard player for The Specials) ‘His book should prove very interesting reading…when he writes it’.  A mouth watering prospect indeed but shouldn’t detract from a damn good read here.

SHIBBOLETH, MY REVOLTING LIFE - PENNY RIMBAUD

It's all laid bare in this book with a no-holds writing stance that delivers an insight into a mind that is forever questioning and probing reality and social themes. A tale that deals with insecurity, hope, loss and determination and a book that is both intriguing and appalling.

Beautifully written, interspersed with various scribblings and lyrical Crass output Rimbaud thrives on emotional text and relay's his feelings, be it of love or hate, quite sincerely.

The backbone of the book revolves around one, Phil (Wally Hope) Russell who was the founder of the Stonehenge Festival and his threat to the system and its authoratitive oppression. What happens to Wally has a damning effect it seems on the mind of the author and his entire soul is exposed for the reader to assess.

What comes across is that Rimbaud's actions stem from a caring, if somewhat misdirected, inner-self that is struggling to get to grips with lifes inadequacies. Questions are left unanswered and the future and past are torn to shreds in search of a nebulous hope. I feel Rimbaud grasping for an idyllic Utopia yet finding a Blunderland of shit and misery at every corner with the despair and downright frankness displayed being admirable.

A crackin' read and one I could barely put aside due to, at times, a sensation akin to morbid fascination. A must for fans of Crass and a must for frustrated philosophical thinkers!