Post by Lord Emsworth on Jan 17, 2023 15:40:38 GMT
Finished this last night
In 1986, along with many other dedicated NME readers, I sent off for their latest cassette compilation. I had them all. Every one. Didn't matter what the genre, I was all in. This one, C86, went on to define an era and probably marks the moment "indie" music was born. The independent chart had been going for some time but "indie" the genre ultimately became synonymous with white guitar pop
Nige Tassell's book consists of a chapter devoted to all 22 artists who appeared on the tape, sticking to the original running order, and speaking with at least one person from each group. I love this sort of thing. 35 years later, he unearths many surprising and varied stories. Primal Scream went on to have a successful career. Half Man Half Biscuit and Wedding Present are still going strong, sustained by passionate and devoted fanbases. Others still have a link to the music industry however most are now firmly to found on Civvy Street doing something unrelated
This is a very sympathetic account and is both a snapshot in time and an account of what happens after giving up on music. It's a wonderful, life reaffirming exploration of C86's surprisingly wide-reaching legacy
4/5
In 1986, along with many other dedicated NME readers, I sent off for their latest cassette compilation. I had them all. Every one. Didn't matter what the genre, I was all in. This one, C86, went on to define an era and probably marks the moment "indie" music was born. The independent chart had been going for some time but "indie" the genre ultimately became synonymous with white guitar pop
Nige Tassell's book consists of a chapter devoted to all 22 artists who appeared on the tape, sticking to the original running order, and speaking with at least one person from each group. I love this sort of thing. 35 years later, he unearths many surprising and varied stories. Primal Scream went on to have a successful career. Half Man Half Biscuit and Wedding Present are still going strong, sustained by passionate and devoted fanbases. Others still have a link to the music industry however most are now firmly to found on Civvy Street doing something unrelated
This is a very sympathetic account and is both a snapshot in time and an account of what happens after giving up on music. It's a wonderful, life reaffirming exploration of C86's surprisingly wide-reaching legacy
4/5