joerichards90's review against another edition
2.0
A garbled and generally unfulfilling piece of ghost-writing, which is exactly what I should have expected. Entertaining in parts, vitriolic in others. There isn't much given away that isn't already known to Fall fans, and any insight is usually provided through ego-tinted glasses. It does speak volumes for MES' unique appeal, however: despite my negative review, I would certainly still recommend it to Fall fans.
caddysnack's review against another edition
3.0
Well, I guess it's no surprise that this book is entertaining, and lacks focus. Meandering doesn't even begin to describe the journey each page takes. And I even skipped the poetry/prose interludes. The thousands of pints Mark E Smith has had over the years have done nothing to dull this man's ego or judgmentalism. Thankfully for us it hasn't dulled his drive for The Fall. But on the prior points there is a lot of shit talking in this book, and very little praise for anyone outside of Mark's pubmates, football players, and his current wife... Mark E Smith comes off as just as much of a controlling jerk as you already thought, but maybe if you take him at his word you could think he's less of an alcoholic than famed. I am glad I read this, but I think my time would have been better spent listening to Fall records.
alastairwilson's review against another edition
3.0
Reasonable fun, but nothing you wouldn't expect.His views on Brighton almost made me give it an extra star, but the constant whining about people thinking he is a drunk (when he pretty much admits he is) wore me out.
woodlandglitter's review
5.0
Mark E. Smith is such an asshole, but this book is fantastic--hilarious, cryptic, inspiring, demeaning, etc. What a nightmare it must be to be in a band with this lunatic.
kabukiboy's review against another edition
5.0
Great read, typically English, typically Northern. Cracked me up in places. Contrary and contradictory. I’m back on the Fall horse, listening wise.
cannot_cross_water's review against another edition
5.0
Coherent literary piece? Nope. Objective lookout on the Fall's story? No way.
BUT the best read for 3AM bus rides home after having a few. Eloquent rant from the most well-read drunk in the pub - about music, books, bands, life, England, football, all of that shit - intelligent, on point, mildly offensive and absolutely hilarious.
“We went to this stupid heavy metal disco after the first gig – which was awful – and the group all started dancing to Deep Purple. I told them to sit down, have some dignity.”
BUT the best read for 3AM bus rides home after having a few. Eloquent rant from the most well-read drunk in the pub - about music, books, bands, life, England, football, all of that shit - intelligent, on point, mildly offensive and absolutely hilarious.
“We went to this stupid heavy metal disco after the first gig – which was awful – and the group all started dancing to Deep Purple. I told them to sit down, have some dignity.”
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