“Journeying Through the Dancefloor: Dancing Your Way Home”
Emma Warren, Faber
Warren, a dedicated club-goer, speaks from personal experience when discussing the dancefloor in her captivating book, Dance Your Way Home. Along with nostalgic reflections, the book also delves into the scientific and socio-cultural aspects of dancing – from folk dancing at Cecil Sharp House to the emergence of dubstep; from Chicago footwork to the prohibition of dancing in 1930s Ireland, influenced by jazz. Surprisingly, the book also includes a passionate and fervent call to action. Warren’s own clubbing days were in the 80s and 90s, considered a golden era simply due to the abundance of venues. However, she points out that councils and property developers have since decimated clubs and youth spaces, highlighting a culture that “idolizes youth but doesn’t seem to value them”. Through her compelling arguments, Warren emphasizes the importance of dancing and having the space to do so: “You must let go of inhibitions and societal norms and fully embrace what you have.”
Curepedia: The Complete Guide to Cures, From A to Z
Simon Price, White Rabbit
The 448-page Curepedia is often referred to as the ultimate reading material for aging goths, but this statement fails to fully capture the extensive range of topics covered within its pages. From discussions on Albert Camus to intra-band conflicts and Robert Smith’s fascination with the Japanese concept of kawaii, or “cuteness”, this book offers a thorough examination of the Cure’s body of work. The first entry, which delves into the iconic song “A Forest”, reads more like a critical essay, incorporating references to The Wizard of Oz, Macbeth, and the song’s evolution on stage, as well as a contemporary critic’s praise for its emotional depth. In addition to these insightful analyses, the book also unearths countless obscure facts, such as the pre-Cure punk band Lockjaw and their popular song “I’m a Virgin”. And let’s not forget the hilarity that ensues in the entry addressing Robert Smith’s frequent hints at a potential band breakup. With its comprehensive coverage of the Cure’s history, Curepedia serves as a valuable resource for both fans and curious readers alike.
Black Punk Now
Press
Edited by Chris L Terry and James Spooner at Soft Skull Press.
Last year, Mariah Stovall, a “Black punk” writer, wrote an article for the Los Angeles Review of Books that listed punk lyrics containing the N-word. The list included well-known names such as Patti Smith, Stiff Little Fingers, the Dead Kennedys, and Crass, highlighting the historically tense relationship between punk and race. This collection of work, edited by Chris Terry and James Spooner (co-founder of Afropunk), features memoirs, fiction, interviews, and even comic strips from Black figures in the contemporary US punk scene. It offers a fascinating perspective on the genre, with contributor Hanif Abdurraqib noting that debating its definition is uninteresting. While some of the content may be somber, the overall tone of the book is celebratory and uplifting.
“Hidden Figures of Early Blues Music: A Queer Perspective”
Darryl W Bullock, Omnibus
Bullock has a knack for uncovering hidden stories about the LGBTQ history in music. His exceptional book from 2021, which delves into the prevalence of gay men in the management of 1960s pop, titled “The Velvet Mafia,” was well-deserving of the accolades it received. In his latest work, Bullock goes even deeper, exploring the presence of LGBTQ figures in the early 20th-century blues scene in America. While the bisexuality of Ma Rainey and Bessie Smith is widely known, Bullock also sheds light on the rumored lovers of Josephine Baker, which include not only Georges Simenon and Le Corbusier, but also Frida Kahlo and Colette. Additionally, he uncovers lesser-known names such as Porter Grainger and Freddie “Half-Pint” Jaxon, who challenged gender norms in their time. Through vivid storytelling, Bullock paints a picture of a world filled with drag balls, rent parties, and incredibly explicit homoerotic blues songs, all of which thrived despite facing violent prejudice and being deemed illegal.
“Reaching for the Stars 1996-2006: The Rise to Fame, Consequences, and the End of Pop’s Celebration”
Michael Cragg, Nine Eight
This year, there has been a surge of nostalgia for a specific type of music from the 90s and early 2000s. Blur received praise for their new album, Pulp reunited for live performances which brought joy to many, and Oasis’s 1998 B-sides compilation, The Masterplan, has been re-released and is on track to top the UK album charts. However, there were always other choices available. Michael Cragg, a writer for The Guardian, has published an oral history of manufactured pop from the 90s and 00s that feels perfectly timed. The passage of time has allowed his interviewees, whether they were iconic or forgotten, to speak freely about their experiences. The stories from various artists such as the Spice Girls, S Clubbers, and Girls Aloud paint a picture of a less self-aware and polished era of pop music compared to the one we have now. It is striking how distant it all seems, but also intriguing, with moments that are both humorous and shocking, while also leaving a profound sense of disappointment.
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For a complete list of the top books of 2023 from the Guardian and Observer, go to guardianbookshop.com. Additional fees may be incurred for delivery.
Source: theguardian.com
