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Suede
This is the first serious biography of one of the most important British rock groups of the '90s - Suede.
256 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2005
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About the author
Dave Thompson
266 books42 followersEnglish author Dave Thompson has spent his entire working life writing biographies of other people, but is notoriously reluctant to write one for himself. Unlike the subjects of some of his best known books, he was neither raised by ferrets nor stolen from gypsies. He has never appeared on reality TV (although he did reach the semi finals of a UK pop quiz when he was sixteen), plays no musical instruments and he can’t dance, either.
However, he has written well over one hundred books in a career that is almost as old as U2’s… whom he saw in a club when they first moved to London, and memorably described as “okay, but they’ll never get any place.” Similar pronouncements published on the future prospects of Simply Red, Pearl Jam and Wang Chung (oh, and Curiosity Killed The Cat as well) probably explain why he has never been anointed a Pop Culture Nostradamus. Although the fact that he was around to pronounce gloomily on them in the first place might determine why he was recently described as “a veteran music journalist.”
Raised on rock, powered by punk, and still convinced that “American Pie” was written by Fanny Farmer and is best played with Meatloaf, Thompson lists his five favorite artists as old and obscure; his favorite album is whispered quietly and he would like to see Richard and Linda Thompson’s “I Want To See The Bright Lights Tonight” installed as the go-to song for the sad, sappy ending for every medical drama on TV.
Kurt Cobain, Phil Collins, Alice Cooper, Joan Jett, David Bowie, John Travolta, Eric Clapton, Jackson Browne, Bob Marley, Roger Waters and the guy who sang that song in the jelly commercial are numbered among the myriad artists about whom Thompson has written books; he has contributed to the magazines Rolling Stone, Alternative Press, Mojo and Melody Maker; and he makes regular guest appearances on WXPN’s Highs in the Seventies show.
However, he has written well over one hundred books in a career that is almost as old as U2’s… whom he saw in a club when they first moved to London, and memorably described as “okay, but they’ll never get any place.” Similar pronouncements published on the future prospects of Simply Red, Pearl Jam and Wang Chung (oh, and Curiosity Killed The Cat as well) probably explain why he has never been anointed a Pop Culture Nostradamus. Although the fact that he was around to pronounce gloomily on them in the first place might determine why he was recently described as “a veteran music journalist.”
Raised on rock, powered by punk, and still convinced that “American Pie” was written by Fanny Farmer and is best played with Meatloaf, Thompson lists his five favorite artists as old and obscure; his favorite album is whispered quietly and he would like to see Richard and Linda Thompson’s “I Want To See The Bright Lights Tonight” installed as the go-to song for the sad, sappy ending for every medical drama on TV.
Kurt Cobain, Phil Collins, Alice Cooper, Joan Jett, David Bowie, John Travolta, Eric Clapton, Jackson Browne, Bob Marley, Roger Waters and the guy who sang that song in the jelly commercial are numbered among the myriad artists about whom Thompson has written books; he has contributed to the magazines Rolling Stone, Alternative Press, Mojo and Melody Maker; and he makes regular guest appearances on WXPN’s Highs in the Seventies show.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
April 9, 2018
A life long Suede fan; Suede are one of the most underrated bands of the 90s. Forerunners of a musical scene named Britpop and which was taken over and distorted by Oasis and Blur, this book has been updated and footnotes added. Its a fascinating tale of every album filled with obstacles and Bernard Butler leaving just as they were putting out the second album. Gossipy, to the point, factual and fun.
August 11, 2016
A detailed account of the pioneers of 90s British rock, this biography documents their rise to prominence and turbulent history with ex-bandmates with a surprising candor. However, humorous anecdotes and footnotes from all involved keep the book from unflattering slander. From frontman Brett Anderson's tumultuous and passionate affair with founding member Justine Frischmann to his subsequent feud with Damon Albarn of Blur, every detail of the band's backstory is tied together into an intriguing read that will surely leave any reader with a healthy interest in the band.
In particular, this biography offers a fresh look on the music industry, with common conventions of new releases and touring being explored through the eyes of band members, managers, and producers alike. Backstories of the band's catalog, often full of lyrical gems amidst cleverly sordid tales of addiction, abuse, and destruction, add another shade of mystery and a deeper meaning to Brett Anderson's lines. The songs concerning his deceased classmate Simon Holbrook are discussed in a particularly tragic exposition, all adding to the value of the music.
In particular, this biography offers a fresh look on the music industry, with common conventions of new releases and touring being explored through the eyes of band members, managers, and producers alike. Backstories of the band's catalog, often full of lyrical gems amidst cleverly sordid tales of addiction, abuse, and destruction, add another shade of mystery and a deeper meaning to Brett Anderson's lines. The songs concerning his deceased classmate Simon Holbrook are discussed in a particularly tragic exposition, all adding to the value of the music.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews