The Modfather: My Life with Paul Weller;My Life with Paul Weller

by David Lines

This disarmingly charming memoir charts the author’s life from just before his thirteenth birthday, when he discovered The Jam, to his thirtieth birthday, with warmth and humour, illustrating the years with landmark Jam songs.

Genres: Music, Nonfiction, Biography

368 pages, Paperback

First published January 23, 2006

Reviews

[Malcolm Frawley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This coming of age memoir rang a few bells for me. Not that I have been a rabid Paul Weller fan, although I do really like The Style Council. However, from the moment I heard She Loves You blasting out of my tinny transistor radio, I have been in love with rock music. The Beatles started it, many others continued it (including King Crimson, Santana, Jethro Tull & Porcupine Tree). But Bowie was the solo artist who had the biggest impact on my life. For this author, obviously, it was Weller & he chronicles his obsession with equal amounts of humour & tenderness. Paul was there for him, in some way, during all the major moments of his young life & they are moments we have all experienced. A most enjoyable read for anyone who loves of pop or rock music.

[Harry · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a gentleman of a certain age who discovered The Jam with All Mod Cons I can certainly understand some of the sentiments in this book. Paul Weller has been along with others the soundtrack of my life (Beatles, Roxy, Bowie) so it could have been written about me. I would caveat that with not being quite so obsessed although I did spend a great deal of time and effort trying to look like Bryan Ferry. However if you don't know the music of The Jam or The Style Council then this book will mean nothing to you and becomes a rather dull auto biography of a teenager growing up in the UK in the 70s and 80s.

[michael williams 1960 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the mod father.

Brilliant story loved every about it David reminded me of me love the jam and Paul Weller .and always had my head in the clouds always wanted to be someone else in the end I'm happy just being me.

[Ed Wagemann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Weller’s 1980 ode to self-entertainment is like a call out to the future of humanity: hurry up and create cell phones. It’s boring here…
https://medium.com/@edwagemann/readin...

[Mr David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very nice book. Memories of growing up listening to Paul Weller.

[Matti Karjalainen · Rating 3 out of 5]

David Linesin "The Modfather: My Life with Paul Weller" (Arrow, 2007) on hupaisa muistelmateos, jossa kuvataan Paul Welleriin hyvin pakkomielteisesti suhtautuvan kirjailijan varttumista 1970- ja 1980-luvun Englannissa.

Sävy on avoimen humoristinen ja välillä meno muistuttaa David Nichollsin tai Sue Townsendin romaanien myötähäpeällisimpiä hetkiä. Lieneekö kirjailija sitten ottanut hieman taiteellisia vapauksia kuvatessaan esimerkiksi kohtaamisiaan vastakkaisen sukupuolen kanssa, mene ja tiedä, mutta viihdyttävää luettavaa "The Modfather" joka tapauksessa tarjoaa.

Loppua kohti kirja saa myös surumielisempiä ja koskettavampia sävyjä, kun kirjailija kuvaa isänsä sairastumista, mikä toisaalta tekee myös lukukokemuksesta paremman ja tuo kertomukseen draaman kaarta sekä pienen opetuksen. Loppuratkaisu - jos muistelmateoksen yhteydessä sellaisesta voi edes puhua - on tavattoman sympaattinen.

Jos on kiinnostunut aikakauden populaarikulttuurista, kuuntelee mielellään the Jamia ja Style Councilia sekä sattuu pitämään Nick Hornbyn tapaisista kirjailijoista, niin kyllä "The Modfatheriinkin" kannattaa tarttua.

[Jack · Rating 4 out of 5]

David Lines, the author of this book, is a year older and grew up within 20 miles of me. He also used to work in a book shop near Leeds University I used to frequent as well. So I think I can understand where he's coming from. I was also a big Jam fan when I was 13 too. I don't think I was as big a fan as him though. I didn't faint when I heard they'd split. Interesting read though if you're of a certain age.

[Sue T · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mediocre memoir, but creative in the way his coming of age is overlaid on a "soundtrack" of The Jam and Style Council. The author's obsession with Paul Weller and the proper mod style was entertaining. I had a lot of fun reading it and comparing Lines's experience discovering with The Jam and Paul Weller to JP's discovery of them. It was fun to listen to the music after reading about how the songs influenced the author. Recommended if you loved the Jam!

[Lucy J Jeynes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Growing up in Yorkshire to the soundtrack of the Jam. I could identify with a lot of this. I think it would probably be meaningless to anyoneo who wasn't familiar with the music, but for those of use who thought it was cool to draw Jam logos on our pencil cases and fancy boys in 501s, Harrington jackets and two tone bowling shoes, it's a good read.

[Esther · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being a massive weller fan and being too young to really know the Jam - this is a great insight into Lines' life and love for this fab group. May not be fully accurate but really great book, funny, light and very entertaining

[Andy Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone who remembers the excitement of getting a tape to tape will love this book - the love of Paul Weller and the Jam is complemented excellently by the honest account of growing up in Nottingham/Leeds in the 70's and 80's

[John Samuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was fuuny and reminded me of being a pretentious wanker. No change there then.

[Johnny Hirschfeld · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed it. Bought it because I love the Jam, but really liked it as a personal memoir by the author

[Markku · Rating 3 out of 5]

At places hilarious and overall symphatetic story of an uncritical fan.