Dial M for Merthyr

by Rachel Trezise

Part news report, part social history, and part memoir, this book tells the story of a band from the wrong side of the tracks trying to stay afloat in an ever changing musical and social climate. At a rock gig in a Rhondda pub, the author discovered the band Midasuno—a gaggle of Merthyr kids with a ton of conviction and a penchant for neck breaking guitar riffs. In 2005, she stepped onto the tour bus they call Black Betty, and now she recalls the experiences of the band as they razed the British toilet circuit.

Genres: Music, Nonfiction

236 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2007

Reviews

[Andre · Rating 4 out of 5]

I remember reading this soon after it was released. As a younger, impressionable Kerrang! superfan I was blown away by the warts and all account Rachel captured.

13 years later I found my original copy in the loft and decided to dive in again. The book as aged wonderfully, if anything nostalgia and melancholy combine to add even more weight to the doomed tale of Midasuno.

Any self-respecting UK rock fan needs a copy in their library.

[Judith · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really good and interesting account of life on the road (and not) for a new band.

[Mixter Mank · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm living proof that you don't have to know who Midasuno is to appreciate this book. Never heard a note. The jacket will tell you this "part reportage, part social history and part memoir," and while this is all true, Dial M for Merthyr is also about the relationship between art and audience. It's about human folly and the absurdity of dreams. And as all books about rock and roll are, it's about redemption and rebellion.

[Chris Westlake · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, I imagine I'm just a little biased with this review. A writer from Merthyr chronicling her journey with a Merthyr band? Okay, I imagine I'm more than a little biased with this review. Gives a great insight into a band before they make it, when they are just a little fish. This is very real stuff. Some great writing and very involving

[Simon Thirsk · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a lively and sometimes witty account of a young writer going from fan to biographer and then accompanying a small town pop band on the road, drink, fans and rows.
I found it an interesting read.