Brighter Day: A Jellyfish Story

by Craig Dorfman

265 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2016

Reviews

[Hsu Jui-Ting · Rating 3 out of 5]

Let's be real: if you've heard the band Jellyfish and liked what they have to offer, you're probably aware of this book already. They're a fantastic band, and the book is absolutely worth getting if you're a die-hard fan.

This rating is more for the casual listener who might have stumbled upon this book by pure chance (although I would be heavily surprised, to be quite frank, if one does) - it's a little too colored, in my opinion, by pure idolatry for its cast, and lots of the recollections come off as pure "fan fiction" with imagined dialogues and sitcom-esque scenarios. Perhaps a more steady editing process, or a more detached style, would have come across as a bit more natural and less hysterical. But, then, with a more detached perspective, one would probably lose a lot of interesting tidbits, and the tidbits are really what make this book interesting.

I'm not a big fan of speculation in journalism, so I suspect that is why I've been so cool towards this publication - but, rest assured, I do recommend it for those interested in the band. I just can't see myself recommending it for others.

[Nranger7 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Finally got around to reading the story of one of the best bands ever. I saw Jellyfish play live in 1990 and was hooked. I knew the book would dredge up some rough memories. The 90s weren't that great for me or for Jellyfish. Also I had to sell most of my Jelly memorabilia in the early 2000s including the Fan Club box set which still stings. Still it was nice to learn the backgrounds of all these wonderfully talented musicians and how they came together.

Anyone who has never heard of Jellyfish likely won't get it if they happen to pick up this book. There were plenty of moments where I had to stop and listen to a particular song to recall the notes and instruments being mentioned. I wasn't fond of the writing style. Too many invented conversations that make it seem more like fan fiction than reality. Seemed like some parts were skipped over. And there was no definitive reason given for the divorce between Roger and Andy to be so bitter especially after so many years. Personal and creative differences doesn't cut it for me.

[Neil McGarry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brighter Day: A Jellyfish Story is the (previously) untold tale of a 90s band that could earn praise and attract admiration, but not the mainstream success it deserved. Author Craig Dorfman researched the hell out of the topic, and it shows; Brighter Day is almost exhaustive in its attention to detail of the backgrounds and exploits of the various Jellyfish members. That level of detail does not crowd out the narrative of the story, however, so readers who want more of an overview and less of an in-depth look will still enjoy this book. So whichever way you lean, I recommend picking up a copy of Brighter Day and joining the Jellyfish fan club.

[Brian Chenault · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been a Jellyfish fan since Bellybutton was released. I thought I knew a fair amount about their story, until I read this. If you're a fan, do yourself a favor and shell out the $ to find a copy of this. You won't regret it.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Much better than it had to be. Loving and thorough recollection of an extremely niche and beloved band. Very well-researched and written. Every band with a cult following should have a book like this written about them.

[FunkMaster General · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyable look into the machinations, personalities--& the tunes.

We all know how it ends, & now we get more of "why."

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastically well-researched and compellingly-written, this book more than does justice to the story of the men behind two of the best pop albums ever. Dorfman's love of his subject matter leads him to be a bit over-effusive at times, but likely anyone who reads the book has that same love, so all is forgiven.

[Getvoldsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful account of the best band you've never heard or heard of, a must read for fans of the band or fans of music in general. insights into why they were so good and why they were gone too soon

[Earl Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a sucker for a good band history, and this is one of the better ones. Reads like a novel - a sad one, since Jellyfish both formed and fell apart before its time.