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These Are Such Perfect Days: The Del Amitri Story
Glasgow band Del Amitri have sold more than six million albums. Their 1995 single Roll To Me cracked the Top 10 in the US, and five of their albums went Top 10 in the UK. But as yet there hasn t been anything substantial written about the band...until now!
From ambition to success, this is the complete story of Del Amitri's rise from initial formation through six albums that took them to global recognition. From early Peel sessions, to touring with Morrissey; to appearing on Letterman and cracking the US, the book follows every up and down of the band s incredible career, as well as providing unique and original insights into their personalities and music.
From ambition to success, this is the complete story of Del Amitri's rise from initial formation through six albums that took them to global recognition. From early Peel sessions, to touring with Morrissey; to appearing on Letterman and cracking the US, the book follows every up and down of the band s incredible career, as well as providing unique and original insights into their personalities and music.
- GenresMusicBiographyNonfiction
372 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 21, 2018
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37 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
January 4, 2019
It is a measure of Del Amtri frontman's modesty that when he was approached by Charles Rawlings-Way about writing the history of his band, he turned the suggestion down.
He was fairly certain no one would be interested.
Thankfully Charles was able to persuade him otherwise, and so devotees and the casual fan can now find out what was actually going on behind the floppy fringes and line-up changes.
And to be fair, this is not a tale of debauchery and rebellion — it's a simple tale about a bunch of guys who just wanted to make music.
Which they did. Very well.
But what Perfect Days also is, is a look at the inner workings of the music industry.
This is a band that got themselves kicked off their first label before starting a bidding war looking for a new deal (a war their old label were very much a part of, one guy having no idea that this cool new band had once been signed by a colleague).
A band that, when unsigned, went on a tour of America and lived.
A band that saw their friendly, supportive label get sold, re-sold, shut down and them ending up on a corporate behemoth who knew how to sell pop wannabes to pop wannabes but not intelligent music to people who actually listened to lyrics.
Through it all, Justin and partner-in-crime Iain Harvie have survived, retained a sense of humour, and crafted some of the finest pop songs of the last 30-odd years.
The story is brought to life with a passion and warmth of the true fan, and CRW (me, lazy?) has produced a book that is both accessible and of interest to anyone with as much as a passing interest in music.
Charles has a way with words, a turn of phrase, that draws you in and keeps you hooked from start to finish — while also adding a layer of insight into the music from a fan's perspective, something which is rare in the genre but most welcome.
The book takes up to the 2014 tour. Hopefully Currie's on-stage threat of new music during the 2018 shows will mean CRW will have need to update this in years to come.
He was fairly certain no one would be interested.
Thankfully Charles was able to persuade him otherwise, and so devotees and the casual fan can now find out what was actually going on behind the floppy fringes and line-up changes.
And to be fair, this is not a tale of debauchery and rebellion — it's a simple tale about a bunch of guys who just wanted to make music.
Which they did. Very well.
But what Perfect Days also is, is a look at the inner workings of the music industry.
This is a band that got themselves kicked off their first label before starting a bidding war looking for a new deal (a war their old label were very much a part of, one guy having no idea that this cool new band had once been signed by a colleague).
A band that, when unsigned, went on a tour of America and lived.
A band that saw their friendly, supportive label get sold, re-sold, shut down and them ending up on a corporate behemoth who knew how to sell pop wannabes to pop wannabes but not intelligent music to people who actually listened to lyrics.
Through it all, Justin and partner-in-crime Iain Harvie have survived, retained a sense of humour, and crafted some of the finest pop songs of the last 30-odd years.
The story is brought to life with a passion and warmth of the true fan, and CRW (me, lazy?) has produced a book that is both accessible and of interest to anyone with as much as a passing interest in music.
Charles has a way with words, a turn of phrase, that draws you in and keeps you hooked from start to finish — while also adding a layer of insight into the music from a fan's perspective, something which is rare in the genre but most welcome.
The book takes up to the 2014 tour. Hopefully Currie's on-stage threat of new music during the 2018 shows will mean CRW will have need to update this in years to come.
April 11, 2020
The easy review: If you like the band Del Amitri, you'll enjoy this book. If not, then it will do nothing for you, other than to confuse you. It's a love letter to the band, and an effective one.
July 16, 2019
Very difficult to be objective here, as this is the first band I truly loved. Being 17 in the late 80's / early 90's music didn't particularly resonate with me, until I saw Nothing Ever Happens being performed on the James Whale Radio Show and it totally blew my mind. I've followed the band ever since and enjoyed their ups and downs. Now, finally, a biography of the band has arrived, and it was, for me, a really enjoyable read.
Charles Rawlings-Way does a good job in bring us a comprehensive walk through of the history of Del Amitri, and it was good to hear from so many former band members. The story of the rise of the band was well told and is consistent with how I remember it. It was tough to read the decline of the band, but, as everyone knows the music business is a brutal industry and the guys can be proud of 15 or 16 successful years.
I was torn between 4 and 5 stars. Decided on 4 as I think my adoration for the band probably clouded my judgement somewhat, plus I think at times the author was caught in the trap of being a fan rather than a neutral observer laying out the facts, but that is me being somewhat picky.
Charles Rawlings-Way does a good job in bring us a comprehensive walk through of the history of Del Amitri, and it was good to hear from so many former band members. The story of the rise of the band was well told and is consistent with how I remember it. It was tough to read the decline of the band, but, as everyone knows the music business is a brutal industry and the guys can be proud of 15 or 16 successful years.
I was torn between 4 and 5 stars. Decided on 4 as I think my adoration for the band probably clouded my judgement somewhat, plus I think at times the author was caught in the trap of being a fan rather than a neutral observer laying out the facts, but that is me being somewhat picky.
September 17, 2018
What a good book! Obviously I was interested in the subject matter which helps but it really was written very well, never became boring and was a good mix of quotes from various people and actual facts and ponderings by the author as well. Great lists at the back of all the albums and songs including one very clever list by different rates of heartache or joy such as "You left, then came back" and "Well, this sucks"! Most interesting indeed and would definitely recommend it to all Del Amitri fans.
January 4, 2019
It's a five-star book for fans for sure. Del Amitri are/were the first band I ever loved and this is a treasure trove for even the most obsessive of fans (of which I will count myself).
As the band elude to at the beginning of the book, there isn't really much of a story to be told in general, if you aren't a fan of the band then there are no huge dramas, etc, but interesting nonetheless (the reason for a 4* review, I'm trying to be impartial!).
Also noticed an interview I did with Justin Currie was referenced in the index (Free Williamsburg) :)
As the band elude to at the beginning of the book, there isn't really much of a story to be told in general, if you aren't a fan of the band then there are no huge dramas, etc, but interesting nonetheless (the reason for a 4* review, I'm trying to be impartial!).
Also noticed an interview I did with Justin Currie was referenced in the index (Free Williamsburg) :)
August 6, 2019
The story of my favourite band, ever (that nearly noone has ever heard of).
Excellent book that makes me appreciate the music even more. Now let's just hope Justin and Iain really do get together again...
Excellent book that makes me appreciate the music even more. Now let's just hope Justin and Iain really do get together again...
January 4, 2021
I like Charles' style of writing--sometimes biographies of bands can be a bit fawning, and while it is evident he is a fan of the band, he keeps his admiration tucked neatly behind the stories revealed to him in the interviews.
June 28, 2022
This is a fast-paced band biography with relevant insight into the band and it’s dynamics. Not on the level of Hammer of the Gods but then Del Amitri is a completely different band than that. Enjoyable summer read and best read while listening to the band.
August 26, 2023
Del Amitri are a band I've really liked but without really having any great knowledge of them as people or their dynamic as a band.
This book has helped considerably in filling these gaps.
Would be lovely to have this updated to cover the Dels recent activity, including the excellent new album.
This book has helped considerably in filling these gaps.
Would be lovely to have this updated to cover the Dels recent activity, including the excellent new album.
October 20, 2024
Excellent read , well written, informative, interesting well researched book.
One for the fans of the band.
An extensive extremely fascinating and accurate factual book.
If you enjoy or enjoyed the songs of del Amitri you’ll enjoy this book.
One for the fans of the band.
An extensive extremely fascinating and accurate factual book.
If you enjoy or enjoyed the songs of del Amitri you’ll enjoy this book.
August 1, 2018
Well written, detailed, humorous, and just plain fun!
December 3, 2018
Excellant story of my favorite band which finally got to see live this summer in Nottingham. Even though I thought you enjoy the book it would be hard to recommend it to a non fan 4.95
May 18, 2019
Very nice account of down-to-earth rock band and their ups and downs.
May 11, 2020
Excellent read. Thoroughly researched and written by someone who really got Del Amitri.
August 24, 2023
Seems honest and informative
Anyone who likes the band will enjoy it, and anyone who has an interest in how the music business works
Anyone who likes the band will enjoy it, and anyone who has an interest in how the music business works
May 15, 2025
Excellent insight into the career of a very underrated band
March 3, 2021
Interesting as I'm a fan but you need to be to enjoy
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews