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Dayglo: The Poly Styrene Story
Poly Styrene was a singer-songwriter, a free-thinker, a post-modern style pioneer, and a lifelong spiritual seeker: a true punk icon. But this rebel queen with the cheeky grin was also a latter-day pop artist with a wickedly perceptive gift for satirizing the world around her—her playful aesthetic sharply at odds with the stark monochrome style and nihilism of punk. Here, for the first time, the jigsaw of Poly's inspiring and often moving story has been lovingly pieced together by her daughter, singer-songwriter Celeste Bell, and writer-artist Zoë Howe. From growing up mixed-race in Brixton in the 1960s to being at the forefront of the emerging punk scene with X-Ray Spex in the 1970s, from finding faith with the Hare Krishna movement to balancing single motherhood with a solo music career and often debilitating mental health issues, the book openly explores Poly's exceptional life, up until her untimely passing in 2011. Based on interviews with those who knew and loved Poly whether personally or through music, this oral history book includes testimonies from Vivienne Westwood, Don Letts, Glen Matlock, Jonathan Ross, Neneh Cherry, The Slits' Tessa Pollitt, Thurston Moore, Jon Savage, and many others.
208 pages, Hardcover
First published March 1, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
March 31, 2019
A beautifully presented and thoughtful exploration of Poly Styrene. I find this book incredibly moving as it foregrounds Poly’s story, rather than treating her as an iconic, if enigmatic, figure in punk’s heyday. I really commend Celeste Ball and Zoe Howe for their rigour and faith in presenting Poly as a brilliant *and* flawed artist. I’ve been fascinated with Poly Styrene ever since encountering her in Jon Savage’s England’s Dreaming when I was 14; this book only makes me appreciate Poly even more, tackling as it does her life’s web of race, gender, spirituality, mental health, and consumer culture.
April 25, 2020
“Some people think little girls should be seen and not heard” – those words introduced the world to Poly Styrene, the 20-year old singer of X-Ray Spex. This was a time where punk rock genius was exploding throughout the UK. Marooned in Michigan, I could only dream about the Roxy. and the 100 Club. Instead, every week I would rush to those few local record stores and pick up whatever seemed to be the coolest or most outrageous new band. The world was changing – in a few short months we heard new sounds from bands like the Damned, Sex Pistols, Clash, Buzzcocks, Adverts, Eater and a host of others. The first X-Ray Spex single (Oh! Bondage – Up Yours!) burst into this scene with an impact that made them as relevant as anybody else. (Just hearing that saxophone makes for mandatory pogoing!)
Later, the album “Germfree Adolescence” became a staple of on my stereo and seemed to herald a bright future for Poly and her mates. That future never materialized, but instead Poly charted her own life dealing with many problems along the way until her untimely death from cancer in 2011.
If it’s possible to bring to a life a person that most of us have never met or seen perform – then Celeste Bell and noted writer Zoe Howe have done it here in this beautiful tribute to Celeste’s mom. “Dayglo” is a visual and artistic treat that forces you to appreciate Poly Styrene for who she was and makes the 1000th listen of “Germfree Adolescence” as vital as the first one over 40 years ago in an upstairs flat in Hamtramck on a tiny record player.
First of all, this is almost an art book – its 11 ½ X 8 ½ inches and is filled with pictures, flyers, artwork and drawings by Poly. Poly’s words are taken from various interviews she did throughout her life and many of her friends and fellow musicians contributed their own memories. From the beginning of the punk era with Glen Matlock and Vivienne Westwood to Thurston Moore and Kathleen Hanna – the love and respect that so many had for her is clearly evident. Original bandmates Paul Dean and Lora Logic take us on a wild ride both up and down with X-Ray Spex. Of course, the most poignant memories come from Celeste who saw all the good and not-so-good in her mother. Poly’s musical career continued well past the demise of X-Ray Spex and a triumphant X-Ray Spex reunion in 2008 was the last hurrah for the band.
As a woman of color arising from a scene that was predominantly white and male, Poly Styrene was a trailblazer whose music and lyrics are just as relevant today as they were in 1977. Celeste Bell and Zoe Howe have done a great service in making sure that Poly’s legacy lives on.
Later, the album “Germfree Adolescence” became a staple of on my stereo and seemed to herald a bright future for Poly and her mates. That future never materialized, but instead Poly charted her own life dealing with many problems along the way until her untimely death from cancer in 2011.
If it’s possible to bring to a life a person that most of us have never met or seen perform – then Celeste Bell and noted writer Zoe Howe have done it here in this beautiful tribute to Celeste’s mom. “Dayglo” is a visual and artistic treat that forces you to appreciate Poly Styrene for who she was and makes the 1000th listen of “Germfree Adolescence” as vital as the first one over 40 years ago in an upstairs flat in Hamtramck on a tiny record player.
First of all, this is almost an art book – its 11 ½ X 8 ½ inches and is filled with pictures, flyers, artwork and drawings by Poly. Poly’s words are taken from various interviews she did throughout her life and many of her friends and fellow musicians contributed their own memories. From the beginning of the punk era with Glen Matlock and Vivienne Westwood to Thurston Moore and Kathleen Hanna – the love and respect that so many had for her is clearly evident. Original bandmates Paul Dean and Lora Logic take us on a wild ride both up and down with X-Ray Spex. Of course, the most poignant memories come from Celeste who saw all the good and not-so-good in her mother. Poly’s musical career continued well past the demise of X-Ray Spex and a triumphant X-Ray Spex reunion in 2008 was the last hurrah for the band.
As a woman of color arising from a scene that was predominantly white and male, Poly Styrene was a trailblazer whose music and lyrics are just as relevant today as they were in 1977. Celeste Bell and Zoe Howe have done a great service in making sure that Poly’s legacy lives on.
October 2, 2020
Dayglo: The Poly Styrene Story is a superb book that explores the life and times of Poly Styrene, real name Marianne Joan Elliott-Said (3 July 1957 – 25 April 2011).
Poly was one of a number of young women who were empowered and inspired by the UK punk scene of the 1970s to form a group. So it was that she became the singer and songwriter of X-Ray Spex who enjoyed significant acclaim and a few hit singles in the late 1970s.
Dayglo: The Poly Styrene Story is written by Poly's daughter Celeste Bell and music writer Zoë Street Howe, and it's another oral history ('Please Kill Me: The Uncensored Oral History of Punk' really kick started a trend didn't it?). It's also A4 size and contains lots of lovely photos and other ephemera.
Poly was a fascinating individual, an original thinker and so, as you might expect, Dayglo: The Poly Styrene Story is a moving and interesting account of quite a troubled, turbulent life.
5/5
Poly was one of a number of young women who were empowered and inspired by the UK punk scene of the 1970s to form a group. So it was that she became the singer and songwriter of X-Ray Spex who enjoyed significant acclaim and a few hit singles in the late 1970s.
Dayglo: The Poly Styrene Story is written by Poly's daughter Celeste Bell and music writer Zoë Street Howe, and it's another oral history ('Please Kill Me: The Uncensored Oral History of Punk' really kick started a trend didn't it?). It's also A4 size and contains lots of lovely photos and other ephemera.
Poly was a fascinating individual, an original thinker and so, as you might expect, Dayglo: The Poly Styrene Story is a moving and interesting account of quite a troubled, turbulent life.
5/5
December 26, 2020
Punk rock oral histories have the legacy of 1996’s ‘Please Kill Me’ by Gillian McCain and Punk magazine’s Legs McNeil. ‘Dayglo’ is also an oral history, and what I’m loving is that there’s no attempt to consolidate the divergent opinions of the many voices. Even the book’s subject - Poly Styrene - is allowed to contradict herself; ironically, in this way, the book feels closer to a truth. There’s a bit of repetition, but that’s also what allows for such meaningful contradiction. If there’s a criticism of this form of content generation it’s that it can stay a little surfacey [sic], the level at which people converse isn’t quite the same as writerly redrafting and examination.
Like any artist bio there’s the almost inevitable spark of youthful genius followed by the slow decline, which doesn’t seem fair somehow; fair to the value of the best of an artist. With this book being co-authored by Poly’s daughter as an act of posthumous homage, the narrative was likely to indulge its own timeline. Just be forewarned that it’s not a book for those who want a lot about Poly’s X-Ray Spex output.
Some great images of Poly Styrene, gig posters and flyers throughout. Poly’s reproduced napkin doodles seem a little unnecessary. The book feels VERY real without these additional bids on intimate authenticity.
Like any artist bio there’s the almost inevitable spark of youthful genius followed by the slow decline, which doesn’t seem fair somehow; fair to the value of the best of an artist. With this book being co-authored by Poly’s daughter as an act of posthumous homage, the narrative was likely to indulge its own timeline. Just be forewarned that it’s not a book for those who want a lot about Poly’s X-Ray Spex output.
Some great images of Poly Styrene, gig posters and flyers throughout. Poly’s reproduced napkin doodles seem a little unnecessary. The book feels VERY real without these additional bids on intimate authenticity.
December 17, 2021
"I've never really cared about The Beatles. I don't care about Pet Sounds by Beach Boys. But I care about that X-Ray Spex record. Every single song on it is total gold." - Kathleen Hanna, but also me.
June 2, 2021
This is a well written, lavishly illustrated multi-voiced oral history of a woman who literally changed the face of pop music and was taken from us much too soon. Her mental health struggles are heart breaking but its so cool to see how many people she impacted and continues to impact. Punk is a state of mind and she had it 100%. Be yourself, make art, find your voice and be loud.
May 21, 2021
A lovingly put together book by Poly's daughter Celeste. I read following watching the Poly Styrene Sky Arts documentary.
Very Sad but inspiring.
We miss you Poly. x
Very Sad but inspiring.
We miss you Poly. x
April 17, 2020
This is a nicely put together coffee-table book, organized by the daughter of the late Poly Styrene. Personally, I'd rather read a traditional narrative biography, but maybe that's just me. She was a fascinating character, and this book is worth a look.
April 29, 2023
What was the Peace Meals on page 170-171 all about? No need really.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 30, 2020
An interesting read looking at the life of Mari Elliott, known to many as Poly Styrene, writer, singer, performer.
Compiled by her daughter Celeste Bell and Zoe Howe, this is a wonderful collection of interviews with family, friends and acquaintances, sometimes funny and amusing but often sad and heartbreaking.
An extremely important, iconic figure in the early Punk days, she was undoubtedly an inspiration to so many women. That’s what the early days of punk did, inspire, challenge and change lives. I was lucky enough to see her perform a few times and she was just amazing and powerful. However, Poly was diagnosed bipolar and the frequency of her episodes greatly affected her life. Fame at such an early age undoubtedly also affected her greatly and this becomes evident in the book.
The book looks at the often troubled times with her band X Ray Spex, her indoctrination into the Hare Krishna movement and her relationships with family and friends. Her cancer diagnosis and untimely death was such a tragic end to her rather extraordinary life.
Rob D
Compiled by her daughter Celeste Bell and Zoe Howe, this is a wonderful collection of interviews with family, friends and acquaintances, sometimes funny and amusing but often sad and heartbreaking.
An extremely important, iconic figure in the early Punk days, she was undoubtedly an inspiration to so many women. That’s what the early days of punk did, inspire, challenge and change lives. I was lucky enough to see her perform a few times and she was just amazing and powerful. However, Poly was diagnosed bipolar and the frequency of her episodes greatly affected her life. Fame at such an early age undoubtedly also affected her greatly and this becomes evident in the book.
The book looks at the often troubled times with her band X Ray Spex, her indoctrination into the Hare Krishna movement and her relationships with family and friends. Her cancer diagnosis and untimely death was such a tragic end to her rather extraordinary life.
Rob D
December 23, 2020
I enjoyed this book about the life of Poly Styrene. I would easily place the X-Ray Spex album, "Germfree Adolescents", in my top five records of all time, and have always been interested in Poly as part of the punk movement and also in her subsequent life ("Translucence" is another record I constantly return to, for example). Of course, in her absence, the format of this book was perhaps the best one to take, with contributions from those who knew her reported unfettered and not through the gaze of a biographer who might put their own spin on the story. On the other hand, the interviews themselves also breed a little distance, so it's not necessarily an involving story, more a factual reminiscence. What the format does do, though, is also give a clear indication of those being interviewed in addition to their thoughts on Poly, which I found quite intriguing. Coupled with some excellent photographs and other material, I feel I know Poly a little bit better now, and certainly want to listen to "Generation Indigo" again.
September 6, 2019
The story of one of the un-sung heroes/heroines of the punk movement, Poly Styrene of the often overlooked band X-Ray Spex, is told in documentary form by her daughter and a host of veritable peers and close acquaintances in this artfully, post modern tome that is both poignant and insightful.
With contributions from band members and the likes of Vivienne Westwood, Don Letts, John Savage, Thurston Moore and others, this is a tribute to a completely unique trailblazer in both British music and the subculture of a generation and covers her early life, the politics and attitudes of an era, her spiritual journey and battle with mental illness.
Celeste pieces together an enigmatic and glorious collection of quotes from her mother that astutely and respectfully tells story of this incredibly enigmatic and influential woman, who was tragically taken early in life from breast cancer. Some people think little girls should be seen and not heard, others say otherwise.
With contributions from band members and the likes of Vivienne Westwood, Don Letts, John Savage, Thurston Moore and others, this is a tribute to a completely unique trailblazer in both British music and the subculture of a generation and covers her early life, the politics and attitudes of an era, her spiritual journey and battle with mental illness.
Celeste pieces together an enigmatic and glorious collection of quotes from her mother that astutely and respectfully tells story of this incredibly enigmatic and influential woman, who was tragically taken early in life from breast cancer. Some people think little girls should be seen and not heard, others say otherwise.
June 10, 2019
An excellent look back at the life of Poly Styrene in the form of soundbites from those who knew her best, as well as quotes from herself, with much valuable input from her daughter, Celeste, the co-author with Zoe Howe. Poly was punk in attitude. Very much a standout in the heyday of punk, not traditionally beautiful but a beautiful person inside. Like many who are highly creative she had her demons with mental illness, namely being bipolar. I regret to say I never did see X-Ray Spex live but this is about more than that. It is the life of an interesting person who grew up never fitting in.
Ray Smillie
Ray Smillie
January 6, 2020
An "oral history" suitable for the coffee table, with pages that are a pleasure to turn in their look and feel as much as their words -- a quite nicely organized scrapbook, an apt reminder of a neon-bright punk spirit it's always a pleasure to remember and revisit. Nothing earth-shattering, but a lovely design and a down-to-earth, multifaceted mosaic of recollections (new and archival) that engages immediately, comes into focus gradually, and takes a convincing and interesting shape as the life story of one of the most captivating, galvanizing, and unforgettable (with or without commemorations like this one) singer-songwriters in all of rock history.
March 4, 2021
Really great book. It is structured as a series of quotes from Poly herself, family members, ex-band members, friends and people she knew from the music scene. I've never read a book structured like this before, but it really works as the quotes were presented in sequential order. There are a ton of pictures so it's a joy even just to skim through it - so beautifully presented. I feel so bad that she had to battle her mental illness demons throughout her life, but this book does not hold back on that. I also feel bad for Lora Logic, who seems to have gotten the raw end of the deal with X-ray Spex. Recommend this book, even if you weren't a super-fan of the band, but like punk rock.
October 21, 2019
Dayglo! is written in the style of a documentary, with various different voices (including Poly's) discussing different moments of her very interesting and vibrant life, and it works really well. As well as being the vocalist (and lyricist) of x-ray spex, the book examines the intersectionalities of race, gender and sexuality, and Poly's struggles with her mental health. She was such an important part of the early punk scene, a unique icon with a DIY attitude.
Even if you do only know "oh bondage up yours!" you should give this a read, and maybe go looking for her other stuff.
Even if you do only know "oh bondage up yours!" you should give this a read, and maybe go looking for her other stuff.
December 1, 2019
illuminating read about the life of Poly Styrene- X Ray Spex and beyond. It meant a lot to knowmore about Poly and her struggle with mental illness. I grew up with two mentally ill parents so I could relate to her family's difficulties as well as hers. She was a complex and sensitive person. The style of the book was challenging to get into with all of the tiny paragraphs from different people. I would give 3.5 if I could.
May 29, 2021
Somehow this book did not fulfil my expectations. Even though it is great & tells the story of a remarkable woman, that was just as much brave as she was vunerable. This is in no way a sentimental tale. There is a gloomy shadow in great parts of it, and it makes one sad to learn the truth of Lora Logics untimely departure, and of course also Styrenes mental illness. But even though it is a faschinating story, but it has not got the same nerve as Viv Albetines bio for instance.
December 5, 2021
Wow. This book was incredible thanks to the family archives and first-hand stories from those closest to Poly. I learned so much more about her as Mari the person beyond Poly Styrene the persona. Excellent photos as well. I can't wait to see the documentary that Celeste is working on (to be coming out in 2022).
February 21, 2020
An unusual format really makes this biography of Poly Styrene special. It’s like having a long conversation with her, her family and friends, and some of her fellow artists. Lots of great photos and artwork as well.
February 6, 2021
At first I had to get past the "paragraph for each person interviewed" style of the book, but once I did, I couldn't put this down. Such a personal, honest, harrowing story of an absolute icon. The legacy is vast and solid.
June 18, 2019
Your shoes are Ted, your hair is natty dread...
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September 20, 2019782.42166 S9384b 2019
May 31, 2021
A fascinating insight into the realm of Mari Elliot aka Poly Styrene. What an incredible, inspirational woman.
December 30, 2022
A homage, not a biography. Nice enough.
April 12, 2021
I loved reading about Poly Styrene. I will say that this book took a little while for me to get used to. The set up was more of a series of interviews that were interjected here and there in the book. Not my favorite writing style, but that is a personal opinion. The book itself is great. Always great to read about those pioneers in music, and especially one that blasted on the scene with such impact.
August 13, 2019
Too bitty to be properly satisfying but worth it for the pictures alone. Poly Styrene is definitely one of the most interesting characters of the heyday of punk.
February 2, 2024
Doc Film- Poly Styrene: I Am A Cliché
I am at the end of the book at the part where Poly passes away and she is fearless. My gma passed away last night and she was content ready to go didnt even cry a bit. I know we were all more emotional than her about it.
Poly is going to live on forever through her music and writings. Her daughter and friends did an amazing job at telling her story <3<3<3
I am at the end of the book at the part where Poly passes away and she is fearless. My gma passed away last night and she was content ready to go didnt even cry a bit. I know we were all more emotional than her about it.
Poly is going to live on forever through her music and writings. Her daughter and friends did an amazing job at telling her story <3<3<3
October 9, 2019
A must-read for fans of Poly, Spex, British punk, punk in general, and imaginative, influential feministic icons! It's a bit pricey, but considering the range, depth, and quality of the input of the contributors to this oral history, and the vibrant and oh-so-essential illustrations and photos, it's worth it. It does make you wish she were still here...
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews