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philsimon's review
4.0
Exhaustive history of one of music's most innovative, curious, and contrarian bands. I learned quite a bit, and Small Victories filled in the gaps in my knowledge.
My one gripe is with some of the author's choices. It seemed like Harte went out of his way to drop obscure words when simpler ones would have sufficed. I don't mind looking up the occasional word or phrase, but some passages are downright clunky. Ditto for sentences that occasionally rambled.
Warts aside, I enjoyed the book and would recommend it.
My one gripe is with some of the author's choices. It seemed like Harte went out of his way to drop obscure words when simpler ones would have sufficed. I don't mind looking up the occasional word or phrase, but some passages are downright clunky. Ditto for sentences that occasionally rambled.
Warts aside, I enjoyed the book and would recommend it.
anaussiemusicfan's review
5.0
It's impossible to overstate how enthusiastic I have been about the idea of a new comprehensive Faith No More biography. I've desperately wanted a book on the era beyond 1994 (where Steffan Chirazi's The Real Story ends), but also some clarity on the early history of the band, something about which The Real Story has always frustrated me.
Small Victories deliverers. Adrian manages to build both a solid timeline, satisfying the obsessive fan in me, but also a very personal insight into the personalities of everyone in the band, and those in the band's team, and almost-members, telling a comprehensive and interesting story of a group of people you'd not expect to stay friends over so many decades.
The book manages to paint an interesting picture of the music industry of the mid 80s and beyond, highlighting how many connections there with various bands of the time.
The book itself is a gorgeous package, with a lovely layout and carefully labelled photographs.
I adore everything about it, and I feel was likely to be the most critical, as my expectations were very high.
I can't recommend this book enough for fans of Faith No More, or even only for fans of bands of the era.
Small Victories deliverers. Adrian manages to build both a solid timeline, satisfying the obsessive fan in me, but also a very personal insight into the personalities of everyone in the band, and those in the band's team, and almost-members, telling a comprehensive and interesting story of a group of people you'd not expect to stay friends over so many decades.
The book manages to paint an interesting picture of the music industry of the mid 80s and beyond, highlighting how many connections there with various bands of the time.
The book itself is a gorgeous package, with a lovely layout and carefully labelled photographs.
I adore everything about it, and I feel was likely to be the most critical, as my expectations were very high.
I can't recommend this book enough for fans of Faith No More, or even only for fans of bands of the era.
bladecatcher's review
5.0
Loved this book. Big Faith No More fan, but didn't really know a lot about the band itself. For my tastes, this book had the right information: Mostly about the band itself and it's inner workings, not a lot about relationships or other outside influences.
Also had a lot of great detail about songs and the recording sessions, which I love.
Also had a lot of great detail about songs and the recording sessions, which I love.
sofiacostalima's review
I know 1994 was a great year but why does the book seem to be rushed once it gets to 1994. From that year forward it really looks that the writer was in a hurry to finish it. Otherwise, it's great.
quoting: «When life betrays, music soothes and saves.»
quoting: «When life betrays, music soothes and saves.»
tonybosco's review
5.0
Unlike far too many music biographies, 'Small Victories' is painstakingly researched, and will shed new light on Faith No More's creative process, never-ending inner turmoil, negotiations and dealings with their label, along with many missed opportunities. While it's not an authorized book, Harte travelled far-and-wide to interview most of the necessary players (Patton didn't participate). Billy, Roddy, and Puffy's participation is crucial here, as it provides insight that could only come from those in the band.
Revelations come fast and furious with tales about Courtney Love, Josh Homme, MC Hammer, Billy Idol, Axl Rose, Milli Vanilli, Chile and Faith No More’s part in the Berlin Wall’s downfall.
Another factor that makes this version of events essential is the inclusion of so much detail about Chuck Mosley, the band’s erratic, frustrating and yet still somehow loveable former frontman who helped them to early, modest success before Patton joined the band.
My friend, Steffan Chirazi, wrote the now-out-of-print "Faith No More: The Real Story" in '94, and while it's a great book, the fact it was released in '94 prevents it from telling the complete story. Faith No More's story may not be over, but this book is an excellent way to learn their story.
Revelations come fast and furious with tales about Courtney Love, Josh Homme, MC Hammer, Billy Idol, Axl Rose, Milli Vanilli, Chile and Faith No More’s part in the Berlin Wall’s downfall.
Another factor that makes this version of events essential is the inclusion of so much detail about Chuck Mosley, the band’s erratic, frustrating and yet still somehow loveable former frontman who helped them to early, modest success before Patton joined the band.
My friend, Steffan Chirazi, wrote the now-out-of-print "Faith No More: The Real Story" in '94, and while it's a great book, the fact it was released in '94 prevents it from telling the complete story. Faith No More's story may not be over, but this book is an excellent way to learn their story.