Reviews

The Fallen: Life in and Out of Britain's Most Insane Group by Dave Simpson

toddbert's review

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emotional funny reflective fast-paced

3.5

joerichards90's review against another edition

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4.0

A fascinating read through the extricated echelons of one of music's most stressful but unique and of course brilliant groups. Each interview with a Fallen member is generally engaging, with some providing greater insight than others into the mechanics of The Fall and the cryptic and ultimately unknowable psychology of MES.

Whilst the book's main flaws are for me linked primarily to a (credible or total) lack of input from a certain few members, almost all speak of a lingering love, if not a even small amount of respect, for their defacto leader. Having now been able to delve deeper into the generally well-reported subject of Mark E Smith, his behaviour and his work ethics, I can only imagine such loyalty is the result of some cult like brainwashing.

It's ultimately pleasing to learn that this trait held by the Fallen is shared by myself and likely a large number of Fall fans: an inexplicable love for a man whose values, ideals, ethics, business practices and certainly his interpersonal qualities are, for the most part, far outside the Re-Mit of what I'd look for in a passing acquaintance, let alone a hero.

woodlandglitter's review

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3.0

I would have liked this a whole lot more if the author hadn't felt it necessary to include his own sub-Nick Hornby manchild nonsense. Definitely worth it for Fall fanatics, though.
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