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nikkideeley's review against another edition
emotional
informative
medium-paced
4.0
Book 53 of 2024: Perfect Sound Whatever - James Acaster
James Acaster undertakes a self-set challenge to uncover the best music from 2016 in an attempt to help cope with the depressive episode he finds himself in during 2017. The book is an ode to the music from 2016, how life can be awful but how music can be a healing experience.
Review:
⭐️ 4/5
This book is a lot more than just listing out the best albums from 2016, it’s a deep look into mental health and how music can be used to help in dark times. I enjoyed how thoroughly James Acaster had researched each album and the stories behind each one, interspersed with his own stories from 2017. I think it’s really important that he was so open and honest about his mental health and I believe that will help others feel less alone.
Challenges:
📚Books in 2024: 53/60
📚52 Book Club Challenge: 20/52
📚Prompt #39 of the 52 Book Club Challenge: Non-fiction Recommended by a Friend
Book Information:
📖 Pages: 304
📖 Format: Audiobook/Hardback
📖 Type: Non-Fiction
📖 Genre: Music
Favourite Quotes:
“Life was one big dance floor and we’re all just a bunch of crazy dancers”
sophiedonegan's review against another edition
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
relaxing
medium-paced
4.5
water_and_shade's review against another edition
funny
reflective
slow-paced
3.0
I LOVE James Acaster and got this book in a 99p sale. James writes very passionately about the music he discovered in 2016 and I can appreciate that but the topic did not interest me very much. I kept reading because the life story between music anecdotes was interesting, honest and always very funny. Would've given lower star rating but I knew I wasn't interested in the topic when I started the book. Would be interested in reading his other books (also helps that I read everything in his very distinctive voice in my head!)
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts
marlys's review against another edition
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
4.0
zoemitchell's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
4.0
zmull's review against another edition
4.0
Perfect Sound Whatever is a hybrid of music criticism and personal memoir. Early in 2017 comedian James Acaster's life began to fall apart and one way he dealt with it was to listen to music. Specifically music from 2016 which he soon decided was the greatest year for music of all time. The book is a personal story recounting his battles with mental health mixed with reviews and profiles of the musicians behind his favorite 2016 releases. The switching back and forth is clunky, but the honesty of his struggles and his enthusiasm for the music are engaging. 2016 wasn't the greatest year in music of all time but he makes a compelling case for how important it was to his life. James Acaster is a funny, talented guy. I hope he stays well.
kastygian's review against another edition
funny
informative
medium-paced
4.5
Acaster takes an interesting approach to writing a memoir by focusing mainly on two specific years of his life and interweaving the history of various artists and albums of 2016. At times it feels more like a music history book, but the personal views of the music as well as anecdotes of Acaster’s life bring the memoir full circle.
James Acaster’s obsession with music released in 2016 seems to be a coping mechanism for dealing with his life seemingly falling apart. He turns to finding new music as a way to ignore deep feelings, uncomfortable situations, or instances of loneliness. He, like many others, looks to music for escape, comfort, and guidance.
The book’s thesis is: 2016 was the best year for music. Ever. And listening to Acaster’s thorough research on all the albums/songs mentioned, it’s easy to see why he feels this way. Each chapter is a reminder of music I knew and love(d) from that year and even some of my own memories.
As someone who is always looking for new music and artists, I intend to check out a lot of James’ suggestions. As a whole, this memoir is smart, funny, and even embarrassingly honest. It’s a great read for fans of: James Acaster, music from 2016, or music in general, and anyone looking to learn something new!