The autobiography of the eighties pop star Marc Almond. An intimate portrait of the star-making abilities of eighties personalities and the frank story of rising from a fall from commercial grace to rebuild a new career with dignity, and living life in a world of rumours, some cultivated, many not.
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For those who think that Marc Almond's career began and ended with the single "Tainted Love" in 1981, then think again. Almond has built up an impressive body of work over the last two decades, creating over 16 albums of unique and diverse material. He has performed countless sell-out concerts, enjoyed numerous hit records, embarked on unique collaborations and produced some of the finest interpretations of the songs of both Jacques Brel and Charles Aznavour in recent history. He has brooded through the bleakest melancholia and basked in the glory of the purest pop. And here, at last, is the life and soul of the artist laid bare. Almond's autobiography, entitled Tainted Life ("what else?", asks Almond), charts his "dysfunctional" childhood in Southport through his wilderness years at Leeds School of Art to global pop stardom with electro- duo Soft Cell in 1981. And that's just the first few chapters. What follows entails the demise of the band in which he made his name, his fall from commercial grace and a career that would fluctuate wildly (as indeed would his mental state), all wittily retold with just enough bile and bitterness. The book's cover features a brilliantly striking portrait of Almond by Parisian artists Pierre et Gilles, which visually epitomises his artistic style in a splendid array of colour.
Whether you enjoy his music or not, love him or hate him, Almond has led such a recklessly exciting life that this book will make for a fascinating read, particularly appealing to those too scared to take a walk on the wild side for themselves. Yes, there are the usual rock 'n' roll tales of alcohol and drug addiction but what makes this book special is Almond's exploration of both the seedier aspects of life and the darker realms of the soul. Tainted Life also dissects the music business and the personalities who litter its corridors and includes such colourful characters as svengali manager Stevo and wayward singer Cindy Ecstasy, plus celebrities such as Madonna, Gene Pitney and Andy Warhol. Almond is an accomplished writer and looks back upon his hectic life with a critical eye and a dry sense of humour, recognising his triumphs and achievements, yet equally acknowledging his faults and failures. At times torch singer, at others arts maverick, Almond has always been an innovative and creative talent; he has recently enjoyed critical success for the album Open All Night (1999) and the book Beautiful Twisted Night, a collection of poetry, verse and prose. His autobiography is no exception, managing to inform and entertain in an intimate way while remaining honest and open throughout. The moment you begin the journey through Almond's Tainted Life you won't stop until you reach the end. --Robert Brookes
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
If you liked 'Take It Like A Man' by Boy George, you'll probably enjoy Marc Almonds account of his antics in the 80's and 90's. He writes frankly about the friends, musicians, producers, record company bosses and general 'hangers on' with whom he surrounded himself. An odd mix of self depreciation and total belief that he is a 'star'. You dont need to be an a Soft Cell or Marc Almond fan to enjoy this.
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
This book focuses on Marc's llife from where he grew up in Southport to his Soft Cell days and present day. It is a fantascinating book that any fan should buy because you get to know the real marc - the truth that you do not here in the papers!
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
Marc Almond show's that he has a real flair for writing and comes over as funny as well as a great musician. He certainly doesn't pull any punches about the depths he sunk to in the drug world and could possibly be the first pop ecstacy junkie in the U.K. alway's a trend setter Marc...
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Marc Almond
Very pleased with the condition of the book received, have started reading and find it very interesting unable to put it down at the moment.
Published 1 month ago by Paul Parkes
4.0 out of 5 stars
Very Candid & Entertaining...
The 80's was my era and having quite recently read (& loved!) both Boy George's & Steve Strange's literary offerings I was expecting great things with Marc's story and although... Read more
Published 9 months ago by Spike
5.0 out of 5 stars
give it a go
marc takes the reader on a roller coaster ride which is his life,extremely well written,Marc's sense of humour shines through,considering some of the events along the way it's a... Read more
Published 15 months ago by pandacomfy
5.0 out of 5 stars
Tainted Life
I was very pleased with this purchase. The book was exactly as described by the seller and arrived quickly and in good order. Read more
Published 21 months ago by Bing
4.0 out of 5 stars
Hugely Entertaining
I love well-written and long books, so this fit the bill reasonably well. It's full of anecdotes about Marc's colourful life and evokes the early 80s really well. Read more
Published on 10 Oct 2006 by malbecco
2.0 out of 5 stars
where's the juice?
I bought this book because i like reading about the highs and lows and all the extravagance of The Eighties. Read more
Published on 13 Sep 2004 by Dolores VanCartier
5.0 out of 5 stars
Essential Reading
I read this on my morning and evening commute, and every now and then couldn't help but blurt out a chuckle. Don't get me wrong, this book takes you through the highs and the lows. Read more
Published on 27 July 2004 by M. Welch
4.0 out of 5 stars
Entertain me...
Marc reveals himself warts and all in a highly entertaining auto-biography. His account of the "art-terrorists" at Leeds Poly, though only 2 or 3 paras long, is a hoot - though... Read more
Published on 16 Aug 2003
5.0 out of 5 stars
A great book
This is certainly the best autobiography I have read for a long time. Marc has not used a ghostwriter, which gives the book a greater intimacy - and he certainly writes... Read more
Published on 8 Feb 2002 by pdward@btinternet.com
5.0 out of 5 stars
As great a read for non fans as it is for fans.
Because his music is seen as being in the pop genre, Marc Almond isn't given the credit he is due. I would defiantly rank him with Nick Cave as being one of the few consistently... Read more
Published on 2 Jan 2000 by terry-truman@excite.com
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