Being Mod was and is different for everybody!, 24 April 2002

Off to buy a Vespa (again!)

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Spot on, 28 Jun 2004

An honest book which illustrated how and why many people did get involved, particularly in regards to the Revival. Not everyone (post '79) was an R'n'B stylist or elitist. Good to hear from people who were integral in the revival who don't usually get a look in because they're ignored. Well, maybe these people WERE the PIONEERS of the 80's Mod....like it or not, at least it weren't overlooked.

Actually loved the photo's of the average mod, parka and all...'cos that's what most Mods were, particularly in the early days and to pretend everyone was into jazz, obscure R'n'B, coffee shops and hand made shoes wouldn't be accurate.

Was the "Mashed Potato" (or the like) really something the average (70's/ early 80's) Mod would do? That's correct, no.
That's why this book gets away from the usual delusions and shows it warts, and quite often poor dress sense, and all. Aggressive guitar music and pub rock were a big part of the early 80's to alot of Mods...and this book unashamedly acknowledges these FACTS. Also, many 60's artists that aren't usually spoken of at length were given coverage. Good to get an outsiders (like promoters, Club Owners and record company's) perspective as well.

I can confidently say that The Purple Hearts & The Chords had more in common with your average youngster getting into the scene in the late 70's / early 80's than any rare soul tune.

Could have mentioned a few of the other bands, but other than that, can't knock it.

How can the American Reviewer slag something that they weren't part of? How would a San Francisco reader know what was happening in London late 70's ?!?!?!? THE POINT, with giving a nod to Primal Scream and The Stone Roses was showing that bands from another era, without actually claiming to be mod, were influenced by their predecessors of a similar style....and were seen by some as more 'mod' (and better) than the self proclaimed mod bands of the Revival and mid eighties...The Risk!!??!!...gimme a break.

How can anyone who called themselves a mod knock this book?

Nice work.

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