Mod

Before I Get Old : The Story of the Who

by Dave Marsh [St. Martin's 10/83, 546pp.]

"It seems to me that if you pick up a rock bio and expect to get something even close to the reality of what really went on, you are setting yourself up for a hard fall. Dave Marsh does a really good job, however, at summing up the Who's career and belting out the facts with nice writing and concise direction. You're given behind the scenes looks at a lot of infighting, songs, albums, lives and careers and it all gels rather well together. Marsh definitely has his opinions and is not hesitant in letting loose with them. I say good. Rock journalism is not the place for objectivity, just as rock n' roll is the essential forum to spill out everything you ever thought about everything. He has his biases and likes and it's nice to see because from that you understand that you are reading a Who fan's bio of the band. A much more well-informed fan than most, but basically, a fan.

"The downside is also an upside: almost all the quotes and personal asides in the book are taken from other interviews or films or whatnot, but that's also an upside. You get a collage view of the Who from their early days of snotty-punk-rock and their later days of fried-out elegance. Pound for pound, in my book, the Who were the best band to come from the whole British invasion. And this book is as good a companion piece to the music as you're apt to find.

"Some great stuff in here about Shel Talmy, Kit Lambert, Radio Caroline, Reaction/Track Records, and a good section about Mod culture (essential reading for those outside the UK... Mod was more than just wearing a bulls-eye T-shirt). The book ends after Keith Moon dies, and the first "final tour", so if you were looking for more recent Who history, it's not in here. Still, it's a decent read if you can stomach Dave Marsh."

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This is a Modern Life: The 1980s London Mod Scene, Mod Chronicles Vol. 1 (UK only)

by Enamel Verguren [Helter Skelter 5/04, 224pp.]

"This is a Modern Life is the first in-depth history of the mod revival that was sparked off by the 1979 release of the movie Quadrophenia. It features interviews with many of the key faces in the 80s mod scene, as well as fliers, posters, record sleeves and some absolutely classic photos. As Jim Watson writes in one of the introductions - This is a very tasty collection of good reading matter for you to vide. Featured in this programme are step by step the Mod revival of '79, the dangers associated with the Mod life, the clubs, the pubs where we all have spent our youth, the Bank holiday runs, and their clashes, to the Stylists of the mid-80's and their obsession to detail."

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Soul Stylists

by Paolo Hewittt, Paul Weller (Introd.) [Trafalgar Square 3/01]

"This is a celebration of Britain's enduring youth cult, the Mods. Including personal testimonies from both well-known and unknown contributors, it attempts to trace the link between the two key elements of modernism - American rhythm and blues and British working-class fashion. It follows the transition of musical styles from London in the late 1950s, with the black American servicemen and their love for bebop, and from the sharply-dressed Mods of the early 1960s to the dawning of the skinhead and suedehead movement which provided the musical and stylistic inspirations for 1980s bands such as Madness, the Beat and the Specials. The book discusses such diverse characters as Pete Townshend, David Bowie and Ray Davies, as well as club owners, tailors and shop owners, in an analysis of the changing trends. The work also explores Britain's northern soul scene, which saw thousands of youngsters in the North of England dedicate their lives to buying the most obscure American soul records. It claims that the Mods live on still, with many hip-hop disciples sporting the Tommy Hilfiger look of the early jazz modernists."

"The concept behind this book is very simple. The 'author' writes a short paragraph to make a point then supports it with a series of quotations from people he has dubbed 'The Soul Stylists'. These 'stylists' are in the main successful upper-middle class folk who have escaped their working class roots and comment on their more youthful times as cult members of one or other 'Mod' fashion. These people range from record producers, to magazine editors, to successful writers and lawyers. What they all have in common is the fact that they at one time belonged to one of the youth cults which embraced Black American Music. Paulo Hewitt's main thrust is that all this cults, Seudeheads, skinheads, smoothies, soulboys etc are not only united in their love of soul music, but are also just different manifestations of the same original 'Mod' culture."

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The Story of Mod: A Very British Phenomenon

by Terry Rawlings [Omnibus 10/00, 360pp.]

"Mod defined an era and created a lasting impression on the world of fashion. This book presents a richly illustrated celebration of all things Mod; from the suits and the scooters, to the music, movies, riots and revivals."

"Why read The Story of Mod? What possible relevance and interest does Rawlings' well written and fascinating history of a scene begun in London in the early 1960's hold for today? For an answer we should return to the Summer of 1979; out of the nihilism of post-punk England there arose a revival of a 1960's Youth Culture phenomenon called "Mod" . Bands such as the Jam typified this rebirth with a heavy emphasis on their musical antecedants the Who, The Small Faces and The Kinks. Alongside this revival was a renewed interest in motor scooters and ska music. A variety of tangentially related fashions coalesced in the US and made Mod the Thinking Man's Answer to the increasing uniformity of Punk Rock and Rockabilly. Flash forward 20 years and we have the corporate pre-fab "rebellion" of Blink 182, Greenday and sundry other well scrubbed (but tatooed) "punkers", What of Mod? Well, the parkas may be missing but the echoes are CLEAR in the music and style of such genuinely diverse pop music giants Oasis, No Doubt, Pulp, Blur, The Verve , and The Shazam (from, of all places Tennesee). Mod is the ONLY authentic, non "corporate", grass roots youth culture dynamic going today. The book chronicles the uniquely British birth and transmogrification of the fashion from its birth in postwar England to the potent and creative force that it is today. Any student of youth culture and British pop music will find the book invaluable."

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The Sharper Word: A Mod Reader

by Paolo Hewitt (ed.) [Interlink 3/00, 224pp.]

"Paolo Hewitt, celebrated rock journalist and biographer of Oasis, The Jam and The Small Faces, has collected some of the best writings ever on mod: the music, the fashions, and the entire way of life. As well as new essays from Hewitt, The Sharper Word rediscovers impossible to find writing by Tom Wolfe, Mary Quant, Tony Parsons and Nik Cohn. Going beyond the surface cliches, Hewitt's hugely readable collection fully documents one of the most misunderstood cultural movements of the post-war era.

"One of the finest books I have read in a long time, a very sharp look at the mod culture of which I was one, this book took me back to a time I had enjoyed and lived, I would recomend this book to any one who has followed the mod culture through all its rebirths over the last 40 years. If I had any critisism it would be a lack of photographs but this doesnt detract from the content of the book I have read it three times now, the first reading was accomplished in one sitting I could not put the book down."

Bomp note: This book is devoted to the original '60s mod movement; you won't find Paul Weller or Quadrophenia here.

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Empire Made: The Handy Pocket Guide to All Things Mod

Keith Badman, Terry Rawlings [Cherry Red 8/97, 150pp.]

"A highly illustrated pocket sized guide to everything Mod. The people, the faces, the records, the pop-stars, television programs and even scooters."

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From Somewhere Out of Here (UK only)

by S G Grey, M D Sandon [Walsall Local History Centre 2/97, 240pp.]

"This is a superb read for anyone interested in Mod culture. Well written, and very precise (just what you'd expect from a Mod really) it traces the rise of the Mod movement in the West Midlands very well. My only complaint is that it is a bit snobbish at times."

"An excellent companion to Generation X, this is an historical account of the Birmingham Mod Scene from 1978 to 1988, and is a "must read" for anyone looking into the real heritage of today`s scene."

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Mods!

by Richard Barnes [London, Eel Pie 1979; Plexus 9/94, 128pp.]

"This book has become the acknowledged starting point for anyone wishing to learn more about the 1960's Mod youth movement. The book is filled with photographs and articles from the time. Thoroughly recommended for Mods or anyone wishing to find out about this most important of subcultures."

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The Complete Guide to the Music of Paul Weller and The Jam (UK only)

by John Reed [Omnibus 3/99, 128pp.]

"This handy cd sized book has everything you need to know about all theJam, Style Council and Paul Weller releases up to Heavy Soul. It's ideal to dip into as you're listening to your collection, giving snappy little anedotes on each release. It also has essential information on the rarer releases, guest appearances and b-sides of singles, in fact it's all here. Included too is all the original artwork, in fact I'd go as far as to say that this books entries make ideal sleeve notes. A must for all serious Weller collectors."

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Paul Weller : The Unauthorised Biography

by Steve Malins [London Bridge, 5/97, 256pp.]

"The life of one of the greatest singer/songwriter/guitarists from the music scene of the late '70s until now is documented greatly in this book. It deals with his earlists influences, his first (and so I think, his best) group The Jam, to the laid back cappuccino and white overcoat times of The Style Council, to the rough guitar driven solo work. It talks to the people around him, his friends, his fans, people who didn't like him and even the man himself. Its a great book because it captures all aspects of him and all his poetic/rock genius."

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Paul Weller: My Ever Changing Moods

by John Reed [Omnibus 11/96, 392pp.]

"From the moment I picked this book up, I couldn't put it down again (which was hard because it's really heavy). It's packed with more detail than an encyclopedia and is an absolute must for any Weller fan. Reed's writing talents are clear and focused, his use of descriptive imagery immaculate and the research that went into this book is exemplary. Though Weller doesn't talk directly to the author, the book is incredibly well written and includes hundreds of quotes here from friends, family and the Modfather himself to enrich and complement Reed's excellent biography 287 pages chronicling his entire life from childhood to the present. Features tons of info on the Jam and also over 20 pages of photos."

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The Jam : A Beat Concerto

by Paolo Hewitt [Omnibus 1983, Boxtree 1/97, 128pp.]

"This 'authorized biography' of the group is actually co-copyrighted in the name of the author and Jam leader Paul Weller. Weller only wrote a few opening words: 'It must have been a difficult task write The Jam's biography--there haven't been any drug busts, violent deaths, or mystical sojourns.' This is all true, but it doesn't prevent the group from being an interesting study. Weller's secondary school report card is reprinted for some good laughs. With lots of firsthand quotes and reprinted album reviews (mostly British), this book does justice to the musical legacy left by Weller, Buckler and Foxton. Fans in the States may resent Weller's repeated disparaging remarks about America."

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The Jam: The Modern World By Numbers

by Paul Honeyford [Plexus 1980, 8/95, 112pp.]

"Paul Honeyford's revealing, dynamic account is illustrated with a range of black and white photos, showing the band members on-stage, and at their most informal."

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Our Music is Red - With Purple Flashes - The Story of the Creation (UK only)

by Sean Egan [Cherry Red 6/04, 350pp.]

"Their songs have been covered by acts as diverse as Ride, Boney M and the Sex Pistols; they impressed Pete Townsend so much that he asked their guitarist to join the already successful Who; said guitarist pioneered the use of a bow on guitar strings - a trick later plagiarised by Jimmy Page; they have been cited as an influence by the likes of Paul Weller and John Lydon. Yet The Creation never had a hit single or even made an album in their two year recording career, from 1966-68. But, nevertheless, they are cherished by generations of fans. This is their untold story."

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Steve Marriott: All Too Beautiful (UK only)

by Paulo Hewitt, John Hellier [Helter Skelter 6/04, 352pp.]

"While Steve Marriott was an icon for his generation, and the subsequent generation to some extent, and produced many memorable songs, his story is very sad. His life was ruined by drink and drugs and he took on a schizophrenic personality that detroyed his three marriages and, ultimately, contributed to his early death in 1991. Despite his undoubted talent, he never received the rewards he earned but he did not look for the fame so many of his contemporaries enjoyed. Despite that, he envied or even resented the lesser talents who did "cash in." This is a very well-written book that goes further into the Marriott legend than anything else I have read. Even the keenest Small Faces fans will find something new here. It has been well-researched with many interviews that span the course of his life. The conclusion seems to be that everyone loved and respected Marriott but his schizophrenia and hyperative behaviour made him very difficult to live with"

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The Small Faces & Other Stories : The Faces, Peter Frampton, Rod Stewart, Steve Marriott, Humble Pie

by Ulli Twelker, Roland Schmitt [Sanctuary 4/02, 350pp.]

"Follows the main Mod, blues and progressive protagonist, Steve Marriott, through childhood stardom in Oliver!, to his blues/rock band Humble Pie in both their arena and club incarnations, his pub band Packet of Three and The Faces who exceeded the fortunes of The Small Faces with front man Rod Stewart. 318pp. Plus 2 eight photo sections."

Originally published in the UK 4/97 as Happy Boys Happy.

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The Young Mods' The Forgotten Story (UK only)

by Paolo Hewitt [Acid Jazz 6/95, 192pp.]

"Recent years have seen a crop of long-overdue books about the Small Faces. Each of these has had a different approach. Paolo Hewitt's book was the first of these and was published in 1995. Paolo has also written biographies of The Jam and Oasis. The Young Mod's Forgotten Story does not have the intense detail of Quite Naturally or the longer- term perspective of Happy Boys Happy. It focuses purely on the Small Faces and is lavishly illustrated with black & white and colour photographs. As such it is an essential guide for many on how to dress and look "cool." This is the real mod style bible.192pp. 180 photos - 32 pages in colour."

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A Fortnight of Furore: The Who & Small Faces' Australian Tour (Australia only)

by Andrew Neill [1998]

"A soft cover, magazine like book tells the funny and engaging story of a 1968 tour of Australia and New Zealand where everything went wrong. Most of the photos are newspaper clippings and are poor quality, but their charm and quantity more than make up for that. Recommended. Book includes a reprint of the tour programme and Australian discography."

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All the Rage

by Ian 'Mac' McLagan, Dave Marsh [Watson-Guptill 4/00, 416pp.]

"The Faces were vital contributors to rock in the late 1960s and early 1970s, and McLagan, the Face's keyboardist, tells their story and his own convivially. Before admitting Rod Stewart and guitarist Ron Wood and willy-nilly becoming the singer's backup band, the Faces had recorded, as the Small Faces, the protopsychedelic hit "Itchycoo Park," with Steve Marriott out front. McLagan's early proximity to the stars makes him a crucial source of inside dope on them. And McLagan not only collaborated with Marriott, Stewart, and future Rolling Stone Wood. He hooked up with Who drummer Keith Moon's ex-wife and experienced sadly characteristic harassment from Moon the Loon. Doin' toot with Ike Turner, trying to get Stewart to record the occasional Faces song in the midst of his burgeoning megastardom, having Pete Townshend intervene when Moon hired goons to get him--McLagan tells all and then some. A fine addition to our knowledge of the relationships within '60s rock and their incidental but vital salacious aspects and a must-read for aging rockers."