Monday, May 25, 2020

Book It... and Quick!

Every few weeks for the past couple of years I have snooped around the 'Net looking for a copy of 'C86 & All That.' The book was penned by Neil Taylor, one of the original compilers of the legendary NME cassette, and there is no better journalist to tell the tale. The book was in print for the blink of an eye, and I seemingly missed my chance at this testament to the golden age of indie-pop because those lucky enough to grasp the grail never resell them. Trust me, I have searched high and low and have never seen one on the block. It's a keeper.

The other day while on the hunt I checked out the Facebook page dedicated to the book. Was it a mirage? Mr. Taylor was touting the fact that 'C86 & All That' was back in print. The post was dated May 12. Gulp. I wrote to Mr. Taylor, and he told me the second reprint had sold out in six days. Of course it had. Foiled again... but no! A third batch has been printed. Better hurry, lads and lasses. These won't last long. Here are the details. Comes with a batch of postcards too. Oh, and he's got badges for sale.

To whet your appetite, here is a fun watch. It's Mr. Taylor with some of our heroes from that era talking 'C86' to promote the book. Pete Astor, Luke Haines and more!

8 comments:

drew said...

It was tricky as I do not use Facebook but now duly ordered, yes with the badges. Thank you Brian

drew said...

Also, meant to ask if you have received the Vaselines 7" from Optic Nerve?

Brian said...

Hi Drew. I agree with you. It was a little tricky. Once I figured out I could send money via PayPal to Neil Taylor's account (which is that email address mentioned in the post), it was a snap. As for my Optic Nerve, I opted for the entire package (again). To save money on shipping, I had Ian send me the first six in one batch and the second six in another batch. The Vaselines were in the first batch, but I guess you heard about the mistake with the sleeve. The second batch is on its way (with the new Vaselines sleeve). The mail from all European countries is very slow right now. I expect it to come this week (has been on route for more than a week already). Can't wait! Packages like these are just about all there is to look forward to...

Brian said...

Drew, And I just woke up to this bit of news. Went from being on the fence about the Sisters reissue to a firm buy...

https://www.monorailmusic.com/album/c3d60179-9f4b-11ea-84ad-1298a0617e72/Sisters_%3Cb%3EMonorail_Exclusive_Edition_with_King_Cr.html?mc_cid=242eb7363d&mc_eid=3835771ddf

Howard said...

Brian,

I too had been looking every few months for this book figuring a used one would pop up somewhere but noooooo. i had seen Meil's posts but was hemming some at 33GBP but then I saw your blog, and realized that's a fraction of my lifetime indie music spending for a bible of said genre. So maybe it'll be friends w your copy shipping across the pond.

--Howard

Brian said...

Howard, Good to hear from you. Hope all is well down there. I feel your pain, but I have wanted the book for so long that even 33GBP wasn't going to stop me. Glad you came around. This is a book you are bound to reference time and time again at Indie Pop Saved My Life. Think of it as a business expense. Did you get your copy of Jetstream Pony yet? My vinyl is still en route, but I have given the download quite a workout.

MisterPrime said...

Hey Brian, I got this book when it came out - didn't realise it had any rarity value but I've not heard of the publisher now that you mention it. A pretty good read, as I recall, though lacking an index... Mind you, I only discovered the other day that the Forever People, who released the one 7" on Sarah Records, were basically Razorcuts. No help here (hence my comment) so I checked with 'Popkiss' - a perfectly serviceable index there, plenty of mentions for Razorcuts but Michael White seems not to have considered the Forever People record as worthy of a mention. What is a sad nerd to do...!?

Brian said...

MisterPrime, I only picked up that Forever People 7"a little over a year ago. I don't come across Sarah singles in a shop too often. Well worth picking up because of the reunion, but it isn't quite Big Pink Cake now, is it? On another note, my book arrived last night. Should keep me busy most of the summer on the old hammock. The Jetstream Pony vinyl turned up in the mail today. Smiles all around.