PUNK - THE BRUTAL TRUTH

The Brutal Truth by Hugh Fielde is a powerful new book offering a race through the first decade of punk, a climactic explosion that changed the face of music for a generation. It takes you from early-to-mid-'70s New York with rough and ready bands such as The Ramones, Television and Johnny Thunders' Heartbreakers playing at the CBGB club, and the young, angry scene of London with the Damned, Sex Pistols, Clash, Slits, Banshees, Generation X and many more.. The publication is timed to celebrate the iconic Sex Pistols TV interview that launched punk to a shocked and delighted audience just over 35 years ago.

Hardback: 192 pages
Publisher: Flame Tree Publishing
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0857754009
ISBN-13: 978-0857754004
Product Dimensions: 29.5 x 27.9 x 2.8 cm

GOD'S LONELY MEN - THE LURKERS

This is one of the best, but strangest books ever written about a punk band. Most of us took The Lurkers' lyrics of alienation, confusion and mental illness as works of fiction, set to great, pounding, beautifully ramshackle tunes. It seems we were wrong.

Pete Haynes was actually Lurkers drummer Esso, and in this revealing memoir he not only tells the story of the band's career, seeing them become the first band signed to Beggars Banquet, appear on Top Of The Pops and record and tour in the US, but also of the outfit's dark side. According to him, they were always oddballs, living with their parents on the outskirts of London, even after becoming a success. A good proportion of the book is also taken up with Haynes' musings on society, and he comes across as a genuine, compassionate bloke, somewhat at odds with his 'Manic Esso' persona.

The Lurkers' decline, occasional reformations, and Haynes' later work with other bands are also covered, along with his time as a mature student, which led to a play he had written being performed at the Edinburgh Fringe. These days, he works with people with severe learning disabilities; admirable and somehow appropriate. A great read.

Paperback: 250 pages
Publisher: Headhunter
Language: English
ISBN-10:1906085048
ISBN-13: 978-1-906085-04-9
Product Dimensions: 20.3 x 15.6 cm

THE DEFINITIVE BIOGRAPHY OF JOE STRUMMER

Chris Salewicz was a close friend of Joe Strummer from 1977 until his untimely death in December 2002 shook the world. With full approval and cooperation of relatives, companions and fellow musicians, he writes the definitive account of British rock 'n' roll's most fascinating of idols.

An honest tribute to Joe's life, work and huge worldwide impact. The Clash was the most influential band of its generation, producing intelligent punk anthems such as 'London Calling', 'White Riot' and 'Tommy Gun'. Rolling Stone voted 'London Calling' the best album of the 1980s and for many they remain iconic mainstays of their generation. With his talent, good looks and laid-back attitude Joe Strummer was the driving force behind the band and the archetypal front-man of a punk band. Apart from his own band, The Mescaleros, Strummer played with The Pogues and featured in several films, including Alex Cox's 'Walker' and 'Straight To Hell', and Jim Jarmusch's 'Mystery Train'.

This book is an emotional and compelling account of Strummer's life, and a comprehensive insight into the man behind The Clash. Chris Salewicz is better placed than anyone to write about Strummer's life, his work and his huge worldwide impact. Both Strummer and The Clash transcended music stardom to become heroes to their fans and peers - this is an honest tribute to them, and the best and last word on the subject.

Paperback: 660 pages
Publisher: Harper
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0007172125
ISBN-13: 978-0007172122
Product Dimensions: 13.2 x 19.7 cm

PUNK ROCK BOOK OF LISTS

The Official Punk Rock Book of Lists, brought to you by Amy Wallace, and Handsome Dick Manitoba of The Dictators fame. With seemingly endless lists from the most offensive songs of all time to frivolous punk rock lawsuits, big hits on the CBGB's jukebox, and dietary habits of punks, right on down to Debbie Harry's list of "People I'd Like To Fuck," it's a nonstop ride through underground music's halls of insignificance as stories are retold and categorised as only the 'Book of Lists' people do best, and aside from the overly bountiful Sex Pistols-related anecdotes, it's a thoroughly entertaining reference guide. Contains some great illustrations by Cliff Mott.

Paperback: 314 pages
Publisher: Backbeat Books
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0879309199
ISBN-13: 9780879309190
Product Dimensions: 18.0 x 23.0 x 2.5 cm