John Tucker's SUZIE SMILED: THE NEW WAVE OF BRITISH HEAVY METAL. LET'S TALK METAL
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- Опубликовано: 10 сен 2024
- Time for another book review. Tucker has written extensively about the NWOBHM, and this book gives us a look at his first-hand account of how the genre developed.
A huge thanks to Frank for hooking me up with a copy of this book.
Terrific book by John Tucker, probably my favorite on the movement. I also really enjoyed his book, Neat & Tidy, The Story of Neat Records, which gives great insight into the history of the label. As you mentioned, I also find that his being there experiencing that period himself adds much credibility and authenticity to the read. Great overview Alan!
Thanks! I haven't read his book on Neat Records, may try to get to it this summer.
I don't have a lot of commentary, but kudos to you for reviewing books like this! I can tell you for a fact that there were at least two books on the NWOBHM published in German that, to my knowledge, have never been translated. Those also focused on the records (rather than band histories) and are more or less superseded by Malc's book.
I remember seeing/hearing about those before Malc's book came out. They were impossible to find and impossible to read (for most of us).
Glad you enjoyed the book Alan. It's a great read and an essential for all fans of 80's metal. John's first-person accounts are priceless.
His writing style is effortless and friendly. It feels like you're having a conversation with a friend. It's never pretentious or all-knowing.
I had some of the same issues in regard to continuity at times. I just attributed it to my inability to concentrate, but there may well be something to it.
The book is a great chronicle of all of the "what if's" and "should have been" stories that epitomize the NWOBHM. As we know, most of the bands were not seeking so much fame or glory as they were simply hoping to play some live gigs, record a demo or two and make a little spending money along the way.
I especially liked chapter six, the collection of anecdotes from band members about their favorite songs.
It would be great if John could find the time in his schedule to revisit the book for an updating and reissue on its approaching 20th (or 25th) anniversary. It was originally researched and compiled in the early days of the internet, and I'm sure that there were limited resources available in connecting with the former band members. i.e., mostly done by snail mail, phone calls and face to face meetings, and of course the copious notes that he was writing in real-time as the events unfolded.
A Final Note: For anyone looking to score a copy of the book. 90% of the copies that you'll find are selling for $100 to $200. Be patient and keep searching. Eventually you'll find a copy selling for far less. It could take months for one to turn up though, especially here in the U.S.
An updated version would be very interesting. It'd be cool for him to talk to some of the same folks, concentrate on recent developments, such as the success SATAN and HELL had with their 'comeback' albums, etc. Wonder if he's up for it?
@@letstalkmetal
We can only hope. Or perhaps even a whole new NWOBHM book!! I know he stays quite busy with a myriad of projects, the latest of which was just released last week, a four disc box set entitled "All Systems Go: The Neat Singles Vol. One". If you missed out on it 20 years ago, I'll vouch that the new version is well worth picking up, and is a significant improvement over the original.
@@Frank_nwobhm Oh Neat (haha)! The new version does look better. Didn't the original version split up the songs so all the A sides were together and all the B sides were together?
@@letstalkmetal
Yes, they've put everything in the correct order, so it starts with three Tygers Of Pan Tang songs, two each from Fist and White Spirit and so on until it finishes with Venom's "Warhead" EP. Vol. Two is supposed to be released later this year.
The splitting up of the sides on the original release was rather annoying. This time around it feels like proper documentation. The mastering job by Matt Wortham and Andy Pearce is excellent, they cleaned things up just enough without leaving any noticeable fingerprints.
@@Frank_nwobhm Yeah, that format on the orig version bugged me. I understand why it was laid out that way but I'd rather have all the tracks from a given release groups together in the track list.
Hi Alan! Top book, one of my favs on that period that I still dip into now and again. Cool overview of it mate, cheers!
Thanks!
BTW in case you missed it, your channel got a big shout-out on a recent episode of Heavy Metallurgy. Phil from Chromium Dioxide made sure to mention how great your channel is and encouraged folks to check it out. Hope we got some more eyeballs pointed in your direction!
@@letstalkmetal I noticed and met some cool new people over on my end mate, I didn't realise where they had come from until I seen the episode! I wasn't able to catch it live but I dropped a comment saying thanks to you all after I heard Phil mention my channel. So cool and Its much appreciated Alan, thanks again mate...and I fookin' love Chromium Dioxide haha!
@@blackleathereyes3673 Phil is a National Treasure. Of course Canada is the Nation in question, but let's not hold that against him LOL
Certainly sounds like a fun read Alan I am trying to get back into reading at the moment but it's trying to find time around work home life and of course listening to music and watching youtube!
I hear you Robert, Time is the thing that limits us more than anything.
Great review. I’m still working on the USBM book from months ago. This one is definitely going on the “to check out” list
THE USBM is a good read too. Takes awhile to get through that one but it's interesting.
Excellent book review Alan, enjoyed hearing your take on it.
Thanks! \m/
Good review Alan. It is a very good read and it certainly compliments/is complemented by the other two books you showed. Tucker has obviously put quite a bit of effort into his research and he's definitely a go to for any nwobhm related material. I first came across the book in my local library. Eventually I decided I should just get my own copy, it wasn't the easiest to find even a couple of years after publication. His book on Neat records is worth picking up if you can find a copy.
I'll keep an eye out for the Neat Records book, I've never come across it. Thanks for the recommendation!