Book reviewed by readers: "A definitive read. Fantastic piece of journalism."

Second review on my book on Amazon UK:

David Horler

5.0 out of 5 starsA definitive read

11 March 2019

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

A fantastic piece of journalism. 

Widely researched and very well informed, there were some parts in the early text that I had forgotten about the scene then and it was lovely to be reminded of them. 

A difficult story to tell but the author stays with it throughout. 

The only thing that could have been added for me was an index as I am sure I will return to this book again and again.

-

Thank you!!

-

Other review:

Carter Brune

5.0 out of 5 starsWell worth waiting for... terrific!!

7 March 2019

Format: Paperback

The last time there was a collaboration of such cultural enormity between the UK and France was the building of Concorde. Thank Tangent Books for picking up on this text and what a prize. Melissa Chemam is giving us two books for the price of one. On one level it’s easily accessible, a good read, a real page turner but kicking it up a gear it has an academic quality and would be a brilliant research tool, of this genre, time and place.

Bristol has a special place in my heart and Massive Attack has accompanied me over thousands of miles in many dodgy motors, but I could always rely on them. There is something exceptional about Massive Attack even before a superb chronicler as Chemam gets near them. I remember seeing Grant around St Pauls and in the local pub off Jamaica Street. The brilliance walked amongst us and that counts for a lot. Built from the ground up on a foundation of hard learnt experience and this comes over in the writing. This book is Bristol in many ways, the diverse music and cultures coming together and creating something truly unique. The real deal.

Everything works: The cover, I think it’s brilliant and I’m reasonably qualified I work at a major London gallery, the content and the context.

Call me dramatic but Out of the Comfort Zone is a message of hope to a younger generation, that you can get things together, much is still possible. Not because of… but in spite of.

-

On Facebook:

Really enjoying this excellent book by Melissa Chemam on Massive Attack & the Bristol music scene. 

Published in English this week (the original French edition has been out a while), it’s a hugely enjoyable read, exploring the social & political background that informed a whole generation of Bristol artists & musicians. 

A city & a scene that had a huge influence on me personally & the music I went on to make with Earthling It’s certainly bringing back a lot of memories! Those fantastically exciting years of discovery, from the early 80's onwards : post punk bands, blues parties & sound system culture , weird art happenings , living in Stokes Croft & Montpelier, squat gigs , the Special K cafe & early Hip -Hop & Electro... 

Me hiding behind the bins over the road from Smith & Mighty’s studio on Ashley Rd, just to get to listen to the amazing new music coming out !! 

#bristol#bristolmusic #massiveattack #portishead #tricky #earthling#smithandmighty #carlton #markstewart #thepopgroup #blackroots#thestartledinsects #banksy


-