Fullfrontalrecordings.co.uk
2006
I was never a fan of
Crass. I found their music dull and probably the only thing going for
them for me were their stunts, which were hilarious. The infamous
“Reagan/Thatcher” phone conversation really got up some peoples noses
and was even talked about in parliament. Still, that wasn´t the only
stunt and many of these are talked about in this book.
Humour
aside, there was also much serious stuff talked about and that really
hits home when you start reading about Crass around the Falklands
conflict. You really start to think how the authorities were worried by
Crass. Steve Ignorant admits in the book that once they were drawing
attention from the authorities, he was ready to back off quickly. That
comes as no surprise as everyone who read “Last Of The Hippies” by Penny
Rimbaud will know just how far the authorities will go to silence you!
Then
there´s the bits about Crass as a band. The full history from start to
finish including the lyrics/music/records being talked about and how
they came about. Plus the idea of where the idea of them dressing in
black came up! Then most importantly their backgrounds are talked about
and how they all met etc. Some very interesting pieces there.
There´s
just so much in this book that it would be hard to fit in one review!
However one surprise to this book are comments from Garry Bushell and I
can see what he is saying regards Crass and the Anarchist moment. Even
Steve Ignorant felt that way about many people in the movement
especially his commments towards many of the folk at the Autonomy Centre
in Wapping.
I could go on all day about this book as it is a
great read. I read it in one sitting and couldn´t put it down as George
Berger has done such a great job keeping it flowing from start to
finish. I can´t think of one book written on a band that has held my
interest as much as this one has. That´s not bad for a band I never
liked!
What else I liked about how George Berger has written
this book is the fact that he hasn´t grovelled to the band. This shows
throughout this book but becomes more apparent when you read the
epilogue.
As well as gaining an awareness of a band that
influenced so many people you will also get something else from this
book. It will make you think about how you go about doing things and for
all you serious politico´s out there – Crass say it´s ok to have a
sense of humour!!
The only downer was Andy Palmer didn´t want
to contribute to this book. It would have been great to read his
thoughts on Crass as the other band members did. Maybe he´ll do
something in the future and I think when he reads George´s book he´ll
probably be disappointed he didn´t take part.
Maybe they could
have featured some of the Crass artwork in the book too?! Still, you get
some photos from the Dial House Collection but I´m sure the main core
of people reading this book would have preferred some artwork! Still the
quality of the photos is good and the author has made sure the photos
don´t flood the book unlike other band biographies.
A great read and a must for everyone in to Punk Rock! Nuff said!
