Two things, among others, I found revealing in the book: 1) that Bernard denied anyone to do back vocals and did it himself, although everyone in the band was capable of singing and Hooky was the one who had to step up to the mic when Bernard was way off his head; interesting to note though that Phil and Tom (?) provide back vocals in Music Complete; and 2) that (kinda related to #1) the male voice in Fine Time belonged to Bernard (they slowed it down) and not some obscure sample, which I find pretty awesome. The production of Technique was so self-sufficient; thank God they kept Stephen Hague away, he would have totally fucked it up.

I also think that Hooky believes he might have been a better singer when NO just formed but "autocratic" Barney took over and cut off everyone from the singing duties. And let's be honest, Sumner's early singing (live particularly) was terrible. I mean, we've all got used to him and all, but to an outsider he sounded bad (basing on many people's comments I received).

And one more thing: Hooky is the integral part of NO sound. It's like Jimmy Page and Led Zeppelin. You can't have Led Zeppelin without Page, even if Plant is singing. I mean, obviously I don't refuse to see post-Hook New Order but... Honestly, they should have it called it day in 1993 for good, with a few reunion concerts here and there if the moment feels right, but that's it. They never outdid their 80s output, and probably never will. Like I like Crystal, but the album didn't live up to it (exactly as Republic didn't live up to Regret). And I don't even want to go into WFTSC.

Edited by user 09 July 2017 19:44:50(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified

Why do you say that? Hague could have done a very good version of Fine Time - it's just his sort of track. Round & Round, the single, was okay.

I think Hague needs A Little Respect (hope you see what I did there), he's a brilliant producer. Critical New Order fans appear to focus on what they believe he didn't do rather than credit him for what's there. Let's not forget he's also got songwriting credits for True Faith, 1963, and Republic - okay, Bernard wasn't too happy about him having songwriting credits on Republic, we've learned from Hooky. The point is classics like True Faith, World in Motion, and Regret may not have been as good without him...

Does anyone still believe the Hookster? 'Chapman will do a duet with ex-Spice. Tom 'n' Geri.'
I finally got to read some of this book on pdf cos it's hard to track down in the Eternal Shitty. I was really bored and even I couldn't get through more than 5 pages. Zzzzzz.

I think Michael Johnson lost it after the 'Bad' album in 1988.

Boy, is it boring! I was bored shitless and even I couldn't get past the first page.
The most unintentionally hilarious autobiography is (S)Ex Pistol Steve Jones: 'Lydon fell out with McLaren when the latter chose Russ Meyer to direct the film. He wrote a long letter saying Meyer's work was 'infantile, artistically inept and an affront to female dignity and male intelligence.' McLaren replied that he was actually 'a gentleman, a true professional and in his own way just as radical as the band.' All I knew was he made movies about girls with big tits, which sounded great to me.'

Worst thing ever to come out of this camp. Even worse than The Other Splooge. Really bad. Just - really bad. Bad.
The official line was that Rob chose Gillian: they wanted someone who could fit in by being a competent musician but not having a recognisable style that would take them over. As for her technical abilities I really can't comment. The Other Two are crap though.

It seems they have stopped printing the paperback edition (maybe the hardback too?) but Fopp have been ordering in batches of old stock and continuing to sell the book for £3.
I mention this now because HMV are reported to be calling in administrators (again) as we speak. And HMV owns Fopp. So today may be your last chance to get in there.
I actually liked Fopp more than HMV in recent years and will miss it if it goes.