Dave Haslam

The fourth book of the Art Decades series and the one Dave Haslam told me was the best when I spoke to him at an event. I'm not sure I agree - I liked the Courtney Love one better - but it's certainly fascinating and gave me a new impression of Sylvia Plath (who to be fair I know little to nothing about) as she runs around Paris with various men in tow.

A bit of a strange one this, I expected from a renowned Manchester DJ a more up to date/modern take on Manchester life, so I freely admit that I found the approx the first 1/3 of the book boring as hell because I was just wasn't in the mindset for a history lesson. As fascinating as the Peterloo Massacre (and other pre 1930 events) was, it wasn't what I really what I wanted to read about from 'legendary Hacienda DJ' Mr Haslam. However once it got into the music scene history lesson I was all show more ears, and it was worth the trek to the Cornerhouse for a signed copy, I wont spoil it too much as I can assume that anyone with an interest in Manchester Music History can guess all the artists mentioned in this book, worth a read if you can get past the first few chapters. show less

Sixth Art Decades book. Short and sad. I remember Cressa being very visible in early Stone Roses appearances, and didn't know what happened to him following their general demise. This essay fills in some of the gaps. It's not a happy tale, but does at least end with things starting to look up a little.

The third book in the Art Decades series is based around Courtney Love in 1980s Liverpool. Courtney Love is such a fascinating character and seems like she was even then, as a teenager. Really enjoying this series of books.