Robert Forster (2) (1957–)

I love Robert Forster's song writing. The Go-Betweens obviously, but last year's Songs To Play was also one of the best things he's ever done. But this selection of his rock writing for The Monthly, sadly just isn't that good. Its great to see his obvious enthusiasm for indie rock, folk, psychedelic music and a great range of things in-between. Clearly, he's still a fan. But this enthusiasm becomes lost in technical criticism that dampens the readers' ardour. Forster is very concerned with show more the length of records and their sequencing. The book is full of comparisons of comments like "this song was fourth on the album and should have been first". He clearly loves the 10 song, 40 minute structure that the Go Betweens favoured and whilst that works for rock and "indie rock" (whatever that means now) digital recording techniques means it doesn't have to be so

I found it all a bit passionless and formulaic, and wondered if, were it not for his name, these would have been published. Perhaps it would have helped if I had cared more for the artists' who's work he is reviewing. Vampire Weekend? Cat Power? for goodness sake The Shins? But that's my problem, not his, and some of these pieces are 10 years old

Surprisingly, Forster may be at his best reviewing rock related books - the pieces here, without the need for technical detail, sparkle in ways the music should but doesn't . But there is no surprise at all that he is at best then talking about his dead colleague, Grant McLennan. show less

Hard one to stay objective about, I love The Go-Betweens and lapped up this story by one of the two lead singer-songwriters. Forster writes well and does not over indulge or self-justify. Ah forget the critical overview, it's a beaut book and a poignant letter to his sadly departed bandmate (and muse in a way), Grant McLennan. "I'll lend you some" were apparently his last words to Forster, and that sums up the relationship between two close Antipodean male friends in that time - the lending show more of books, music, ideas was how you expressed emotions. Much like Jason and I. show less

A series of writings mainly from Forster's excerpts in the magazine 'The Monthly'.
Many of the chapters are reviews of rock concerts or albums, written with deep insight. Would have scored more if he had written about more bands I am interested in.