Book Review: Coal Black Mornings

[bedsitter23]

Coal Black Mornings by Brett Anderson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This really got rave reviews and was named Uncut's Book of the Year. I am a big Suede fan, so this was a no-brainer for me.

In many ways, this is a very ordinary rock bio. It suffers from the fact I finished Johnny Marr's book not that long ago. Marr does a good job of describing the same English background and manages to share his band's story and come across like your best friend at the pub.

You don't learn much about Suede, which I suppose is this book's strength and weakness. I suspect its plaudits lie on the fact anyone can pick it up and relate to it.

Another strength is Anderson is self-aware enough that it's possible there's no better Brett biographer than Brett himself. He knows his weaknesses as well as his strengths. He can identify when he was being immature and also where he is talented. In any case, he comes across as a believable narrator.

All those Suede moments are there (Justine, those sexuality quotes, the time Mike Joyce showed up to answer an ad for a 'drummer who sounds like Mike Joyce"), plus, a few more (Momus cameo, the origin of "Modern Life is Rubbish"); but they are all brief. You will get a few insights into songs but they are besides the point.

It's a short book which probably works in its favor, ending when the band signs to Nude Records.
Mileage may vary with the reader and this book , and even certain sections may have that effect. The fact that it focuses on the aspect of youth and young manhood probably will work to many readers' benefit, and will be fine for Suede die-hards, but will likely disappoint those wanting some Britpop gossip and trash talk.



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