As the year draws to a close, it’s a time to reflect on the art that has left a lasting impression – whether it’s an album, a book, or a song. These are the works that have resonated with us, sparked conversation, and become part of the cultural fabric of the past twelve months.
With so many outstanding music books released recently, the God Is in the TV team have come together to curate a list of our favourite reads from the year. Each of these books offers something special, from deep dives into the lives of iconic artists to fresh perspectives on the ever-evolving world of music.
When I Died For The First Time – Tim Booth
A project years in the making, James frontman Tim Booth’s debut novel, When I Died for the First Time, showcases the culmination of his hard work and creative vision. The novel is a darkly comic and deeply compelling exploration of musician and addict Seth Brakes, whose near-death experience pushes him to confront his past and carve out a new, more meaningful life.
Booth’s mastery of language, honed through decades of songwriting, translates effortlessly into his novel writing, with his vivid prose drawing readers in from the very first page. As someone who’s lived the life of a musician, Tim is uniquely equipped to write about the complexities and contradictions of that world, making Seth’s journey feel authentic and relatable. What truly sets the novel apart, however, is Tim’s sensitive and unflinching portrayal of addiction—his nuanced approach to such a raw subject is both respectful and impactful.
A real page-turner, this book earned its spot on The Times Bestsellers list for a reason. (Laura Dean)
Walking Disaster – Deryck Whibley
Deryck Whibley released his candid memoir, Walking Disaster, in October, and it’s undoubtedly one of the standout music books of the year. Unlike many memoirs that focus solely on the highs, Deryck offers a raw and unflinching account of his journey. He bravely opens up about the abuse and personal struggles he’s endured, providing readers with a deeply emotional and authentic glimpse into the life of the Sum 41 frontman.
Another aspect that sets this memoir apart is the audiobook experience. Deryck not only narrates his story but also performs acoustic renditions of iconic Sum 41 tracks, adding a uniquely intimate layer to the narrative. Even if you’re not a Sum 41 fan, the raw power of his story and the depth of his storytelling make this a compelling read or listen for anyone interested in themes of resilience, music, and the complexities of the human experience. (Laura Dean)
Never Understood: The Jesus and Mary Chain – William & Jim Reid
You’re probably familiar with the Jesus and Mary Chain story: Scottish brothers form combustible, substance-happy rock n roll band, plus Bobby Gillespie, Creation Records, riotous early gigs (sometimes literally), feedback-drenched hostility, classic singles, decline and fall, eventual rehabilitation as elder statesmen, influencing more or less everyone along the way. You know, the usual.
In this joint memoir, both William Reid (guitar) and Jim Reid (vocals) fill in the gaps, with music writer and critic Ben Thompson silently playing a double Boswell role, transcribing the thoughts of both as we flit back and forth between viewpoints, the brothers often in agreement yet sometimes baffled at each other’s conflicting memories of the very same events.
As we follow them from tenement childhoods to still-vital new record Glasgow Eyes, they piss off record companies, Iggy Pop and each other, get so fucked up they can’t play shows, and by the time Britpop rolls around, suddenly find themselves yesterday’s men. All the while their habits remain those of a certain generation, and being brothers, both find it impossible to be emotionally open with each other to any useful degree. Essentially a manual on unhealthy living, with notes on cocaine, weed, booze and (live) performance anxiety, we also find out what it’s like to make records when you can barely speak to each other, and how it feels to receive a withering put-down from David Bowie.
Family is everything. Love lasts forever. So does sibling antagonism. (Gordon Anderson)
The Secret Public: How LGBTQ Performers Shaped Popular Culture
Jon Savage’s 2024 book The Secret Public: How LGBTQ Performers Shaped Popular Culture is a compelling and insightful exploration of the impact LGBT musicians have had on music and culture. It delves into the lives and work of key figures from a variety of genres, examining how their identities shaped their art and paved the way for future generations of queer musicians. What makes the book stand out is Jon’s ability to blend detailed historical analysis with a deep appreciation for the personal stories behind the music, capturing both the struggles and triumphs of these trailblazing artists. It’s a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of identity and art.
Jon’s insightful, thought-provoking style inspired me to start reviewing music, and he’s been a pivotal influence on my journey as a writer ever since, shaping the way I approach music criticism. The way he blends history, emotion, and context in his work has inspired me to seek that same depth and perspective in my own writing. (Laura Dean)
MILF – Paloma Faith
I saw Paloma Faith perform a lot before she hit the big time – her show at Manchester’s much-missed Ruby Lounge is still one of my favourites. However, I’m not really up to date on her recent work. Fortunately, I picked up her book after seeing her promoting it on social media.
MILF is a candid and humorous exploration of Paloma’s journey as a mother, artist, and woman navigating the ups and downs of life. From the challenges of motherhood to her thoughts on body image, career, and the complexities of fame, the book offers an honest and refreshing perspective. What really stands out is how authentically Paloma’s voice comes through – her wit, vulnerability, and bold personality are evident on every page. It’s not just her voice that shines through in the engaging, relatable read either – it also captures her unique, down-to-earth approach to motherhood and life in general. (Laura Dean)
Tour Diaries Volume 1 – Jack Jones
Best known as the frontman of Trampolene and guitarist for Pete Doherty and the Puta Madres, Jack Jones is a dynamic force in the music world, and 2024 has been a particularly eventful year for him. In addition to the release of his highly anticipated debut solo album, he also dropped Jack Jones – Tour Diaries Volume 1, offering fans a deeper, more personal look into his life on the road.
Through a mix of anecdotes, reflections, and poetic musings, Jack takes us on a journey across cities, stages, and personal experiences, painting a vivid picture of the highs and lows that come with life on the road. His sharp wit and evocative storytelling make this collection feel more like an intimate conversation with a close friend than a traditional memoir. Every page reflects Jack’s knack for turning the mundane into something profound, making Tour Diaries Volume 1 not just a diary, but a deeply human exploration of creativity, loneliness, and the search for meaning amidst the chaos of touring life. (Laura Dean)
Under a Rock – Chris Stein
Debbie Harry’s compelling autobiography, Face It, generated widespread buzz upon its release in 2018, offering fans a rare glimpse into the life of the iconic Blondie frontwoman. Since then, anticipation has been steadily building for the release of Chris Stein’s memoir.
In Under a Rock, the legendary guitarist takes us back to the golden era of New York, offering a raw, unfiltered account of the band’s rise. Immersing us in the vibrant, gritty world of late ’70s and early ’80s Manhattan, the guitarist recounts the highs and lows of Blondie’s journey with unmatched detail and authenticity. As the band’s unofficial archivist and creative driving force, his perspective is deeply personal, and the stories he shares – ranging from the chaotic energy of CBGBs to Blondie’s global breakthrough – are utterly absorbing.
A natural-born storyteller with an abundance of tales to share, Under a Rock offers a rare, insider’s perspective on a defining moment in music history. As electrifying and unforgettable as the music it chronicles, the book pulls readers into the heart of the scene, delivering a compelling look at an era that shaped the sound of a generation. (Laura Dean)
Me and Mr. Jones: My Life with David Bowie and the Spiders from Mars – Suzi Ronson
Though best known as the wife of Mick Ronson – the legendary guitarist in David Bowie’s band, the Spiders from Mars – Suzi Ronson was also an influential figure in Bowie’s inner circle, playing a crucial role in both his personal life and the creative world that surrounded him during the peak of his glam rock era. A talented hairdresser, Suzi became Bowie’s personal stylist and played a key role in crafting and refining his iconic, ever-evolving look that defined an era of musical and cultural revolution. This year, she released a book that’s an essential read for anyone who wants to dive deeper into the extraordinary world of David Bowie and his Spiders from Mars.
As a big Bowie fan, I’m always eager to immerse myself in books that explore his life and lasting legacy, and I can confidently say that Suzi’s is one of the best out there. Through her personal anecdotes, intimate stories, and vivid memories, she provides a rare and deeply insightful portrayal of the man behind the myth. (Laura Dean)
International Velvet: How Wales Conquered the ’90s Charts by Neil Collins
Crammed with encyclopedic detail, fresh interviews and delivered with the zeal of a passionate music fan, International Velvet: How Wales Conquered the ’90s Charts journalist and podcaster Neil Collins charts the rise of the Cool Cymru cultural movement in the 1990s and spotlighting the key figures, artists, bands (Manic Street Preachers, Catatonia, Super Furry Animals, Stereophonics, Gorkyk’s Zygotic Mynci, 60 ft Dolls et al ) who spearheaded it.
1970s and ’80s was a bleak time for much of Wales: the closure of steel works and coal mines led to mass unemployment while the country’s culture and language were disregarded by politicians and the music industry alike. Collins places Welsh music in this context dominated by Tom Jones, Shirley, Shakey and Tyler, with only bands like The Alarm carrying the banner for Welsh rock music into the charts and beyond our borders.
It traces the roots of how many of the key musicians and songwriters, who would end up shaping the sound of the 90s, were fostered in the heart of the underground Welsh language scene of the 1980s. For exampl,e Ffa Coffi Pawb featured amongst its number Gruff Rhys (Super Furry Animals), drummer Dafydd Ieuan ( Super Furry Animals), Rhodri Puw (later of Gorky’s Zygotic Mynci) and Yr Cyrff whose guitarist was Mark Roberts of Catatonia. It charts the discrimination Welsh bands faced in the 80s and early 90s, some even travelled across the Severn Bridge to make sure their records arrived at the London offices sporting an English postmark, early Manic Street Preachers faced cringeworthy stereotyped headlines referencing Leeks, Taffs and Sheep.
There are some fascinating and hilarious anecdotes too, including Kurt Cobain proposing to Courtney at Newport’s legendary TJs club, an incident with a samurai sword and Green Day, a made-up tale of Catatonia’s Cerys and Mark Roberts sharing a pack of strings on their first meeting. As well as the big hitters in the mid-nineties it also puts the spotlight on influential yet often underappreciated names like Datblygu, Helen Love, The Pooh Sticks and the Darling Buds
Essential reading for anyone interested in Welsh music or the 1990s in general, its a lesser told tale of artists who found wider acclaim on their own terms, breaking down barriers and taking Welsh music and culture to a wider audience in the process depicting, how it inspired the still-vibrant Welsh music scene into the twenty-first century and beyond. (Bill Cummings)
Photo credit @Cath Holland
