The Fallen named Number 4 in 'Top 10 books about music'

Really delighted with this - and in good company. Thank you Neon Filler website http://www.neonfiller.com/wordpress/?p=335

Dave Simpson's The Fallen - The Fall fan and journalist Simpson's attempt to track down all 50 plus members and ex members of the band almost ends up destroying his life. It's a tough job, which he miraculously pretty much achieves. What emerges is a bizarre picture of life working for and with Fall frontman Mark E Smith, which at times, according to Simpson's book, is like working in a Victorian factory, with Smith as the mill-owner. Simpson even gets to interview the man himself, but it is the memories of the more recent members plus the infamous fight on stage in New York where Smith ended up sacking the entire band that are among the true highlights.

Maxine Peake plugs The Fallen

Criminal Justice actor Maxine Peake is a fan of The Fallen. 

Thank you, Maxine.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2009/oct/05/maxine-peake-my-media

The Fallen in Observer rock reads of the year

Something of a triumvarite: following similar accolades in the Times and Sunday Times, The Fallen is now also an Observer book of the year courtesy of Caspar Llewellyn-Smith. This Mr Smith prefers The Fallen to the other Mr. Smith's Renegade, although naturally I couldn't possibly comment in case I found myself being blindfolded and turfed out of a Transit van. In Peru.. 

The Fallen in Sunday Times books of 2008

After last weekend's honour in the daily paper, the Sunday Times has followed suit in including The Fallen among their Books Of 2008. Reviewer Robert Sandall describes the book as "a hoot."

Marvellous.

The Fallen in Times music books of 2008

http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/books/article5250866.ece

I'm really chuffed with this... one of the music books of 2008/recommendations for Christmas. The writer, Bob Stanley, is of course in the very wonderful Saint Etienne, a band I often retreat to after listening to too much Fall.

There's a really good review in Time Out this week as well - they're still coming in, two months after publication. And there's an absolutely incredible review by Everett True ("A brilliant book: better than two thirds of the Fall's output, pst-1983 at least") in this month's Plan B. Meanwhile, I'm preparing to see The Fall this evening. I fancied a change :)

The Fallen on Radcliffe and Maconie

I'll be on Mark Radcliffe and Stuart Maconie's excellent Radio 2 programme this Thursday from 9pm, talking about The Fall and The Fallen. 

[Update: you can listen to it at www.bbc.co.uk/radio2/shows/radcliffemaconie]

This was a brilliant night. I'll blog more about it later.

The Fallen comment on The Fallen

"That book will  go down in history as one of the maddest of all time. It is so accurate as to be uncanny. That is how it was. People who read it will be stunned" - Tommy Crooks

"Absolutely loved it. You captured the essence of The Fall, particularly the Smith, which is no mean feat. It was so funny as as the book 'marched on' it got more psychotically humourous. John Godbert who has known the Smith for 30 years and did the Live At The Witch Trials cover says it's the best stuff he has ever read on The Fall" - Kay Carroll

"A real Jimmy Page turner" - Craig Scanlon

"Really enjoyed it. Brought back a lot of memories, mostly good. You captured what it was like really well. A great book" - Steve Hanley

"I loved the cover, and the crazy montage of words that conveyed general insanity. You definitely captured some indefinable thing" - Una Baines

"I feel a road movie of the book coming on.... The Search For Karl Burns' Disembodied Head!" - Simon Rogers

"You didn't stitch me up!" - Marc Riley

"Really enjoyed it. Thanks for not making me look/sound a twat" - Dingo

"I enjoyed the book... although am vexed that you didn't find Karl Burns! I've known him since I was 12 years old" - Martin Bramah

"Chancer author on the make" - Julia Nagle