Steve Cann's Reviews > Sweet Dreams: The Story of the New Romantics
Sweet Dreams: The Story of the New Romantics
by
by
I've thoroughly enjoyed Dylan's enjoyable trawl through the glory days of music and fashion, and it's been a real nostalgia trip.
It's quite a large book (it took me 2 months to read it!), but it's really worth it if you're a fan of the music, fashions and culture of the times.
Rather than being one long narrative, Dylan has divided the book into chronological chapters for each year he's focused on - from the rise of punk in 1975 to the post Live Aid shakedown of 1985.
He tells the story mainly with selected quotes and anecdotes from the stars of the times, and it makes for a fascinating journey as we see how the New Romamtic movement evolved from the short-lived (but monumental punk era), through to the colourful new wave stars of the early 80s who dominated the charts.
My only criticism (other than its length) is that there is a fair bit of repetition along the way - and some parts are maybe of less interest than others. It's quite slow starting too but, like an epic film, the foundations are then set for the story to unfold.
Also, he keeps referring to Eurythmics as THE Eurthymics!
But, those minor things aside, this is a fascinating read, and comes from someone who was there at the time and a part of the scene itself.
If you love the new romantic era and the glory days of the early 80s music scene, you're sure to love this book.
It's quite a large book (it took me 2 months to read it!), but it's really worth it if you're a fan of the music, fashions and culture of the times.
Rather than being one long narrative, Dylan has divided the book into chronological chapters for each year he's focused on - from the rise of punk in 1975 to the post Live Aid shakedown of 1985.
He tells the story mainly with selected quotes and anecdotes from the stars of the times, and it makes for a fascinating journey as we see how the New Romamtic movement evolved from the short-lived (but monumental punk era), through to the colourful new wave stars of the early 80s who dominated the charts.
My only criticism (other than its length) is that there is a fair bit of repetition along the way - and some parts are maybe of less interest than others. It's quite slow starting too but, like an epic film, the foundations are then set for the story to unfold.
Also, he keeps referring to Eurythmics as THE Eurthymics!
But, those minor things aside, this is a fascinating read, and comes from someone who was there at the time and a part of the scene itself.
If you love the new romantic era and the glory days of the early 80s music scene, you're sure to love this book.
Sign into Goodreads to see if any of your friends have read
Sweet Dreams.
Sign In »
Reading Progress
February 10, 2021
– Shelved
February 10, 2021
– Shelved as:
to-read
February 21, 2022
–
Started Reading
April 15, 2022
–
Finished Reading