Mark E Smith (1) (1957–2018)

Never liked The Fall much (and I was listening to Peel solid from 1979 for a few years) but there's no denying Mark E. Smith can't be ignored. I want to pigeonhole him as a smart-mouthed alcoholic has-been, and I can't. It's in large part a class thing - much of what he says about working-class vs middle-class attitudes in the North is absolutely spot-on. His self-comparison to Alex Ferguson is not as hubristic as it sounds - yes he routinely fucks off band members and has left traumas and lifelong loathings in his wake, but it's in pursuit of the true goal - his band, his creation. I utter silvery chuckles of contempt at his drinking and his New York debacle - then am brought up short by his admiration for Machen and Philip K.Dick, his insights into the 'music industry' [about time that phrase was put in quotes] and politics. He has the true working-class respect for parents, for what's 'manly' and what isn't, for the institution of marriage, and for fundamental values of work and making something of yourself. And in the end you can't patronise him, either with praise or contempt - which is rare. He's too smart, and doesn't care what you think because he has formed and tested his own opinions and knows why he holds them. And he is a true renegade in the sense of rebel, outlaw. Compare Shaun Ryder - ooh, he's wicked, he's naughty, he's dodgy, see him let loose in the jungle! But MES has too much self-respect and cynicism for degrading populist crap like 'I'm A Celebrity' in the first place. Look well upon the creased baggy-eyed visage of Mark E. Smith - for there aren't many, if any, like him, any more.… (meer)

Don't come to Smith's book expecting a tell-all from the enigmatic leader of the Fall. As someone who's been into the band since the mid-80s, I kinda want MES to keep secrets. However, the book--essentially a series of Smith's spoken rants transcribed--does shed some light on his family life, his working methods, the fact that he likes "Dead of Night" (an old UK horror anthology film), his regrets, and his philosophy. It does all ramble on a bit, but if you can hear MES' voice in your head and take everything as half-truth, half-windup, then it is most enjoyable. Many laugh-out-loud passages, too.… (meer)