transmission no language, just sound

13Mar/11Off

balvenie?

It's Lovely To Be Here

James Yorkston

Pleasantly enjoyable jaunt through Yorkston's tour diaries as he travels the world playing solo shows as headliner and support act.
He's a fine raconteur with a nice line in self-deprecating yarns but to be honest there's nothing more to the book than that.
Worth it only if you're already a fan of his music.

Rating: B

25Nov/10Off

brighton?

My Shit Life So Far

Frankie Boyle

My Shit Life So FarOf the comedian's biographies I've read this year, this is closest to an actual biography. True it contains substantial chunks of his stand up routine, but it also feels like you're getting some insight into what makes Boyle the man he is.
It is of course very funny in places.
I'd say it's worth picking it up dirt cheap someplace - no need to encourage him too much.

Rating: B+

16Nov/10Off

hibiscus?

Tuesdays With Morrie

Mitch Albom

Sentimental, touching and occasionally escapes cliches and triteness

Rating: B

10Oct/10Off

skem?

Pies and Prejudice

Stuart Maconie

pies and prejudiceA look at the reality of the north of england that starts slowly and gradually gets more and more enjoyable as Maconie falls back in love with the places and people of his youth.

Rating: A-

12Jul/10Off

tayto?

Tickling The English

Dara O Briain

A look at the English from the perspective of the famous Irish comedian as he tours the country.

A decent book, with more to it than you'd expect.

Rating: B+

23Apr/10Off

bungee?

Chuck Klosterman IV

Chuck Klosterman

Chuck Klosterman IVA loose collection of artist profiles, opinion columns and random other bits of writing. Klosterman is a very readable writer but can take some very annoying positions on popular culture.
He's got a whole more broadminded than thou thing going on, combined with a popular is good except when I don't like it stance. Like I say, annoying.

Rating: B-

16Apr/10Off

jeanne?

Kiss Me Like A Stranger

Gene Wilder

kiss me like a strangerSecond autobiography this year. Like Alda's it's tremendously revealing about some things and goes into far too little detail about some of the most interesting things in his life.
Witty and very readable, it's a fun read.

Rating: A-

3Apr/10Off

short?

Jelleyman's Thrown A Wobbly

Jeff Stelling

Jelleyman's Thrown A WobblyLightweight memoir mainly focusing on stories from the Soccer Saturday studio.
So insubstantial as to not be worth full price.
Nevertheless it's still pretty entertaining.

Rating: B