THE ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK
MY LIFE THROUGH ONE THOUSAND 7" SINGLES
VOLUME 1 - 1970-79
by Ian Keith Moss - Foreword by Marc Riley
In a city that has produced more than its fair share of musical heroes, Ian Moss remains a steadfast figure in the Manchester musical underground. As one of the handful of people who were actually at the first Sex Pistols gig at the Lesser Free Trade Hall in Manchester in June 1976, and the co-creator of the legendary band Hamsters, that John Peel described as being too “dark and dangerous” to appear on his Radio 1 show, Ian has often found himself at the cusp of key events in the evolution of music in the city.
The Original Soundtrack traces the development of his musical taste during his teenage years as a self-confessed 'misfit'. The records selected here provided him with 'an escape from humdrum routine' before teenage emotional crises made them take on even more importance as the 'oxygen' keeping him alive, later admitting that 'without music I was nothing'. This first volume covers Ian's growth from callow teenager to young adult during the golden years of popular music.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ian Moss's first book 100 Unhip Albums' (We Must Learn to Love) was a hit with music lovers from all over the world during the enforced Covid-19 lockdown. His polemic style asserts rather than persuades and forces you to listen to the music and make up your own mind. The Original Soundtrack is volume 1 of his life story told in the same forthright, open and honest manner.
As the vocalist and lyricist of bands such as Stepbrothers, Sicknurse, Kill Pretty, and currently, Four Candles, Ian has realised his own musical vision. But he has also created opportunities and spaces for other bands and artists as the founder and co-owner of the German Shepherd Record label. His writing reflects someone who loves music and wants to share it. It also reflects the personality of someone who has spent his life championing music that most people don’t get to hear. In a world where access to music is easier than it has ever been, and where vast choices are available, Moss is uniquely positioned to direct you to overlooked gems.
PRAISE FOR '100 UNHIP ALBUMS'
(from over 300 Amazon reviews)
"What a wonderful book this is, the antidote to those endless lists of best-60s/70s/80s/all-time-rock/country/guitar-Beatles/Stones/Queen/Floyd etc. albums you must hear before you go deaf!"
"We all like to believe we are broad minded and willing to give everything a chance, but any music fan has to face up to the fact that they incorporate prejudices and received wisdom into their judgments. This is a series of short chapters on records that are generally considered unhip but are recommended for reevaluation. You won’t agree with it all, but then I guess that is the point... I wish I had thought of writing this."
"More than 100 little reviews from a genuine music lover that covers quite a range from Style Council to David Essex and beyond. Does what a music book should do which is make you want to seek out the actual records."
"Not confined by genre, Ian includes soul, jazz and folk. Look forward to discovering more of these overlooked gems in this magnificent little book. Can we have a sequel please?"