PUBLISHED: MAY 2023

(It will appear on statements as
charged to "Ancient Egypt Magazine")

A PART OF NO TRIBE

MY LIFE THROUGH ONE THOUSAND 7" SINGLES
VOLUME 2 - 1980-89

by Ian Keith Moss - Foreword by Mick Middles

Ian Moss’s second volume of singles reviews, following The Original Soundtrack that covered 1970-79, covers a decade of extreme political upheaval. From the threat of nuclear war and the miner’s strike to acid house and the fall of the Berlin Wall, there was plenty to get worked up about in the eighties, but great societal panics often bring with them fantastic music.

As a part of no tribe Ian runs his eye over the profusion of musical genres produced by the decade from the dying embers of post-punk to early house and garage, the rise of hip-hop, the burst of colour brought by new romantics and synth-pop which sat besides the likes of George Michael, Michael Jackson, Prince and Madonna at the top of the pop charts.

Yet even these stars were soon stopped in their tracks by advances in technology that allowed hits to be composed in bedrooms by innovative and talented artists who would never have got through the door at a major label in previous eras yet became the basis for whole new musical genres.
Ian Moss takes the reader on a journey through arguably the most influential decade in music history.

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'

"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?"