A sequel to Bad Vibes: Britpop and My Part in Its Downfall (2009), this second volume of Luke Haines’ recollections covers Black Box Recorder, the final demise of The Auteurs and the start of Haines’ eccentric solo career.
It's even more whimsical than the first volume, diversifying into “conversations” with a cat and various dead rappers. These flights of fancy – not usually my kind of thing – work surprisingly well.
As his career strays further from the mainstream, there’s less of the anecdotal wit and satire about fellow bands. However, he does detail a run-in with Chrissie Hynde and his first Top of the Pops appearance. You also get to hear of his plans for a “Pop Strike”, which pre-dated Bill Drummond’s No-Music Day.
Highly recommended. I'm hoping he will write a third volume covering 2006–2020.
