Generation Ecstasy : Into the World of Techno and Rave Culture
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Book Overview
Ecstasy did for house music what LSD did for psychedelic rock. Now, in Energy Flash , journalist Simon Reynolds offers a revved-up and passionate inside chronicle of how MDMA ("ecstasy") and MIDI (the basis for electronica) together spawned the unique rave culture of the 1990s. England, Germany, and Holland began tinkering with imported Detroit techno and Chicago house music in the late 1980s, and when ecstasy was added to the mix in British clubs, a new music subculture was born. A longtime writer on the music beat, Reynolds started watching--and partaking in--the rave scene early on, observing firsthand ecstasy's sense-heightening and serotonin-surging effects on the music and the scene. In telling the story, Reynolds goes way beyond straight music history, mixing social history, interviews with participants and scene-makers, and his own analysis of the sounds with the names of key places, tracks, groups, scenes, and artists. He delves deep into the panoply of rave-worthy drugs and proper rave attitude and etiquette, exposing a nuanced musical phenomenon. Read on, and learn why is nitrous oxide is called "hippy crack."
Format:Paperback
Language:English
ISBN:1593764073
ISBN13:9781593764074
Release Date:March 2012
Publisher:Soft Skull
Length:608 Pages
Weight:1.64 lbs.
Dimensions:1.6" x 6.0" x 9.0"
Customer Reviews
5 ratings
Caleidoscopic Vision of EDM
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 15 years ago
This is so far the best book I've read on Electronic Dance Music, due to it's multiple perspectives (technological, historical, sociological, musical, cultural, chemical) on the phenomenon. I just think it deserves a proper and updated re-edition that and I hope Reynolds considers doing it!
Required reading for the electronic music enthusiast (raver)
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 22 years ago
Reynolds explores the roots of modern techno culture from first hand experiece. He reflects the point of view from both sides of the Atlantic not as an elated, hallucinigenic, always happy-go-lucky raver but as a music enthusiast (you'll read alot of comparisions to the punk uprising of the late 70's). While you will find alot of positive comments and anectodes in the book, it also explores the other "not-so-bright" side of electronic music. If you have been involved with the dance music scene for awhile, you will appreciate the unbiased and insightful tone of the writing, if you are new to the dance music scene or are just curious about what "the rave" is about, this is a must read.
FABULOUS RESOURCE
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 25 years ago
Wheather you are in the scene or just curious what all this stuff called "techno" is, this book is an indespensible resource. It reads not only as a "biography" of modern dance culture but in a way a manifesto or an epic history of the life of "dance music". Learn about our forefathers and treat yourself to stories of their genius. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Excellent overview of a culture and a generation!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 25 years ago
I am currently doing research on rave culture and the music and drugs associated with this culture. This book has everything - the early history to the present, including specific details on the development of house and techno music and the drug Ecstasy. Anyone who is slightly interested in this subject should definitely read this book!!!
The finest book yet about ecstacy and the rave culture
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 25 years ago
Simon Reynolds writes as an enthusiast, not a critic. This is, nevertheless, the most intelligent, vivid, comprehensive book I have ever read about the ecstacy culture. I'm a fan of Reynolds' writing - I've actually read all of his works - all highly recommended. What is so special about this book is that it covers the music, the drug and the evolution of the culture with incredible energy and intimacy. I devoured the book. He is also a great writer - he writes sentences that are dense with meaning and really insightful turns of phrase - and every word demands to be read. I have recommended this book to several people and they have all enjoyed it thoroughly. Rather than saying something polite I'll just say "Big Up, geezer. Massive respect! Top stuff!!!!"If you're interested in rave culture, if the music makes you jump - don't miss this one. It's seriously brilliant!!
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