Mod: Clean Living Under Very Difficult Circumstances - A Very British Phenomenon

"This is the ideal follow up to Richard Barnes' Mods and is a well written record of the Mod movement. Forget the views of the elitists who make comments about the "appalling 1979 revival" - if it wasn't for that revival and the bands that led it there would have been no Mod scene in the 80's or 90's - something that those who are quick to condemn are quick to overlook "
~ Written on 2008-02-13

"An interesting book and worth owning - until you get to 1979! I suspect Terry Rawlings doesn't like or know anything about black music since the whole last section of the book is a concerted attempt to downplay the vital importance of soul/r'n'b events to the mod lifestlye. Yes, bands like the Chords were a big deal for about 10 seconds but then (thank god) anyone with an ounce of taste and sense discovered that 60s soul and r'n'b was really where it was at - and you didn't have to be an elitist to get into it contrary to what some think. The guy should have interviewed someone like Randy Cozens for a proper view of things. And, Terry, mods actually did exist in large numbers outside London!"
~ Written on 2007-01-24

"Fantastic book, but I think the point was lost on the so-called revivalists and particularly by the Aus.(Sydney) reviewer.

The revivalist Mods simply took the iconic clothes,transportation and guitar chords to create a pastiche of the original movement at a time when there was not much 'else' happening as an alternative.

Not many handmade suits, male make-up, driving shoes or nylon 'pakamacs' made their appearance in '79-'80. That 'revival' was little like opting for Harry Connick (or worse still Brit-popper Robbie Williams) over Frank Sinatra's original work.

Modernism was dead, or in it's death throws by 1965, and only the UK. kids, now aged 55-60, really knew what it was all about, the rest are just guessing, or living on hi-jacked imagery and Quadrophenia videos.

The London 'Acid-jazz' movement WAS the closest 'scene' to Modernism, in as much as, there was a tactile originality to the fashion and the music. But, like it's predecessor, it too, lived young... and died fast!!"
~ Written on 2004-07-30

"Most Mods & ex Mods can appreciate that everyone had a different take on mod and had preferences with music, fashion, scooters etc, especially as they got older and wiser(?).

An honest book which illustrated how and why many people did get involved, particularly in regards to the Revival. Not everyone (post '79) was an R'n'B stylist or elitist. Good to hear from people who were integral in the revival who don't usually get a look in because they're ignored. Well, maybe these people WERE the PIONEERS of the 80's Mod....like it or not, at least it weren't overlooked.

Actually loved the photo's of the average mod, parka and all...'cos that's what most Mods were, particularly in the early days and to pretend everyone was into jazz, obscure R'n'B, coffee shops and hand made shoes wouldn't be accurate.

Was the "Mashed Potato" (or the like) really something the average (70's/ early 80's) Mod would do? That's correct, no.
That's why this book gets away from the usual delusions and shows it warts, and quite often poor dress sense, and all. Aggressive guitar music and pub rock were a big part of the early 80's to alot of Mods...and this book unashamedly acknowledges these FACTS. Also, many 60's artists that aren't usually spoken of at length were given coverage. Good to get an outsiders (like promoters, Club Owners and record company's) perspective as well.

I can confidently say that The Purple Hearts & The Chords had more in common with your average youngster getting into the scene in the late 70's / early 80's than any rare soul tune.

Could have mentioned a few of the other bands, but other than that, can't knock it.

How can the American Reviewer slag something that they weren't part of? How would a San Francisco reader know what was happening in London late 70's ?!?!?!? THE POINT, with giving a nod to Primal Scream and The Stone Roses was showing that bands from another era, without actually claiming to be mod, were influenced by their predecessors of a similar style....and were seen by some as more 'mod' (and better) than the self proclaimed mod bands of the Revival and mid eighties...The Risk!!??!!...gimme a break.

How can anyone who called themselves a mod knock this book?

Nice work."
~ Written on 2004-06-28

"Wow! What a book! I only bought it 3 days ago, and I've read it twice already! Being a Mod for me was a way of life and a fashion. I was lucky enough to be part of the 80's Mod Revival, and reading the book brought it all back. I agree with Roman's views about the music though. But, what Roman didn't pick up from the book, is the fact that any comment on any part of the Mod movement is subjective. So, keeping that in mind, I give the book 5 out of 5.

Off to buy a Vespa (again!)"
~ Written on 2002-04-24