Verse, Chorus, Monster!
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Average rating3.5
Among the noise and clamour of the Britpop era, Blur co-founder Graham Coxon managed to carve out a niche to become one of the most innovative and respected guitarists of his generation - but it wasn't always easy.Graham grew up as an Army kid, moving frequently in his early years from West Germany to Derbyshire and Winchester before settling in Colchester, Essex. A shy child, he had a thing for eating soil and drawing intense visions; his anxiety was tempered by painting and a growing love of music.These twin passions grew into obsessions, and as he honed his artistic skill at school, Goldsmiths and beyond, his band with school friend Damon Albarn, fellow student Alex James, and a drummer called Dave Rowntree began to get noticed.But there are things they don't tell you before you get famous. There are monsters out there. And some may even be lurking inside yourself.Verse, Chorus, Monster! is an intimate, honest reflection on music, fame, addiction and art by one of Britain's most iconic musicians.
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Overall, I enjoyed reading through Graham Coxon's life and musical journey chronologically from his early days to his heydays being in Blur to his solo/other collaborative ventures. I appreciate his ability to be open, humble, and brutally honest when it comes to his perspective on music, Blur, his identity, and his struggles. That being said, Coxon is downplaying himself HARD. He's truly one of the greatest guitarists from the 90's hands down and throughout this entire book he acts like he's an amateur at best. For Christ sake, man! It's very disappointing and also frustrating to read about this, especially his lackluster and grumpy attitude towards Blur and his bandmates. I wanted to rip the pages out when I read his pissy attitude towards having to go record their excellent comeback record ‘The Magic Whip' in Hong Kong instead of relaxing at The Four Seasons. Like what the hell dude?! Anyways... I still enjoyed this book regardless and it's interesting to read about Blur from his perspective since he's the more quiet and subdued member of the group compared to Damon Albarn. Graham's unabashed honesty and introspection, as frustrating as it can be at points, is unlike other musicians memoirs out there.
