ALEX JAMES - BIT OF A BLUR (Bit of a Blur - Alex James)

Member Name: tuttgarm

Product:	Bit of a Blur - Alex James
Date:	11/09/09 (4 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: STORIES FROM BLUR

Disadvantages: OUTSIDE OF BLUR STORIES IS TEDIOUS

BIT OF A BLUR is the autobiography of Alex James a member of the famous British indie rock band BLUR.
The book contains 288 pages acros many chapters.

The most interesting stories in the book centre around his time in the band. He admits that success went to their heads and that the band often got involved in activities they shouldn't have. James is honest here about the women he ended up with even when he was in a relationship and says this was a mistake. It is refreshing to hear an artist admit this as he could have left it out.

James discusses how the band got together and what his relationshp with other members of the band was. The relationship between the band and Graham Coxon is a particular highlight. His friendship with Damon Albarn is mostly good although he says every now and then tempers got flared. It highlights the tensions that touring can put on you and while performing is great, other stuff of being a musician isn't so wonderful. This gives a fantastic insight in to the life of a rock star.

There is some talk about the albums the band made and their classic hits and who inspired him. I would have liked to have read more about James' musical influences and how the albums were made.

His college days are discusses, though I found this to be meaningless drivel. Reading about the pranks he used to play with his roomates can be funny at times though I found added nothing to the book. His new life as a farmer is very interesting as is his obsession with cheese, though it is nice to see that he can make a career without music.

Alex James comes across as a bad guy turned good. His young wild days are over and now he has matured. Unfortunantly this doesn't help the book as it gets boring when he's not talking about the wild days in the band. The writing style is easy to follow and he comes across as very intelligent. Overall, this is a decent book though best saved for Blur fans.

Summary: JAMES' PARKLIFE