In a way it was last year's Pre-Fest show in Dorking that paved the way for all you see before you as it's where I met a bunch of UK Fest-goers and started going to all the shows I record videos at. This year, it's pretty safe to say, didn't live up to the same standards unfortunately. Not helped by the fact that Pacer pulled out of the Friday show and the multitude of other things that seemed to be going on it wasn't the best turned out event on either day and was certainly lacking the party atmosphere of the previous year. On the other hand there was an absolutely packed show at the Windmill in Brixton on Saturday night (which is why the Pre-Fest wasn't that day as it was last year) for Lloyd and Helen Chambers' birthdays. RVIVR headlining with some of the best UK bands in support. I'd have videos of the Bangers set usually but was too busy jumping about and to be honest it was so busy that night I doubt that someone of my towering 5ft 5 stature could have captured much. I also wish I'd gotten something from 1 of 2 Caves sets I saw; struggled to see much on Saturday but they rocked hard on Sunday evening. It sucks they're clashing with Calvinball at Fest as otherwise I'd definitely be watching their set. What I do have is a new song from Porches from the Sunday show at the Lincoln Arms in Dorking, check it out y'all.
Saturday 16 October 2010
Starting Out: My Story So Far by Alastair Cook
Originally posted on my Goodreads profile
To be honest I only bought this book because Alastair Cook was doing a signing and I had a deal to broker with him.
On the one hand I found the book interesting; finding out how he became an international cricketer and what his thoughts on everything from the pressure of playing for England to what songs the team adopted on tours. On the other hand I think this was only the case because I'd not read any other England cricketer's book. Had I done so I'm fairly sure I'd have found this pretty bland and in all honesty; pointless. No disrespect whatsoever to Alastair Cook, he can certainly bat better than I ever will and has been a good player for the England team. He also seems like a very nice guy but well that's it; a good player and a nice guy. He's no Andrew Flintoff with stories of drinking aplenty and falling of Pedalos in the Caribbean. He's no Marcus Trescothick with harrowing stories of breaking down in Heathrow airport. In short he's just not all that interesting and he's also only 25 (23 when the book was published) I'm sure it makes perfect business sense to effectively release your autobiography in instalments as is certainly indicated by the title but really? Do we really need to hear your story so far? I for one would argue not.
I suppose the title makes a good recommendation in some ways and here's what I'd suggest; if you're just starting out reading cricketer's (auto)biographies, read this, then read about someone more interesting. The only good thing to come of this was the deal I made; I'll buy your book if you make sure we win the Ashes. And we did.
To be honest I only bought this book because Alastair Cook was doing a signing and I had a deal to broker with him.On the one hand I found the book interesting; finding out how he became an international cricketer and what his thoughts on everything from the pressure of playing for England to what songs the team adopted on tours. On the other hand I think this was only the case because I'd not read any other England cricketer's book. Had I done so I'm fairly sure I'd have found this pretty bland and in all honesty; pointless. No disrespect whatsoever to Alastair Cook, he can certainly bat better than I ever will and has been a good player for the England team. He also seems like a very nice guy but well that's it; a good player and a nice guy. He's no Andrew Flintoff with stories of drinking aplenty and falling of Pedalos in the Caribbean. He's no Marcus Trescothick with harrowing stories of breaking down in Heathrow airport. In short he's just not all that interesting and he's also only 25 (23 when the book was published) I'm sure it makes perfect business sense to effectively release your autobiography in instalments as is certainly indicated by the title but really? Do we really need to hear your story so far? I for one would argue not.
I suppose the title makes a good recommendation in some ways and here's what I'd suggest; if you're just starting out reading cricketer's (auto)biographies, read this, then read about someone more interesting. The only good thing to come of this was the deal I made; I'll buy your book if you make sure we win the Ashes. And we did.
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