Product Description

This is the history of the rise of the DJ, from the humble "talking jukebox" origins of radio disc jockeys to today's DJ superstars who travel the world earning rock star salaries with a fanbase to match.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #268195 in Books
• Published on: 2000-07-06
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 480 pages

Amazon.co.uk Review
The self-styled "definitive" history of the humble art of spinning plates of vinyl, Last Night A DJ Saved My Life steps up to the turntables with worthy pretensions. The work of journalists Bill Brewster and Frank Broughton, who, between them, have worked on The Face, i-D, Rolling Stone, and Musik, they certainly know their deep house from their speed garage. But while Last Night A DJ . . . is an impressively knowledgeable compilation of information, they never quite decide whether this is an intellectual resource, a complete history, or if they're playing these records just for kicks.

So in the preface fun is poked at "abstract nonsense about postmodern intertextuality", and the pair thunder into well-reasoned, impassioned debate about the DJ being a modern-day shaman--pulse-racing stuff, which makes it all the more uncomfortable when it segues into an unremittingly dull chronological history of the invention of the record deck. The pace quickens with an excellent chapter on Northern Soul, and in hot pursuit follow impressive histories of the reggae, hip-hop and disco genres. But then Acid House--perhaps Britain's most important musical evolution ever--is given short shrift and techno is dismissed over a mere ten pages as "house's swotty offspring". The term "definitive", it seems, has been faded out of the mix.

Last Night A DJ . . . is no Bible for the penitent vinyl worshipper, and its difficult chronology makes it an uncomfortable read. Still, if you think that Northern Soul records were made in Leeds and disco began with the Bee Gees, there's a wealth of knowledge here that'll put you right --Louis Pattison

Express
'the best 'club culture' book ever to emerge'

From the Author
author review of last night a dj saved my life
Firstly, we feel that it is indeed an exhaustive history of the disc jockey (and, in turn, of dance music itself). We are happy to take criticism where and when it is warranted, but some of your reviewer's comments are simply untrue. Firstly, there is no "unremittingly dull" history of the record deck. We don't remember writing one, and I can't find it anywhere in the book. Secondly, the reason we skimmed over acid house is because; a) acid house was all about marketing rather than genuine innovation (pretty much everything that happened during this period had already happened elsewhere already, usually in New York) and; b) Matthew Collin and Sheryl Garratt had already written excellent books on the subject, and it was pretty pointless treading on familiar territory. As far as techno is concerned, point taken (the US edition will cover this in greater depth). Far too many UK journalists seem genuinely affronted that we have not devoted hundreds of pages to the last ten years (which is where most British dance journalists' knowledge begins and ends), while overlooking the fact that we spent months and years tracking down long forgotten DJs who REALLY made history and, sadly, had all but been forgotten. The reaction from DJs all over the world to this book tells a different story. They love it.

Customer Reviews

Eye opening, Jaw dropping, A must read for all ages
Being a bedroom DJ myself, not a very good one at that, it has always been an intangible interest of mine to get a little more educated on the history of not just the DJ himself but the origins of the music the DJ is playing. Bill Brewster and Frank Broughton have accumulated everything there is to know in such a superb way that even the most ardent of rock fans has to sit up and listen.

It is still a mystery how the history of such a pivotal figure in music has until now been uncharted. I can only thank the authors for giving us such an outstanding account of the great careers and innovative minds that every record we now listen to have stemmed from.

Buy the book, read the book, then go to a club, you will find yourself in a different frame of mind than you have done before. More alert to the DJ's hold and power over his crowd. You will hear mix's you have missed before, 'sets' will either come alive or die on its feet. Then read the book again.

Although i have nothing but praise for this masterpiece i think my girlfriend would disagree, since reading the book i have spent more money on records than ever before and any spare time on my decks. Sorry darling!

If you've ever danced to a record, you should read this book
At last, a book that encapsulates the very essence of the DJ's role and how it has evolved over the years. This is a fascinating account of rise of dance music from the first club night (big up to Jimmy Saville!) to modern day superclubs and their underground counterparts. Broughton and Brewster's writing makes you believe you are actually there at the beginning of Hip Hop in New York, dancing on the floor of the Music Box in Chicago and going crazy to Nicky Siano at The Gallery. If you've ever spent hours searching through second hand shops for obscure records, or ever danced in a club, this book is for you. Lots of interviews with the DJs who shaped dance music (Grandmaster Flash, Morales, Dave Dorrel, Norman Cook to name a few) and even definitive charts from clubs such as the Sound Factory, The Loft and Paradise Garage. Ideal Sunday afternoon reading.

At last a music bible!
I have lost count of the number of times I have read this book, re-read it, checked out the record lists in the back, bought copies for people, used it to prop up a wobbly table. It is a seminal trip through 100 years of the DJ pushing the musical boundaries from soul, reggae, hip hop, disco, house and all forms of dance music to soundtracking the nights we've all loved. The arcane details of lost dj's seminal club figures and nights from Italy, New York, Manchester to the island of Ibizia are poured over in detail but with great wit. Not a lightweight coffee table book nor some earnest socio-cultural phd thesis but a highly informative and entertaining read. I sense a great deal of love, passion and enthusiam have been poured into this book and you can't help but be carried along. I bought the first edition and the latest one and the additional chapters on Balearic and Garage are fascinating.