23 Magical Music Moments (#22)

12/5/2023

23 Magical Music Moments (#22)

Best Music Book Of The Year

The Art of Darkness- The History Of Goth

by John Robb (Louder Than War Books) (2023)

Well it is hardly a “moment” as the byline suggests. What it is a massive tome of 512 thoroughly researched and entertaining pages on the history of Goth music.

Those of you who have been in our group for a while are aware of my friendship with the sonically obsessed musician, editor,!author and fountain of energy that is JOHN ROBB.

In addition to his long career as frontman of THE MEMBRANES, editor of LOUDER THAN WAR magazine, JOHN has added to his already impressive library of published books, now that he had written this ultimate history of Goth music.

This thing reads like a peer reviewed academic journal thesis. It would easily qualify JOHN for a PhD if he submitted it as a dissertation at First And Last And Only University.

Don’t let that any of that erudite reference dissuade you from reading this masterpiece. If you are a fan of Goth (as I am) or want to learn about this dark musical genre, you will be suitably rewarded.

JOHN advises me that the book has done well. He invited me to join him as he did a number of events in LA and New York to promote the book. Alas, my schedule did not permit.

rec watches John Robb from side stage at The Grace, Islington, London (May 16, 2022.)

I intend to do an interview with John in the new year. If you have any questions, send them to me.

In honour of this publication, I have selected a classic Goth tune referenced at page 366 of the book.

THE MARCH VIOLETS are a fairly well- respected Goth outfit from Leeds 🇬🇧. In 1984 they released a pounding Goth gem entitled ‘Walk Into The Sun.’ It reached No. 1 in the indie charts.

Here is the extended version. It was recently released on a new compilation LP entitled “Play Loud Play Purple.”