Faster Than A Cannonball: 1995 and All That

The mid-Nineties was a time of cultural upheaval, with rock stars, music journalists, and pop consumers holding onto a belief in rock's mystical power. It was also a period of almost unparalleled hedonism, with a generation of narcotic omnivores thinking they could all be rock stars just by buying a magazine and a copy of (What's the Story) Morning Glory? Faster Than a Cannonball is a cultural swipe of the decade from loungecore to the rise of New Labour, teasing all the relevant artistic strands through interviews with all the major protagonists and exhaustive re-evaluations of the important records of the year.

Format: Hardback
Length: 496 pages
Publication date: 13 October 2022
Publisher: Orion Publishing Co

The Nineties, a decade marked by significant cultural shifts and pivotal moments, reached its peak in 1995. This pivotal year witnessed the emergence of Britpop, with Oasis and Blur dominating the music scene, as well as the rise of the Young British Artists (YBA), exemplified by Tracey Emin's iconic tent and the emergence of the New Lad culture. It was also the year when Nick Hornby's novel "High Fidelity" revolutionized the publishing industry, James Brown's album "Loaded" shook up the music industry, and pubs were finally allowed to stay open on Sundays.

In terms of music, 1995 was a year of remarkable releases. Radiohead's "The Bends" emerged as a landmark album, showcasing their intricate guitar work and introspective lyrics. Teenage Fanclub's "Grand Prix" marked a departure from their earlier pop-punk sound, incorporating elements of indie rock and psychedelia. Tricky's "Maxinquaye" showcased his experimental and avant-garde approach to music, while Pulp's "Different Class" blended elements of Britpop and alternative rock. Blur's "The Great Escape" solidified their status as a leading band, blending catchy melodies with introspective lyrics.

Beyond music, 1995 was a year of significant cultural upheaval. In art, artists such as Damien Hirst and Tracey Emin gained prominence, pushing the boundaries of what was considered acceptable in the art world. Literature saw the release of Alex Garland's novel "The Beach," which explored themes of consumerism and the effects of globalization. Publishing was also transformed by the rise of digital media, with the advent of e-books and online publishing platforms.

In terms of drugs, the Nineties were a time of unprecedented hedonism. The rise of ecstasy and other recreational substances led to a surge in drug use, particularly among young people. This period also saw the emergence of drug-related health concerns and the criminalization of certain drugs.

Faster Than a Cannonball: A Cultural Swipe of the Decade from Loungecore to the Rise of New Labour is a comprehensive exploration of the decade from 1990 to 1999. The book delves into the music, art, literature, publishing, and drug scenes of the time, providing a detailed account of the cultural shifts and pivotal moments that shaped the Nineties. Through interviews with all the major protagonists, including musicians, artists, writers, and drug users, the book offers a unique perspective on the decade.

The book also re-evaluates the important records of the year, including albums such as "The Bends" by Radiohead, "Grand Prix" by Teenage Fanclub, "Maxinquaye" by Tricky, "Different Class" by Pulp, "The Great Escape" by Blur, "It's Great When You're Straight... Yeah!" by Black Grape, "Exit Planet Dust" by the Chemical Brothers, "I Should Coco" by Supergrass, "Elastica" by Elastica, "Pure Phase" by Spiritualized, and of course, " (What's the Story) Morning Glory" by Oasis, the most iconic album of the decade.

In conclusion, the Nineties were a decade of immense cultural significance, marked by the emergence of Britpop, the rise of the YBA, the impact of James Brown's "Loaded," and the legalization of pubs on Sundays. 1995 was a pivotal year in this era, with significant musical releases, cultural upheaval, and drug-related trends. Faster Than a Cannonball: A Cultural Swipe of the Decade from Loungecore to the Rise of New Labour provides a comprehensive and insightful exploration of this remarkable decade, offering a valuable perspective on the cultural shifts and pivotal moments that shaped the Nineties.

Weight: 732g
Dimension: 166 x 241 x 44 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474624572