Poets write funny and interesting books now? Never would have thought it possible, so how nice it was for Simon Armitage to come along and break the mould. Gig is littered with shattered tales about youth and lost stardom, neatly woven together by the sounds and musical influences of the late-70's; whether it be the Undertones, Morrissey or whatever punk/post-punk guitar-mangalist that John Peel happened to be promoting on that particular night.Gig occasionally also brings Armitage's poetry to the fore with verses from prisons or haunted souls, as well writings about approaching middle-age and the years gone by. Both his father, Peter and wife, Speedy Sue, feature prominently throughout the book (and life), yet whenever a touch of self indulgence touches his brow, your eyes roll in tandem with his fellow protagonists.
It loses a few points though, purely because if you have never heard of the Fall or John Cooper Clarke or a whole host of other infamous post-punk artists, then the feel of some of the stories is probably a little too distant. Regardless of that fact, it is still a quick, easy and humourous read.
Told in a dry and convincing manner, Gig is easily one of the finest books that I have read in the last year and is absolutely deserving of a flick through at least.
Rating: 4 out of 5
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