Abrahams, Ian - Strange Boat: Mike Scott and the Waterboys
****
Mike Scott, the main-main in the Waterboys is one of the most enigmatic, cult figures on the music scene over the last 25 years or so.  Following his musical instincts rather than the path desired by record companies and with (possibly increasing) inner tensions to be true to his art yet also be successful, his biography was always going to be an interesting read.
An essential read indeed for a long-standing Waterboys fan like me so it’s a shame that Ian Abrahams' biography includes no input from Scott himself.  The author contacted Scott’s management several times but was always politely denied an interview with the main-man.  So instead Abrahams has to make do with discussions with various former Waterboys such as Anthony Thistlethwaite and Colin Blakely though tellingly, no one in the current incarnation.  Refreshingly the former members interviewed by and large have nothing but praise for Mike despite him asking them to leave, sometimes on more than one occasion, when his muse suggested to him that it was time for a new direction. 
The rest of Strange Boat is largely a copy and paste job from various interviews and features as well as some opinions from the author himself.  Although mostly second hand information, there are still some interesting insights though Abrahams appears to have only seen Mike Scott live a couple of times.  There are therefore many others (including me!) arguably more qualified to write a Scott biography though the biggest flaw with Strange Boat is the lack of co-operation by the man himself.  Maybe Scott, with some justification, feels that his extensive sleeve notes accompanying the re-issued Waterboys CDs say more than enough though, until he puts pen to paper, Strange Boat is about as good a Mike Scott biography as we are likely to get.
Read by me:  25.8.08-20.9.08

Arthur, John – Jazzoo And The Wild Men
****
Jazzoo And The Wild Men is a fantasy adventure story set in the Stone Age.  At 17, Jazzoo shockingly finds out why he has never really felt at home at the settlement in which he has grown up.  He ventures out to seek his roots unaware of the romance, imprisonment, war and reconciliation that his journey will bring.
John Arthur’s detailed adventure novel sustains the story well as the reader gets engrossed in the imaginary world that the writer has created.  JATWM is well written with some strong descriptions and is highly recommended - especially for anyone who likes intricate, historical adventure novels.  It can be obtained from Jasper Wensleydale publishers at 27 Barrett Road, London E17 9ES.  Go on – give it a go!
Published:  2009
Read by me:  30.10.09-13.1.10