Fantastic Metropolis

Carter Beats the Devil, by Glen David Gold

(Hyperion, 2001)

This book had some surprises, stuff I didn’t know, and a good adventure.

My Fault, by Billy Childish

(Codex Books, 2001)

One of the best published authors alive. Codex have published a new, revised edition of this autobiographical novel. Real writing.

Serge Gainsbourg: A Fistful of Gitanes, by Sylvie Simmons

(Helter Skelter Ltd., 2001)

The best pop stars are cool and ridiculous at the same time, but the French seem to race these qualities to the death. People outside of France are finally tuning in to what Gainsbourg was really about. This is the first English biography of Gainsbourg worth a damn.

Monsieur Zenith the Albino, by Anthony Skene

(Savoy Books, 2001)

I hadn’t heard of Zenith before, but this adventure from Savoy Books is a good introduction. Like a cross between Raffles and Fantomas (but way better than Fantomas, thank god).

Jelly Result, by Jeff Lint

(2001)

A fiftieth anniversary reprint of the cult author’s early novel, ice lighters and all.

Clive Barker, by Douglas E. Winter

(HarperCollins, 2001)

A thorough book which is at its most interesting when talking about the early theatrical stuff.

Sputnik Sweetheart, by Haruki Murakami, J. Philip Gabriel (Translator)

(Knopf, 2001)

I didn’t know about the non-zany (ie non-’detective on a crazy case’) strand of Murakami until I read this one, and I like this stuff a lot more. It’s like Banana Yoshimoto, and nearly as spooky.

The Cornelius Quartet, by Michael Moorcock

(Four Walls Eight Windows, 2001)

Another chance to pretend we know what’s going on, this new edition from Four Walls Eight Windows collects all four books in a nice-looking volume.

Captain Beefheart: The Biography, by Mike Barnes

(Cooper Square Pub, 2001)

A great biography of Van Vliet. Fast while satisfyingly bulbous.