Rating:  Summary: Ideological Manifesto - No Deep Analysis Here Review:
I participated in and studied rave culture as part of my doctoral fieldwork. I was thus fortunate to incorporate both the academic and the insider views of the phenomenon.
This book is not among my favorites, but it does deliver its goal: to provide an "insider's overview" (the book subtitle). It genuinely reflects the Rave PLUR ideology of the 1990s: it is pure feeling and naive optimism.
Nonetheless, it overemphasizes rave spirituality, which I only witnessed among hardcore veterans, not the average candy raver crowd. Moreover, the book underplays the issue of drug abuse, which was a central concern among ravers (- as usual, MDMA writers are enthusiastic about ecstasy because, only sporadically, they have taken it).
The reader should not expect any deep analysis about rave culture or history here. The book is a hyped rave manifesto, reflecting a subcultural mood, before it submerged in the early 2000s as a result of state/police repression, mainstream tiredness, and the 9-11 final blow that destroyed rave's philosophy of optimism.
In sum, if you are/were a loyal raver, then you will see a representation of things that you likely know. If you are an outsider, then you will learn a lot about the raver mentality from the point of view of an enthusiastic raver. As the subtitle reads, this is "an insider's overview".
Rating:  Summary: all i know... Review: ...is that jimi is a very talented writer. being from victoria, i know how successful the book has been with everyone there. it's awsome to see someone using their talent on something that the people of today are interested in. the book rocked. cheers jimi!* keep up the good work.
Rating:  Summary: An acturate overview. Review: After reading the book by Canadian author, Jimi Fritz, I decided to check out the Rave scene. What I found was an environment that was exactly as I expected. Jimi Fritz's research of the culture must have been exhaustive. His book made my Rave experince a very positive one because I was fully prepared and had an excellant knowledge base to work from. The culture is unique and Jimi helped me to become a part of it. Great job Mr. Fritz! I look forward to your next offering.
Rating:  Summary: wisdom shines light on ignorance Review: And I have been raving for 10+ years and will honestly say, I learned from this OVERVIEW. This being the first book dedicated towards this modern adaptation to dancing around the fire 'till another dawn, sucessfully touches on all aspects of this culture. If you are looking for a cheesy hollywood "entertainment" guide or a " who's who ?" in the rave scene, this is not for you, try the magazine stand. A read that will definately inform, educate and inspire all age groups, I should hope to see our secondary schools adopt it, we all have a lot to learn about dance, trance and transformation. " Bravo " Mr. Friz.
Rating:  Summary: The review above is obviously a lark. Review: Anybody who has actually attended a rave and experienced the occasion knows this title is upper rubbish. Rave flyers pride themselves on their cutting edge graphics and dynamic type designs, in this surprisingly competitive field. The cover of this book displays neither. After an albeit cursory reading of this book I agree it falls short from the cover on down the line. Look elsehwhere for a more accurate account of this beautiful culture and lifestyle, it does exist....
Rating:  Summary: ravers and non-ravers will be interested Review: Both ravers and non-ravers will find much of interest in this comprehensive, informative and entertaining look at the rave scene.
Rating:  Summary: rave book gets rave reviews! Review: First of all this book is written by Jimi Fritz, Virginia Smallfry is actually the artist! At any rate, this is an excellent book on the rave scene, and i suggest it to anyone who is interested on the subject. I have given it as a birthday gift to friends, and have also been known to give away my copy to visiting dj's. pick this book up, it will change your perception of the rave scene!
Rating:  Summary: Most informative book on the electonic music scene I've read Review: I am a student/partier, and I think that this book opens the eyes of the unknowing public as well as the experienced raver. It highlights an epic time in music history (NOW!!) and gives detailed information about the music, the culture, the people, and the intoxicating effects of it all. Everyone should read this book if they have seen, heard, or actually lived the electronic music scene. RAVE ON!!!
Rating:  Summary: Most informative book on the electonic music scene I've read Review: I am a student/partier, and I think that this book opens the eyes of the unknowing public as well as the experienced raver. It highlights an epic time in music history (NOW!!) and gives detailed information about the music, the culture, the people, and the intoxicating effects of it all. Everyone should read this book if they have seen, heard, or actually lived the electronic music scene. RAVE ON!!!
Rating:  Summary: Informative, Interesting, Entertaining, and Accurate Review: I first met Jimi at a rave in Victoria and thought he was someones dad coming to find them. A few weeks later I went to a rave for my birthday called Evolution,and it turned out to be his birthday celebration. I got a chance to talk with him and a friend got me a copy of his book, signed by him. This book has everything you would ever want to know about raves. From the history of the music, to fashion, to drug use and misuse. He talks about raves around the world, what they cost to put on, how they started...everything. He was careful in defining EVERY kind of "techno" or electronica music around. The best part about this book by far is the message of raves, which he makes crystal clear. Honestly this book is as good a reference book as it is interesting and entertaining. It is easy to read and oh so informative. If you rave regularly or, have never been, this book definately worth reading.
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