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Clip of the Week

You can put your clothes back on, she’s leaving you/ No time to apologize for the things you do/ Go rent a Ferrari and sing the blues/ Believe that Clapton was the second coming. Not since the Jam’s Butterfly Collector have lyrics hit me so hard. A scornful, sneering, but incisive, character assassination. And these words, the opening lines to She’s Leaving You, were my first introduction to MJ Lenderman. Those opening lyrics, a big sing-along chorus, alt-country twang. I listened to it on repeat… (READ ON)

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This Week’s Book Choice

After I graduated, living in London, the Beta Band were one of my favourite bands and Steve Mason was the founding member. Their music had an edge. It was unusual, surreal in places and inventive in a DIY kind of way. They didn’t sound like anyone else which was refreshing in the Britpop era. They received much critical acclaim for their breakthrough EPs – my introduction to them came when they compiled them – and went on to release three memorable albums, although Steve didn’t rate the first and was outspoken about that – and reflects on that in his book. “Failure Is Always An Option” by Steve Mason (New Modern, 2026) starts like any other autobiography really; growing up, early jobs, making friends. He writes about how the band formed and secured a deal with a major and there are lots of tales of debauched behaviour. He speaks about his long-term mental health issues and how this impacted his behaviour while in the band. I think he’s light on detail about how they made the music and although he touches on the side projects after the band split – King Biscuit Time and Black Affair – you don’t get anything about his solo stuff, most of which I’m really keen on! If you were a fan, and you enjoy rock and roll memoirs, I think you’ll enjoy this book.

Nathan Davidson

Read all our previous book reviews here.

Toppermost Recommends

“A terrible day ends with a tremendous record. The Coral’s new record is the aural equivalent of sinking into a sun dappled deckchair and drifting away.” Andy Mackenzie

“James does his best Janet Kay impression on the opener Let The Music Play on the new album ‘388’. An incredible lovers rock/reggae vibe. Damn these boys are good.” Dave Ross

James Skelly writes on Bluesky: “We made a playlist of what The Coral were listening to when we made ‘388’, if anyone fancies something to listen to.”

“Sounds like a group plugged directly into its soul … by reconnecting with their past, The Coral have found the essence of who they are now, and it’s pretty magical.” Mojo magazine

The Coral Toppermost