Record Play Pause: Confessions of a Post-Punk Percussionist

Record Play Pause chronicles the early life and musical career of Stephen Morris, drummer of Joy Division and New Order. The memoir spans his childhood through Joy Division's formation and early years. Morris recounts his introduction to music, his path to becoming a drummer, and the Manchester punk scene of the 1970s. The narrative includes the formation of Joy Division and their breakthrough as a significant post-punk band. The book provides details about recording sessions, live performances, and the technical aspects of Morris's drum work during this era. Morris describes the musical evolution from punk to post-punk through his experiences as a participant. The memoir explores themes of artistic development and the intersection of technology with musical innovation, reflecting the transitional period between punk and electronic music in British culture.

Readers appreciate Morris's detailed memories of Joy Division and his technical insights into drumming and recording. Many note his dry humor and self-deprecating style makes the book entertaining beyond just band history. Common praise focuses on: - Engineering and equipment descriptions - Personal stories about Ian Curtis - Manchester music scene details - Morris's obsession with technology Main criticisms: - Narrative jumps around chronologically - Too much focus on childhood/early years - Not enough about New Order period - Some find the writing style rambling Review scores: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (500+ ratings) Amazon UK: 4.5/5 (200+ reviews) Amazon US: 4.4/5 (100+ reviews) Reader quote: "A fascinating insight into the mind of someone who seems to remember everything about the equipment but forgets what year things happened." - Goodreads reviewer Several readers note it works better as a music technology memoir than a traditional band biography.

Unknown Pleasures: Inside Joy Division by Peter Hook A first-hand account from Joy Division's bassist chronicles the band's formation, recording sessions, and Ian Curtis's final days.

Girl in a Band by Kim Gordon The Sonic Youth co-founder details her path through New York's art scene, the formation of the band, and the end of her marriage to bandmate Thurston Moore.

Clothes, Clothes, Clothes. Music, Music, Music. Boys, Boys, Boys by Viv Albertine The Slits guitarist documents her experiences in London's punk scene, her music career, and life after punk.

Set the Boy Free by Johnny Marr The Smiths guitarist recounts his musical journey from Manchester's council estates through his collaborations with multiple bands and artists.

This searing light, the sun and everything else: Joy Division - The Oral History by Jon Savage A compilation of interviews with Joy Division members, associates, and contemporaries creates a complete picture of the band's brief existence.

🥁 Stephen Morris is best known as the drummer of Joy Division and New Order, two of the most influential bands to emerge from Manchester's post-punk scene. 📖 The book covers Morris's early life through Joy Division's end in 1980, with particular focus on his childhood obsession with military hardware and electronics. 🎵 The title "Record Play Pause" refers to the buttons on a tape recorder, reflecting Morris's fascination with technology and his pioneering use of drum machines in post-punk music. 🏭 The memoir provides intimate details about Manchester's transformation from an industrial city to a cultural hub during the late 1970s, including the pivotal role of Factory Records. 💿 Morris wrote much of the book using his extensive collection of diaries and notebooks, which he had kept since his teenage years, providing authentic contemporary accounts rather than just memories.