In the City

A dense and colourful account of one of the most vibrant musical centres in the world, In the City almost puts you on that train to London * Guardian *
(An) exhilarating new history of the music that defines the capital * Evening Standard *
Du Noyer’s crowning achievement with In the City, however, is to tie all the strands together ever so neatly without affecting a smug resolution. Its a celebration of the city’s music through the centuries, for sure, but its more than just that * Irish Times *
Du Noyer digs impressively deep for insight … it evokes London as a place of converged cultures, found sounds and infinite possibilities * Metro *
Paul Du Noyer’s superb new book * Word Magazine *
A bit like Peter Ackroyd’s work, only you can whistle along * Observer *
The first book properly to anatomise the popular music of our capital is a mighty achievement - and a cracking read. Du Noyer unravels the threads that link Elizabethan balladry to Britpop, bhangra and beyond, constructing a seamless social history that pays as much heed to Gilbert and Sullivan as Small Faces. Mapping the music halls of the East End, the ballrooms of Mayfair and the basement clubs that housed renegade bands, his book is a hymn to a metropolis whose musical vigour lies in its with, its ruthlessly competitive commercial spirit and passion for riotous fun. An engrossing story, beautifully told by and expat Liverpudlian who doesn’t miss a trick. * The Sunday Times *
[4 stars] All the sounds of the Smoke * Mojo *

Paul Du Noyer has been writing about music for over twenty years. His writing credentials include assistant editor of the NME, editor of Q and founding editor of MOJO. He was on the launch team for heat and The Word magazines and remains a contributing editor of the latter. His other books include a history of John Lennon’s solo years, We All Shine On, and the critically acclaimed Liverpool - Wondrous Place.

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