Rating: 
Summary: Informative, but misses the audience
Review: Most depictions of the Rave scene tend to preach from an extreme. The will present a picture of modern-day-Sodom, or will extol the discovery of Nirvana-on-Earth. Reynolds has the ability to [beautifully] describe both faces of the scene with an impartial voice.Unfortunately, that is the end of what he has done well. Simon will take one paragraph to state that in years past the focus was simply the event, and no one bothered to learn the names of DJ's, let alone the name of individual tracks. After which he will begin a 10-page meandering description about specific track titles released in a 6-month period. It is in that example that highlight's Simon's shortcomings: no one involved in the scene at that time can recall DJ or song names, and those names are meaningless to everyone who is reading this book in an attempt to learn about the scene. Scenesters of the day aren't seeking a book that provides a blow-by-blow account of Simon's search for an illegal party on a particular night, they're looking to be reminded of the time, feeling, and vibe they recall from those days. And people reading the book to learn about the history of rave are seeking the human experience at the time, not the name of a producer living in Germany who released a top-40 track at the end of the 80's. In truth, Simon does cover enough information from front cover to back cover that the reader will indubitably have gained a clear understanding of the history of raves. Unfortunately, the reader will have to winnow through 90% fluff to reach that goal.
Rating: 
Summary: Oh Simon!
Review: Oh Simon, you have done it again! Just another Rave Book filled with blah info and very uninteresting. The (Rave) scene is such a fantastic drama, yet few, if any books have yet to capture the essence of what is "RAVE" Molly
Rating:
Summary: A chronicle of music and events, but not people
Review: One would expect "Generation Ecstasy" to chronicle how Ecstasy and similar drugs affected the lives of a generation of people. It does not. Instead, the author provides a very detailed history of rave events and of rave and techno music. The author discusses entrepreneurs, musicians, and DJs, but does not discuss the people attending weekend rave events. Mr. Reynolds is English, and much of his discussion is centered in England. The author describes how rave events evolved from small club events to major outdoor events to clandestine events hidden to avoid closure by local authorities. Mr. Reynolds discusses rave and techno music and DJ mixing techniques. He provides an extensive bibliography and discography. Mr. Reynolds discusses drug (over)use at rave events. He discusses the growth and death of the belief that drugs like Ecstasy would promote world peace. Mr. Reynolds' discussions are interesting, but they do not describe Ecstasy's effect on peoples' daily lives. One seeking a history of techno and rave culture will enjoy this book. One seeking to understand the lives and goals of "Generation Ecstasy" will find it disappointing.
Rating:
Summary: A chronicle of music and events, but not people
Review: One would expect "Generation Ecstasy" to chronicle how Ecstasy and similar drugs affected the lives of a generation of people. It does not. Instead, the author provides a very detailed history of rave events and of rave and techno music. The author discusses entrepreneurs, musicians, and DJs, but does not discuss the people attending weekend rave events. Mr. Reynolds is English, and much of his discussion is centered in England. The author describes how rave events evolved from small club events to major outdoor events to clandestine events hidden to avoid closure by local authorities. Mr. Reynolds discusses rave and techno music and DJ mixing techniques. He provides an extensive bibliography and discography. Mr. Reynolds discusses drug (over)use at rave events. He discusses the growth and death of the belief that drugs like Ecstasy would promote world peace. Mr. Reynolds' discussions are interesting, but they do not describe Ecstasy's effect on peoples' daily lives. One seeking a history of techno and rave culture will enjoy this book. One seeking to understand the lives and goals of "Generation Ecstasy" will find it disappointing.
Rating: 
Summary: Required reading for the electronic music enthusiast (raver)
Review: Reynolds explores the roots of modern techno culture from first hand experiece. He reflects the point of view from both sides of the Atlantic not as an elated, hallucinigenic, always happy-go-lucky raver but as a music enthusiast (you'll read alot of comparisions to the punk uprising of the late 70's). While you will find alot of positive comments and anectodes in the book, it also explores the other "not-so-bright" side of electronic music. If you have been involved with the dance music scene for awhile, you will appreciate the unbiased and insightful tone of the writing, if you are new to the dance music scene or are just curious about what "the rave" is about, this is a must read.
Rating: 
Summary: highly-informative and vividly written summary of rave
Review: Reynolds provides an highly-information, excruciatingly detailed view of the history of rave culture and techno music. It's a little indulgent at points with its vivid descriptions of track after track of gabba, jungle and hardcore hits but Reynolds addresses this with a somewhat interesting argument on his website. It hardly dives into any extensive or mind-numbing post-modern lit crit drivel as another reviewer has commented. The book would probably have doubled in size if this had been inserted. He does however intricately monitor the relationship between the music, the political and racial and national climates in which it developed and the drugs that its fans were running on while they listened.
Rating:
Summary: The story of rave, without the condescension of 20/20
Review: Simon Reynolds is a raver. He readily admits as such, right from the outset of the book. But unlike the biased, sensationalist 20/20 would have you believe of everyone in the scene, he's not simply a drugged-out zombie, living life for the next fix. Mr. Reynolds shares the viewpoint of many ravers today; albeit a perspective which rarely sees the light of day, because its not news-worthy enough. It's all about the music. This book is an exhausting history of electronic, going back to its very roots, all the way to the current teen-sensations The Prodigy, et. al. The book also delves into the darker side of the scene, however; the drugs. It's interesting to note that Reynolds carefully walks the border, never really making explicit his beliefs on drug use. (He's used them, he knows they're bad...but what's his real opinion?) Maybe you can figure it out. This is a definite recommendation if you're even remotely interested in the rave scene, its history, or its current incarnation. Pick it up, but don't expect to get to sleep. My serotonin level got boosted just from reading it :) ke!th
Rating:
Summary: The finest book yet about ecstacy and the rave culture
Review: Simon Reynolds writes as an enthusiast, not a critic. This is, nevertheless, the most intelligent, vivid, comprehensive book I have ever read about the ecstacy culture. I'm a fan of Reynolds' writing - I've actually read all of his works - all highly recommended. What is so special about this book is that it covers the music, the drug and the evolution of the culture with incredible energy and intimacy. I devoured the book. He is also a great writer - he writes sentences that are dense with meaning and really insightful turns of phrase - and every word demands to be read. I have recommended this book to several people and they have all enjoyed it thoroughly. Rather than saying something polite I'll just say "Big Up, geezer. Massive respect! Top stuff!!!!" If you're interested in rave culture, if the music makes you jump - don't miss this one. It's seriously brilliant!!
Rating:
Summary: about rave culture
Review: The first thing I noticed about this book was its inconsistency. At times Reynolds writes interestingly, but often his style borders on dull. There are some great passages in here. This book covers electronic music, ecstasy, and rave culture. He covers the history as well. I wouldn't say that this is the definitive book on the subject, but well worth a glance through.
Rating:
Summary: A fine treatment
Review: This is a great book. Not just the best in the genre but in my opinion the best book on music out there. Reynolds strikes just the right tone in providing the history, describing his own experiences and biases and providing his opinion where necessary. The book is thought-provoking with a topic that I didn't think too serious. When techno finally takes America (as it inevitably will) this will be considered the standard text in which all the Johnny-come-latelys catch up to the scene.
| 
