Customer Reviews

Rave Culture: An Insider's Overview

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I have been raving now for over 10 years all over the world; I have read several books on the subject, but I have never read one that "gets it" as well as "Rave Culture." Those people who have been to and enjoyed a real rave will nod their heads in agreement with what Jimi Fritz has to say; those who have not been to a rave but perhaps pre-judge these legitimate cultural events based on what they read in newspapers or see on TV, will now have the opportunity to understand what a rave really is and why it is a legitimate form of cultural and generational expression. The thoroughness of the book is also a plus: from the history of the events and the music to the fashion, art, dj's and even cost of putting on an event, "Rave Culture" has it all, presented in an intelligent, thoughtful way. I have no idea what agenda "Sir One" from Seattle has, but he has either never been to a rave or has chosen to review the cover for this book rather than the content. Take it from someone who has been there (many times): this is the one book about raving that strikes true and should be praised as such.

I read this book during my doctoral studies on rave culture during the late 1990s. It is not among my favorites books, but Fritz does deliver his goal: to provide an "insider's overview" (as the book subtitle says). It genuinely reflects the 1990s rave P.L.U.R. ideology of pure sentimentalism and naive optimism.

In this connection, it overemphasizes rave spirituality, a common feature amid rave veterans, not found in the average weekend consumer. The book also underplays ravers' often-dreadful concerns with drug abuse. Fritz thus reflects other MDMA authors' enthusiasm with pharmacological enlightenment, since they have tried 'ecstasy' a few times only, ignoring the dystopian dimension of psychedelia.

The reader should not expect any type of sociological analysis here. The book is a manifesto, reflecting the highly optimistic mood of rave subcultures before they submerged in the early 2000s (under right-wing hegemonies and the post-9/11 doomsday scenario).

If you were a loyal raver, the book will resonate with your original experiences with rave. As an outsider, you will learn about the raver mentality from the point-of-view of an enthusiastic participant, even though 2000s electronica fans are much more realistic, skeptical and even cynical in comparison with former "candy ravers".

For a more impartial account on rave culture, we suggest Simon Reynold's "Generation Ecstasy", as well as Anthony D'Andrea's "Global Nomads", the first empirical study on the globalization of countercultures.

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.

Prior to reading "Rave Culture, an Insider's Overview," I had only been introduced to the music behind the whole rave scene. After reading the book, one realizes that there is so much more out there to experience. Simply put, this book motivates a person to attend a rave and see what this book is all about. Specifically, the book is an excellent resource for those who are not sure if the rave scene is for them. Additionally, it provides useful information for parents who have children who attend raves, and who might be worried about all the negative publicity surrounding raves. As an avid fan of the scene, I wholeheartedly recommend this book.

I love this book! Forget all the uninformed media hysteria about raves & read this book! Here's a chance to hear from the other side! "Rave Culture" is a refreshingly insightful & informative book about raves as I came to know them & hopefully an important, antidote to the ongoing media dis/misinformation that threatens this precious grassroots expression of life & hope & love! You will surely end up reading this very pleasantly & articulately written book more than once. If you would like some relatively unencumbered insight into the important social relevance & the various origins & elements of rave, well, this book is it, a truely informative must read for anyone interested in seeing past what has too often been a shamefully limited & negative media perspective on this important social phenomenon, written by one with an intimate, intelligent & well-rounded relationship with this scene. Sorry if this comes off sounding like some kind of hype, but I am truely grateful to see such accessible information on a subject that is so dear to my heart (& important to my psychological/spiritual survival & well-being). Thank you Jimi!

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.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who either has lived the history of rave or wants to know the roots of rave culture. Reading Jimmy's words, his first hand accounts and his sympathetic insights into the scene brought me back to my first experiences, when everything seemed possible. This book goes a long way towards accounting for why raves are so popular in the first place!

I have read, many other rave related books. They all spew the same information, and make poor attempts to capture your attention. This book on the other hand, is an accurate description of the scene. Once you have finished reading this book, It offers, links to rave related websites so you can find up to date info on the scene in your area. With the rave scene gathering such momentum, and popularity. This book is a good reminder of our roots, and our future. Keep It real, Molly RaveShots>Com

This book by Jimi Fritz is very well documented & is educational on all levels of the subject. It is also being used as a resource book in university. It has been written by an insider of the "rave culture", & therefore is not simply academic, but has been written by one Jimi Fritx who loves to dance, in trance . I have personally known the author & his family for over a decade & I can say that this book has been composed with total integrety along with insider experince . thank you / enjoy reading this book

Satyahit das

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.