Shoulda Been Higher

A Celebration of 30 Years of Triple J's Hottest 100

Tom Clarke

$34.99

Paperback

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English

Melbourne Books
03 October 2023

ABBEY'S BOOKSELLER PICK ----- Music nerds and/or aficionados will find Tom W Clarke's book a perfect primer for pub/BBQ/party back-and-forth with fellow nerds and/or aficionados. Casting an eye over 30 YEARS (!!!*) of Triple J's Hottest 100, Clarke finds many engaging and thought-provoking ways to slice this musical democracy sausage. My first flick through landed perfectly at page 73 where Something for Kate is discussed (lead singer Paul Dempsey also gets a cover quote), "That 'Monsters' was beaten by the musical equivalent of the colour beige is an obvious injustice, and one that we can correct here". Thank you Tom - I'll raise a glass to that. Craig

* for the nerds and/or aficionados.

The Hottest 100 is a national institution.

Every year since 1993, Australia's national youth broadcaster triple j has held annual countdown of listeners' 100 favourite songs of the year, as voted by the public. It's as iconic of modern Australiana as sausage sizzles and leadership spills. It has become so much more than music. It's beaches, barbeques, and bonfires. It's joy and despair, drama and debate, friendship and community.

This book is a fun retrospective- an insightful, light-hearted and deeply respectful celebration of the colourful history of 'the world's greatest musical democracy'. Taking account of the thirty annual countdowns, the book traces the social, musical and cultural impacts of the Hottest 100 over the decades. Its jam packed with stats, stories, little-known facts, and the kinds of fiery debate-starting questions that make the Hottest 100 what it is.

This is the definitive account of the Hottest 100, a chronicle and a love letter - it's the complete picture from Augie March to Ziggy Alberts, 'Amazing' to 'Zombie'.

By: Tom Clarke
Imprint: Melbourne Books
Country of Publication: Australia
Dimensions: Height: 209mm, Width: 140mm, Spine: 28mm
Weight: 410g
ISBN: 9781922779076
ISBN 10: 1922779075
Pages: 256
Publication Date: 03 October 2023
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

Tom W Clarke is an Australian writer, comedian and podcaster. He is an obsessive music and sport nerd - he settled for writing about them once he realised that he possessed no relevant talent whatsoever. He hosts the podcast Spinning Around- 100 SongsThat Shaped The Australian Sound, writes the Australian music blog Fresh Local Produce, and is a regular contributor to The Roar. He has performed stand-up comedy around Australia, including a run of sold-out solo shows at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Tom lives in Melbourne with his brilliant wife and sparkly young son. He can be found watching footy on the Fitzroy hill, espousing the superiority of instant black coffee, and walking until he finds inspiration (or a good sandwich shop, whichever comes first).

Reviews for Shoulda Been Higher: A Celebration of 30 Years of Triple J's Hottest 100

* for the nerds and/or aficionados.

"""A well-written, well-researched and heartfelt ode to music, democracy, and the incredulous Facebook commenter within all of us"" -- Alex Dyson, triple j breakfast host 2010-16 It's no mean feat to take on an Aussie institution like triple j's Hottest 100, but Tom W Clarke's knowledge, humour, and passion for the poll is thetribute Aussie music needs"" -- Tyler Jenke, music journalist and Hottest 100 fanatic"