Clothes, Clothes, Clothes. Music, Music, Music. Boys, Boys, Boys.: A Memoir

Viv Albertine

Nov 2014 · Sold by Macmillan

About this ebook

A feminist musician icon, Viv Albertine reveals the rocking, uncompromising story of her life on the front lines at the birth of the British punk movement and beyond in this exciting, humorous, and inspiring memoir.

Selected by the New York Times as one of the 50 Best Memoirs of the Past 50 Years

Viv Albertine is a pioneer. As lead guitarist and songwriter for the seminal band The Slits, she influenced a future generation of artists including Kurt Cobain and Carrie Brownstein. She formed a band with Sid Vicious and was there the night he met Nancy Spungeon. She tempted Johnny Thunders...toured America with the Clash...dated Mick Jones...and inspired the classic Clash anthem “Train in Vain.” But Albertine was no mere muse. In Clothes, Clothes, Clothes. Music, Music, Music. Boys, Boys, Boys., Albertine delivers a unique and unfiltered look at a traditionally male-dominated scene.

Her story is so much more than a music memoir. Albertine’s narrative is nothing less than a fierce correspondence from a life on the fringes of culture. The author recalls rebelling from conformity and patriarchal society ever since her days as an adolescent girl in the same London suburb of Muswell Hill where the Kinks formed. With brash honesty—and an unforgiving memory—Albertine writes of immersing herself into punk culture among the likes of the Sex Pistols and the Buzzcocks. Of her devastation when the Slits broke up and her reinvention as a director and screenwriter. Or abortion, marriage, motherhood, and surviving cancer. Navigating infidelity and negotiating divorce. And launching her comeback as a solo artist with her debut album, The Vermilion Border.

Clothes, Clothes, Clothes. Music, Music, Music. Boys, Boys, Boys. is a raw chronicle of music, fashion, love, sex, feminism, and more that connects the early days of punk to the Riot Grrl movement and beyond. But even more profoundly, Viv Albertine’s remarkable memoir is the story of an empowered woman staying true to herself and making it on her own in the modern world.

Ratings and reviews

Picked up this book initially because of my love for the Slits and the British punk scene. Never did I imagine that was just the backdrop to a witty, funny, refreshing and brutally honest story about Viv's life. Her unique style of writing really resonated with me. She writes like she plays guitar - finding her own way with little regard for precedent or tradition. I couldn't put it down. Then immediately read her next book. I wish there were more! What a truly unique and inspiring person.

Novel, one-of-a-kind tales of Ari Up and the Slits of course! Sid before he became infamous, the way he met Nancy. In-depth look at the Clash, the Pistols, Vivienne Westwood, Malcom McLaren, even Vincent Gallo. If you've ever had an abnormal pap due to HPV, do read. Viv's in depth battle with cervical cancer will convince you to regularly see your gyno. A relatable, memorable read for new wave/punk music hobbyists. Also inspirational. I'm 40,& am looking forward to finally learning learning guitar!Thx Viv💜

About the author

Songwriter and musician Viv Albertine was the guitarist in the hugely influential female punk band The Slits. A confidante of the Sex Pistols and the Clash, Viv was a key player in British punk culture. Alongside The Slits, she collaborated with numerous musicians, including Adrian Sherwood, before marking out a career in television and film production. After a hiatus of twenty-five years, Viv's first solo album, The Vermillion Border, was released in 2012 to great critical acclaim.