The book almost  solely deals with the history of the british club scene and is a little lite on the history of acid house and the beloved 303.  Collin does deal with ibiza and   the early 80s american gay club and house scene in the first chapters but quickly shifts his focus on the rise of gang involvement and "turf wars" in and around legendary british clubs.  Losing sight on the music is a bit disapointing because the book is well written and seems well researched, but not involving the second wave of the detroit/mid-west acid kings (hawtin, esp, UR, etc) is a major mistake in my eyes.  The book is certainly intended for the UK market which is probably why he deals with the club/gang topic so much and oh yeah, he's british.  Collin does seem to return  to in-depth discussion of the music in later chapters discussing spiral tribe and other sound systems and the legal troubles encountered by almost everyone. The book is very up-to-date (at least from US eyes) with the final chapter almost solely dealing with the development and continued success of jungle. 

       A very impressive attempt to chronicle the history of modern clubbing in the UK, Altered States has some flaws in my eyes (he basicly sucks paul oakenfolds ass hole while not mentioning plastikman?!?) but he does manage to work in frankie bones, africa bambatta, kraftwerk and many, many others into the book.  A high quality book which features both footnotes and an index, this is a highly recomended book to any one who is not in this "scene" for the fashion or the drugs. Read it now--order it if you must--all the info needed is at top-- 

      ECSTASY CLUB: by Douglas Rushkoff-(isbn 0060173092 publisher: harperedge $17.50 hard cover)  This book fucking sucks.  Sorry, but it is awful, think "rave-soap opera" . 

       Apparently this is supposed to be a "spoof" or parody but my gut feeling is that Rushkoff feels obligated to justify this book so he says it is a joke.  Nice try chump, but it is bad.  Rushkoff's first novel seems like he's trying to write the next Trainspotting.  His books have been published before but all have been non-fiction (titles include; Cyberia, Media Virus, Playing the Future, and the ultimate tell tale title is the GEN-X READER) He's supposed to be real "hip" and this book is published by harperedge (the "hip"  new branch of harper collins) but this book is crap. To contrast the two let me say this- Rushkoff is a good writer, Matt Collins could definately learn some things about writting from this guy but at least Matt Collins knows what is real and is not writing stupid shit Rushkoff tries way too hard with this one.  He attempts to mix everything that is allegedly cool to the mtv crowd and put it in a novel.  For example there is conspiracy theory, mass drug use (drug use that would fuck someone up for life, not hunter s thompson style luanacy) stupid catch phrases, police corruption, computer madness, cult like behavior, an old warehouse, sex, relationships, attempts at philosophy, raves every night of the week,  Bill Grahm Presents (the original party thrower from SanFran who went on to concert promotion under this name, but of course being super "hip" rushkoff changes it to "bob grant invites") and overly educated people. 

        Rushkoff does present a slew of interesting ideas but it is sandwiched between pure crap.  Worth reading if you can return it (more on this latter).  Give it a read, (it's super easy 2-day material) and draw your own conclusion.  Recommended to those that like the drugs and fashion that plauge this "scene." I think it sucks.   Oh yeah I almost forgot, allegedly disney (or miramax or some other film company they own alongside harper collins) will be making this into a big screen flick, could this be the next Sat. Nite Fever?  that's what ruined disco 

by the way- Barnes & Noble accepts returns on music and books as long as it is okay (music can be opened,  books- just don't spill coffee on it) 

over&out 
Unibobert