Facing the Other Way

Martin Aston has been writing about and reviewing music since 1984. He has a particularly deep appreciation for the independent music scene. He is the author of two previous books: Pulp (MacMillan, 1995) and Björkgraphy (Simon & Schuster, 1996). ‘I’ve until now avoided writing more books as I enjoy occasionally leaving the house,’ he says. ‘Writing Facing the Other Way: The Story Of 4AD has reminded me of this luxury. But it’s been as compelling as it’s been overwhelming, documenting not just a visionary record label, but an entire era, one that can never be seen again.’Martin has also written for a variety of publications including MOJO, Q, Guardian, The Times, Attitude, Radio Times and BBC Music Online.

‘4AD get the lavish label history they deserve’ – MOJO‘Aston has impressive access to some of rock’s most reclusive figures’ – Q‘The book is an exquisite reflection of 4AD itself—extravagant, atmospheric, and rich in texture and timbre.’ – PITCHFORK‘Facing The Other Way represents one of the greatest stories to emerge from rock and roll's modern history’ – DROWNED IN SOUND‘The conviction of Aston's storytelling blows dust off the needle so that those records and their often magical beauties are dragged out to be admired once again… Compelling stuff’ – MOUTH MAGAZINE'Martin Aston's 600-page chronicle is a suitable extravagant enterprise' – GUARDIAN“A fanatically scholarly account of the definitive art-pop label of the 1980s.” – THE TIMES LITERARY SUPPLEMENT