Fine stab at overview - Rated 
I disagree with the second reviewer, although I appreciate what they mean. The topic itself is not necessarily anti-academic surely although it does benefit from the perspective of a fan, which is probably the best way to treat this subject (namechecking Baudrillard hardly helps; i might argue Baurdrillard is not "intellectual" compared to the rigour of CS Peirce?). I don't know if Reynolds does want to create a definite ideology here, or is just riffing out some messy ideas inchoate. London airwaves are, to my mind, more vital crucibles for 'dance music' than American airwaves. I hope the fact the second reviewer is from Colorado did not influence their distaste for the "UK centric" narrative.
As Richie Hawtin has observed, Europe has a more intimate relationship with techno and other 'dance' forms...
Knowledge/fandom limits ability for critical dialogue - Rated 
Having just worked my way through the UK publication of this book, alternitavely titled "Energy Flash", I must say that I have been given a decent working history of movement that has become a dominant part of youth culture over the last ten years. But as the author remains a fan (one might even say preacher for) of one particular sub genre of these varied strains of music, his analysis and interpretation often fails to deliver the goods. If Mr. Reynolds were not desperately searching for a modern day incarnation of the late 60's hippy attempt to redefine society through a common musical affinity, he might be willing to accept genres such as ambient, prog. House and the like as valid artistic fields. But since all music must satisfy his need for underground consciousness raising revolt(in this case through a culture that drops out of the mainstream completely a la expressionists of the nineteen twenties)he finds it difficult to accept a music that is merely intended to entice and provide pleasure or rediefne the way we think of musicality. The resulting rejections and arrogant denials of alternatives to the dance till you lose yourself 'ardkore ultimately remain self indulgent and tainted by his wishful myth formation. The further inability to critically question the prescribed goals of this 'ardkore also leaves a strong desire for more discussion. However this is where the text is also the most intriguing. Reynolds with his solid knowledge of the genre manages to pique interest and in my case have led to a renewed desire to search out a truly intelligent discourse on the movement and its consequences. On a final note the obsessive UK-centric approach to the music also wears thin, denying foreign countries their due until they begin to affect the UK scene.
Overly dramatic, but still a decent read - Rated
I'd have to agree with the above reviewer about Reynolds' annoying pseudo-intellectual speak. This guy obviously just read Baudrillard's _Simulacra and Simulacram_ one night while wasted and thinks that any throwing around polysyllabic nonsense qualifies one as an intellectual. (Really, we're dealing with a somewhat anti-intellectual topic here.) Nevertheless, this is all from the perspective of someone older who should know better. If I was 19 again, I would probably love this book, and the attention to detail is very impressive. The accompanying CD is a very well-thought anthology of the scene. Who wouldn't like to go back to the days when this was all fresh, before techno music was on Sprite commercials with every bonehead feeling the need to bring glo-sticks to the club?
The finest book yet about ecstacy and the rave culture - Rated 
Simon Reynolds writes as an enthusiast, not a critic. This is, nevertheless, the most intelligent, vivid, comprehensive book I have ever read about the ecstacy culture. I'm a fan of Reynolds' writing - I've actually read all of his works - all highly recommended. What is so special about this book is that it covers the music, the drug and the evolution of the culture with incredible energy and intimacy. I devoured the book. He is also a great writer - he writes sentences that are dense with meaning and really insightful turns of phrase - and every word demands to be read. I have recommended this book to several people and they have all enjoyed it thoroughly. Rather than saying something polite I'll just say "Big Up, geezer. Massive respect! Top stuff!!!!" If you're interested in rave culture, if the music makes you jump - don't miss this one. It's seriously brilliant!!
highly-informative and vividly written summary of rave - Rated
Reynolds provides an highly-information, excruciatingly detailed view of the history of rave culture and techno music. It's a little indulgent at points with its vivid descriptions of track after track of gabba, jungle and hardcore hits but Reynolds addresses this with a somewhat interesting argument on his website. It hardly dives into any extensive or mind-numbing post-modern lit crit drivel as another reviewer has commented. The book would probably have doubled in size if this had been inserted. He does however intricately monitor the relationship between the music, the political and racial and national climates in which it developed and the drugs that its fans were running on while they listened.
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