Home Feed
Home
Search
Search
Add Review, Blurb, Quote
Add
Activity
Activity
Profile
Profile
The Forensic Records Society
The Forensic Records Society | Magnus Mills
9 posts | 5 read | 16 to read
The award-winning, Booker and Goldsmiths Prize-shortlisted author Magnus Mills is back with his best novel yet, a hilarious and surreal exploration of power, fanaticism and really, really good records Within a few months we'd witnessed bickering, desertion, subterfuge and rivalry. I was rapidly coming to the conclusion that only a miracle could save us now. Two men with a passion for vinyl create a society for the appreciation of records. Their aim is simple: to elevate the art of listening by doing so in forensic detail. The society enjoys moderate success in the back room of their local pub, The Half Moon, with other enthusiasts drawn to the initial promise of the weekly gathering. However, as the club gains popularity, its founder's uncompromising dogma results in a schism within the movement and soon a counter group forms. Then the arrival of a young woman called Alice further fractures the unity of the vulnerable society. As rifts are forged and gulfs widen, Magnus Mills examines the surreal nature of ordinary lives. The master of the comic deadpan returns for his ninth novel, a spectacularly disingenuous exploration of power, fanaticism and really, really good records.
Amazon Indiebound Barnes and Noble WorldCat Goodreads LibraryThing
Pick icon
100%
review
Rissreads
post image
Pickpick

This is the only vinyl record in my house. Alas I do not own a record player, but my daughter does! We both love Rod Stewart. This is a gift for her.
There is a Spotify playlist that lists every single song mentioned in the book.
As per ‘The forensic records society‘ rules there shall be no comments or judgements passed on the book. 🤣🤣🤣

review
arlenefinnigan
post image
Mehso-so

This is an odd little book. I've seen it described as 'High Fidelity crossed with Animal Farm' and 'Animal Farm but with blokes instead of pigs', but it was a pretty oblique allegory for me. I found the characters unlikeable and a bit one dimensional - do they not have jobs? Do they do anything other than listen to records and go to the pub? It's entertaining enough, but I just didn't quite get it.

blurb
arlenefinnigan
post image

#ReadHarder challenge 19: one of your favorite author‘s favorite books (this was recommended by Stuart Maconie). God I love going the library then going to the pub. Just the perfect afternoon. #BooksAndBooze

23 likes1 stack add
review
vivastory
post image
Pickpick

The headline of The Guardian review of Mills' novel reads, “This deceptively slim novel about blokes at a pub vinyl night could be read as a disguised retelling of the Russian revolution, or any great human falling out.“ Really? Yes, really! I would add that it is quite funny. FRS, is about two music loving friends who decide to start a weekly “listening society“ in the back of their local pub. The narrator's friend James soon proves himself👇

vivastory to be an intractable authoritarian & splinter record societies pop up due to his difficult behavior. I greatly enjoyed this novel & in the spirit of the attendees of the FRS who bring 3 7 inch singles to their weekly meetings, I have created a Forensic Records Spotify Playlist of my 3 favorite songs released this year. I have not included any from Sharon Van Etten as her latest is my favorite album of the year & to difficult to select from. Arcade 2y
vivastory Fire's Lightning I/Lightning II is 2 tracks on their album but it is played on the radio as 1 track. James would probably take issue with this liberty with the rules & I would be banned from the group, forced to join a breakaway Record Society. Link to my FRS Playlist:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7eUXPG7qJqKu7Kdjnh9eLq
2y
batsy I've never heard of this one and it sounds quite delightful! Thanks for putting it on my radar. 2y
See All 6 Comments
Vansa This sounds amazing. Will read it immediately,thanks for sharing! 2y
vivastory @batsy It's quite sardonic in parts. I think you'd like it. 2y
vivastory @Vansa This is the first Mills I've read, but I'll definitely be reading more in the future. Look forward to your thoughts! 2y
64 likes3 stack adds6 comments
quote
vivastory
post image

When I tell you I cackled 🤣

Branwen 😂🤣 2y
48 likes1 comment
quote
vivastory
post image

This occurs during the first meeting. The "latecomer" is only the second person to show up aside from the Forensic Records Society co-founders. ?

sarahbarnes This sounds like a fun read! 2y
vivastory @sarahbarnes It is! It's a funny read that has some interesting commentary on power dynamics 2y
50 likes2 comments
blurb
vivastory
post image

Now starting. I've heard great things about this one.

Nutmegnc You have a record player??!! 2y
vivastory @Nutmegnc Just Spotify. This is actually the book design. 2y
Nutmegnc @vivastory 🤣🤣🤣 fooled me! 2y
52 likes3 comments
review
andrew61
post image
Pickpick

My irl grp are reading this very short but very compelling, darkly funny, story of 2 men, obsessed with vinyl who create their own society for listening to music in the back of their local consuming many pints of Guinness. When rival grps start to emerge politics + power struggles reminiscent of great revolutionary struggles erupt in the microcosm of the pub. Its many years since I read magnus mills + it won't as long again. Enjoying a 0% tipple.

TrishB I think hubby may like this one 👍🏻 he‘s slightly obsessed with his records! 2y
vivastory I've heard that this is a really humorous one. I will check it out. 2y
andrew61 @TrishB yes I'm sure he will enjoy it Trish, lots of lyric spotting. 2y
See All 6 Comments
Leftcoastzen Wow 0% Guinness! Who knew ? 2y
Cathythoughts I like the Heineken zero 👍 never knew there was a Guinness one 👏 2y
Nute Awesome review! I‘m into vinyl records. Still calling them albums!🥴 Love this post!!! 2y
41 likes2 stack adds6 comments
blurb
Liberty
post image

A NEW MAGNUS MILLS!!!! I love him sooooooo much! *SWOON* ❤❤❤❤

108 likes9 stack adds