Medical Grade Music
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Medical Grade Music
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Narrated by:
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Kavus Torabi
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Steve Davis
About this listen
Read by, and featuring original music from, Steve Davis and Kavus Torabi.
The story of two outsiders and obsessives whose collision prompted an evangelistic alliance on the furthest frontiers of underground music.
Steve Davis first met Kavus Torabi - guitarist with Gong, Guapo, Cardiacs and Knifeworld - in the mid-2000s at a gig by French underground rock legends Magma. Over the next few years, this unlikely duo's shared affinity for visionary psychedelic music would become the foundation of not only a firm friendship, but also the most infectiously inclusive broadcasting style since the much-mourned death of John Peel.
In their weekly radio shows and a one-of-a-kind live DJ roadshow which included a legendary appearance at Glastonbury, Steve and Kavus mapped out a musical landscape of rare enchantment, where the only passport needed was a pair of open ears. No-one, least of all Davis and Torabi themselves, was expecting the six-time former World Snooker champion and a British-Iranian underground rock musician to become one of the most trusted brands in British alternative music.
As Steve and Kavus were starting to get to grips with the challenge of their newfound status, events took a further unexpected turn. Suddenly they found themselves in a band together. And not just any band...as two thirds of Britain's (if not the world's) leading harmonium, guitar and analogue synth power-trio (with Michael J.York of Coil)The Utopia Strong, the two friends found themselves plunging into a vortex of spontaneous compositional excitement.
How Steve and Kavus pulled this off is just one of the many questions Medical Grade Music will try to answer. Part sonic memoir, part Socratic dialogue, part gonzo mission to the heart of what makes music truly psychedelic, this book is the first work of joint autobiography to ever trace the evolution of a life-changing friendship through the discographies of Gentle Giant and Voivod. From the chip-shops of Plumstead to the the wildest shores of Plymouth's '90s thrash scene, it's a funny and fearless buddy movie of the soul, with a soundtrack that will make your eyes bleed.
PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.
©2021 Steve Davis, Kavus Torabi (P)2021 Orion Publishing GroupListeners also enjoyed...
What listeners say about Medical Grade Music
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Mr. Robert J. Simpson
- 12-10-22
mind expanding excellence
so many strong reasons to listen to this. the taste of a snooker grand champion being transformed into divine music by why a drug enhanced Prague punkster and bagpipe carvyst? yes please
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- M Thomas
- 22-01-24
surprisingly uplifting
I wasn't quite sure what this was going to be, but since I enjoyed cardiacs and I've been intrigued with Steve Davis' alter ego, I thought I'd give it a go. it turned out to be a hearteningly enjoyable tale of loss, reinvention and hope. For me, this was very timely and I thoroughly enjoyed it
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Amanda
- 12-10-22
Amazing insight to two diverse friends
Nobody would put these two characters together in the real world, except of course, once you get to know the real Steve Davis, it is a miracle it took so long.
The story is told by Steve then Kavus and the two take turns to bid their narrative. At first, it seems to be more Steve's story, then later it becomes more Kavus's tale, but it is always a map of how these two seemingly disparate characters came together. One a musician, Kavus, the other, ostensibly a snooker player, but in reality a true music aficionado with a musician's soul. It's a life affirming tale which shows how life can spring twists and turns eternal, culminating in a moment of clarity that led us to this point, The fusion of Prog rock cognoscenti as well musical rebirth for a world famous sportsman.
Give the book a go, it will surprise and delight you.
Amanda and Geordie Graham
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- transcopic
- 16-02-23
Brilliant
Like an incredibly moving discussion on the power of art and friendship, totally recommended
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Mr. A. C. NICHOLLS
- 09-06-21
Exceptional
A joyous and emotional journey with two committed musicians and fans of great music. Take the ride and find new records to enjoy.
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3 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- D. Barrett
- 30-08-23
The last thing I needed
I loved every second of this, got me through a particularly unpleasant stint in hospital. Unfortunately I will now begin yet another expensive journey discovering music I know little about. The last thing I needed. Bastards
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- mr
- 09-02-22
fantastic music obsession
I had no expectations but this warm, two hander story about their journey through life, music, DJ gigs, live gigs and festivals is a joy. Thoroughly recommend for any true music fan.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story3 out of 5 stars
- Carlton
- 09-11-22
It's good. Probably best aimed at dull nerds.
Sound wise it's odd. The eq is all over the place and there's a really quiet piece of music which fades into every chapter.
I'm a dull nerd so I really liked it. They both seem like nice men. Yeah. Try it.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Zzorchering
- 16-04-21
This is a joyous book - wonderful musical memories and a stackful of new music recommendations ...
I'm not even halfway through the audio version of this book yet (it's only been released today) - but it's just wonderful, and it is very highly recommended. I'd give this way more than 5 stars if I could.
It is a hugely entertaining journey, with many laugh out loud moments and brilliantly recognisable "in" jokes for us prog nerds - but it also brings back all of those 1970s teenage memories of wading through racks of vinyl at the back of dusty record stores, buying an album because it has great cover art - without actually knowing anything about the band or the music, discussing the pros and cons of avant garde prog bands with school mates, actually playing in a crap school band as a teenager etc etc. Steve also has some great comments about the perils of record collecting, where the number of albums you need in your collection is always just one more than you already have, and thinking about what happens to that set of albums, that you've nurtured and grown across the many years since your teens, when you finally pop your clogs!
As a lifelong Gong fan, and an enthusiastic supporter of Kavus' later incarnation of the band, as well as an avid buyer of The Utopia Strong's output, I'm looking forward to hearing more details as Kavus & Steve's journey continues. However, the best thing about this book is that I've already got a massive list of recommendations from Steve and Kavus of "interesting" music that I need to listen to again - or new gems to discover for the first time; and I've not even got to the Appendices yet (!!) where there are over 150 other wonderful recommended albums that I need to delve into, & that will no doubt bring endless hours of esoteric musical joy.
Read (or listen to the audio version of!) this book - and improve your life. It is a superb book, and very strongly recommended!
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5 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Satin Astro
- 18-04-21
An inspirational joy to listen to.
This is essential listening for anyone who loves psychedelic music, in particular those who were part of the 90's underground scene in London are in for a massive treat.
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1 person found this helpful