Book Review: The Closest Thing to Crazy: My Life of Musical Adventures by Mike Batt

16th September 2024 0 By Jon Deaux

If you’ve ever wondered what happens when a musical genius decides to chronicle his life but gets so distracted by all the bizarre, hilarious, and occasionally downright bonkers escapades along the way, then The Closest Thing to Crazy: My Life of Musical Adventures by Mike Batt is the book for you. Think of it as Spinal Tap meets The Muppet Show.

Mike Batt’s book zips through Batt’s career like a rollercoaster engineered by a mad scientist. From his early days as a struggling songwriter to the international fame brought on by The Wombles and Steeleye Span. Batt’s life is a chaotic symphony where every movement seems to be in a different key.

The Closest Thing to Crazy: My Life of Musical Adventures contains anecdotes ranging from the hilariously absurd to the downright surreal. that you almost expect a talking rabbit to pop up and start singing a duet with him. Especially when you discover he’d recorded a single with Lemmy back in 1968 called ‘Fairyland’ that has thankfully disappeared into the vaults of obscurity.

Whilst reading you may find yourself humming Bright Eyes (the theme from the movie, Watership Down) Bachs’ Tocatta and Fugue in D Minor, or Wombling Free (which works well as a mashup with Bach)

Batt’s storytelling is sharp, his humor is infectious, and his willingness to laugh at himself is refreshing. This book is the closest thing to crazy you’ll find.

Score 10/10
Published by – Bonner Books
Launched – 26th September 2024