The Story of The Streets

Synopsis

**WINNER OF THE NME BEST BOOK AWARD**

'This book is going to try and get as close as possible to the full story of what informed the noise of The Streets. Obviously that's something I should be fairly well-qualified to know about, and I'm going to be as honest as the publisher's lawyers will allow.'


With the 2001 release of The Streets' debut single 'Has It Come To This?' the landscape of British popular music changed forever. No longer did homegrown rappers have to anxiously defer to transatlantic influences. Mike Skinner's witty, self-deprecating sagas of late-night kebab shops and skunk-fuelled Playstation sessions showed how much you could achieve simply by speaking in your own voice.

In this thoroughly modern memoir, the man the Guardian once dubbed 'half Dostoevsky . . . half Samuel Pepys' tells a freewheeling, funny and fearlessly honest tale of Birmingham and London, ecstasy and epilepsy, Twitter-fear and Spectrum joysticks, spread-betting and growing up. He writes of his musical inspirations, role models and rivals, the craft of songwriting and reflects on the successes and failures of the decade-long journey of The Streets.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Streets

* Introduces the concept of streets as a central part of urban life, serving as a stage for human interactions and the expression of social and cultural norms.
* Example: The streets of New York City, filled with a vibrant mix of people from diverse backgrounds and walks of life.

Chapter 2: The Street as a Meeting Place

* Explores the street as a social space where people gather for various reasons, such as shopping, socializing, and protesting.
* Example: The bustling streets of markets in Marrakech, where locals and tourists alike converge to experience the culture and commerce.

Chapter 3: The Street as a Marketplace

* Discusses the economic significance of streets as centers of commerce and trade, where goods and services are exchanged.
* Example: The historic Silk Road, which connected East Asia with Europe, facilitated the exchange of ideas and commodities.

Chapter 4: The Street as a Stage

* Presents the street as a platform for performance and expression, where musicians, dancers, and other artists showcase their talents.
* Example: The streets of New Orleans, known for their vibrant musical traditions and street performers who entertain tourists and locals alike.

Chapter 5: The Street as a Protest Ground

* Examines the role of streets in political and social movements, where people take to the streets to demonstrate their demands for change.
* Example: The Arab Spring protests, which originated on the streets of cities across the Middle East and North Africa.

Chapter 6: The Street as a Battleground

* Highlights the streets as a site of conflict and violence, where battles have been fought and riots have erupted.
* Example: The streets of Los Angeles, which witnessed the 1992 Rodney King Riots.

Chapter 7: The Street as a Home

* Discusses the street as a last resort for those who have no other shelter, exploring the complex issues of homelessness and urban poverty.
* Example: The infamous skid rows of cities like San Francisco, where thousands of unhoused people live on the streets.

Chapter 8: The Future of the Streets

* Considers the evolving nature of streets in the digital age and the challenges facing urban planners in creating vibrant and inclusive public spaces.
* Example: The rise of pedestrian-friendly streets and bike lanes in cities like Copenhagen, which promote sustainable transportation and community engagement.