Dave Rimmer: Like Punk Never Happened: Culture Club And The New Pop (Faber And Faber £4.95)

THE TITLE says it all. There are those of us who have, over the years, battled on our own territory desperately hoping that the downward plummet of British pop would either bottom out or at least be recognised by the British public for the mercenary stealing of teenager's money that it really is. Otherwise it would be like punk never happened. For any Smash Hits writer, the strain can be greater, having to write flattering articles about the most appallingly untalented pop stars imaginable. Sooner or later, a writer will want out, and might just decide to spill the beans on the inside story with it.