Sylvie Simmons’ fiction debut, Too Weird for Ziggy is a darkly comic collection of linked stories all set in the world of crass A & R men, fans mired in hero worship, and music stars perpetually on the verge of ego tantrum or outright crackup. From a pop goddess named Pussy who has a nervous breakdown, and is found hoarding her own hair and fingernail clippings to cults utterly devoted to Karen Carpenter that spring up after the singer’s image appears on various buildings (including a kebab shop): from a band of crock-rockers whose star-making tour goes horribly wrong when their lead singer starts to grow breasts, to an MTV sponsored seance to raise a dead rock god, Simmons’ tales embrace the bizarre world of rock. Too Weird for Ziggy has the devastating humour, punch and hook of a great a pop tune.