Our Band Could Be Your Life

Michael Azerrad

This is the never-before-told story of the musical revolution that happened right under the nose of the Reagan Eighties–when a small but sprawling network of bands, labels, fanzines, radio stations, and other subversives reenergized American rock with punk rock’s do-it-yourself credo and created music that was deeply personal, often brilliant, always challenging, and immensely influential. This sweeping chronicle of music, politics, drugs, fear, loathing, and faith has been recognized as an indie rock classic in its own right.

Among the bands profiled: Mission of Burma, Butthole Surfers, The Minutemen, Sonic Youth, Black Flag, Big Black, Hüsker Dü, Fugazi, Minor Threat, Mudhoney, The Replacements, Beat Happening, and Dinosaur Jr.

status Copy #1 (9046): in
genre Music » Music History
publisher Back Bay
publish date 2002
popularity checked out 3 time(s)

Reviews

  • By Bill Svoboda -

    First published in 2001, this/indie/punk history stands the test of time. At over 500 pages, it’s not a quick read, and the quality varies from one chapter to another. But the best parts more than make up for the not-so-best. Chapter 8 (The Butthole Surfers) had me choking with laughter … repeatedly.
    Someone wanting a weird but accurate portrait of the 1980s could read this book together with Susan Faludi’s “BackLash”.

Leave a Reply