Despite what your teenage self may have told you, reading is actually pretty sweet. And, if you're anything like me, reading books about, or inspired by music, is a good time.
So, why not a list of 5 books about, or inspired by, punk rock? These aren't in any particular order, just a list of great books.
5. POST by Eric Grubbs
POST is an entertaining, and informative read, from start to finish. Covering the genre that is post hardcore, from its early days, through the boom of the early 2000s. Providing you with an in depth look at bands coming out of the 80's DC Hardcore scene, and continuing on through bands like Sunny Day Real Estate, Braid, The Promise Ring, the Get Up Kids, and more. What this book also does, is provide a clearer look in to what exactly post hardcore is - as soon as you throw the word 'post' in front of a genre, it seems to become very vague, but author Eric Grubbs breaks it down really well.
4. Our Band Could Be Your Life by Michael Azerad
Our Band Could Be Your Life is actually the book that inspired Eric Grubbs to write POST. In fact, in the Introduction of Our Band author, Michael Azerrad, says: 'My humblest apologies to those bands and their fans. There are plenty more books to be written about this subject, I invite you to write one of them.' So, there.
As far as this book is concerned, it takes a look at the American Indie Underground from 1981-1991. This was the scene that would lay the foundation for Nirvana to blow the doors off of rock radio. It focuses on bands like Black Flag, Minor Threat, The Minutemen, Dinosaur Jr, Fugazi, and more.
3. Owen Noone and the Marauder by Douglas Cowie
Owen Noone and the Marauder is the fictional tale of indie rock duo, Owen Noone and the Marauder. They are two strangers who meet in a bar, and strike up a friendship. They discover they both have the dream of being touring musicians, but don't actually own or play any instruments. But, it's punk rock, so who needs to know how to play an instrument anyway? It's the story of an unexpected rise, and an unexpected fall.
2. Rock Bottom at the Renaissance by Mike Henneberger
Rock Bottom at the Renaissance is the memoir of Mike Henneberger. Taking notes from authors like Nick Hornby, this story is about him falling in and out of love, in New York City - all set to the soundtrack of bands like Jimmy Eat World, The Dangerous Summer, Bright Eyes, The Wonder Years, and others. As he struggles with substance abuse, and a broken heart, Henneberger lays it all on the line while holed up in the Renaissance Hotel, in New York City.
1. Die Young With Me by Rob Rufus
Die Young With Me is the memoir of Rob Rufus, drummer in bands like Blacklist Royals and The Bad Signs. It tells his story of growing up, discovering punk rock, starting a band and, just before things started to take off, getting diagnosed with cancer. It turns from a fun light hearted read, with a lot of parts that anyone who grew up on punk rock can relate to - to a story that punches you right in the gut.
So, whether you're a reader or you know someone who loves reading, give these books a chance - they're all great in their own ways.
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