A historical memoir and cultural criticism of punk rock's
evolution, by the legendary singer-songwriter of Bad Religion Greg
Graffin is the lead vocalist and songwriter of Bad Religion,
recently described as "America's most significant punk band." Since
its inception in Los Angeles in 1980, Bad Religion has produced 18
studio albums, become a long-running global touring powerhouse, and
has established a durable legacy as one of the most influential
punk rock bands of all time. Punk Paradox is Graffin's life
narrative before and during L.A. punk's early years, detailing his
observations on the genre's explosive growth and his band's steady
rise in importance. The book begins by exploring Graffin's
Midwestern roots and his life-changing move to Southern California
in the mid-'70s. Swept up into the burgeoning punk scene in the
exhilarating and often-violent streets of Los Angeles, Graffin and
his friends formed Bad Religion, built a fanbase, and became a
touring institution. All these activities took place in parallel
with Graffin's never ceasing quest for intellectual enlightenment.
Despite the demands of global tours, recording sessions, and
dedication to songwriting, the author also balanced a budding
academic career. In so doing, he managed to reconcile an improbable
double-life as an iconic punk rock front man and University
Lecturer in evolution. Graffin's unique experiences mirror the
paradoxical elements that define the punk genre-the pop influence,
the quest for society's betterment, music's unifying power-all of
which are prime ingredients in its surprising endurance. Fittingly,
this book argues against the traditional narrative of the popular
perception of punk. As Bad Religion changed from year to year, the
spirit of punk-and its sonic significance-lived on while Graffin
was ever willing to challenge convention, debunk mythology, and
liberate listeners from the chains of indoctrination. As insightful
as it is exciting, this thought-provoking memoir provides both a
fly on the wall history of the punk scene and astute commentary on
its endurance and evolution.
General
Imprint: |
Da Capo Press Inc
|
Country of origin: |
United States |
Release date: |
November 2023 |
Authors: |
Greg Graffin
|
Dimensions: |
216 x 135mm (L x W) |
Pages: |
384 |
ISBN-13: |
978-0-306-92459-0 |
Categories: |
Books
|
LSN: |
0-306-92459-5 |
Barcode: |
9780306924590 |
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