Punk Paradox: A Memoir
by Greg Graffin
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"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 show more 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."-- show lessTags
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Member Reviews
Greg Graffin's Punk Paradox is a very good memoir that crosses into cultural criticism as well. Great for fans of the band Bad Religion as well as music lovers in general.
I enjoyed this book more than the last Bad Religion book I read (Do What You Want) even though I enjoyed it as well. But where the other is a history of the band (written by the band with Jim Ruland) this focuses on Graffin and one person's inside story of the band and punk music as a whole.
I was probably as intrigued by some of his thoughts that tended toward the more abstract, from rationales for songs or the scene itself to looking reflectively at his own life. While those who are fans may well enjoy it for nothing more than learning more about them (nothing wrong show more with that, that's what fans do) those who are more casual fans will find a lot here to keep them engaged as well.
Highly recommended for fans of Bad Religion, from the most casual to the most diehard, as well as any readers who enjoy memoirs about stars in the music industry. If you've read Do What You Want I would also recommend this as a great companion book, offering a bit more depth and a lot more personal perspective.
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley. show less
I enjoyed this book more than the last Bad Religion book I read (Do What You Want) even though I enjoyed it as well. But where the other is a history of the band (written by the band with Jim Ruland) this focuses on Graffin and one person's inside story of the band and punk music as a whole.
I was probably as intrigued by some of his thoughts that tended toward the more abstract, from rationales for songs or the scene itself to looking reflectively at his own life. While those who are fans may well enjoy it for nothing more than learning more about them (nothing wrong show more with that, that's what fans do) those who are more casual fans will find a lot here to keep them engaged as well.
Highly recommended for fans of Bad Religion, from the most casual to the most diehard, as well as any readers who enjoy memoirs about stars in the music industry. If you've read Do What You Want I would also recommend this as a great companion book, offering a bit more depth and a lot more personal perspective.
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley. show less
Jesus, what a windbag. And what editor thought that in 2022 it was a good idea to let an AARP member rhapsodize at length about some underage breasts he saw in 1981?
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9 Works 348 Members
Gregory Walter Graffin (born November 6, 1964 in Racine, Wisconsin) is an American punk rock musician and college professor. He is most recognized as the lead vocalist and songwriter of the noted Los Angeles band Bad Religion, which he co-founded in 1979. Graffin double-majored in anthropology and geology as an undergraduate at the University of show more California, Los Angeles. He went on to earn a master's degree in geology from UCLA and received his Ph.D. from Cornell University. He spends most of his time in Upstate New York, and teaches Life Science and Earth & Space Science (paleontology) at UCLA during one of the school quarters each year. Anarchy Eveolution is his first book. (Bowker Author Biography) show less
Classifications
- Genres
- Music, Biography & Memoir, Nonfiction, Science & Nature
- DDC/MDS
- 782.42166092 — Arts & recreation Music Vocal Music, Singing Secular forms of vocal music Songs General principles and musical forms Traditions of secular songs {genres} Rock songs modified standard subdivisions History, geographic treatment, biography Biography
- LCC
- ML420 .G7856 .A3 — Music Literature on music Literature on music History and criticism Biography
- BISAC
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- Popularity
- 612,998
- Reviews
- 2
- Rating
- (3.50)
- Languages
- English
- Media
- Paper, Ebook
- ISBNs
- 3
- ASINs
- 1
