Our Band Could Be Your Life: Scenes from the American Indie Underground 1981-1991

Michael Azerrad's mighty tome is quite simply the definitive statement on this important era in modern music. Admittedly, it might not seem like the most important time in music, but this book rightly elevates it to the position it deserves.

Covering an era when music seemed to really MEAN something, Azerrad allows us to see the wider picture by telling the story through the eyes of the people who were there. Each chapter is devoted to a particular band, focussing on their indie years and tailing off if a major label becomes involved. All the major names contribute to this tale, and one of the key aspects of the story is the way Azerrad allows these voices to reappear in other chapters, linking the narratives and providing a sense of continuity and, more importantly, community. This was a time when the 'scene' was so loosely defined that all the key players in this story knew each other (if only by reputaion more than anything else), and everyone seems to contribute to each other's story. there is almost a sense of 'family', as one individual will pick up the themes established by another.

Much has been said about the omissions in the book, and they do deserve a closer look. Azerrad clearly defines in his introduction the criteria for inclusion in the book. This has lead to compliants of various movers and shakers being left out of the story. Firstly, in a realistic way, it would be almost impossible to comprehensively cover every single band that made some kind of contribution to the American underground scene of the 1980s (for a general over-view, readers would be encouraged to check out Simon Reynold's "Rip it up and Start Again"). And secondly, some of the bigger names are not covered because they do not fit themeatically in the book. R.E.M., for example, are not featured because they were signed to a major label. however, their presence haunts the book, as they establish themselves in a way that the featured bands could only ever dream of, moving from strength to strength, and bringing the mainstream to their doorstep on their terms. The Pixies are not mentioned because they were on a major label. But, more importantly, their impact in America was considerably less than it was in the UK. As the focus of the book is to document how the featured acts changed America, the Pixies don't really warrant a mention (ok, they inspiried Kurt Cobain, but who didn't?).

The only omission that is slightly baffling is the Meat Puppets. Like R.E.M., they seem to haunt the book, popping up in every chapter. Their contibution to the American indie scene is immense, and they really should have been covered. I can't think of one good reason to explain their absence.

Other than that, the book is faultless. Giving a biography of each band works perfectly, and the various themes of the book become immediately apparent. The links between seemingly different bands like Black Flag and Beat Happening are genuinely startling. Each band has their own feel, and the narrative develops to suit the music. The Mission of Burma chapter is intelligent, witty and well crafted, much like the music the band made, whilst the Replacements' story is told in a humorous, drunken, debauched way, but with an undercurrent of emotion that perfecly captures the essence of the band.

Another strength of the book is Azerrad's ability to pin-point what makes a band so good. A band like Mudhoney were certainly not of much interest to me before I read the book, but Azerrad's affinty for the subject caused me to seek out the music, and listen with fresh ears. Azerrad's own narrative is also compelling, with his description of Husjer Du's version of "Eight Miles High" deserving particular mention.

Without a doubt, the stories that make up this tale are enought to inspire and educate a whole new generation. One can only hope that they do not fall on deaf ears.

Excellent (4/4 people found this helpful)

Without doubt, the best book I have yet found on the American Independent music scene of the 1980s. A time when records labels weren't run by accountants, but by people who genuinely loved the music and wanted to share it.

Nearly all the major players are here; Black Flag, Husker Du, The Minutemen etc, but the exclusion of the Meat Puppets seems somewhat strange. I've read other reviews that suggest there were already enough SST bands in the book but, as this was the major label of the time, then why not include The Pups as well? However, I think everyone who reads this book will have their own opinions of who they'd like to see included or left out.

The write-ups on the bands are informative and interesting, but the central thread of the book remains how the network of labels, radio stations and fanzines spread the word, and chronicles the endless hard work of the bands themselves.

Above all, in an age of MP3 downloads and MTV, it's the story of a scene that we won't see again.

Interesting reading (6/14 people found this helpful)

I wouldn't say that I like all the bands within this book but the importance that they have within the independent scene in America cannot be denied. I learnt a lot of new facts about the bands and can now place them in "rocks rich tapestry".

The book starts with Black Flag, but perhaps Pere Ubu would have been a more logical starting point. This is too early for the author's intentions though. This book basically revolves aroung SST Records/Touch & Go/Dischord with K Records tacked on the end. Of course these labels are/were important but so were others. However Azerrad does justice with the focus he has chosen and his writing is insightful and informative, he obviously loves the music.

I don't understand why Mudhoney should be in such distinguished company and the book doesn't offer any reasons why for me.

However the main thrust of the book is clear and makes very interesting reading if you are into the American scene of the 80's.

Inspiring. (15/16 people found this helpful)

A fantastic look at the bands that sowed the seeds for Nirvana's rise to prominence in the early 1990s, although there is nothing on The Pixies as they were signed to a major label i the US.
The title, taken from a Minutemen song, is a mantra running through the career of each of the 13 bands detailed.
Not all of them may have changed the face of music - although several could claim to - but each are admirable in their bloody mindedness and desire to operate outside the ruling major label system.
Azerrad lets band members tell their own stories and, like all music books should do, this sends you scurrying back to the old vinyl you hadn't played in years - and makes the music sound more vital than ever.

Our Band Could Be Your Life: Scenes from the American Indie Underground 1981-1991

Michael Azerrad

Reader Reviews:

This Book Could Change Your Life (4/4 people found this helpful)

Excellent (4/4 people found this helpful)

Interesting reading (6/14 people found this helpful)

Inspiring. (15/16 people found this helpful)

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