All Ages: Reflections on Straight Edge [Paperback]

Beth Lahickey (Author), Beth Lahickey (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 13, 1997

All Ages: Reflections on Straight Edge takes an in-depth look at the second wave of American Hardcore -- the music that borrowed from the likes of Minor Threat, Black Flag and SSD -- bands like Youth of Today, Slapshot, Bold, Underdog, Side by Side, Gorilla Biscuits, Judge, Inside Out, Chain of Strength, No for an Answer and Supertouch. Most of these bands were awesome and unique and have yet to be documented accurately outside of their own recordings until now. The personalities and opinions expressed in this book are as varied as the music these people have since created. So many of the people who at one time held similar beliefs have since then explored virtually every direction in life imaginable and they candidly discuss their experiences in All Ages. If you care one iota about not just straight edge, but American Hardcore in general, All Ages is a must. And if you can deal with some honesty and some fallen angels and even some humor, then buy it. And don't just look at it, read it. And then put it in that spot you have reserved for things that become part of your permanent collection.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

"All Ages -- Reflections on Straight Edge" takes an in-depth look at the second wave of American Hardcore -- the music that borrowed from the likes of Minor Threat, Black Flag and SSD -- bands like Youth of Today, Slapshot, Bold, Underdog, Side by Side, Gorilla Biscuits, Judge, Inside Out, Chain of Strength, No for an Answer and Supertouch. Most of these bands were awesome and unique and have yet to be documented accurately outside of their own recordings until now.

The personalities and opinions expressed in this book are as varied as the music these people have since created. So many of the people who at one time held similar beliefs have since then explored virtually every direction in life imaginable and they candidly discuss their experiences in "All Ages."

If you care one iota about not just straight edge, but American Hardcore in general, "All Ages" is a must. And if you can deal with some honesty and some fallen angels and even some humor, then buy it. And don't just look at it, read it. And then put it in that spot you have reserved for things that become part of your permanent collection.

About the Author

Beth Lahickey is a veteran of the East Coast hardcore scene. Upon graduating from Sarah Lawrence College, she worked at Revelation Records. Previously she has published poetry in literary journals. This is her first book. Beth currently resides in Seattle, Washington.

Product Details

• Paperback: 223 pages
• Publisher: Revelation Books; First Edition edition (October 13, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1889703001
• ISBN-13: 978-1889703008
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #576,146 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Look Back At the Old Times, April 29, 1999

By 

A. Ross (Washington, DC) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: All Ages: Reflections on Straight Edge (Paperback)

Having been heavily into the straight-edge scene from 1987-91 or so, and having more or lest kept abreast of it since (while remaining SE), it was with some trepidation that I started reading this compilation of interviews with former band members and scenesters of that era. While I wasn't surprised at all to find a lot of revisionist history about what so-and-so "really" believed at the time, there was actually quite a bit more honesty and self-awareness than I expected. Even though most of the interviewees aren't SE any more, there was a general consensus that it had played a positive role in their lives, despite the wretched excesses that some in the scene were--and are--prone to. There are a few females (friends of the compiler) who have some semi-interesting things to say about how straight-edge is fairly exclusionary of women, but the best interview in the book is with Ian Mackaye. Far from dissing SE, he lauds its passability as a positive influence and force while recognizing its limitations and unexpected mutations. For people who were there, this book is an interesting look back, but as a work of anthropology it's kind of useless. One wishes Lahickey had pursued some of the obvious contradictions and obfuscations in some of her interviewees statements. The book is chock-a-block with live pictures and reproductions of flyers, which make up somewhat for the crappy typography and typos.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Respectful, investigative, informative, and reflective..., July 30, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: All Ages: Reflections on Straight Edge (Paperback)

A look back into the origins of a movement that I have connected with so strongly for the last 10 years, this book was a fascinating read. At the same time, it leaves one feeling melancholy as so many of the influential participants in the scene have moved on and look back with a cynical eye. Constructed mainly of interviews, the book accurateely describes a time and place through the eyes of those that were there and involved. The tone is respectful of the movement, but not afriad to point out its flaws. Overall a job well done

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A good collection of interviews, but needed more commentary., June 10, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: All Ages: Reflections on Straight Edge (Paperback)

Since so little literature outside of fanzines exist on this sub-culture, it is great that someone went to these lengths to interview key members of bands involved in making straight edge so big in the mid-late 80's. The book is OK for capturing the straight interviews, but could have done so much more with commentary and perspective from the author, who seems to have some very well-thought and well-phrased words to put on paper when she opts to (limited to the intro). For those who know nothing about the subjects, the book will mean very little, and does not aim to educate. But for those interested in the music (both old and young), this book should be of interest, though it may depress you to find out how limited the subjects' approach to music and life was. I'm just glad to see something like this in print.