10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Stressing the importance of getting up and taking part, November 13, 2004
This review is from: Of Grunge & Government: Let's Fix This Broken Democracy! (Paperback)
Of Grunge And Government: Let's Fix This Broken Democracy! is both memoir and political platform. Krist Novoselic, bass player and founding member of the widely-known rock band Nirvana, calls readers to action - stressing the importance of getting up and taking part, in small ways and large. His own work in benefit concerts and the founding of JAMPAC (Joing Artists and Music Promotions Political Action Committee) reveals the efforts to which he has gone to get the message out; his drive to make contributions is infectious, healthy, and inspirational for a democracy and a community meant to be of, by, and for the people. Highly recommended.
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8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
refreshing political book without all the politics...., September 15, 2004
This review is from: Of Grunge & Government: Let's Fix This Broken Democracy! (Paperback)
Reviewed by Jennifer Leblanc for Small Spiral Notebook
One of the forefathers of grunge has gone political. Krist Novoselic, former bassist for Nirvana, has written a book entitled, Of Grunge and Government: Let's Fix This Broken Democracy!
As he chronicles his punk/grunge days in Washington we follow his trail into politics. First are the anti-desert storm concerts that Nirvana played and the youth-driven 1992 election. But the real influence came when Novoselic had a hand in defeating the Erotic Music Law in 1992, which labeled certain albums for Adult's Only. In 1995 the same law under a different name brought Novoselic to the state house, the legislature, working with lobbyists and the governor for another victory. He was hooked enough to start JAMPAC, Joint Artists & Music Promotions Political Action Committee, which supports pro-music and free speech candidates for office.
The later chapters explain certain aspects of government and elections in thorough and accessible but not condescending ways. He explains Super-Party Districts, Instant Run-off Voting and the possible reforms for elections. He doesn't just bemoan the fact that not al votes count; he has ideas to make that change.
Novoselic does not simply spout off his anger at the government or America's political flaws. Through the years he used his anger as motivation for change, not inertia, and found a calling in public office (he is currently running for Lieutenant Governor of Washington State). Although he loves a good rally just as much as the next activist, he has learned first hand that more can be done inside the system than outside.
Though lacking the spontaneous excitement of a street march, testifying at a public hearing is another opportunity to constructively get something off your chest. Regardless of the approach, the idea is to address attempts at tyranny in the nonviolent context of the democratic process. That's what the U.S. is supposed to be about.
He also advocates involvement at any level. He outlines the benefits of public hearings, old-fashioned local lodges like the Elks and Grange, which he is a member of, and also highlights message boards, weblogs and meet-ups.
The best thing about this book is Novoselic's refreshing hope about the future. He often quotes the American founders, the constitution, and speaks from the heart about enjoying the freedoms we all take for granted, like voting and participation. He writes early on: "I am actually very enthusiastic about American Democracy and the possibilities for real change. It's just a matter of getting word out." With all the current political controversy brewing at home and abroad, he has picked the perfect time to do so.
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7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Of Grunge and Government, October 16, 2004
This review is from: Of Grunge & Government: Let's Fix This Broken Democracy! (Paperback)
Like most people, my connection to the name of Krist Novoselic is somewhat limited; "the bass player for Nirvana" as he actually mentions in the opening pages of his book. To this end, it was quite enjoyable to find that a man from band who wrote such songs as "Territorial Pissings" and "Rape Me" could write a book with such articulate and intelligent content. The book loses some steam as it reads on, partly because it becomes less and less of a personal account as Novoselic shifts his writing from music to political ideology. His thoughts on the inadequacies of the two party system and the flip-flop nature of post 9/11 nationalism are intriguing. His writing also focuses a lot on events that affected the Pacific Northwest. While it was interesting to hear of these events for the first time (such as the Teen Dance Ordinance), I had little personal connection to it as a New Englander. Overall, a good read if for no other reason than to gain some validation that even the grungiest of rock stars from the apathetic 90's have a strong political voice.
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