Customer Reviews

Punk: The Original

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

As a lit scholar, this is one of my favorite books! I was in grade school when this material first appeared, but still I can see why it sparked a whole movement. Holmstrom's blend of irreverence, honesty, and sheer enthusiasm must've seemed radical during the self-indulgent, PC Seventies. But for all its hilarity and straightforward charm, Punk's material works on several levels. Just check out the famous interview/comic book story on Lou Reed from the first issue--the punks' attitudes turn what would have been a disaster for any other journalist into a telling victory. Like the Ramones, this magazine showed that you can be brilliant and not make a fuss about it; humor, common sense, and a no-bs attitude show more wisdom than any number of convoluted Jethro Tull lyrics. All this, and an exclusive interview with Boris and Natasha!

It's not often that a magazine from almost 25 years ago seems as fresh now as it did back then. We are still in need of Holmstrom's and Legs' rakish sense of fun, although their work has left obvious imprints on our culture--the Simpsons, for one, could not have been without Punks' art & attitude. Buy one for yourself, and more for all of your friends; they will be your friends for life.

since the original Punk magazines are hard to find and very expensive if you do,this book is a nice alternative. It's a real time capsule of the punk scene as it was happening from the guys who coined the term Punk,which perfectly described the new music scene they were covering.
My only complaint is that they did not include the entire issues,which they easily could (and should) of.
Oh well,get it if you can...the originals will cost you $500+ for the set

Zep

Nothing gets better then the crazy yet brillant minds of John Holmstrom and Legs McNeil. Every word in this compolation will make you laugh, I promise!!!! It is history in the making and they opened the doors for so many other magazines. In fact they have a new issue out now too! 25 Years later!!