Customer Reviews

Punk Pioneers

5 star:		(15)
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Jenny documented the work of artists from all backgrounds and ethnicities. She was one of a handful who documented the early Hollywood punk scene, which was pretty well integrated. Jenny was never afraid of me and that's saying something, because lots of people were. The Vex and the Hollywood scene did not happen at the same time and those who attempt to distort history by lumping them together are making a big mistake.

Punk Pioneers by Jenny Lens is far and away the most awesome coffee table quality book about the early punk scene. It contains an incredible range of artists that were around during punk's conception, birth, and childhood. Its scope is much broader and helps the reader understand where punk was coming from and what was going on in the parallel musical universes of bands like Van Halen and artists like Bob Marley. I think this aspect of Jenny's book is really important, because as I've said time and time again, seeing early punk in isolation does not really convey how far it was from the mainstream nor does it acknowledge the influences of what came before it. Jenny's book acknowledges the New York punk and early glam bands that set the stage for what would become a unique West Coast cultural movement. Punk Pioneers cements Jenny's status as punk photography's Alpha Bitch.

This book is the bomb!I like the book because it shows the musicians (and fans) in impromptu settings,which creates an air of being there.I like the large photo layout and the fact that there is not too much text to distract the reader from focusing on what's going on in the photos.It has become my new "coffee table" book!

Artifix Greg: "I was on Amazon and I saw that your book is finally coming out! Great news there!!!!! You've inspired us at Artifix Records with your work and friendship. You have produced an amazing body of work and you will be remembered forever. I see the name Jenny Lens popping up so much now! In just a few short years, you have really re-established yourself and you are the top dog! Congratulations!" -from an e-mail sent to Jenny Lens from Artifix Records

Aside from Frank Grimes cries of racism (yawn - read his other book reviews which contain the same EXACT, ludicrous accusations) ... keep in mind, he's 100% incorrect: Jenny is the least racist person I know, and the other positive reviews regarding her recent book are spot on! Punk Pioneers is a truly fantastic collection of writing and pictures from one of LA punk's greatest artists. Unfortunately, the early LA punk scene always took a back seat to New York and England; which no doubt, is a shame. When one fast forwards to over 3 decades later, it's easy to see LA punk may have actually had a bigger impact on the music scene than its east coast and trans Atlantic counterparts. Jenny's book gives LA its due credit, and captures the essence of this creative, unique, and influential scene. In addition, it includes excellent shots of NY and the UK. I've been waiting for Jenny's book for years; I've always considered her the greatest photographer / punk historian there is. This book validates that view: these amazing photographs breathe life back into the days of old. I put on a compilation of 70's punk, turned the cell phone off, and allowed Jenny to take me on an incredible journey ... what a trip!

I waited 32 years for Any book from Jenny Lens ! "Punk Pioneers" is a MUST-Have . Go to jennylens.com and see sample photos first! I was so excited to see so many people i knew who No One ever writes about , For years i've been telling her and everyone that Jenny Lens took the most and Best photos of that scene . "Punk Pioneers' Proves it . I met Jenny at the first Ramones L.A. shows in August 1976 , I saw her at All the partys and shows . She was funny and kind , And gave me some Ramones prints . I called her the minute my book arrived . Whenever i talked about someone or an event , She described a photo from that event , We laughed and talked for hours , sharing stories. I grew up with Bowie [ my late father helped in his early career in the U.S. ] , Iggy, Rodney Bingenheimer and so many from the early Glitter to early Punk days, Jenny Lens' photos bring back so many memories of those fun early Punk days . The Ramones , The Clash , The Sex Pistols , The Germs , X, Iggy Pop or even The Rolling Stones and rarely heard or scene bands like the Screamers ,Bags , Weirdos and Levi And The Rockats, And parties and more . She writes about the bands too , Not just the photos . It's about time , Jenny !! . I wish she had more money to dig out more of her photos and do more books , I just ordered two more copys of this book for friends ,, Well Done ,, Billy Ayres

Jenny Lens is an amazing artist, and these photos are fantastic works of art. Thank you so much, Jenny, for doing what you did. This book comes out at precisely the right time, to document this wonderful history in which all of the LA punks were fortunate enough to share. Jenny was selfless in her efforts to document this slice of LA history. We all owe her a debt of gratitude for the personal sacrifice she undertook to bring us this seminal document of the LA punk scene. It was a long time coming, but worth the wait because the result is something that will last forever. For all of those who were there, survivors of the LA punk scene, and for all those who passed, whose images you have immortalized, we thank you. YOU ROCK!

--Wyline

I was so Waiting for this Book! It does NOT disappoint!

Not only do you get Jenny's Iconic Pictures, you get some Personal anecdote's of her Insider's time in the scene. I talked once on the phone with her for over Two hours! We talked about it All & the Stories in the Book are the same to what she told me, 3 years earlier! before she could even Think about Making the Book! More is Coming!

Her Genuine Enthusiasm for the Scene & its Music & bands comes Right on through! Just Buy it!

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I love that this great book, full of amazingly candid early photos from some of the most influential musicians of the punk era, is $19.77!!! Thanks to Jenny Lens for documenting the folks that would become my heroes a few years later. I was a suburban LA 7th grader when punk started happening in Hollywood. I missed the first couple of years but finally caught up in 1979, idolizing a lot of the subjects in this book. Thanks for having the prescience and art power to make this book happen! I LOVE IT!

At long last, a compendium of so much of Jenny Lens' great work. This book is a welcome addition to the photographic record of this important time in music history -- and in Los Angeles history. I only wish it were twice as long!

Being that I played a significant part in both being there and being in the book I thought it would make a nice gift to my cousin. I am happy to say the book arrived in perfect condition looked brand new!! So I was able to sign it and gift it to give her an idea of whaty life was like in the 76-80 days! I love the book maybe more so because Jenny is a dear friend and a great photojournalistic historian of the period... Or maybe just cuz it's like a kind of high school yearbook for me? Great Book great price great service!
Hellin Killer