Customer Reviews

Unwelcomed Songs: Collected Lyrics 1980-1992 (Henry Rollins)

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

 

 

The irony of a punk rock coffee-table book is thick, but who better to do one than Henry Rollins. I don't really think it was meant as a coffee-table book, but damn, it looks great resting on one. There are some artists who intrigue me with their lyrics and there are some who don't... Rollins does. The book contains all of his lyrics from the first half of his career as well as some interesting back stories. This is a really beautiful book with a great collection of photographs. I am very happy with this purchase. A must for any Rollins/Black Flag fan... even good for someone with a passing interest.

This book, a compilation of sorts of notes, writings, clips, lyrics, photos, flyers and what not is an excellent compendium for the Rollins, and more importantly, Black Flag fan. Truly long-lost photos are presented here, as are notes about songs and little insights that are contained nowhere else. As the other lone reviewer here pointed out, this is a large-sized book as well (much like the size of the "Get in the Van" book, though not as thick), and very well put together. Not only does it present well aesthetically, but it reads well too.

Definitely get this book. It's very much worth it.

Having read through "Black Coffee Blues" and "Smile You're Traveling" and loved them, I anxiously bought this book in '03 and really looked forward to it. Man, was I disappointed! I've tried, several times since then, to pick it up again and have had no luck in doing so.

For newer Rollins fans, know that there are two Henry's: 1.) funny, articulate, insightful Henry of "Smile You're Traveling" and his spoken word albums; 2.) the angry-at-everything, combative punk rocker who screams cliched lyrics over generic hard rock music. This book showcases Henry #2. Fans of Henry #1 should look elsewhere. Believe me, the two are as different as night and day.

I've never been able to get into Rollins' music, either with Black Flag or the Rollins Band. But I respect the fact that many people love this stuff, and those are the people who will enjoy this book of lyrics.

Me? I'll just go read "Broken Summers" again.