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Of Grunge and Government: Let's Fix This Broken Democracy Paperback – January 1, 2004

by Krist Novoselic (Author)

24 customer reviews

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One part memoir, one part political platform, the bass player of Nirvana—the most heralded and influential rock band of the past 20 years—tells the story of his own musical and political coming-of-age. From his relationship to Kurt Cobain to his evolution as a political activist, Novoselic’s passion, intelligence and integrity come shining through in this moving and inspirational book.

Though Krist Novoselic will undoubtedly be forever best known as a member of Nirvana, his accomplishments go far beyond that remarkable achievement. Nirvana was a band with a conscience, and as a major label act they regularly played benefits—the first Rock For Choice show, a major concert in support of gay rights, and a legendary gig that raised money for the Balkan Women’s Aid Fund.

In 1995, Novoselic founded JAMPAC (Joint Artists and Music Promotions Political Action Committee), a proactive organization that advocated on behalf of Washington state’s music community. Novoselic’s work with JAMPAC helped Seattle club owners find ways to host all-ages shows and was instrumental in helping to overturn the infamous Teen Dance Ordinance. And sometimes making music and making a statement go hand in hand, as when Novoselic, Soundgarden’s Kim Thayil and drummer Gina Mainwal backed Jello Biafra as the “No W.T.O. Combo” at a show performed during the World Trade Organization conference held in Seattle in 1999.

There have been other musical endeavors since Nirvana, as well as new causes (Novoselic is a strong -supporter of electoral reform, an issue he writes about extensively on his website. The one constant is Novoselic’s desire to continue making progressive contributions to the community—and to keep on making good music.

Krist Novoselic currently lives in Seattle, Washington.

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From the Publisher

Though Krist Novoselic is best known for his role in Nirvana, his accomplishments go far beyond that remarkable achievement. Nirvana was a band with a conscience, one of the few major label acts to regularly played benefits -- the first Rock For Choice show, a major concert in support of gay rights, and a seminal gig that raised money for the Balkan Women's Aid Fund.

In 1995, Novoselic founded JAMPAC (Joint Artists and Music Promotions Political Action Committee), a proactive organization that advocated on behalf of Washington State's music community. Novoselic's work with JAMPAC helped Seattle club owners find ways to host all-ages shows, and was instrumental in helping to overturn the infamous Teen Dance Ordinance. And sometimes making music and making a statement go hand in hand, as when Novoselic, Soundgarden's Kim Thayil, and drummer Gina Mainwal backed Jello Biafra as the "No W.T.O. Combo" at a show performed during the World Trade Organization conference held in Seattle in 1999.

There have been other musical endeavors since Nirvana, as well as new causes (Novoselic is a strong supporter of electoral reform, an issue he writes about extensively on his website Fixour.us and in this book). The one constant is Novoselic’s desire to continue making progressive contributions to the community -- and to keep on making good music.

About the Author

Krist Novoselic was a founding member of Nirvana, the rock band that exploded into worldwide commercial success in the early 1990s. After the death of his bandmate Kurt Cobain, Novoselic became an ardent political activist and is currently running for the office of Lieutenant Governor in Washington State. This is his first book.

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Product Details

Paperback: 125 pages
Publisher: Akashic Books; English Language edition (January 1, 2004)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0971920656
ISBN-13: 978-0971920651
Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 0.3 x 7.5 inches
Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces
Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (24 customer reviews)
Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,040,010 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #617 in Books > Politics & Social Sciences > Politics & Government > United States > State
- #751 in Books > Biographies & Memoirs > Leaders & Notable People > Social Activists
- #1288 in Books > Politics & Social Sciences > Politics & Government > Elections & Political Process > Elections

Customer Reviews

3.9 out of 5 stars

5 star		42%
4 star		25%
3 star		13%
2 star		8%
1 star		12%

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Talkin About Our Generation

By Robin Orlowski on February 2, 2010

Format: Paperback Verified Purchase

This book reminds me of why I fell in with what became known as 'grunge' music. Novoselic does talk about music, but he also explains that these arts can and should be a vehicle to deliver progressive politics.

This had been when I first heard of him--and how he had initially helped me become interested in progressive politics. Grunge music was really the 'folk' music for our generation, addressing our issues on our terms. We were going to make a difference in our world.

In a time when 'famous' people get away with politicking merely through wearing ribbons or placing badges on webpages, he continues responsibly championing a sincere alternative.

Not only does he want people involved to change things--he's not afraid to elaborate on what specific issues he wants being changed. Then he's not afraid to continue pitching in and do his own part to actually make this society come into fruition. He's consistently along to fight the good fight himself.

Including critiques of sexism and homophobia really aren't surprising to those of us long familiar with his work. He's not doing this to be 'trendy' they are causes which he genuinely and sincerely cares about. I've never met the guy, but it was so easy to imagine chatting our next political action. His style of writing comes across as very warm and personable.

My only wish is that either the book gets re-released in an expanded second edition. Or Novoselic decides to write sequels, further championing political issues which he genuinely cares about. After finishing it, I was left thirsty for more grunge political theory! The compact format is the only thing which is actually disappointing.

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NOT on a plain, I can't complain

By Josh on July 25, 2014

Format: Paperback Verified Purchase

Pretty interesting. Worth the read.

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Grunge or Government?

By Anthony Kulton on October 16, 2011

Format: Paperback Verified Purchase

Was hoping for more grunge and leas government :( I'd say it's about 25% grunge 75% government and I respect Krists views on USA democracy but I was hoping for more insight into his experience with Nirvana

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Teach Your Children Well ...

By R. WINN on March 11, 2005

Format: Paperback

... each generation has its musical heroes who have their time at the top, and then must give way to the next. Some retire to a well-earned obscurity; some suffer through endless "Monsters Of Rock" tours; a happy few move on to other creative endeavours.

This book comes from a man who has moved on. Building on his experience as a working musician, Novoselic tells in concrete stories how he learned that (a) community-level politics are important to all of us, (b) it is possible for all Americans to do our part in politics and (c) this can be a source of great personal satisfaction and achievement.

Novoselic's claim to fame is his music, so in this book he starts with that part of his life. And why not? he's just the latest of many showmen who used their skill & experience to move into American public life, from Ronnie Reagan and Sonny Bono to The Terminator. It's only fair to attract an audience by using what interests them; give them a few Kurt Cobain stories if that's what they want!

Novoselic moves from the music to the politics by writing about experiences he has actually had, e.g. a small town meeting discussing whether to host a music concert; a large city debating dancehall regulation. By the time Novoselic gets to his general ideas for improving the mechanics of our political process, he has demonstrated that he's not just makin' it up; he's actually walked the talk, and is reporting what he's learned.

Novoselic's words are not complex and erudite; some might think that he writes too simply or plainly. That's not a fault, it's an asset for people who want a quick read. You can zip through this in an hour, and then pass it on to a friend.Read more ›

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Popular Music, Popular Government

By Wirkman Virkkala on December 17, 2006

Format: Paperback

Most of the world knows Novoselic as the bassist from the grunge band Nirvana. I know him as a neighbor and participant in local affairs. He is calm, well-spoken, careful with his words. And this is more than apparent in his book. There is no hysteria here; the book suffers from no hype. He merely -- and quite elegantly -- moves from the discussion of his participation in one of the great rock bands of all time to his participation in politics. And he offers a well thought-out discussion of the political reform he considers most important: Instant Runoff Voting.

We need, he argues, to make democracy relevant to more voters. And voters today realize quite well how rigged the current system is. It is rigged to <em>decrease</em> the breadth of ideas, the breadth of interests represented.

He believes that allowing voters with alternative views -- views alternative to the straitjacket of Left and Right, Democratic and Republican -- to vote for their views and yet not be penalized by our first-past-the-post plurality vote electoral system.

It's an interesting case. I'm sympathetic, though I am more interested in Condorcet voting than IRV. Still, Novoselic makes a clear, even compelling case for his favored reform. He wishes to bring government under greater citizen control by giving citizens the tools actually to do this. Very good. The book is highly recommended, even to those who don't give a fig about grunge rock. The engineering of democracy should be of interest to everybody, no?

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Most Recent Customer Reviews

Great read!

Punk is not just about wild music and drugs, it is also a form of protest against the prevalent corrupted culture of society! Great read !

Published 7 months ago by Nathan

He's better than his on-screen persona

Not the usual Kirst Novoselic you always hear in MTV.. He's better than his on-screen persona. Great read!

Published 8 months ago by Betty

intellectual musician

From playing with different junkie bands in Aberdeen to activism. this man is really great! this book contains all the ideological stands of Krist. Read more

Published 15 months ago by richard shuler

too punk for the academe, but too academic for punk rock.

This book showcased the radical idealism of Krist that developed through the struggle of nirvana in the grunge music industry. Read more

Published 17 months ago by Kathy Forbes

A good start!

I think this is what the country needs. We are stuck in a left right fight with each other. This book starts a really good conversation. Read more

Published on June 20, 2014 by katheryn Johnson

Great Government Reform Book

This book is a great view into the electoral system. Krist provides many alternates to our current primary system, that has sparked my curiousity beyond the book and into other... Read more

Published on February 13, 2008 by Kevin Johnson

amazing , it kept me reading

i started reading this and i couldn't put it down. it was so interesting and it really opened up my eyes. Read more

Published on February 17, 2006 by negative creep

A great gift for music fans and potential punk rock activists

I saw Krist read from this book at a music festival this summer. I was impressed by his passion and commitment but also by his detailed knowledge of the issues surrounding... Read more

Published on November 17, 2005 by Dr. Pizza

Tellin' it like it is..

I think Krist Novoselic is a) A very kind human being b) a very smart human being c)an excellent musician d) more knowledgable about politics and government thatn I could ever be. Read more

Published on September 13, 2005 by mike