More
Fun in the New World: the Unmaking and Legacy of L.A. Punk – John Doe and Tom DeSavia – (DaCapo Press)
It was my perfect music storm; the crossroads of the
building of my massive music collection which would grow to more than 10,00
pieces, my professional start in radio and working as a reviewer/columnist for
the Buffalo News. My music sweet spot – 1982 to 1987 – is the focus of former X
bassist John Doe and co-author and music industry guru Tom DeSavia’s second installment
focused on the Los Angeles, punk, music scene, More Fun in the New World: The Unmaking and Legacy of L.A. Punk.
The pair once again curate a wonderful collection of
essays, interviews and first hand rememberances of those who where front and
center in the L.S. scene. Go-Go’s, Jane Weidlin and Charlotte Caffey, Peter
Case of the Plimsouls, Louie Perez of Los Lobos, Dwight Yoakam, Dave Alvin of
the Blasters are among the list of contributors. These are the folks who
powered the soundtrack of my life not only in that era, but still to this day.
These snapshots brought me back, dredging up memories of
my interview with a sleepy X guitarist, Billy Zoom; who joined me on the phone
for a live on-air chat about the band’s latest album and to drum up ticket sales
for an upcoming club show in Buffalo. The opening segment found the slogged
Zoom serving up one-word responses to my enthusiastic queries. Never
intimidated or a fawning fanboy; I had a no nonsense, off air, “wake the fuck
up or this is over” conversation, where I made my expectations crystal clear
and ended up with a great interview.
I have always believed, and I think this book backs me up
– that punk may have been a misnomer for the range of sounds emanating from the
L.S. scene. Yes, punks were accounted for, but so where straight up power pop,
the rootsy country sound of Bakersfield, and even a little Tejano music
influence were on full display on my turntable.
If you are looking
to go back and remember that era/scene or just want to take a musical journey
through this wide ranging, genre busting period; More Fun in the New World, is the perfect guide book/roadmap to
take on that musical journey.
