Rating: 
Summary: Actually..
Review: I haven't yet finished the book, but I really enjoy it so far. And to clear up something Dave [ or something ] from CA said, if you had *read* the book, you would know that the first full chapter makes mention of Minor Threat, Ian, *and* Rites of Spring.. even mentions how they picked that name. I think the author choose his words carefully as not to offend too many fans and really did well with this book.
Rating: 
Summary: it's true- this can be decieving.
Review: I must admit- when i first read that andy greenwald was writing a book about emo, i was a little skeptical. all i knew was that one of my favourite journalists was going to write a book coming out "this fall" that covered the topics of "emo and the internet" (Spin Magazine- March 2003). so when i walked into barnes and nobles a couple of weeks ago, i wasn't sure if i should purchase the book or not. i figured- eh, what the heck. might as well read it. if i don't find anything interesting about it, maybe i can get a good laugh.I opened this book with not a lot of high expectations- i just wanted to get a few pointers from one of the best journalists from Spin. But as soon as i read the preface, i was hooked. i knew that this book was going to involve the facts, not just how-to's. and it definitley does. starting from the early 80's when Ian MacKaye and Minor Threat set the presedent for emotional hardcore music, and ending with the millenium filled with Dashboard Confessional, the internet, and emo newly found as a genre, greenwald covered it all. he reveals the true meaning of emo, or lack thereof. andy's knowledge in this area of music is displayed with well written opinions and reviews you really can't find anywhere else. I give Andy Greenwald a tremendous amount of credibitly. Not only did he write about such a vague topic which required much research and an immense amount of work, but he also touched on a very gentle and sensitive subject, sacrificing not only his reputation, but maybe even (this is a stretch) the reputation of others (ie: dashboard confessional, rich egan, ect.) Whoever judges this book without reading it from front to back has no right whatsoever. it's one thing if you read it and think it's total bogus- it's just plain hypocracy if you don't read it at all and judge it all you'd like. i sincerley ask that you give it a try. even if you're a metal head with a deep desire of killing all those who claim emo-ness and abhor all people who wear a wristband and tight shirts. from this book you gain a true knowledge of a topic not many people know about. and for this- i thank andy endlessly.
Rating: 
Summary: NOT an emo history
Review: I read only a few pages of this book, but from that I can tell you it's not a history; it's more of an exploration of how emo bands and their fans have this itimate relationship that doesn't happen in other genres. It's a good book and people should just chill out. My one criticism is it makes it seem as though everyone who listens to emo is on the verge of suicide. Yeah, we're outcasts and the music speaks to us, but there's a bit too much of the "music as salvation" bit.
Rating: 
Summary: Yeah
Review: I stumbled on this by accident, but from reading the review I can say this book is crap. Yes; it is quick to judgement; but WHY THE FU** WOULD YOU HAVE TO READ ABOUT WHAT SOMETHING LIKE THIS IS? ARE YOUR TEENS COMMITTING SUICIDE IN THE NAME OF EMO? EMO HARDCORE: WTF?! EMO-CORE?! EMO?! WHO EVER CAME UP WITH THAT FREAKING NAME SHOULD BE 6 FEET UNDER RIGHT NOW! Emo sucks if they consider themselves it and you are too if you consider a.)the stuff you listen to emo (but most importantly) b.) yourself emo; then you suck more than you can imagine. AT THE DRIVE IN IS NOT EMO!
Rating: 
Summary: Overthought
Review: I thought this book looked a little to deep into some songs and not deep enough into getting all the facts right. One section in particular about Sonething Corporate seemed a little petty to me. They talked about a song from their Leaving Throught the Window album and went on some over-feminist rant about them feeling the need to save the girl in the song. The songs about a girl who sleeps around as a form of self-validation, to make herself feel attractive. The book makes it sound crazy. It was also written a little to much like a magazine for my taste. I love emo and I just don't think this book did the genre or the bands justice. It doesn't seem as if the author really listens to emo on a regular fan-like basis to appreciate it.
Rating:
Summary: Not very good
Review: I wanted this book to be good, and think the topic could be very interesting. I think the author really missed with the kids he interviewed, no emo kid is going to be listening to Limp biskit. Greenwald just takes looks at the popular bands at the time, and in doing so misses some bands that are key to the movement( such as everything coming out of Omaha) It a easy read but if you want to find out about real emo this won't help you. If you are a 13-15 year old who just stopped watching TRL and want to read more about saves the day or new found glory, enjoy.
Rating:
Summary: Gracefully written from beginning to end!
Review: I'm not sure how people read now-a-days, but I lay on my bed and focus deeply on the words I am reading and my thoughts develop a picture of me actually being there along with every moment described in the text. A majority of you seem to be ripping on the book because certain bands weren't mentioned. For one thing, this is a book that starts off with a blast from the past. A reviewer mentioned where is "Senses Fail"? Senses Fail won't even have their first release on Drive-Thru until later this year. I wouldn't feel they've would have connected to what Andy's message is about. He covers the bands that started it all, record label's, and a personal journey with Dashboard Confessional's Chris Carrabba who has contributed a lot to many individuals who seek out his music for a hug that everything will be alright. The word emo wasn't defined because it still isn't. Many opinions were given on what emo means and I related to those responses and understood where everyone was coming from. The book reads like unwrapping presents. I was so excited to learn what was coming next. Who was he going to interview and what experiences he had on tour with various bands. I learned a lot about Chris Carrabba, Rivers Cuomo, Rich Egan of Vagrant to name a few. He dove into these's people's personalities and delivered exactly want I wanted to know...which is exactly who these people are and what their lives are like. This wasn't a book to review band's albums and whether or not the people he interviews listens to Limp Bizkit. An emo kid isn't someone who only listens to emo, but find the emotional attachment to the musicians lyrics and how he/she can take those lyrics, apply it to their lives and find a comfort zone from the horror of break ups, feeling left out, alone and just wanting to be accepted for who they are. I feel this book should be read by everyone who is interested in knowing who, what, when, where and why punk/emo is such an influencial part of today's and yesterday's and tomorrow's adolescents. I enjoyed every bit of it to the fullest and as a future bassist who would one day like to be a part of the punk/emo community, reaching out to teens, this book opened many doors for me and will continue to do so every day.
Rating:
Summary: ay, medium all the way
Review: It may just skim the surface of a few great bands (Jawbreaker, Sunny Day Real Estate, and Rites of spring) but it is interesting to read. I could have done without the endless droaning on about Dashboard, but all in all, worth the time.
Rating:
Summary: Ok but missing some key bands
Review: It's an ok read but seems to really be concerned with "emo" of the past 2 or 3 years. Where are bands like Sense Field, Texas is the Reason, etc?
Rating:
Summary: This book has inaccurate information
Review: It's apparent that the author of this book did not do his homework, specifically regarding the events that took place between Chris Carrabba and Further Seems Forever, I don't even think he bothered to contact anyone in the band (FSF) regarding about what he wrote. It's a shame, it makes me wonder where he got his facts and how much more of this book is written purely from hearsay and speculation. This book might be a good entertaining read, but don't expect it to be accurate information.
|
