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August 16, 2019
John Doe and Tom DeSavia's Playlist for Their Book "More Fun in the New World: The Unmaking and Legacy of L.A. Punk"
In the Book Notes series, authors create and discuss a music playlist that relates in some way to their recently published book.
Previous contributors include Jesmyn Ward, Lauren Groff, Bret Easton Ellis, Celeste Ng, T.C. Boyle, Dana Spiotta, Amy Bloom, Aimee Bender, Heidi Julavits, Hari Kunzru, and many others.
More Fun in the New World: The Unmaking and Legacy of L.A. Punk thoroughly examines the culture and impact of L.A. punk through the eyes of musicians, filmmakers, artists, and others.
In their own words, here is John Doe and Tom DeSavia's Book Notes music playlist for their book More Fun in the New World: The Unmaking and Legacy of L.A. Punk:
“Amanda Ruth” - Rank & File - the Kinman Brothers crafted a punk rock Everly Brothers tune so good that the Everlys wound up cutting it themselves.
“I Must Not Think Bad Thoughts” - X - Woody Guthrie sang about B-E-E-T-S, not B-E-A-T-S. What was written somewhat sarcastically now is more of a affirmation or wish.
“Wild in the Streets” - Circle Jerks - Most don't know this is a cover of a Garland Jeffries song, a lyrical perfect fit for Mrs. America's real favorite son, Keith Morris.
“Ugly” - Fishbone - Beautifully fucked up ska punk that would launch a thousand ships. If you don't know Fishbone, you ain't got no alibi.
“A Million Miles Away” – The Plimsouls - what a bonafide regional hit sounds like. It reached further & proves how good the songwriting then could be.
“Final Wild Son” – Long Ryders - The press called it cow-punk... whatever... we dare you not to dance. The fact it’s about Jerry Lee Lewis shows how these bands connected w/ Sun Records.
"East of Eden" - Lone Justice - This Marvin Etzioni-penned number was the tune that Maria felt captured the real Lone Justice on their first and only real band record of the era. We agree.
“Another State of Mind” - Social Distortion - Mike Ness and co. rave it up with a dark, punk rock West Side Story.
“Long White Cadillac” - The Blasters - Dwight Yoakum figured out how to reign in and slow down Dave Alvin's uncontrollable groove and had a big country hit with this one. The Blasters version best enjoyed in a packed, dirty club, cheap beer optional.
“The New World” - X - a political song that will always ring true. It was better before before they voted for What's-His-Name.
John Doe, Tom DeSavia and More Fun in the New World: The Unmaking and Legacy of L.A. Punk links:
Austin Chronicle profile of John Doe
KPBS interview with John Doe
Los Angeles Daily News interview with Doe
Variety interview with the authors
also at Largehearted Boy:
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Book Notes (2015 - ) (authors create music playlists for their book)
Book Notes (2012 - 2014) (authors create music playlists for their book)
Book Notes (2005 - 2011) (authors create music playlists for their book)
my 11 favorite Book Notes playlist essays
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Librairie Drawn & Quarterly Books of the Week (recommended new books, magazines, and comics)
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