This is the never-before-told story of the musical revolution that happened right under the nose of the Reagan '80s - when a small but sprawling network of bands, labels, fanzines, radio stations, and other subversives reenergized American rock with punk rock's do-it-yourself credo and created music that was deeply personal, often brilliant, always challenging, and immensely influential. This sweeping chronicle of music, politics, drugs, fear, loathing, and faith has been recognized as an indie rock classic in its own right.

Among the bands profiled: Mission of Burma, Butthole Surfers, The Minutemen, Sonic Youth, Black Flag, Big Black, Hüsker Dü, Fugazi, Minor Threat, Mudhoney, The Replacements, Beat Happening, and Dinosaur, Jr.

Listening Length

21 hours and 6 minutes
Author

Michael Azerrad
Narrator

Jon Wurster, see all
Audible release date

21 May 2019
Language

English
Publisher

Hachette Audio
ASIN

B07NQRK7CJ
Version

Unabridged
Program Type

Audiobook
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Product details

Listening Length	21 hours and 6 minutes
Author	Michael Azerrad
Narrator	Michael Azerrad, Jon Wurster, Merrill Garbus, Fred Armisen, Sharon Van Etten, Stephin Merritt, Jeff Tweedy, Corey Taylor, Phil Elverum, Dave Longstreth, Jonathan Franzen, Laura Jane Grace, Colin Meloy
Whispersync for Voice	Ready
Audible.com.au Release Date	21 May 2019
Publisher	Hachette Audio
Program Type	Audiobook
Version	Unabridged
Language	English
ASIN	B07NQRK7CJ
Best Sellers Rank	25,100 in Audible Books & Originals (See Top 100 in Audible Books & Originals) 19 in Music History & Criticism (Audible Books & Originals) 24 in Biographies of Punk Musicians 24 in Punk Music (Books)

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5 star		76%
4 star		18%
3 star		4%
2 star		1%
1 star		1%

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Syriat

The Best Rock Book

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 6 January 2022

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I have read a lot of rock music books. However, this is my favourite. The bands are not always familiar and there could be some that feel it should go into more detail on each band. However, this really does give a flavour if the indie (and really indie) underground in the 80's and its chronological dealing of the bands helps to put everything in context.

If you recognise and like one of the bands then this book will probably leave you wanting to listen to others like Replacements, Husker Du and others.

2 people found this helpful

J. Cadden

Freak seen

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 2 December 2015

Verified Purchase

I originally read a borrowed copy of this in 2006 whilst travelling coast to coast across America by train and bought it when I got home and lent it out only to never see it again. Wanted to read it again so bought this and read it over the space of about a week, every bit as enjoyable second time round, very well written, a credit to the author. Prompted me to by the Big Black album and ep which were the only two of their studio albums/ep's I didn't own on vinyl and same with two Killdozer albums

One person found this helpful

Brian Bell

Sounds from the underground

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 28 June 2016

Verified Purchase

Brilliant book covering the history of some of the most important bands in American sub-culture.

When you read this you will be heading back to Amazon to see if you can get some absolutely belting albums by bands like Husker Du, Black flag and The replacements.

One person found this helpful

Richard Butterwhistle

This Book Could Be Your Life...

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 19 May 2016

Verified Purchase

I haven't even finished the book yet, but it is brilliant! I normally struggle to read books like this, but I am loving it. Easy to read, very interesting, & a good blend of bands/genres to provide for everyone!

One person found this helpful

Sqeez D'Souza

Great writing, brilliant stories and anecdotes

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 13 January 2015

Verified Purchase

A must read! Great writing, brilliant stories and anecdotes. Made me want to go and listen to all those great albums again - really loud!

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Our Band Could Be Your Life: Scenes from the American Indie Underground, 1981-1991 Audible Audiobook – Unabridged

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