Our Band Could Be Your Life: Scenes from the American Indie Underground, 1981-1991 by Michael AzerradMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wow, this is like ten-plus books in one. Each chapter profiles a seminal indie band (The Replacements, Black Flag, Mudhoney, etc.) in exhaustive detail. Lots of funny/crazy/scary stories about a truly meager life on (and off) the road. And, of course, the ever-present issue of major labels, co-opting a scene, and "selling out" arise and are dealt with via hostility, ambivalence, and/or open arms. A must-read for anyone who lived through or is curious about the pre-Nirvana/The Year Punk Broke indie music scene. And for bands I was not familiar with, definitely piqued my curiosity to explore their catalogs.
Cover Distraction Rating: Hmm. Maybe some indie rock girl/boy will find you crushworthy? Or dub a copy of their Beat Happening cassette for you?
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