Title: Complicated fun : the birth of Minneapolis punk and indie rock, 1974-1984 : an oral history /
Authors: Collins, Cyn,
Year: 2017
Subjects: Punk rock music Minnesota Minneapolis History and criticism.; Alternative rock music Minnesota Minneapolis History and criticism.; Rock music Minnesota Minneapolis History and criticism.; Rock music Minnesota Minneapolis History and criticism.; Rock musicians Minnesota Minneapolis Interviews.; Music trade Minnesota Minneapolis History.
Abstract: "In the early 1970s, the Minneapolis music scene was no scene at all. Radio stations played Top 40 music; bars and clubs booked only rock cover bands and blues bands. Meanwhile, cities like New York, Detroit, and London were spawning fresh and innovative--and loud and raw--sounds by musicians creating a new punk and rock movement. A small but daring group of Twin Cities musicians, artists, entrepreneurs, and enthusiasts wanted a piece of that action. To do it, they had to build it themselves. Complicated Fun brings together the recollections of the men and women who built Minnesota's vibrant and vital indie rock scene. Through interviews with dozens of musicians, producers, managers, journalists, fans, and other scenesters, Cyn Collins chronicles the emergence of seminal bands like the Suicide Commandos, the Hypstrz, Curtiss A, Flamingo, the Suburbs, Hüsker Dü, the Replacements, and more. The subjects reflect on the key role that Oar Folkjokeopus record store, Jay's Longhorn bar, and Twin/Tone Records played by providing outlets for hearing, performing, and recording these new sounds. Complicated Fun explores the influences, motivations, moments, and individuals that propelled Minneapolis to its status as a premier music scene and, in turn, inspired future generations of rockers"--Publisher's website.
Contents: Inspirations from afar: New York, London, Detroit, and elsewhere -- The godfathers of Minneapolis punk: the Suicide Commandos -- Before the Longhorn: barns, ballrooms, and the Blitz Bar -- This has got to be a joke: the Hypstrz, the Mighty Mofos, and the Batson brothers -- Clubhouse for music fanatics: Oar Folkjokeopus Record Store -- Sinister forces: Curtiss A and Bob "Slim" Dunlap -- We do what we like: Flamingo and Flamin' Oh's -- Punk rock gets a new home: Jay's Longhorn -- New world: NNB -- Party underground: the Podany and the Modesto -- Ladies and gentlemen, the Suburbs! -- Local wax: Twin/Tone Records -- The Wallets take it--to Minneapolis: the art rock scene -- New-no-now wave: M-80 Festival -- New York City exodus: Minneapolis musicians move to the Big Apple -- New day rising: Hüsker Dü -- The scene goes on: Duffy's, Goofy's Upper Deck, and 7th Street Entry -- Raised in the city: the Replacements.