London's Burning: True Adventures on the Front Lines of Punk, 1976–1977
The social, political, economical, and musical elements that coalesced to shape the genre of punk have been well documented; however, few books tell the beginning from the perspective of a 17-year-old in the midst of a musical revolution. Thompson was that kid, working in a record store in London in the late 1970s and witnessing the humble start of punk rock. Although his narrative is personal, his emphasis throughout is on musicians who influenced and launched the DIY movement, both well-known acts (e.g., Patti Smith, the Sex Pistols, the Damned) and lesser-known ones (e.g., the Adverts, the Maniacs, and Roogalator). One of rock music's most prolific writers, Thompson has authored more than 100 books over the last 25 years. This most recent effort reminds us of what punk music looked like before it became a career and a topic in college classrooms. Recommended for all public libraries; this will particularly appeal to punk enthusiasts, musicians, and every member of the punk generation.—Joshua Finnell, McNeese State Univ. Lib., Lake Charles, LACopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.