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Fine for anyone between the ages of 35-45 who actually obsessed over hair bands as much as he did, but if you were born after 1975 (I was) and aren't interested in a meaningless avalanche of names and dates (I'm not) don't bother reading. I picked this up expecting a portrait of Klosterman's youth in rural ND and how it, and he, was affected by music--I was sorely disappointed. There is no odyssey, only Klosterman's opinions of the 80's metal scene (some interesting, some annoying, and some flat out dumb).
The man can write. His description of Poison on Page 63 is a highlight, as is three year hiatus on reviews for calling a particular cheesy album 'stellar.' I just ordered IV. I liked Cocoa Puffs more than Fargo but both are very good. I disagreed with his takes on Rush being Christian rockers and Queensryche being just like Dream Theater, but it's hard for me to quibble with a guy who's so self-deprecating and makes me laugh out loud.
He liked the writing and humor, but didn't get into the topic as much as I did. The writing is exceptional, but the enjoyment really comes from reliving periods of your own life, as you read each chapter. I have to admit, I really enjoyed this book. I would certainly recommend this book to other people around my age group, but if you were not seriously into the "heavy metal hair bands" of the 80's I do not think you will enjoy this book very much. If you do not have that connection with the music this book may not be as enjoyable to you. It was enjoyable because with each chapter I would remember a point of my life as a teenager. My husband who is nine years older than me and never really understood "hair bands" also read the book.
Long live Poison, Motley Crue, and GNR. Fantastically funny read for anyone who grew up a teenager in the last 80s age of glam rock and heavy metal.
Klosterman understands the universe, and why heavy metal had to exist to make it balanced and just.
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