In the preface Hermes writes that this is, “In a sense, an inspirational book.” And I am still wanting to know, in what sense? When a book claims it will inspire, I’d better be inspired, and it didn’t, and I wasn’t, and for this and other reasons, this book was one big fail. Hermes really attempted the impossible. Sum up five years of the New York City music scene, and their greater implications. I don’t believe that Hermes is a horrible writer, I just believe that he tackled too great a subject and the result is as if someone printed out wikipedia articles about 1970s hip hop, latin music, new age, disco, punk, art house rock, and folk, then cut them up, threw them on the floor and taped them together in no particular order. You think I’m joking. I am not. That is EXACTLY the way this book reads.
Hermes attempts to follow a chronological pattern with each section of the book being a year beginning in 1973 and ending in 1977. Unfortunately, Hermes does not, and I assert CAN not, keep to that pattern as so many of the musicians he covers require back story. If it were only back story, fine, but Hermes jumps both forward and back equally. Then there is the trouble of what to include, and what not to include without offending, so almost EVERYONE is included. I don’t care how big a music fan you are (and I consider myself a fan), you aren’t going to care about every act covered.
There were portions of the book I enjoyed, those dealing with the music that I like and appreciate, but those portions were few and far between with WAY too much emphasis on Patty Smith, whose contribution to music is one of how self promotion generates buzz, generates record deals, generates a demonstration that ‘talent’ is subjective. Hermes also throws in some sweeping political generalizations that I’d expect in a book written by someone who never got an Economics Degree, or a Political Science Degree. In the end, I think Hermes did a lot of research, couldn’t condense his thoughts into anything compelling, or have a general thesis through out. The subject matter would be better served as a series of magazine articles, not a book.
Never mind read “Just Kids” by Patti Smith a well written memoir of her early career in New York and her relationship with Robert Mapplethorp.
I’s be interested to read her auto-biography. Did you feel it was heavily edited, or straight forward?
I have been a fan Patti Smith and Robert Mapplethorp for years; but had no idea that they were friends and lovers in the late 60’s early 70’s. Its almost a gritty reworking of the American dream; -2 poor kids from the burbs go to the big apple and live in some poverty before becoming famous and sucessful; both experience tragady along the way. I’d like to think its all her work and not rewritted by editors. She certinly writes good lyrics and reasonable poetry. If I have a critism; its her relentless name-dropping.
Reg
I really have to recommend another book on Music in New York City. If you have seen the Coen brothers latest offering (Inside Llewyn Davis) you might be aware that it was loosly based on the Dave Van Ronk memoir “The Mayor of MacDougal Street”. I can remember having enjoyrd a book of this type so much (and I HATE folk music). Van Ronk is very informative, sef effacing, highly articulate and very very funny. A joy from beginning to end . A+
Sorry about the awful spelling. I left my proper glasse’s at home and can barely see the screen !
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