Based in part on the recent interviews with more than 125 people—among them Tommy Ramone; Chris Stein (Blondie); Lenny Kaye (Patti Smith Group); Hilly Kristal (CBGBs owner); and John Zorn—this book focuses on punk’s beginnings in New York City to show that punk was the most Jewish of rock movements; in both makeup and attitude. As it originated in Manhattan’s Lower East Side in the early 1970s; punk rock was the apotheosis of a Jewish cultural tradition that found its ultimate expression in the generation born after the Holocaust. Beginning with Lenny Bruce; “the patron saint of punk;†and following pre-punk progenitors such as Lou Reed; Jonathan Richman; Suicide; and the Dictators; this fascinating mixture of biography; cultural studies; and musical analysis delves into the lives of these and other Jewish punks—including Richard Hell and Joey Ramone—to create a fascinating historical overview of the scene. Reflecting the irony; romanticism; and; above all; the humor of the Jewish experience; this tale of changing Jewish identity in America reveals the conscious and unconscious forces that drove New York Jewish rockers to reinvent themselves—and popular music.
#1215135 in Books 2002-05-28Ingredients: Example IngredientsOriginal language:EnglishPDF # 1 1.26 x 6.06 x 8.96l; 1.50 #File Name: 1550540580480 pages
Review
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful. An amazing tale of adventure!!!By Sammy MadisonThe subtitle of this book really sums it up: The Extraordinary Life and Adventures of Miles and Beryl Smeeton. Beryl was born in 1905. Miles was born in 1906. Their early lives were straight out of Rudyard Kipling. They both followed family tradition and were part of the British overseas military life. Beryl was not a shrinking violet. Her brother is quoted in the book as saying "she always regretted that she hadn't been born a man; and that was really what she was trying to make up for all her life. In everything she did- sports; riding; steeple-chasing- her motto was 'Anything you can do; I can do better.' She had this tremendous urge to surpass... She was quite fearless and would never rest or relax." Early in life she married a British officer and travelled with him to India. Beryl had many daring adventures in spite of the expectations of the time. She met and started an affair with Miles; a very tall and handsome younger officer; and her first husband let her go to pursue the life of adventure which she was destined for. Together; Beryl and Miles saw the end of the old British colonial system. The book contains fascinating stories of the "Lancers"; which evolved to a tank corps. Miles learned to drive a tank and fly an airplane before he learned to drive an automobile. Beryl travelled extensively; often hiking up mountains in exotic locales; even after she gave birth to her daughter. The baby was lugged around by lackeys and natives; and often left behind to survive as best she could. Part of the more amusing stories in the book are about how cavalier a mother and how horribly bad a cook Beryl was. After Miles left the military; the two set out to explore the world on a sailing vessle; a whole new chapter to their life of adventure. Even in old age; the two continued to live remarkable lives. This book is really just riveting. It is one of the most exciting adventures I have ever read.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Prototypical Adventurers of the 20th centuryBy secret squirrelThis well-written and engaging book traces the 20th century lives of two unstoppable adventurers and free spirits; Miles and Beryl Smeeton. They are amazing and compelling figures; and the book floats easily along on their numerous outlandish accomplishments; portraying their lives in the British Army in India; their meritorious service in WWII; hiking; mountain-climbing; Beryl's remarkably independent backpacker-style trans-continental travels; their path-breaking years as ocean sailors; their struggles renovating a house and farming on Saltspring Island; British Columbia; and finally starting a wildlife center in Alberta. Any one of these parts of their lives would be a complete adventurous life for most mortals; so the totality of their achievements is really remarkable; and enjoyably well told in this thorough and fascinating account.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A favorite Adventure BookBy Scott KurttilaThis book has been one of my favorites over the last 20+ years of reading adventures stories. I often order it and give it to friends as an inspiring gift. Overall; the story is an amazing example of two people who took on incredibly arduous and difficult adventures and travels over their entire lives and never succumbed to "the relaxed and normal" living style so many of us find ourselves in. Definitely recommend this book for people who enjoy adventure/travel books; as well as those who don't mind a touch of romantic as this book is also about The Smeeton's life-long relationship. Well-written; hard to put down; and incredibly inspiring to live big and live full.
