Under the Big Black Sun explores the nascent Los Angeles punk rock movement and its evolution to hardcore punk as it's never been told before. Authors John Doe and Tom DeSavia have woven together an enthralling story of the legendary West Coast scene from 1977-1982 by enlisting the voices of people who were there. The book shares chapter-length tales from the authors along with personal essays from famous (and infamous) players in the scene. Additional authors include: Exene Cervenka (X); Henry Rollins (Black Flag); Mike Watt (The Minutemen); Jane Wiedlin and Charlotte Caffey (Go-Go's); Dave Alvin (The Blasters); Chris D. (The Flesh Eaters); Robert Lopez (The Zeros; El Vez); Jack Grisham (T.S.O.L.); Teresa Covarrubias (The Brat); as well as scenesters and journalists Pleasant Gehman; Kristine McKenna; and Chris Morris. Through interstitial commentary; John Doe "narrates" this journey through the land of film noir sunshine; Hollywood back alleys; and suburban sprawl; the place where he met his artistic counterparts Exene; DJ Bonebrake; and Billy Zoom and formed X; the band that became synonymous with; and in many ways defined; L.A. punk.Focusing on punk's evolutionary years; Under the Big Black Sun shares stories of friendship and love; ambition and feuds; grandiose dreams and cultural rage; all combined with the tattered; glossy sheen of pop culture weirdness that epitomized the operations of Hollywood's underbelly. Readers will travel to the clubs that defined the scene; as well as to the street corners; empty lots; apartment complexes; and squats that served as de facto salons for the musicians; artists; and fringe players that hashed out what would become punk rock in Los Angeles.L.A. punk was born from rock 'n' roll; from country and blues and Latin music; the true next step in the evolution of rock 'n' roll music. It was born of art; culture; political; and economic frustration. It spoke of a Los Angeles that existed when regionalism still reigned in the USA. It sounded like Los Angeles.For the first time; the stories and photos from this now-fabled era are presented from those on the front lines. Stories that most have never heard about the art that was born under the big black sun.
#2132832 in Books Da Capo Press 2004-12-28 2004-12-28Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 1.00 x 4.96 x 8.24l; #File Name: 0306814110384 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A must read for those interested in con artistsBy KundeIf you are deeply interested in con artists; what drives them and mechanics of fraud; then this book is for you.In a number of comments I read that Sinclair extensively quotes other authors and I would disagree with that. He does quote one specific author many times when talking about MacGregor's life before the fraud; probably because this is the best source he has on McGregor's biography. If Mr. Sinclair were alive; I would have definitely written him an email; inquiring as to whether info on MacGregor's life was sparse.But I did not feel that quoting was excessive or unnecessary.The book for me was a very interesting read and I completed it in a couple of days.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Fascinating Look at a Con Man's Greatest HeistBy Kevin M. DerbyIn "The Land That Never Was: Sir Gregor MacGregor And The Most Audacious Fraud In History;" David Sinclair looks at one of the great con jobs of all time. Gregor MacGregor won same fame as a minor military figure and adventurer in the New World after Napoleon's fall. From there; MacGregor conned hundreds of English and Scottish settlers to invest their life savings to buy land on the Mosquito Coast; claiming he led a utopian like nation. Sinclair shows how MacGregor pulled off his con and; with a few minor problems; essentially got away with it. Sinclair is a sharp writer about money and offers a solid biographical account of MacGregor. Still; there are points when Sinclair relies on large chunks of primary source material. That works to some extent; especially when the focus is on MacGregor's victims. There are lessons to be learned from the strange career of Gregor MacGregor and Sinclair offers a readable and valuable account of it. Recommended.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A very good read and recommended for history buffs and lovers of ...By James M.A very good read and recommended for history buffs and lovers of the TV show "American Greed!" It was just shameful how innocent people were taken advantage of. Go ahead and buy this book; you will enjoy it.
