Audio By Carbonatix
Lipstick Traces by Griel Marcus is not only a detailed examination of the one and only U.S. tour of the original incarnation of the Sex Pistols, but it’s also a mind boggling journey through the history of punk, art and various medieval societies. Some critics complained that Marcus had overstepped his range, but Lipstick Traces remains a miraculous work, a heady and hefty piece of criticism that is the perfect bathroom companion.
And, lastly, check out Frank Zappa’s autobiography, which is possibly the best written book ever by a major musical performer. Uncompromising in its details of life on the road with his band, The Mothers of Invention, Zappa’s prose is sharp and his narrative compelling. But those with weak stomachs should beware: A few tales are adult-only. But who could expect differently? Zappa’s tragically short life was an R-rated experience beginning to end and this book relates a good portion of it. –Darryl Smyers
