bob mould’s autobiography
I just finished reading See a Little Light: The Trail of Rage and Melody – Bob Mould‘s autobiography and all I can say is Wow! I was never a huge Hüsker Dü fan but when he launched his solo career with Workbook I instantly became a hard core Bob Mould fan. This book helped me better understand how he and his music evolved from being a key figure in the development of the punk scene, to his parallel career as a DJ through his Blowoff dance parties, to his solid position as a music legend.
The part of this book that I find so intriguing is that Bob Mould and I are essentially contemporaries – he was born in 1960; I was born in 1963 – so we have grown up during the same historical timeline. I also find it inspiring that like me, he has continued to seek out new forms of music and, as a true fan of music, has remained current as a fan. The music of his youth inspired him to develop his own voice, and that same passion for new music helped him lead but also follow the development of popular music.
If you’re a fan of music I highly recommend you read this book. The artist’s view of the music industry, the descriptions of the way he created, the way he toured, and the work ethic he has demonstrated throughout his storied career stands in stark opposition to the typical portrait of the excess of the rock & roll life. This book is thoughtful, insightful, revealing, and highly personal. I read about the songs and the stories behind them. Listening to the songs and knowing the events that influenced their creation allowed me to feel closer to the music I have always treasured. The only time I put the book down was to recharge my iPad!
