FOTThink - Damaged, Lifter Puller and the novels of Jonathan Coe

[Matthew_S]

Last time in FOTthink:

http://www.friendsoftom.com/forum/index.php/topic,3573.0.html

Now, let's discuss these topics:

1) the album Damaged by Black Flag

2) Craig Finn and Tad Kubler (of the Hold Steady) 's old band, Lifter Puller

3) the novels of Jonathan Coe


I recently tried to listen to Damaged and turned it off.  Granted, I was never really into this type/style/genre of music but it did hold a certain (limited) appeal.  Now, virtually none.  And I'm uncertain whether it is me that changed, or perhaps that whole US hardcore scene has simply aged really poorly.

Some people clearly disagree: http://poptartssucktoasted.blogspot.com/2008/02/blast-from-past-black-flags-damaged.html

I have not yet contributed to the Hold Steady discussion going on here as I've not yet really listened to the latest album, but I've enjoyed the band all along.   The earlier incarnation, Lifter Puller, never really got its due and offers something special to the listener.  Great, great stuff.
They played a live set on WFMU years ago...

Jonathan Coe has written some hilarious and intelligent novels (The Winshaw Legacy, The House of Sleep for examples) that deserve way more acclaim, attention and recognition.  I've not read his more recent books, but I've heard good things.

http://www.complete-review.com/authors/coejo.htm

[Omar]

Last time in FOTthink:

http://www.friendsoftom.com/forum/index.php/topic,3573.0.html

Now, let's discuss these topics:

1) the album Damaged by Black Flag


I recently tried to listen to Damaged and turned it off.  Granted, I was never really into this type/style/genre of music but it did hold a certain (limited) appeal.  Now, virtually none.  And I'm uncertain whether it is me that changed, or perhaps that whole US hardcore scene has simply aged really poorly.

Some people clearly disagree: http://poptartssucktoasted.blogspot.com/2008/02/blast-from-past-black-flags-damaged.html

Sounds like someone needs to get into their Rollins Space and try again ...

[Phil]

I love Damaged. Always did, probably always will. Today it's something I have to be in the mood for, whereas at the age of 14 I lived off of that stuff. But spray Paint, Thirsty and Miserable and Police Story get my blood pumping every time.

I was trolling the Hold Steady discussion and thinking about Lifter Puller the other day. And like the Hold Steady, I never caught on to Lifter Puller. I just don't hear or understand what the big deal was. Lots of people I know in Minneapolis love that band. I remember it almost felt like there was a cult of Lifter Puller devotees at the time. Guess you had to be there.

[Josh]

Damaged is awesome. FOTThink and FOT Canon are stupid.

[Susannah]

"The Winshaw Legacy" is one of my favorite books.  Not only did it introduce me to the genius of Sid James (and inspired, supposedly, the Belle and Sebastian song "Put the Book Back on the Shelf"), but it includes one of the funniest scenes depicting the creative process I've ever read--when Michael tries to make his novels sexier.

I enjoyed "The Rotter's Club" as well, but some of it may have been lost on me since I didn't grow up in Britain in the early 1970's.  All around, I'd say thumbs up.

Everyone loved "Damaged."

[iAmBaronVonTito]

i never owned Damage.  i never had to...all my friends listened to it religiously. 

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The earlier incarnation, Lifter Puller, never really got its due and offers something special to the listener.  Great, great stuff.
They played a live set on WFMU years ago...

http://www.wfmu.org/listen.ram?show=4582&starttime=0:03:50

[John Junk 2.0]

I don't know anything about any of these things.

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I remember it almost felt like there was a cult of Lifter Puller devotees at the time. Guess you had to be there.

I was there.  I wouldn't say I felt like there was a cult around the band, however.  Minnesotans generally have an allergic reaction towards giving anyone a big head.  Lifter Puller was just another band around town who were hard working, generally well liked and consistently drew a respectable (though not huge) crowd.