Yesterday I gave justifiable praise to Alex James and his account "Bit of a Blur". Today I raise the bar as we're somehow within the same field of autobiographical work. However, this one I'm mentioning here is far more disturbing, far more appealing and perhaps also far more relevant in a way. I'm talking about John Joseph's incredibly well-written book "The Evolution of a Cro-magnon":
John Joseph is a true legend in his own time. In many ways a role model and a picture of health at the very, very least. But it wasn't always like this and the complexity of the persona is intriguing. He's best known as the frontman in the premier New York hardcore band the Cro-Mags. But before that ever happened he spent the major part of his childhood living in the streets and turning tricks.
When I started this book I could not let go. I had to dose it because it was that incredible. Not only is John Joseph an amazing storyteller but what he went through at such an early age is being put to life in this book in a way hardly imaginable. The honesty and the sheer tone is incredible and tear provoking.
Among many things he sold fake acid at stadium concerts, was abused by his foster parents, got sent to the most dangerous juvenile prisons in the world and had countless near death experiences. But he had a lucky charm, apparantly, and later in life he turned into a yoga-practicing believer and a 47-year old physical master piece with a flair for vegan and vegetarian cooking (more on this very soon!)!
For the fans of hardcore music, and especially NYHC, it's also a tremendous account of a scene on the rise and the challenges it was met with back when it was dangerous.
This autobiography is one of the very best out there and a true lesson in coming out on top when the odds are against you!
Ingen kommentarer:
Send en kommentar