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A review of Psychotic Reactions and Carburetor Dung

by Lester Bangs, edited by Greil Marcus

A compilation of reviews and musings by rock critic, Lester Bangs

Reviewed by: Michelle Miller Detwiler
About Michelle Miller Detwiler

Psychotic Reactions and Carburetor Dung I was not old enough to read the pages of Creem magazine in the late-'70s', but I have had the chance to go back and read what I've missed. Legendary rock critic Lester Bangs' works have been compiled by another rock critic, Greil Marcus, in "Psychotic Reactions and Carburetor Dung." Before continuing, the title obviously needs explained. Both "Psychotic Reaction" and "Carburetor Dung" were the names of albums by a long-since forgotten band, Count Five. Forgotten to most of us, but if Bangs were still alive, they may never have faded into obscurity. If Bangs were still alive, Britney Spears probably would never have graced the cover of Rolling Stone, and "Boy Bands" would not be a part of the mass society's vocabulary.

Bangs was a fanatical music aficionado who became legendary for his long-winded and thoughtful reviews of albums, bands and songs. He held nothing back, and despite his bizarre on-again, off-again admiration for Lou Reed, Bangs was, and still remains, the greatest rock critic of all time - if you can wade through his tirades.

This book is actually a dream realized in some ways for Bangs; he initially put together a manuscript of his favorite early reviews and was to give it the same title as that of this compilation of works. However, he could only find a publisher in Germany, and it just didn't get anywhere. In many ways, Greil's publishing of this version of "Psychotic Reactions and Carburetor Dung" is one writer's tip of the hat to another.

Bangs wrote more than 150 reviews for Rolling Stone before moving on to Creem, which is where his legend took shape. Bangs passed away in 1982 from complications of the flu, paired with some drugs; he was known for his drugging and drinking. Almost as sad as the death of Elvis, John Lennon or Kurt Cobain, Bangs' untimely demise meant generations of budding rock writers would have to find a new hero. One who has yet to be found, let alone replace the manic voraciousness of Bangs' musical appetite, or his seemingly constant writings. This man had passion, which is evident from every review in this book.

From an epic-long review of a Stooges show, to the preposterous suggestion that Sweet Baby James Taylor is a punk, to mostly-private journal-type entries, "Psychotic Reactions" is merely an exploration into Bangs' world. I've tried to find other books about him, his reviews, his critics, etc., but have yet to find any. For any aspiring music critic - one who truly loves music and knows the difference between good and bad - this book - and the knowledge that Bangs existed - is very necessary, if not incredibly inspirational.

Click here to buy this book, or read more about it at Amazon.com: Psychotic Reactions and Carburetor Dung

Copyright © by Michelle Miller Detwiler, 2002

Reviewed by Michelle Miller Detwiler:
-- And I Don't Want To Live This Life - by Deborah Spungen
-- A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius - by Dave Eggers
-- England's Dreaming - by Jon Savage
-- I'm With the Band - by Pamela Des Barres
-- Our Band Could Be Your Life - by Michael Azerrad
-- Maus: A Survivor's Tale - by Art Spiegelman
-- Psychotic Reactions and Carburetor Dung - by Lester Bangs
-- Healing Digestive Disorders - by Andrew Gaeddert
-- U2 At the End of the World - by Bill Flanagan









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