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
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:
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