Jim Bessman (1952–2021)

I really enjoyed this book: it's a very well-written account of The Ramones' career, with tons of exclusive anecdotes and interviews with the band, their friends, family, and crew (the author knew the band and was able to get access to a lot of their inner circle). It's full of humor and it pulls no punches - it's not afraid to attribute to the Ramones the historical significance that is rightfully theirs, but at the same time it paints their personal flaws and professional and artistic missteps unflinchingly. The book is by turns funny, frustrating, inspiring, and heartbreaking, much like the band itself.

What dropped the book from 4 stars to 3, for me, is the author's constant interjections of his own biases; he never misses a chance to take potshots at bands he dislikes, from the Sex Pistols to Smashing Pumpkins, Pearl Jam and Live. And he's certainly free to do that, seeing how it's his book and all, but I found it distracting and offputting.… (mer)