Of Grunge & Government: Let's Fix This Broken Democracy!

i started reading this and i couldn't put it down. it was so interesting and it really opened up my eyes. krist is and amazing musician and this proves he is also an amazing writer. he deserves a lot of credit, for picking up the pieces after kurt died and for still succeeding in everything he does. you all should read this, its an awsome book.

I saw Krist read from this book at a music festival this summer. I was impressed by his passion and commitment but also by his detailed knowledge of the issues surrounding democratic reform. Perhaps he's not the most elegant writer, his prose is engaging and straightforward. It's a fun, quick, and inspiring read. I give copies out to teenage aspiring rockers who populate my town's all-ages shows as a way of teaching them about the history of underground music and also as a way of helping them figure out why it's important to be politically engaged.

... each generation has its musical heroes who have their time at the top, and then must give way to the next. Some retire to a well-earned obscurity; some suffer through endless "Monsters Of Rock" tours; a happy few move on to other creative endeavours. This book comes from a man who has moved on. Building on his experience as a working musician, Novoselic tells in concrete stories how he learned that (a) community-level politics are important to all of us, (b) it is possible for all Americans to do our part in politics and (c) this can be a source of great personal satisfaction and achievement. Novoselic's claim to fame is his music, so in this book he starts with that part of his life. And why not? he's just the latest of many showmen who used their skill & experience to move into American public life, from Ronnie Reagan and Sonny Bono to The Terminator. It's only fair to attract an audience by using what interests them; give them a few Kurt Cobain stories if that's what they want! Novoselic moves from the music to the politics by writing about experiences he has actually had, e.g. a small town meeting discussing whether to host a music concert; a large city debating dancehall regulation. By the time Novoselic gets to his general ideas for improving the mechanics of our political process, he has demonstrated that he's not just makin' it up; he's actually walked the talk, and is reporting what he's learned. Novoselic's words are not complex and erudite; some might think that he writes too simply or plainly. That's not a fault, it's an asset for people who want a quick read. You can zip through this in an hour, and then pass it on to a friend. The most important asset of the book is the political neutrality of the author's call for civic involvement. Novoselic is clearly a populist and proud of it, but he is calling for all Americans to get into the game, not just those who agree with him. The prescriptions he gives for political action work as well for Red Staters as for Blue Staters. We will not all agree with the author's particular political goals, but we all will benefit from reading what he thinks we should do to improve our political process. We can't all be rockstars. But, as this book points out, we can ALL serve our community and our country in local politics. Or ... we can sit on the couch, watch MTV, and fade away. Your call, dude!

In this book Krist details his life including meeting Kurt Cobain for the first time: Kurt making lava lamps (badly!), his first time entering Kurts house (profane cartoons drawn on walls!) the forming of Nirvana (Kurt as a deity). It points out his political views, as well as his intelligence. Novoselic is no basher, he doesn't talk trash about any party and he becomes very respectful as each page turns. If you want to know about Nirvana from Krist's perspective try this book out.

Of Grunge And Government: Let's Fix This Broken Democracy! is both memoir and political platform. Krist Novoselic, bass player and founding member of the widely-known rock band Nirvana, calls readers to action - stressing the importance of getting up and taking part, in small ways and large. His own work in benefit concerts and the founding of JAMPAC (Joing Artists and Music Promotions Political Action Committee) reveals the efforts to which he has gone to get the message out; his drive to make contributions is infectious, healthy, and inspirational for a democracy and a community meant to be of, by, and for the people. Highly recommended.