Architects of SelfDestruction, John Gentile
Architects of SelfDestruction, John Gentile
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Architects of Self-Destruction
The Oral History of Leftöver Crack

Author: John Gentile, Brad Logan

Narrator: Brad Logan

Unabridged: 8 hr 15 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 09/21/2021


Synopsis

Leftöver Crack is a band of drug abusing, dumpster diving, cop-hating, queer positive, pro-choice, crust punks that successfully blend ska-punk, pop, hip-hop, and death metal genres. They've been banned from clubs, states, and counties and kicked off multiple record labels. They've received teen-idol adoration and death threats from their fans. They've played benefits for a multitude of causes while leaving a trail of destruction in their wake.

But, if you dig below the crusty, black metal-patch encased surface, you'll find a contemplative, nuanced band that, quite literally, permanently changed the punk rock community. By combining catchy ska-punk with lyrics that referenced political theorist Michael Parenti, drug usage, and suicide, the band formed a unique mélange that was both provocative and challenging. In fact, the band's hooks were so sharp that after releasing their debut LP, Mediocre Generica, an entire culture of "Crack City Rockers" grew around the band, pushing the youth towards both the positive and negative aspects of extreme punk rock.

Architects of Self-Destruction: An Oral History of Leftöver Crack traces the band's entire history by speaking to the band members themselves, fellow musicians, their fans, and of course, those that still hold a grudge against the LoC . . . FYI, that's a lot of people.

About John Gentile

John Gentile is a Philadelphia freelance writer. His work has been featured in outlets including Rolling Stone, Vice, and MTV. He is also the features editor at Punknews.org. He can read Egyptian hieroglyphics.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Rafael

Left out the worst parts of Sturgeon's abuse......more

Goodreads review by Jeff

A fun, fast read about a band I've been following since I was a teenager in the late 90's and got the Give 'Em The Boot comp from Hell-cat Records. It also got me to dive back into the CV/LOC/SFH catalog, which has been fun.......more

Goodreads review by Jon

Punk as fuck. Super fun read. I love that the book ends with a thoughtful and academic dissertation by Regina Dentata, Minister of Satan, but I always wish there was an Animal House style “Where are they now?” wrap up.......more