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And Then They Ruined Everything
Every action has a reaction.
Every reaction has a consequence.
Every consequence creates a memory.
Having overcome the impossibility of time travel, and other lies, Kenneth Ramsayer and his best friend exist to relive past rock ’n’ roll gigs. Everything is going well; they’ve become heroes, they’ve discovered love, they had the world by the tail, and then they ruined everything.
Based on what is left of their ruined music collections, it appears that rock ’n’ roll died in 1984.
Their unassailable knowledge of music, leads the boys to recall that in 1984 an unknown patron made a bootleg recording of a Replacements gig. This cassette was recovered and became the live album “The Shit Hits The Fans”. The history of rock ‘n’ roll was forever changed. Now a viciously evil plot has absconded with the recording.
But what if the death of rock ’n’ roll isn’t connected to the missing cassette? Seeking help from unlikely sources and following fading memories, the boys travel across America in a bid to save rock ’n’ roll.
An intelligent satire, the second novel in the Death of Rock ’n’ Roll series, And Then They Ruined Everything cleverly uses the concept of time travel in a rock ’n’ roll setting as an examination of choices and the power of art in society.
Every reaction has a consequence.
Every consequence creates a memory.
Having overcome the impossibility of time travel, and other lies, Kenneth Ramsayer and his best friend exist to relive past rock ’n’ roll gigs. Everything is going well; they’ve become heroes, they’ve discovered love, they had the world by the tail, and then they ruined everything.
Based on what is left of their ruined music collections, it appears that rock ’n’ roll died in 1984.
Their unassailable knowledge of music, leads the boys to recall that in 1984 an unknown patron made a bootleg recording of a Replacements gig. This cassette was recovered and became the live album “The Shit Hits The Fans”. The history of rock ‘n’ roll was forever changed. Now a viciously evil plot has absconded with the recording.
But what if the death of rock ’n’ roll isn’t connected to the missing cassette? Seeking help from unlikely sources and following fading memories, the boys travel across America in a bid to save rock ’n’ roll.
An intelligent satire, the second novel in the Death of Rock ’n’ Roll series, And Then They Ruined Everything cleverly uses the concept of time travel in a rock ’n’ roll setting as an examination of choices and the power of art in society.
302 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published June 28, 2016
About the author
Duncan Milne
12 books17 followers Writer, lawyer, traveller: fascinated by human interaction, relating observations through fiction and non-fiction works.
I am a non-practicing lawyer in search of a forum where prose doesn’t include the terms “notwithstanding” or “but for.”
Human interactions and social context in all forms intrigue me, providing much of my literary inspiration.
My insatiable appetite for music, art and literature led to my debut novel, The Death of Rock ‘n’ Roll, The Impossibility of Time Travel and Other Lies. The Death of Rock ‘n’ Roll is the first in a four part series. I am pleased to announce that Elm Grove Publishing has now published the second book, And Then They Ruined Everything, available directly from Elm Grove Publishing, Amazon, or on inquiry with your local book store.
In addition to The Death of Rock ‘n’ Roll series of novels, an un-named non-fiction work as well as a novel based in Sydney are presently in development. The novel will continue the exploration of social interactions through the experiences of young professionals trying to reconcile their own ambitions in a world beyond their control. A place where escape from previous choices isn’t always possible.
Taking a step away from fiction, the non-fiction work is aimed at the professional development audience, particularly those seeking ways to maximise the effectiveness of their presentations. This book is based on my successful seminar series, as well as professional experiences during my law practice and as a business consultant and similar to many of my LinkedIn posts.
I am a non-practicing lawyer in search of a forum where prose doesn’t include the terms “notwithstanding” or “but for.”
Human interactions and social context in all forms intrigue me, providing much of my literary inspiration.
My insatiable appetite for music, art and literature led to my debut novel, The Death of Rock ‘n’ Roll, The Impossibility of Time Travel and Other Lies. The Death of Rock ‘n’ Roll is the first in a four part series. I am pleased to announce that Elm Grove Publishing has now published the second book, And Then They Ruined Everything, available directly from Elm Grove Publishing, Amazon, or on inquiry with your local book store.
In addition to The Death of Rock ‘n’ Roll series of novels, an un-named non-fiction work as well as a novel based in Sydney are presently in development. The novel will continue the exploration of social interactions through the experiences of young professionals trying to reconcile their own ambitions in a world beyond their control. A place where escape from previous choices isn’t always possible.
Taking a step away from fiction, the non-fiction work is aimed at the professional development audience, particularly those seeking ways to maximise the effectiveness of their presentations. This book is based on my successful seminar series, as well as professional experiences during my law practice and as a business consultant and similar to many of my LinkedIn posts.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
June 16, 2019
Is it the Replacement’s fault rock dies in 1984?
After his breakup with Pyrah, we go back in time to find a world with no rock music. All the music is depending on the Replacements and a live recording of one of their shows. In the quest for the copy of the recording, we encounter a confused Henry Rollins, John Denver, Johnny Cash, Ice-T. There will be concerts with The Minutemen, Jello Biafra and loads of alternative bands.
In addition to the fun of name-dropping these bands and artists I like, the writing was good too.
The author describes a friend’s band as “as loud as a ’72 Nova without mufflers, with a beat that pounds like a toothache.” Isn’t that the best line you’ve read about a band?
I loved the adventure, the music and the storytelling.
After his breakup with Pyrah, we go back in time to find a world with no rock music. All the music is depending on the Replacements and a live recording of one of their shows. In the quest for the copy of the recording, we encounter a confused Henry Rollins, John Denver, Johnny Cash, Ice-T. There will be concerts with The Minutemen, Jello Biafra and loads of alternative bands.
In addition to the fun of name-dropping these bands and artists I like, the writing was good too.
The author describes a friend’s band as “as loud as a ’72 Nova without mufflers, with a beat that pounds like a toothache.” Isn’t that the best line you’ve read about a band?
I loved the adventure, the music and the storytelling.
December 20, 2016
A great read which leaves you with at least one ear worm a day. It's also a tale of everyday heroes, and the realisation that everyone has different perspectives.
A book to make you sing, laugh and think. Not to mention making you want to dig out your old vinyl and play it at full volume.
A book to make you sing, laugh and think. Not to mention making you want to dig out your old vinyl and play it at full volume.
November 30, 2016
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway. My opinion is just that...mine, and completely unbiased.
definition
1. Hoo-te-nan-ny ~ a gathering at which folksingers entertain, often with audience participation
2. the second studio album by the band The Replacements
I know it's only rock and roll, but I like it! Mr. Milne gives us an imaginative and satirical look at time travel and the death of rock and roll. Oh no, say it ain't so! I for one would love to go back and revisit some of the many amazing concerts I saw back in the day. No, I won't give specifics, let's just say that the 70's and 80's were filled with loads of great music and memory making moments.
Kenn and Sid, two best friends, have a friendship wrapped up in a world filled with music, and through a time travel device called Louie Louie, they are able to experience many a great venue. But alas, they each think they have found love and their friendship suffers. When music starts disappearing, and their love lives go down the toilet, they go on a quest to save rock and roll. Will the two and their motley crew of music greats succeed? This fast paced, creatively written and funny novel will have you kicking up your heels and shouting for more.
definition
1. Hoo-te-nan-ny ~ a gathering at which folksingers entertain, often with audience participation
2. the second studio album by the band The Replacements
I know it's only rock and roll, but I like it! Mr. Milne gives us an imaginative and satirical look at time travel and the death of rock and roll. Oh no, say it ain't so! I for one would love to go back and revisit some of the many amazing concerts I saw back in the day. No, I won't give specifics, let's just say that the 70's and 80's were filled with loads of great music and memory making moments.
Kenn and Sid, two best friends, have a friendship wrapped up in a world filled with music, and through a time travel device called Louie Louie, they are able to experience many a great venue. But alas, they each think they have found love and their friendship suffers. When music starts disappearing, and their love lives go down the toilet, they go on a quest to save rock and roll. Will the two and their motley crew of music greats succeed? This fast paced, creatively written and funny novel will have you kicking up your heels and shouting for more.
July 1, 2016
Loved this book! If you are up for a fast read, a new perspective on some of your favourite music and few ridiculously fun twists along the way, then this book is for you.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews