Laura’s Comments (group member since Jan 13, 2014)

Laura’s comments from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum Library and Archives group.

I was definitely drawn to Gang of Four because of the lyrics, and as the author states, the lyrics didn't seem preachy to me. Melding the political lyrics with the quirky rhythms made this album especially great to dance along to as well. Before reading the book, however, I didn't know that back in Leeds they were into the politics of the Situationists. I think that the lyrical aspects of the songs still hold strong in today's political climate. When I first heard Gang Of Four though, all I really wanted to do was dance.

We are now at the end of our reading period, time to open up the discussion for Entertainment! an album by the Gang of Four, and the book written about it. Here are some questions to get started:

1. Were you familiar with The Gang of Four before reading the book? And if so, familiar with this album?
2. Does the political nature of this band, or any band, add to or detract from their appeal for you?
3. Do you think the lyrics have a different political impact depending on the time/place/situation in which they are heard?
4. Did you even realize that the The Gang of Four had a certain political leaning?
5. Do you agree with the author's critique and description of the album?
6. How do you think the album holds up in today's political climate?
7. Do you just want to dance to the quirky rhythms and forget about the lyrics?

At the very beginning of chapter 1, the author speaks about his age, his place in life, and the elements surrounding his discovery of this Gang of Four album. Since music is so very much entwined in our lives,what song or album best reflects this type of discovery for you? Is there a time and a place when you remember discovering an album that completely changed your life? For me, it was discovering the Patti Smith album Horses. It came out in 1975, but I didn't hear it until I was a freshman in college a few years later. That album changed my life.

Hello Book Club members! We continue into July with another book in the 33 1/3 series. I am a bit tardy in posting the new book, but hopefully you can get ahold of a copy, and join us when we start to discuss this book in a few weeks. I am a big fan of the Gang of Four, so I am looking forward to getting Kevin Dettmar's perspective on this album. Enjoy your read!

I started reading it, then had to go listen to the album so that I could get into the mindset of the author. Then, I was able to go back to reading the book. I am reading it quite slowly, although some have finished it quickly. As I am reading it, the lyrics from the album sneak in, so I stop to reflect on the lyrics and the chapter I am reading that brought those lyrics forth. I haven't finished it yet.

Hello book club members!
We hope you are enjoying Rid of Me, and we wanted to give you a few questions to think about in advance of next week’s discussion.
When was the first time you heard the album? Did you listen to the album while you were reading the book? Does the author’s style of writing work for an album?

Happy reading and listening,
Laura and Stasia

Hello Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum Library and Archives book group! We will begin reading Rid of Me today. We will start the official discussion when we wrap up reading on May 19th. Feel free to post questions and comments before the 19th, in preparation for the full discussion.

Thanks!

Stasia and Laura