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Punk Paradox

A Memoir

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Punk Paradox

Written by: Greg Graffin
Narrated by: Sean Patrick Hopkins, Greg Graffin
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About this listen

From the legendary singer-songwriter of Bad Religion comes a historical memoir and cultural criticism of punk rock’s evolution.

Greg Graffin is the lead vocalist and songwriter of Bad Religion, recently described as “America's most significant punk band.” Since its inception in Los Angeles in 1980, Bad Religion has produced 18 studio albums, become a long-running global touring powerhouse, and has established a durable legacy as one of the most influential punk rock bands of all time.

Punk Paradox is Graffin's life narrative before and during L.A. punk's early years, detailing his observations on the genre's explosive growth and his band's steady rise in importance. The book begins by exploring Graffin’s Midwestern roots and his life-changing move to Southern California in the mid-’70s. Swept up into the burgeoning punk scene in the exhilarating and often-violent streets of Los Angeles, Graffin and his friends formed Bad Religion, built a fanbase, and became a touring institution. All these activities took place in parallel with Graffin's never ceasing quest for intellectual enlightenment. Despite the demands of global tours, recording sessions, and dedication to songwriting, the author also balanced a budding academic career. In so doing, he managed to reconcile an improbable double-life as an iconic punk rock front man and University Lecturer in evolution.

Graffin’s unique experiences mirror the paradoxical elements that define the punk genre—the pop influence, the quest for society’s betterment, music’s unifying power—all of which are prime ingredients in its surprising endurance. Fittingly, this book argues against the traditional narrative of the popular perception of punk. As Bad Religion changed from year to year, the spirit of punk—and its sonic significance—lived on while Graffin was ever willing to challenge convention, debunk mythology, and liberate listeners from the chains of indoctrination.

As insightful as it is exciting, this thought-provoking memoir provides both a fly on the wall history of the punk scene and astute commentary on its endurance and evolution.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2022 Greg Graffin (P)2022 Hachette Books
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What listeners say about Punk Paradox

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Great story if you are a BR fan

This book Would be better if Greg read the whole thing! Good to hear the stories from the early days.

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Very good book

Well written and narrated. Interesting to hear bad religions history from Greg's perspective. Well worth the listen

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Absolutely Rapt

What a wonderful listen this is. I wish Greg told this story sooner.

I was very surprised to learn the secret, codified inspiration behind the popular songs on the Grey Race album.

Having been a committed fan since I borrowed a copy of ‘Recipe for Hate’ on cassette from a friend as a kid, this autobiography / mediation on punk rock is a page-turner, which in audible format means sitting in the driveway with the engine off listening until real life is so pressing in the back of my mind that I had to exit the car.

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A must for Bad Religion fans

Fans of the band will enjoy this book. The Introduction and Epilogue is read by Greg Graffin. The Brooks Wackerman era is a bit rushed is my only complaint but I loved it

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A Telling history lesson from the punk professor

in keeping with the author's views, Punk Paradox is an intellectual telling of the successes and difficulties balancing the dualities of being a scholar and punk legend, while making clear the similarities and mutualism they share. A fantastic view into the history of the L.A punk scene on the 1980's without the glorification of the violent and nihilistic aspects of the scene I hold so dear to my heart.

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The Book Is Alright

It's a memoir of Greg's life. To a lesser extent, a history of Bad Religion. To a far lesser extent, a memoir of the punk scene during it all. Greg stays true to his life philosophy through out - trying to bring social awareness to the unwashed masses of the punk rock establishment. He often seems a bit bitter that BR never received as much fanfare as his more popular contemporaries. He tends to hate on bands that write shallow songs to appease the masses, while simultaneously being put off by the kids turning their backs on bands that "sellout". Often Greg comes across as a bit dismissive of the scene at the time, thinking BR is superior in musical talent and has a much deeper message than any other band that ever existed. From this memoir, I (disappointingly) gleaned that Greg dislikes more bands than he admires.

It is interesting to hear about Greg's childhood and what shaped him into the person / songwriter he became. Learning of the beginnings of the band and the anecdotes about touring Europe vs the US was informative. The book ends kind of abruptly, leaving any recent history untold.

If you want to know about Greg Graffin - it is a great read. If you just want a story about the early days of So. Cal. Punk Rock, this might not be for you.

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