Synopsis:
In the early 1970s, the Minneapolis music scene was no scene at all. Radio stations played Top 40 music; bars and clubs booked only rock cover bands and blues bands. Meanwhile, cities like New York, Detroit, and London were spawning fresh and innovative—and loud and raw—sounds by musicians creating a new punk and rock movement. A small but daring group of Twin Cities musicians, artists, entrepreneurs, and enthusiasts wanted a piece of that action. To do it, they had to build it themselves. Complicated Fun brings together the recollections of the men and women who built Minnesota’s vibrant and vital indie rock scene. Through interviews with dozens of musicians, producers, managers, journalists, fans, and other scenesters, Cyn Collins chronicles the emergence of seminal bands like the Suicide Commandos, the Hypstrz, Curtiss A, Flamingo, the Suburbs, Hüsker Dü, the Replacements, and more. The subjects reflect on the key role that Oar Folkjokeopus record store, Jay’s Longhorn bar, and Twin/Tone Records played by providing outlets for hearing, performing, and recording these new sounds.
Complicated Fun explores the influences, motivations, moments, and individuals that propelled Minneapolis to its status as a premier music scene and, in turn, inspired future generations of rockers.
My Edition:
Paperback
My Thoughts:
I am fascinated by music history. It is endlessly interesting to me, learning about what inspired the musicians whose music I adore to create such wonderful art. I am also interested in local history. Basically, what I’m saying is that Complicated Fun was a double whammy for me. I got to learn about the start of some of my favorite local venues, and some venues that closed before I was even born.
I learned about the history of bands like The Replacements, Hüsker Dü, Suicide Commando, The Suburbs, The Flaming O’s, Soul Asylum (FKA Loud Fast Rules), etc. Did you know Soul Asylum started out as a Hardcore band? Lots of people don’t because what they blew up for was…decidedly not that (we all wish we didn’t know Runaway Train, right?).
Complicated Fun is a fascinating look at a really pivotal time in music, period – but an especially pivotal one in Minnesota’s music scene. Using the format of interviews with various members of the scene, you get the opportunity to learn about this fascinating time in history directly from those involved. Because of this book, I now know that Curtiss A still does an annual John Lennon tribute show locally (which I’m unlikely to attend as I think Lennon was the least musically interesting Beatle – but it’s still really cool!).
Cyn Collins did a remarkable job of stitching together a narrative that shows not only the birth, but the heyday of the Punk and Indie music scene here in the Twin Cities. She made me think really hard about the strength of the music scene here today. Sometimes it feels dead, but truthfully, I think the local music scene is actually incredibly strong to this day. We can claim Doomtree, Lizzo came up here, we’ve blessedly still got Impaler, there’s Menstrual Tramps, Bob Mould continues to perform, Carnage the Executioner, Buio Omega, etc. There are oldsters and youngsters on the scene, which is really cool and makes for a wide variety of sonic fun to be had.
Anyway, I think everyone should be keyed into their local music scene, and knowing the past can always help you understand the present (in music and everything else). Local music will always be my favorite music – it’s accessible, and it allows you a look inside the minds of those around you – good times!
My Rating:
Honestly, I have no notes. I thought Complicated Fun was absolutely enchanting. Hearing about the birth of the scene in the words of the people that made it happen was truly wonderful. I’ll be searching out more of Cyn’s work for sure. And Cyn, if you see this, thank you!!!
Complicated Fun: the Birth of Minneapolis Punk and Indie Rock, 1974-1984
By Cyn Collins
Minnesota Historical Society Press
Published: April 1, 2017
ISBN: 9781681340326
Paperback, E-book
392 Pages
