Everybody Loves Our Town: An Oral History of Grunge
Written by Mark Yarm
Continuing with the rock memoirs I’ve become engrossed with during this, my first pandemic, ‘Everybody Loves Our Town’ is an oral history of grunge, the genre that changed the music industry in the early 90s. Similar in style to ‘Meet Me In The Bathroom’, this book interviews all the major players to get a well-rounded, thorough perspective on the scene from multiple personalities including Dave Grohl (Nirvana/Foo Fighters), Chris Cornell (Soundgarden), Mark Arm (Mudhoney) and others. The best parts though are when Courtney Love shows up. Love her or hate her—I idolize her—she is someone who was driven to make a name for herself. And did—all while writing the best album of the era.
Favourite line: “I had conversations with Eddie Vedder and thought he was very weird and complicated. We’d sit and have breakfast together, and I’d ask how his day was going and his answers sounded like he was getting interviewed for a magazine. He was very careful about what he was saying, and he was just making this big, blanket political statements. Where I was just like, “Hey man, how are the waffles?”
Find Your Artistic Voice: The Essential Guide to Working Your Creative Magic
Written by Lisa Congdon
As remote working extends into a second year, I’ve been thankful to be part of a professional organization that recognizes the challenges this has caused especially in how people connect with their peers. To that end, I joined a virtual book club they started relating to those in the creative field and this was our first subject to read and review. The book provides pretty standard advice for those who may be facing a drought of inspiration. Much like making a habit of exercise, flexing one’s artistic muscle is all about showing up, doing the work and reaping the (eventual) rewards.
Favourite line: “You may not be the most famous artist that ever lived, but there is this value of deriving joy from whatever it is that you do. That’s just good enough.”
The Design of Everyday Things
Written by Don Norman
I started this book after receiving a glowing recommendation. Its pages detail the thinking and methodology that goes into the design of everyday items, while also commenting on how poor design impacts user experience, understanding and enjoyment. Some of the examples included are quite dated (such as VCRs) and, ironically, the design of the book itself is not very pleasing. While some in the field may be inspired at the insight found therein, I found it difficult to become engaged and ultimately abandoned this book.