Sonic Youth was arguably one of the most influential bands of the 1980s and 1990s, helping pave the wave the way for such alternative and grunge acts like Nirvana, The Smashing Pumpkins, and Hole. With its genre-defining “noise rock” sound and its embrace of the DIY ethic, Sonic Youth was proudly unconventional and never shied away from experimentation. Founding member Kim Gordon reflects on her experience with Sonic Youth in her new memoir, Girl in a Band. The book is organized in a fittingly unconventional manner; the first chapter, for instance, is titled “The End” and discusses Sonic Youth’s final tour and the coinciding end of Gordon’s 27-year relationship with band mate Thurston Moore. The subsequent chapters are short and jump around a bit chronologically as Gordon reflects on her full and fascinating life. Fans of Sonic Youth and rock music in general will love Kim Gordon’s memoir. Check out Girl in a Band at the John T. Richardson Library, in the Unwind the Mind: Popular Reading Collection, Call Number: 782.42166092 G6638g2015
With his colorful set designs and whimsical storylines, Wes Anderson has one of the most distinctive styles in modern filmmaking. The new book,The Wes Anderson Collection: The Grand Budapest Hotel, provides readers with a chance to go behind the scenes of Anderson’s latest film, “The Grand Budapest Hotel,” and learn about the film’s conception and development. The book includes several interviews with people who were involved in the film’s production as well as essays from film critics and historians, each of which are illustrated with production photos and artwork. The Wes Anderson Collection: The Grand Budapest Hotel is a bright and playful book that wonderfully mirrors the distinctive Wes Anderson aesthetic. Available at the Loop Library, Call Number: 791.4372 S4627W
Lumberjanes is a clever and fun comic that chronicles the adventures of five campers at “Miss Qiunzella Thiskwin Penniquiqul Thistle Crumpet’s Camp for Hardcore Lady-Types.” Initially published as a serial comic in 2014, Lumberjanes Volume 1: Beware the Kitten Holy includes the first four issues of the series as well as some unique bonus material. The book is set up like a “Lumberjane Scout” handbook, with descriptions of particular merit badges that are relevant to the plot preceding the individual issues. As the campers try to earn merit badges, they encounter several mysterious creatures such as a three-eyed fox, arm-wrestling statues, and yetis. Lumberjanes is a silly and delightful comic with excellent illustrations and an engaging story that will leave the reader eager for Volume 2. Available at the John T. Richardson Library, 741.5973 S8481Lv1