Reviews

Do What You Want: The Story of Bad Religion by Bad Religion, Jim Ruland

suitemike's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.75

peter_xxx's review against another edition

informative inspiring fast-paced

3.0

probefahrer's review against another edition

3.0

die Geschichte der Helden meiner Jugend.
für mich 5 Sterne - aber das wäre fies gegenüber Leuten, die mit der band und westcoast hardcore punk Geschichten der späten 80er und frühen 90er nichts anfangen können :)

fuck armageddon this is hell!

the_drizzle's review against another edition

4.5

This is a great read for fans of Bad Religion or music history.

I got into the band in high school, enjoying the music but not knowing much about the group. Do What You Want gave me a much greater appreciation for the music I've listened to countless times and the people that created it.

oofuss's review

informative inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing fast-paced

4.5

kawooreads's review against another edition

adventurous emotional informative inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

5.0

As a fan, I loved this book. It's a detailed history of one of the most influential bands in punk history and canon for those interested in understanding their unique style of intellectual and subtextual songwriting. I am still always amazed by the fact that the album Suffer came out in 1988, considering its sound and lyrics remain relevant to this day, in an industry that has changed so much. I enjoyed getting to know the many parts, aka people, that have fueled this musical genius that is Bad Religion. It's candid. There are fun stories and not so fun stories. There is reflection of all the success, as well as some of the failures. There are interesting moments of great decision-making and also of disappointment. I enjoyed every minute of reading this book. 

lightning_six's review against another edition

5.0

This book made me go back to my music collection and revise some Bad Religion albums I didn't appreciate. It also renewed my love for this highly influential Punk band.

suitcaselife's review against another edition

adventurous informative inspiring medium-paced

4.75

ames599's review against another edition

4.0

This is the perfect read for any Bad Religion fan. Chronicling the band's 40 year career this book starts at their creation and goes up to pretty much present day. It takes an approach that is a little different from other rock memoirs I've read by dealing with only the band, and the elements of the members lives that relate directly to the band's story. An example of this is explaining Greg's commitment to his education, and how that impacted their decision on when to tour. The book also doesn't shy away from the negative facts, clashes in personality, drug and alcohol addiction, and music that didn't live up to standards, and expectations. It is all covered - the good and bad of Bad Religion. It's fascinating to see how much they have been able to accomplish through the years, as well as their connections to other punk bands, and influence. It would have been nice to have comments from Greg Hetson in addition to everyone else, but not much can be done if someone isn't interested in being part of the project. I think the author does a good job including him, and how import he was to the band through the years. The only complaint I have is that I wish it would have included some images. With 40 years of history it would have been really nice to see images of band through the years, and performance or life on the road shots to go with the storytelling. (I did receive an ARC version from NetGalley, so there is a chance there are some included in the final version.) Ultimately, Do What You Want is a fun, and enlightening read for any Bad Religion fan.

**I received a copy of this title from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**

the_slackening's review against another edition

informative reflective fast-paced

4.0

I really enjoyed this overview of Bad Religion. I haven't been a huge fan of them but I've enjoyed their music and style extensively. I actually picked this up because I had heard it was a great audiobook, which I agree with. 

Honestly a fairly typical rock-band story with breakups, new members, label issues, drugs, etc. etc. which isn't a bad thing at all. I will say that I think the author took liberties with how much influence and genius this band had, which had me chuckling and rolling my eyes at some point. Regardless, cool to know all about them.