Reviews

Corporate Rock Sucks: The Rise and Fall of SST Records by Jim Ruland

miguelf's review

4.0

SST holds a place near & dear as a few of my all-time favorite albums were issued by that label and I would gladly pick up a book with background on this or other labels of that time (Touch&Go, Discord, Matador, SubPop, K, AmRep, etc.) But SST was a bit before the others and had such an incredible roster. It was just so depressing to read of its slow denouement - clearly Ginn had some knack for business and picking bands, but that ability dried up in the late 80’s as it slowly became a husk of its former glory over the next three decades. Very well documented and enjoyed the writing style.

kneumaier's review

informative medium-paced

4.0

whizalen's review

fast-paced

5.0

Great book.  I liked the approach in how the author told the story in these SST Versus XYZ chapters; kept the story linear while diving into some of the major challenges SST faced over the years.  Learned more about areas and topics I thought I was well versed in - for example, Kira's comments about both the song and cover for 'Stick in It.'  Her stuff with Mike Watt after D. Boon died was really interesting to learn more about.  

I also liked that he didn't interview Henry Rollins, this wasn't another Henry Rollins story about Greg and SST. I  do wish there was more 1:1 interviews with Dukowski but I was really glad it took the majority lens through Joe Carducci.  Again, wish the author could've gotten Raymond Pettibon to contribute - probably declined - because he was such a huge part of its history and then decline as a label (his removal).  

Highly recommend.  

dadoodoflow's review

funny informative inspiring reflective fast-paced

4.0

Great. Especially the second half when the book became more about the label, and telling stories that weren’t so familiar. 

sbr's review

informative medium-paced

4.0

jennydarling's review

informative slow-paced

5.0

tacomike's review

informative medium-paced

3.5