|
 WEASELS IN A
BOX by John
Pierson; aka Jughead, Ian Pierce. (Hope
and Nonthings) 2005. “Meta-fictional exploration that dances
dangerously close to the edge of historical reality.” 252 pages. While
visiting
Boston
with a new band as temporary second guitar, JJ Bunkhead recalls his days
with a popular and influential punk band, The Semi-Famous (the name
changes with the bands popularity), and contemplates what that past has
brought him in the present day. After meeting Franklin Famous, the two
start a band and begin a fifteen year journey that includes touring, band
break-ups, side bands, band reunions, the flowering of an independent
record label, and more emotional ups and downs than most people can
endure. Even while enjoying success in the punk world, JJ never really
comes to terms with what success is and often second guesses himself and
his way of life. On the other hand, JJ can appreciate the positives of his
life and music and the influences it has on others.
The
above is admittedly a simple, albeit poor, synopsis of what John
Pierson’s book is about; the life of the punk band Screeching Weasel. My
synopsis is to the point, but vague with the complexity of the book’s
details. Written in the second person point of view, Weasels
in a Box starts off a bit awkwardly, but readers will quickly adjust
to this unorthodox way of writing. The book also takes many time shifts,
sometimes unexpectedly, so readers actually have to pay attention while
flying through the book. While the vehicle of the story is music, the fuel
that powers the vehicle is what’s going on inside JJ Bunkhead’s head
and heart. To tell his tale, Pierson uses characters, bands, and other
entities with fictional names that closely resemble their true life
subjects. JJ Bunkhead is Jughead, Duck! Records is Lookout! Records, etc.
Fans of Screeching Weasel (Semi-Famous) will be able to recognize what’s
going on and piece it together. Along with being one clever motor scooter,
I also happen to be one avid Weasel fan and I enjoyed the little extra
that came with putting the fictional names with the real thing. Fear not
nonfans of Screeching Weasel, you will also enjoy the story as Pierson
nicely weaves his pages together with first hand knowledge of what went on
(duh), humour, and true sense
of realism that will appeal to anyone who enjoys reading stories about
musicians and their inner thoughts concerning what the hell is going on
inside their heads. As I wrote above, due to its style, the reader must
pay attention to every word in order to not get lost, but due to the
enjoyable story, this is a relatively easy task even for you jittery
bastards out there. Here’s hoping John Pierson writes a book detailing
his experiences with his latest band, Even in Blackouts (great band!). I
just know he’ll devote pages to the time I spoke with him for about ten
minutes after an EIB set at the Middle East in
Boston
some years ago. I just know it. If I had the cash, I’d option this book
for the movie rights. That’s how much I enjoyed this book. Weasels
in a Box is revealing, compelling, and a flat out fun time for all to
enjoy. –
Denis Sheehan
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