An exhaustive and heavily illustrated documentation of NYC's No Wave scene in the late 70s / early 80s. According to the Flying Luttenbachers' Weasel Walter, No Wave "was a music of violent surrealism, relentless in its agression, hate and fury. It was something that truly screamed 'Fuck you all! I don't want to be like you!' Punk said, 'Fuck them! We don't want to be like them!' See the difference?" This book traces the history of the unique movement, from early pioneers like Suicide and Richard Hell, to hidden treasures like Red Transistor and 8-Eyed Spy, to descendents like ESG and Sonic Youth. There is also a section on No Wave cinema, which translated the agression and innovation of the music to the screen. Tons of flyers, concert photos, record covers and other ephemera of the time, plus quotes from key players like Lydia Lunch, James Chance and more. 205 pages; B&W with color.

reviewed by el generico