Rating: 
Summary: Loose arguments, poor writing.
Review: In essence, Craig Ohara does nothing but reaffirm the obvious thought found in the punk rock movement. Because punk associates itself with 'no authority', its definition is almost impossible. Ohara is ONE type of punk. He espouses a method of writing that does not engage those whom he critiques, he just simply writes them off. His arguments for anti-authoritian anarcho-thought are groundless philosophically. Never arguing why tradition and authority are bad, Ohara leaves the reader wondering how he can consider himself an academic? I cannot recommend this book to any serious thinker attempting to construct a slight notion of punk. Regardless of Ohara's thought, it seems obvious that there is hegemony amongst punks who choose to be sectarian. The 'non-conformist' attitude of punk could be debated, but isn't in this book. Ohara often saves himself by ignoring relevant objections to his views by, first, noting the objections, then moving on to more of his own compartmentalized rhetoric of punk.
Rating:
Summary: If the punx are united, they will never be divided
Review: O'Hara's personal feelings completely undermine any compelling argument he begins to make. He includes no evidence, other than a few random quotes from zines he's selected, for his accusations (against Straight Edge punks, against Oi punk, etc.). The book is a biased attempt at personal expression of his feelings about punk--not a comprehensive overview of what Punk means to so many people in the scene. And it isn't even well-written. Waste of money.
Rating:
Summary: Narrow Focus and Poorly Written
Review: Originally written as a college paper, this book takes the author's personal beliefs and poorly attempts to make them the entire history of a loosely defined set of musical and cultural styles that began probably long before the author was old enough to speak. He's a hippie punk with crusty leanings, which means love, peace, anarchy and not bathing too often, and the whole history of punk is redefined to the point of pretending most everything else doesn't exist. It's hysterical reading his mental gymnastics when describing Anarchy as both violent and peaceful. Anyone who gives this a good review has to be blinded by their own political ideology since this book is soooooooo poorly done. It's not a history at all. It's an editorial steeped in too much wishful thinking.
Rating:
Summary: Philosophy of Punk... WHAT THE HELL!?
Review: Philosophy of punk?!
Punk is not a set philosophy...
This guy has no idea what he is talking about...
Rating: 
Summary: Weak
Review: Poorly written school paper resurfacing as a book. I love AK Press but they should tighten up their quality control. Extremely brief and limited, and fairly biased. The one redeeming part is the section on Queer Punk - this is almost never discussed specifically in books on punk, and I appreciate the inclusion.
Rating:
Summary: I want the time wasted on this book Back!
Review: So, appears the PC gestapo has learned to write and publish books. What we have here is someones interpertation of what Punk is to them. In No way is any of the music a focal point, inwhich it takes a back seat to a political message which only ends with ones personal gain. This book should of stayed a 6 page pamplet you quickly throw away ( one like christian organizations hand out, hint hint). This book does no good for punk and people who consider is a main part of there lives.
Rating: 
Summary: Best Book On Punk I've Read - 10 Stars
Review: The Philosophy Of Punk is an awesome look at the undergroundscene, philosophies, history, political and social happenings of thepunk movement. Craig shatters what the mass media portrays as punk and gives you the truth. No one can do it all but Craig does a pretty damn fine job. There are also some great pictures to boot. I can't say how good this book is. The Lithuanian authorities stopped the printers from distributing it in their country saying it was "a vile, rebellious, offensive document" so you know it is a good one. :-)Here are the chapter headings (after forward and intro) to give you a small glimpse: *Why Punk: Background Comparisons With Previous Art Movements; Some Defining Characteristics of Punk. *Media Misrepresentation: How Television, Glossy Magazines, And Mindless Media Have Done Their Best To Defang The Beast. *Skinheads And Racism: Who They Are, Where They're From And What Do They Have To Do With Punk Anyway. *Intra Movement Communication: Fanzines-Communication From The Xerox Machine To The Underground. *Anarchism: An Alternative To Existing Systems. What It Is And Why It Is Embraced By Punks All Over The World. The Failure Of "Bought And Paid For" Politicians Has Ensured A Counterculture Receptive To The Idea That We Would Be Better Off Without These Vampires. *Gender Issues: Sexism, Feminism and Open Homosexuality. *Environmentalism And Ecological Concerns: The Ideas And Techniques Of Earth First, ALF and Others Have Found A Comfortable Home In The Punk Scene. *Straight Edge: A Movement That Went From Being A Minor Threat To A Conservative Conformist No Threat. *DIY I couldn't believe it when I saw this book being sold on Amazon.com. Take advantage and get it. AK Press puts out some really good books and this one is truly a gem. I bought one for myself then I bought one for both my parents, and some friends and relatives. Share it with those who matter. I got to see Craig talk at the Anarchist Book Fair 2000 in San Francisco. He's a really cool guy with lots of funny stories. If you want to know what he looks like then look at the back cover of the book. He's the far right guy in the foreground. Once I started reading this book I couldn't put it down. A true sign of an awesome book. Happy reading!
Rating: 
Summary: Exactly what it means to be punk.
Review: There truly is no set philosiphy or guidelines for what punk is or isn't. Though many wish to try and give it one. This book is exactly what punk is. It is one individual telling you how he sees the philosophy of punk. Just like any 'zine would or any band would, he gives his opinion, his point of view. I feel that this book is a great tool for understanding the punk scene in general, his references give a lot of starting places to look for your self and make your own opinions. One might call this little book a primer on punk, more than a philosophy. A lot of the reviews talk about how they feel O'Hara missed the mark that this book doesn't display what they feel punk is, but he says it best in the introduction, if you don't like it write your own book.
Rating:
Summary: Exactly what it means to be punk.
Review: There truly is no set philosiphy or guidelines for what punk is or isn't. Though many wish to try and give it one. This book is exactly what punk is. It is one individual telling you how he sees the philosophy of punk. Just like any 'zine would or any band would, he gives his opinion, his point of view. I feel that this book is a great tool for understanding the punk scene in general, his references give a lot of starting places to look for your self and make your own opinions. One might call this little book a primer on punk, more than a philosophy. A lot of the reviews talk about how they feel O'Hara missed the mark that this book doesn't display what they feel punk is, but he says it best in the introduction, if you don't like it write your own book.
Rating:
Summary: PHILOSPHY OF PUNK IS GREAT!
Review: This book explains basically everything you need to know about the punks movement. It talks about all kind of punks and what punk is. It is a really good book if you are 1 of those type of people who want to be what they want to be well this book is for you.
|
