New York University

New York University

The Office of Public Affairs

Tuesday, Mar 21, 2006

N-283, 2005-06

Simon Reynolds, author of the new book Rip It Up and Start Again: Postpunk 1978-1984 (Penquin Original), will read and discuss his book at New York University on Tuesday, March 28, at 6:30 p.m. The event, which is free and open to the public, takes place at the NYU Bobst Library, Fales Collection (3rd floor), 70 Washington Square South. For further information, the public may call 212.998.2596.

Reynolds, a well-known music journalist, has written this critical history of the wildly adventurous music created in the years after punk. The moniker “postpunk” refers not only to a time period, but also to the mindset of the musicians, listeners, and even label reps of the era — postpunk and new pop musicians capitalized on the do-it-yourself ethic of the punk scene and the readiness of record companies to sign strange, new bands in the wake of punk’s cultural domination. Reynolds propels his narrative through the mix of styles, personality, and fervent philosophies that defined the postpunk era. He draws from interviews with band members, journalists, scenesters, and his own experiences as a writer for Melody Maker.

London-born Reynolds is also the author of Generation Ecstasy: Into the World of Techno and Rave Culture, Blissed Out: The Raptures of Rock, and The Sex Revolts: Gender, Rebellion, and Rock n Roll, co-authored with Joy Press. His pop culture writings have appeared in The New York Times, The Village Voice, Rolling Stone, and Details, among other publications.