HomoCore: The Loud and Raucous Rise of Queer Rock
by David Ciminelli and Ken Knox

The back cover reads:

“Out, Proud, and loud queer rockers first claimed the center stage spotlight in the early ’90s. Since then a rebellious clan of fiercely creative and politically fiery fags and dykes has launched a musical movement that reaches from Los Angeles to Vancouver and from Chicago to Toronto. Chord by chord, gig by gig, acts such as Pansy Division, Extra Fancy, Super 8 Cum Shot, Team Dresch, The Butchies, IAmLoved, and The Skinjobs have created a scrappy new music scene that could only be called Homocore.

Now queer music insider David Ciminelli and freelance journalist Ken Knox tell the story of homocore through revealing interviews with key players in the movement. They get you up close and personal with an edgy group of activists– all determined to blow the hinges off the music industry’s closet doors.”

This book is a very interesting read for those interested in learning more about what goes into being aligned with the homocore (read: queercore) music movement. It’s full of interesting personal accounts and stories from those interviewed, as well as a varying opinions on the homocore scene from those within. It is also an invaluable resource for those out there who don’t have anyone around you to talk about what it’s like to be the queer kid in your scene, this book is a place for you to find security in knowing that you’re not alone. And for that alone it’s a worthwhile read.

But there is a flip side. As would be expected of any book of the sort much of the information is already outdated or otherwise changed after the initial printing of this book. Also, the list of bands and artists lacks a few important names I feel were more than worthy of mentioning. But this could be for any number of reasons and is easily excusable.

I’ve discussed the book directly with a few people interviewed and had similar responses from each: “Take the information given with a grain of salt.” As informative as the book may be, it seems that as with many documentaries of any culture there are certain things taken out of context as well as stories only half-printed. It seems that a few of the people featured within the book were not very happy with the outcome.

In the end, though, this book is a great step forward for recognition of homocore as a musical mainstay. If nothing else though, this book is a very fun read. I’d recommend it to anyone with a vested interest in an interest in either the queer or music cultures. Good stuff.

You can buy it at Amazon if you can’t find it at your local bookstore.

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