The Meat Puppets and the Lyrics of Curt Kirkwood from Meat Puppets II to No Joke!

Matthew Smith-Lahrman analyzes Curt Kirkwood's lyrics from nine albums, from 1983 to 1995, and finds that he is an important, yet overlooked songwriter. His "cut-up" style recalls Dylan, Eno, Hendrix, and Robert Hunter, as well as poets and authors like John Milton, Arthur Rimbaud, Lewis Carroll, and William Burroughs. Kirkwood often addresses the dichotomy between individual psyche and behavioral expectations, and his early lyrical visions include drug use, mental illness, and Christianity. As the original Meat Puppets began to dissolve, Kirkwood turned to writing about personal issues.

Format: Hardback
Length: 294 pages
Publication date: 28 April 2022
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

Matthew Smith-Lahrman delves into the enigmatic world of Curt Kirkwood, the founding member and songwriter of the legendary Meat Puppets, a pioneering rock n roll band that has left an indelible mark on the music industry over the past three decades. In his comprehensive analysis, Smith-Lahrman explores Kirkwood's lyrical prowess, covering nine albums from 1983 to 1995, during which he wrote virtually every lyric for the band. Renowned for his unique "cut-up" style, reminiscent of legends like Bob Dylan, Brian Eno, Jimi Hendrix, and Robert Hunter, as well as poets and authors like John Milton, Arthur Rimbaud, Lewis Carroll, and William Burroughs, Kirkwood remains an important yet overlooked songwriter.

The Meat Puppets embarked on their musical journey with the release of albums on the prestigious indie rock label SST Records, showcasing their raw and energetic sound. However, it was their transition to the major label London Records in the early 1990s that marked a significant turning point in their career. Through this transition, they forged a distinctive blend of punk, country, psychedelic, and hard rock, laying the groundwork for the emergence of grunge and alternative movements.

As a lyricist, Kirkwood delved deep into the complexities of the human psyche, exploring the dichotomy between individual desires and societal expectations. He tackled subjects such as drug use, mental illness, and Christianity, weaving them into his early lyrical visions. Kirkwood's lyrics were raw, honest, and unapologetically personal, reflecting his experiences and emotions.

As the original Meat Puppets began to dissolve, Kirkwood turned his attention to writing about personal issues. He expressed his frustrations with the major label industry, the loss of his mother, the struggles of his brother with addiction, and the eventual demise of the band itself. His lyrics became more introspective and reflective, reflecting the challenges he faced during this transitional period.

The Meat Puppets and the Lyrics of Curt Kirkwood from Meat Puppets II to No Joke! is a treasure trove for Meat Puppets fans worldwide. It offers a deep dive into the creative process of one of rock's most influential bands, providing insight into Kirkwood's lyrical genius and the profound impact his music has had on generations of listeners. Whether you are a seasoned fan or a newcomer to the Meat Puppets' world, this book is a must-read for anyone who appreciates the power of words and the enduring legacy of a musical legend.

Weight: 582g
Dimension: 158 x 237 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780810884120