2008 Woodie Awards
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Up-and-coming band gets a big boost from its published journal
by Tiffany Reagan | Associate Pulse Editor
Who the hell lives in Missoula, Montana? I do not know anyone there and you probably don't either - until now.
A relatively unknown band called the Hermans (not to be confused with English rock band Herman's Hermits) has released a journal that chronicles the lives of its members in Missoula.
For the small price of $17.95, or $21.50 if you're Canadian, you can have access to the private correspondence, journal entries, photos, lyrics and set lists of the up-and-coming band.
The band is made up of David Jones on vocals and guitar, Derk Schmidt on drums, Chris Entz on lead guitar and Bill Pfeiffer on bass.
"The Hermans: Stalking America" is not Emily Brontë, but it's such a great read.
If you can sift through the handwritten notes and typewriter-style diary entries, you will also find that it's a rewarding read.
Pretentious rock critics may call it an authentic glimpse of an American band struggling to find its place in the cold, unforgiving world of rock 'n' roll, but honestly, it's just really fun.
Even Jeff Ament, bassist for Pearl Jam, loved the book.
He wrote the book's forward on a Los Angeles parking ticket.
The book mimics the look of a regular black composition notebook, like the one you wrote bad poems in during your more formative years.
I love that reading the book makes me feel as if I'm reading the band's private journal; it's naughty.
Pictures, flyers and handwritten notes look as if they have been taped to the pages.
The highlights of "The Hermans: Stalking America" are definitely the entries directed to a very abused journal.
"Dear journal, you heathenous bastard."
"Journal - you hooker, First of all, I hate you."
One of my favorite pages in the book is a handwritten letter to God.
Schmidt asks God why his band keeps getting crappy shows and why they constantly play in front of no one.
He also explains how half of all Christian rock lyrics are plagiarized from "the Bible."
Schmidt said, "If indeed you are a bit too busy at the moment, I am sending a facsimile of this letter to Santa Claus as well. I assume he will be prompt in responding, so let's not get shown up by a jolly fat man. Sound good?"
The reader will enjoy the band's journey, from the first idea e-mailed to a friend to marriage to the first big tour. This book chronicles everything worth writing down.
As Schmidt said, "So, children, if we have learned one lesson today, let it be known that if you do anything that is even remotely important to you, keep a journal of it. Some idiot may want to use it to profit from your aspirations."
treagan@dailyemerald.com
A relatively unknown band called the Hermans (not to be confused with English rock band Herman's Hermits) has released a journal that chronicles the lives of its members in Missoula.
For the small price of $17.95, or $21.50 if you're Canadian, you can have access to the private correspondence, journal entries, photos, lyrics and set lists of the up-and-coming band.
The band is made up of David Jones on vocals and guitar, Derk Schmidt on drums, Chris Entz on lead guitar and Bill Pfeiffer on bass.
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"The Hermans: Stalking America" is not Emily Brontë, but it's such a great read.
If you can sift through the handwritten notes and typewriter-style diary entries, you will also find that it's a rewarding read.
Pretentious rock critics may call it an authentic glimpse of an American band struggling to find its place in the cold, unforgiving world of rock 'n' roll, but honestly, it's just really fun.
Even Jeff Ament, bassist for Pearl Jam, loved the book.
He wrote the book's forward on a Los Angeles parking ticket.
The book mimics the look of a regular black composition notebook, like the one you wrote bad poems in during your more formative years.
I love that reading the book makes me feel as if I'm reading the band's private journal; it's naughty.
Pictures, flyers and handwritten notes look as if they have been taped to the pages.
The highlights of "The Hermans: Stalking America" are definitely the entries directed to a very abused journal.
"Dear journal, you heathenous bastard."
"Journal - you hooker, First of all, I hate you."
One of my favorite pages in the book is a handwritten letter to God.
Schmidt asks God why his band keeps getting crappy shows and why they constantly play in front of no one.
He also explains how half of all Christian rock lyrics are plagiarized from "the Bible."
Schmidt said, "If indeed you are a bit too busy at the moment, I am sending a facsimile of this letter to Santa Claus as well. I assume he will be prompt in responding, so let's not get shown up by a jolly fat man. Sound good?"
The reader will enjoy the band's journey, from the first idea e-mailed to a friend to marriage to the first big tour. This book chronicles everything worth writing down.
As Schmidt said, "So, children, if we have learned one lesson today, let it be known that if you do anything that is even remotely important to you, keep a journal of it. Some idiot may want to use it to profit from your aspirations."
treagan@dailyemerald.com
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Dave Jones
posted 4/23/08 @ 6:56 PM PST
Students of the U of O: pay attention to Tiffany Reagan here; she knows a good book when she reads one. Other than that, go buy the book and I hope your day is going better than mine: it is f*ing April and still snowing in Montana. (Continued…)
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