What is emo? For starters it's a form of melodic,
confessional, or EMOtional punk rock. But emo is more
than a genre of music-it's the defining counterculture
movement of the '00s. EVERYBODY HURTS is a reference
book for emo, tracing its angsty roots all the way from
Shakespeare to Holden Caufield to today's most popular
bands. There's nothing new about that perfect chocolate
and peanut butter combination--teenagers and angst. What
is new is that emo is the first cultural movement born
on the internet. With the development of early social
networking sites like Make Out Club (whose mission is to
unite ''like-minded nerds, loners, indie rockers, record
collectors, video gamers, hardcore kids, and artists
through friendship, music, and sometimes even love'')
outcast teens had a place to find each other and share
their pain, their opinions, and above all, their
music-which wasn't available for sale at the local
record store. Authors Leslie Simon and Trevor Kelley
lead the reader through the world of emo including its
ideology, music, and fashion, as well as its influences
on film, television, and literature. With a healthy dose
of snark and sarcasm, EVERYBODY HURTS uses diagrams,
illustrations, timelines, and step-by-step instructions
to help the reader successfully achieve the ultimate emo
lifestyle. Or, alternately, teach him to spot an emo kid
across the mall in order to mock him mercilessly. |
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