Finally. Someone who gets it. And can write about it.
It's tough being an "almost forty" working professional, and still have your life revolve around music. I don't mean being involved in the music world. I mean, music playing a huge part in your life. Almost like a movie soundtrack. A movie wouldn't be the same without a soundtrack – yet the movie doesn't have to be about the music.
Mark Lindquist captures the essence of a movie soundtrack life.
Nevermind Nirvana follows the life of Pete Tyler, Seattle native, former grunge rocker, turned prosecuting attorney. An "almost forty" lawyer, that, by day prosecutes murderers, rapists and other really bad people – and by night, still hangs out at the same watering holes that his band use to play at. By day, well respected professional. By night, a skirt-chasing, hard-drinking, rocker.
Pete Tyler has one foot in each life, the best of both worlds, with no intention of change.
Until a case lands on his desk, with the ability to change everything. Pete's been shouldered with the burden of prosecuting a local rocker accused of date rape. His two worlds, previously separated by daylight, will now collide in the courtroom.
Lindquist does a great job of capturing the turmoil of Pete Tyler's life, with it's continuously running movie soundtrack.
Music dictates everything. The music playing on Pete's car stereo, his apartment "jukebox", his office radio, all determine the mood and mindset of the situation. Critical events and moments are punctuated by, or distracted by, the music playing in the background. Certain songs remind him of people, places or situations. While certain people, places and situations remind him of songs.
I enjoyed this book because I can relate. We all have our responsibilities as adults – but we still enjoy the fleeting idea that we can pack it in, and live the "rock n' roll" life or the "movie star" life or the "secret agent" life or whatever "movie" plays in your head when you listen to certain music.
I enjoyed the continuous references to bands and songs of the past and present. I enjoy the fact that some of my favorite songs affected Lindquist (and his alter-ego, Pete) in the same way they affected me.
A highly recommended read for the "almost forty" crowd – especially if you're still holding on to the idea that you might one day be able to "get the band back together".
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