No other writer has analyzed the similarities between the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, and how their construction is similar to that of the second side of the Guns and Roses “Lies” EP.

True story: In the original 2001 publication of “Fargo Rock City,” author Chuck Klosterman included his home phone number in the “acknowledgments” section saying, “If you hate this book, feel free to call me at home.”

As fate would have it, David Byrne of Talking Heads fame stumbled upon “Fargo Rock City” and absolutely loved it. He proceeded to call Klosterman at home and ordered him to attend a book reading with “The New York Times Magazine.” Five years later, Klosterman is a senior writer at “Spin” and a columnist for “Esquire” and his phone number has changed.

Very rarely does a book on popular culture pack so much knowledge, wit and talent into a subject — ’80s heavy metal — that is often “taboo” for many. In fact, Klosterman, the pale white kid from North Dakota who grew up on Motley Crue, could be the first writer brave enough to put a serious spin on the ’80s heavy metal scene.

Most people roll their eyes and scoff at the mere mention of the label. But throughout the span of “Fargo Rock City,” Klosterman makes a ridiculously engaging point as to why ’80s metal did matter to an entire generation.

Early on in the book it becomes apparent that Klosterman is not a “bitter fan” trying to write a simple memoir. He tackles the subject in a very analytical way. No other writer has analyzed the similarities between the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, and how their construction is similar to that of the second side of the Guns and Roses “Lies” EP.

Klosterman said that KISS is the second most influential band in history and that Eddie Van Halen is the most influential guitarist ever. And with the supporting facts that Klosterman provides, it becomes hard to argue.

In between his stories and comparisons, Klosterman finds time to paint a vivid picture of life growing up in a one-stoplight town during the turbulent 1980s.

Every band people are embarrassed to like — Ratt, Poison, Cinderella, Winger, Warrant, Motley Crue, Def Leppard, Skid Row, Van Halen — are all here. “Fargo Rock City” really does deliver “nothin’ but a good time,” even to those who feel the greatest thing about the ’80s was the end of the ’80s.

> Comments