Spoken Word
Big Ugly Mouth (1987) - Dehumanized on this album was a defining moment for me in high school: it pretty much encapsulated the way I saw the world. Boy on a train is really great as well.
Human Butt (1992) - Adventures of an Asshole and Donate your bodies to science, you fools are hilarious; Decoration is profound. Another album that enabled me to cope with the terrors of high school.
The Boxed Life (1993) - Hating Someone's Guts pts. 1&2, Funny Guy, and Strength pts 1&2 were all listened to repeatedly in my high school years for their humour and insight.
Eric the Pilot (1999) - If you want a light, funny intro to Rollins, Eric the Pilot is a great place to start. Not the most hardcore or insightful, but it's a damn funny story!
Live at the Westbeth Theater (2004)- The Undoing of a Man is a comical reflection on the perils of "growing up."
Talk is Cheap Vol. 3 (2006) - Disc one is great for anyone who felt like America barely survived George W. Bush's presidency. I really relate to Your Anger Manager.
Music
The End of Silence - Low Self Opinion, Grip, and What Do You Do are probably my favorite songs on this one. I used to listen to this on tape!
Weight - Alien Blueprint is a sort of anthem of mine.
Books
One From None - I used to steal my brother's copy of One From None every chance I got in high school. "I believe that one defines oneself by reinvention. To not be like your parents. To not be like your friends. To be yourself." So great.
Do I Come Here Often? - I can't pin down one quote or reason why I liked this book so much, I just really, really liked it.
Smile, You're Traveling - Rollins offers an interesting reflection on Jesus in this book.
Smile, You're Traveling - Rollins offers an interesting reflection on Jesus in this book.
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I hope this informal guide to the life and times of Henry Rollins inspires some of you to check out his work!
Happy Birthday, Henry, and THANKS for everything. I seriously don't know where I'd be without you.
Such a nice tribute!
ReplyDeleteI love that quote from One From None.
Don't you ever forget that time we drove to KY to see him!
Thanks!
ReplyDeleteAnd, how could I forget that? That was so fun!