Many thanks to James and Jacqueline Milano for always insisting I’d write a book. To Pat McGrath, Jenny Toomey, Damon and Naomi, J.J. Rassler, Barbara Mitchell, Steve Wynn, Mary Lou Lord, Lauren at Rounder, and Eric at Fantagraphics for their ideas and contacts. To Peter Wolf, Thurston Moore, Peter Buck, Peter Holsapple, and Jeff Conolly for sharing their reflections and collections. To Colleen Mohyde and Michael Connor for running with it. To Julia Parker for support and sushi. And to all who tossed in ideas, shouted encouragement, or just hung out: Perry Roy, Marlene, Jon, Zoe, Jonathan, Amy and Gay, Karen, Kevin and the Shods, Ellie, Joe and the Charms, David, Lisa, Andrew, and the LA contingent. This is also dedicated to the bands I love; especially to the Continental Drifters, Lyres, the Real Kids, Guided by Voices, Robyn Hitchcock, and the Radiators for inspirational shows. Long live the Abbey Lounge, the Middle East, and the 1369 Coffeehouse.