Some New Kind of Kick is the story of a Hispanic gay punk’s journey from a confused adolescent to guitarist with The Cramps.
It’s the late 1970s. Punk rock is just beginning in Los Angeles. Here is your chance to take a drug-fueled lap around the club and gay scene with Kid Congo.
Since I grew up in the same area at the same time, many of the stories in the book bring back good memories. Unfortunately, many of those same stories are name bombs that show who the author met but little about those people’s personalities or quirks. I expected more personal details about some seemingly interesting characters.
Some New Kind of Kick is an interesting read for those interested in punk music and/or gay culture, particularly in Los Angeles. It is also an empowering coming-of-age tale about how to find yourself when everyone else around you looks/feels completely different from you. 3.5 stars!
Thanks to Hachette Books and NetGalley for a digital review copy of the book.