Black Postcards

Black Postcards a memoir by former Galaxie 500 and Luna front man, Dean Wareham, is probably a book with a limited audience. However, I am that audience, I’m a huge fan of both of his former bands and his current project, Britta & Dean.  He writes about his time with both bands, the music industry, and the trials and tribulations of his personal life.  It comes as no surprise that he is a gifted storyteller; I have always been extremely impressed with his skills as a lyricist. Particularly, the breakup of Galaxie 500 was bitter for him since it was a band he started with friends who were trying to make him look like the bad guy, but here are always two sides to the story and he gets to put his version of the story on record in this book.  He makes life in a critically acclaimed indie band sound sort of depressing, but I think he relishes the fact that he had been able to make a living doing something that he is good at and loves. 

There is some very personal soul searching in regards to his love life.  He chronicles the break up of his marriage and subsequent hook up with current flame and co-band member Britta Phillips, with whom he has made the excellent recording L’Advventura. (I need to catch up on their catalogue-but indie’s aren’t always easy to find).  Wareham seems like a thoughtful and intelligent guy who would be interesting to talk to. (I was impressed that quotes Graham Greene and reads Murakami and Hollenbecq-three of my favorite writers) I think this would make an excellent companion study of the music industry alongside the fascinating Wilco documentary, You Are Trying To Break My Heart.