Meet Me in the Bathroom: Rebirth and Rock and Roll in New York City 2001-2011 Hardcover – Illustrated, May 23, 2017

Can’t recommend “meet me in the bathroom” enough. It’s the story of nyc indie rock (basically 90% of all indie music during the early 2000s) from late 1990s to 2011.But it also includes non-NYC bands who made it via the NYC/London route, like kings of Leon and the Killers. Really well done and comprised of satisfying arcs, only the DFA breakup leaves you wondering “what really happened”. Using only interviews, it covers the overlapping careers of a variety of different rockstars, art rockers, and NYC celebs in a compelling way, it really does read like fiction. You probably need to love some of this music to really dig the book, but it’s a great read if you love reading about egos, ambition, what defines “culture” as well as addiction, depression, and human frailty. And of course, similar to “please kill me” about the punk movement, there’s a ton of great tangential history (living through tech and real estate booms, as well as 9/11, as a bohemian) and and era-defining debauchery that seem to occur in pop culture every 20 years or so.Most importantly, it answers life’s deepest questions, like “what did the strokes think when they first heard mr brightside?”

Good story of the Strokes, Interpol, TVOR, LCD Soundsystem, and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs for the years mentioned (2001 to 2011). So much in here that I didn't know, and some that I did. Of course, I would have liked them to continue the story with these bands (i.e., Interpol's 2018 album got pretty good reviews...and the band is showing they can make some good music as a three-piece.) But I understand that she had to stop the story somewhere. Pre-2001 NYC scene also gets some coverage so we know the "pre-history."For some reason, the Killers, Kings of Leon, and other non-NYC acts are also discussed...apparently because they either borrowed some of the sounds of these bands and/or got popular around the same time. But it's not really clear to me why they're in the book. And if you're going to discuss them, then give the England scene more play, especially Bloc Party circa 2005.And although the book has some on the Brooklyn bands, the coverage is minimal. Given the National became the most critically acclaimted NYC indie rock act of the second half of the 00s, I was surprised by how little they were covered, except in their experiences with the "big 5" bands in the first pgh. And what about mid-decade darlings the Hold Steady? Craig Finn is quoted once or twice, but somehow ignoring their 3-album pinnacle (staring with Separation Sunday) seemed like a big miss. Is Brazilian Girls in there? If they are, I missed it.Anyway, it's worth a read. But we all have our own version of the NYC scene in those days. I'm pointing out the bands that were important to me; others would probably disagree.

Although I have not finished this book yet, I haven't been able to put it down. I have read a few of the critical reviews that do not like the way that the book is written, because it is an oral history full of quotes that are interwoven together to tell the story of various bands throughout the early 2000s. I personally like the oral history aspect, but my recommendation would be go have a bookmark or page marker at the beginning of the book, because they give a brief description of the individuals being quoted throughout the book. In the first 100 pages, I've found myself flipping back and forth quite a bit, because I was not familiar with some of the journalists, promoters, and founders of the various bars/record labels, and they do not provide much of a bio in the quotes. With that being said, do not let the style of the book dissuade you from purchasing. If you're a fan of music like myself, you will have a hard time taking a break from reading this book.

If you spent any time listening to (and possibly caring about) the good-to-decent music being put out in NYC in the early 2000s, you will immediately be drawn into this book. And for those who lived it (from nearby, or from afar via music blogs -- remember them?) you will not put this down. It's like riding a tidal wave. All momentum, some glory, and lots of messy wipeouts. Goodman is a selective, though reliable moderator. She's a journalist through and through. Sure, there is bias. Sure, she skipped some bands/scenes from the era. But perhaps somebody else will pick up where she left off. Meet Me in the Bathroom is an instant classic. The new Our Band Could Be Your Life. There is no doubt 16 year olds reading this book will later pick up a bass or start banging on a drum set or become the next Karen O -- inspired by the stories within.

Hard to be objective when I love most the bands represented here, but I devoured this book. All the players are at the table--you can read the description--and somehow Lizzy Goodman's got them talking. Sure the parties are a hook, but read for the inspirations which fueled each band, the 60+ characters represented, and the book-long tribute to a city that seems to give each generation its own little present to keep for themselves (and of course later declare better than anyone else's). Bravo to Lizzy Goodman for obtaining an unfathomable participation rate when a half-count would still have made a good book and, in contrast to one reviewer below in need of an author's presence, I say further kudos to Ms. Goodman for having the wherewithal and total lack of ego to let the voices speak for themselves. Her presence is the book. Brilliant work.

An insider's peak behind the curtain of a burgeoning rock scene w/ eventual Rock Stars!(at least for a few years). Very interesting for an outsider who grew up during that time and observed from a distance, but loved the music. It feels very authentic, due to the format and personal stories. The book paints a picture of NY for those who have never visited.This book has inspired me to go back and listen to the music I loved at the time(Yeah Yeah Yeahs), along with introducing me to new bands(Interpol) that I missed. That's all you can ask for in a book; along with being very entertaining.JD

Haven’t read it in it’s entirety yet but it’s pretty cool. I almost feel like I was there hanging out with all of these cool musicians. However, outside of the introduction, this whole book consists of quotes. So if thats not your thing then stay away.

A história oral do rock de NY dos anos 00 contada por quem vivenciou tudo aquilo. Quem é fã de Strokes, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Interpol, Killers, Kings of Leon e outras bandas da época, não pode ficar sem ler. Leitura essencial também para quem é fã de música.

Was not what I expected

Absolute must read for anyone who came of age as a music fan in the ‘00s. I laughed and cried and couldn’t put it down.

Gave it to a friend to read since it was so good!