My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher Globe Pequot- Backbeat for an advance copy of this biography dealing with one of the mysterious yet influential musicians of the early punk scene, a singer whose performances drove crowds to hysterics, became a friend to many, and an influence to bands yet to come for his love of performance, and being true to the artist inside.

In the early 1970's music was starting to change again and new bands, with new music, and ways of performing began to appear. One band, a duo was asked by legendary owner of CBGB Hilly Kristal, “I hope you’re not planning for this to be your career.” A band that other bands would ask to open for them, knowing either a riot would happen, or something so the headliners could take a night off. A band that would have so much stuff thrown at them, that roadies could make hundreds cleaning the stage of spare change off the stage. A band that locked doors to keep people in. A band whose name made Alan Ginsberg physically angry. A band called Suicide. With Alan Vega and lyrics, singing and moaning, and Marty Rev creatin musical soundscapes, the band angered listeners, radio people, and bar owners, yet crafted a musical legacy that lasts to this day, with music that still sounds like tomorrow. Infinite Dreams The Life of Alan Vega is a biography by Laura Davis-Chanin and Vega's wife Liz Lamere, discussing the life of a man who was so mysterious and dark on stage, yet a man who was loved my many in the music industry.

Alan Vega was born Alan Bermowitz, and raised in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn in 1939, something that Vega never discussed, always pretending to be at least ten years younger. Alan grew up in a traditional family, one not particularly Jewish but one that pretty much regulated where his life was going to go. And though he loved art, he knew the world was not for him. Until college, when studying physics his sketchbook was spotted, and he was able to switch majors, something his father was not happy about. This started a split that never healed. Vega married and began an art career, but soon found both music and drugs. Alan left his wife, and began to experiment in art and in his life. Soon he found a like minded person in Marty Rev and after some feeling out, the idea of Suicide was born, and a career began to grow.

A wonderful, complete look at a man who embraced his art in every way he could. Vega was a rebel, one who loved to stand out and was patient enough, to put up with the slings and arrows, and occasional knives and axes that came his way, until others began to see how the art really was complete. The book looks at Vega's youth, his art and solo career, soundtracks installations and best of all his numerous friendships with people in the music industry one would not expect. Ric Ocasek of the Cars, Bruce Springsteen, Henry Rollins, all those still around discuss working with or listening to Vega, and what a great person he seemed to be. There is a little drifting around in time. This happens in the interviews and in the book, but one could see Vega saying life isn't chapters, so one can forgive that. Vega really comes across as a great person, and one that the world, especially this current world could use a lot more of.

Recommended for music fans, art fans, and for those who love stories about New York City especially in the 70's and 80's. Just be sure to play a lot of Vega's music while listening.