You Can't Go Back If There's Nothing to Go Back To

I wrote yesterday about Lean on Pete: one of the most moving books I've ever read. Its author, Willy Vlautin, also doubles up as songwriter and front man with Richmond Fontaine. After twenty odd years together the Portland Oregon band called it a day in 2016 leaving behind them a slew of great albums. I've come to the party real late (purely on the back of Lean on Pete), so have got a shed load of catching up to do.

This is a great song. And the version of it I've chosen (below) is a very stripped back affair (how I generally like my alt. country) with just Vlautin and his fellow guitarist Dan Eccles. Hopefully it will whet your appetite and inspire you to dip into their back catalogue.  

Richmond Fontaine - Don't Skip Out on Me (2016)

Lean on Buscemi

Every now and again a book comes along that hits you right there; yeah, there. One such book is our latest Book Club read, Lean on Pete by Willy Vlautin. I couldn't put it down on the train the other day - I read it in two sittings (I honestly can't remember the last time I did that).

I shan't bother you with a synopsis, other than to say it's probably the best coming of age slash road novel you're ever likely to come across. Since finishing it I took a look at the movie trailer (yep, it got the motion picture treatment back in 2017) and I think I may have to watch it (I know, I know, I'm breaking one of literary's cardinal rules). But I think I may be forgiven just this once: Steve Buscemi's in it. How can I not watch it? Of course it won't be as good as the book, but, did I tell you, Steve Buscemi's in it!

Lean on Pete - official trailer (2017)