411 Book Review: Too Much, Too Late by Marc Spitz
Posted by Morgan Marx on 03.11.2006
My first book report in God knows how long...
A lot of people dislike Spin magazine. They usual complain about the magazine being too snarky, too Indie, or not Indie enough. And then there's the yearly Kurt Cobain issue, which always ruffles a few feathers. But I was always a fan, seeing it as the most mainstream of the alternative rags out there. While both the sale of the magazine and the departure of editor Sia Michel have left Spin's future in doubt, I'm grateful that I've been introduced to several excellent writers. Chief among them has been Chuck Klosterman, Andy Greenwald, and Marc Spitz. All three have a uniquely different voice that leaps from the page, be it an interview with a major star, or in an original commentary. Unsurprisingly, I'm also a fan of the trio's endeavors in the world of literature. All three have released books about music, and both Greenwald and Spitz have entered into the world of fiction.
Spitz's first novel (How Soon Is Never?) was absolutely perfect for a reader like me. Half coming of age tale, half middle age crisis documentary, Spitz's debut contained amazing characters and hilarious scenes. The fact that both the music and the members of one of my favorite bands, The Smiths, was interwoven throughout the narrative only heightened my appreciation. Spitz seemed to draw frequently from his own life to create the people and places, which gave the book a certain air of authority. Too Much, Too Late similarly deals with subjects close to Spitz's heart. Does it stack up again How Soon? or does it fall a little flat, like the sophomore album from a buzz worthy band.
Too Much, Too Late is ostensibly the memoir of every-drummer Sandy Klein. Having grown up Jewish in a small, nondescript Ohio town, Sandy turned to music as both a social bridge and distraction, something to put off answering the question, "What do I do after high school?" With guitarist/Keith Richards enthusiast Rudy Tunick and bassist/weirdo Archie Funz by his side, Sandy starts a simple garage band to help pass the time between bong hits and beer runs. Inspired by a poster of muse Winona Ryder and the Indie stars of the early 90's, Sandy dreams of a greatness that seems unattainable. But the addition of singer/songwriter Harry Vance elevates the band from a mere hobby to something more akin to a career. The guys get serious, learn to play their instruments, and settle on a name, the Jane Ashers, as a nod to an obscure British actress. Harry is something of a pop genius, a kinder, gentler Cobain. On the heels of an amazingly catchy ode to his future wife, Deborah, the band actually gets a shot at their big break: opening for Liz Phair! But a familial crisis tosses Harry for a spin, and it looks like the Ashers will be doomed to obscurity before the world could marvel at "Let's Go Steady Debbie."
Now it's the year 2002 (or something close). In the world of downloading and blogging, any band can be an instant success, even a group of overweight guys quickly approaching middle age. Spurred by the recommendation of Internet maven (and high school student) Natalie Levine (who's Myspace name is Motorrrju), the Jane Ashers suddenly become the favorite band of every 14 year old in the country. Sandy decides to get the group back together and make a play for stardom. But the Ashers have to struggle with the relationships between sons and fathers, the death of a band member, and the ridiculous amounts of coke that haunt every band. Will Sandy like life in the limelight? Or will it be all too much for a band too pure?
Spitz is a great author. He's easily readable, and he has a knack for creating living characters. But Too Much is slightly flawed. The book jumps between centering on Sandy and Harry Vance. Sandy (in the first person) discusses events in Harry's life as though he were omnipresent. It's somewhat implausible, and it hurts the narrative. The book also seems a little rushed. You don't form the kind of attachment to Sandy or Harry that was formed in How Soon to main character Joe Greene (who does show up in Too Much). Also, the book shifts from pleasant comedy to dark drama so quickly, it can be unsettling. Certain events spring up from nowhere, making the reader pause to steady herself.
While Too Much is lacking in certain areas, it's still a great read for anyone interested in music or bands. Spitz definitely nails the struggles bands face in the garage, and the ridiculousness that can occur when a band hits it big. Characters like label executives and hipsters all get a good satirical thrashing. Books about music and growing up are invariably compared to the seminal High Fidelity, but Spitz puts a good spin on the story of guys reaching maturity, however delayed it is. It's a credit to Spitz's abilities as a writer that the relationship between 30-something Sandy Klein and 18-something Motorrrju seems completely natural. You find yourself hoping that Motorrrju will help Sandy grow up before the lights go down in the bar, and the pages run out in the book.
The 411
Spitz solidifies his place as an actual author with his second novel. While not as engrossing as his first, Too Much, Too Late is a great paperback read. If you're headed out on tour soon, give it a glance.
