Lars Frederiksen and the Bastards

Volume two in the life and times of Rancid guitarist Lars Frederiksen is chock-a-block full of more tales of fighting, fucking and thieving that were the stuff of his youth. Like his legendary Norse ancestors, Frederiksen has never met a good time he couldn't make better and more dangerous. Teaming with his band-mate Tim Armstrong (who acts as a sort of behind the scenes star-maker/guidance counsellor), Frederiksen and his bastards pull no punches in chronicling the sordid details of his life. It's not a lifestyle for everyone to be sure, but he paints such a vivid picture of growing up piss poor in California we can't help but be moved and inspired by his willingness to tell the truth. This is crusty punk at its crustiest.