Big
Pinch World
Issue 1
“Love, death and ordinary fun.” If only all first issues were this good!
Randy succeeds in his goal of telling tales that serve as “stencils of a sort.”
These stories from his life reflect on family, friendship, love, life, and death
in often subtle, yet always sincere, ways. I found the longest story, which
weaves together Randy’s description of his father’s final days with details of
his family’s history, to be the most moving. The last story is fiction and
differs in theme from the others, but was still enjoyable. I’d recommend this
on the strength of the personal essays, which are written in a warm and
confident voice. [5.5” x 8.5”, $2 or fair trade, Randy Osborne, PO Box 246, Fox
River Grove, IL 60021,
bigpinchworld@mindspring.com]
Born
to Rock
“Heavy drinkers and thinkers: a collection of interviews and essays by Todd
Taylor.” Todd understands the fine art of interviewing, which he expounds upon
in an essay in this book. It’s the last piece in the book, and it was
interesting to read it after being blown away by the quality of the interviews
in this book. As I read his descriptions of his techniques, I could think back
over the interviews and say, yeah, Todd really gets it; he truly knows his
stuff. This book is amazing. It’s a testament to the shining star of punk
rock, to the beauty of fine journalism, and to the elusive secrets of what makes
musicians tick. I hadn’t even heard of some of the bands in here, but I still
found myself engrossed in reading their thoughts and views, as teased out
through Todd’s careful questioning. And it’s because of his ability to reach in
beyond the typical band stuff and extract the individuality of the members as
people. In addition to the many band interviews, Todd also includes interviews
with people as varied as lawyer and novelist Andrew Vachss, and notorious
underground comic artist Mike Diana. The essays that bookend the main section
of interviews articulate Todd’s experiences with punk rock and his passionate
belief in its persistent relevance. All in all, this book is an excellent
collection from one of punk rock’s most earnest and talented journalists. [5.5”
x 8.5” paperback, $13.95, ISBN 096681858X, Gorsky Press, PO Box 42024, LA, CA
90042,
www.gorskypress.com]
Call
& Response
Issue 1
Spring 2004
This is a new personal zine from passionate mail artist Gianni Simone. Most
of the stories have been previously published in other places, but they still
convey a unified, and intriguing, portrait of Gianni. And, as would be expected
from a mail artist, the layout and graphics in here are top-notch. The color of
the cover stock is really cool, too, and one that I’ve never seen before. And
the cover features a color-copied photo of the man himself in India, posing with
a four-legged companion. Topics inside range from a diary of photocopy thievery
to breakfast in India, and from mail art to insect encounters. Gianni’s writing
is expressive and articulate, even in his non-native language of English, which
makes his new zine a pleasure to read. I’ll be looking forward to future
issues! [5.5” x 8.5”, $3 or 3 IRCs worldwide, selective trades (contact first),
Gianni Simone, 3-3-23 Nagatsuta, Midori-ku, Yokohama-shi, 226-0027 Kanagawa-ken,
Japan,
jb64jp@yahoo.co.jp]
Child
That Mind
#3
I’ve really been enjoying reading zines written by folks who live in other
countries. Whenever I come across them, I inevitably appreciate the
perspectives expressed within. They’re not always on topics that are uncommon
in American zines, but there are always at least a few kernels that reflect a
person’s experiences growing up somewhere different. Case in point is Moira’s
perzine, which I loved. Approximately a quarter of this issue is devoted to her
frustrating and complicated experiences with being diagnosed with polycystic
ovarian syndrome and pelvic congestion syndrome. The balance of the zine is a
journal of her life in Auckland, NZ. Part of this talks about the beginning of
the Iraq War, which I found to still be relevant, even though it’s now over a
year later. Moira’s writing is personable and creatively descriptive, and this
is the kind of zine I like to read straight through in a quiet room at night
while drinking a hot cup of tea. [4” square, $? (email or check her website),
Moira Clunie, PO Box 7754, Wellesley Street, Auckland, New Zealand,
moira@nutmeg.gen.nz,
http://nutmeg.gen.nz/zines]
The
Die
Vol. 2 No. 3
Summer/Fall 2003
“New readings in culture, literature, and philosophy.” The subtitle fits
well, as this zine provides fresh examinations of familiar concepts and also
offers thoughts on new issues. The main article in this issue compares and
contrasts the ideas of self-reliance and self-sufficiency, particularly as
outlined by Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau. What I found
interesting was that the author, editor Joe Smith, researched and wrote it in
order to clarify his own thinking about self-reliance after finding himself in
disagreement over a particular issue with a community of zinesters who he’d
initially thought would’ve shared his opinion. This kind of critical
examination and research is refreshing to see in a zine. Another highlight of
this issue was Michael Jackman’s personal essay on lawn maintenance. As someone
who also uses a reel mower, I found myself sympathetic to his plight. Also
included in this issue are news briefs covering social and political issues,
book and zine reviews, and a letters section. This zine provided plenty of
good, though-provoking reading. [8.5” x 14”, free subscriptions (cash or stamp
donation appreciated), Red Roach Press, PO Box 764, College Park, MD 20740,
redroachpress@yahoo.com,
http://redroachpress.tripod.com]
Genetic
Disorder
#17
Any zine with a 3-D cover (and glasses for viewing) gets bonus points
straight off the bat. Genetic Disorder is definitely a punk zine, and
better than most I’ve seen. Editor Larry starts off with a personal intro that
leads into the bulk of the issue. “Loser’s Guide to San Diego,” presumably an
ongoing feature, spotlights the Big 5 Sporting Goods store where the Menendez
brothers bought the shotguns that they used to kill their parents. The feature
gives a snapshot of the case and a short, but informative history of the
Menendez family. Larry also reprints the text of a brochure intended to teach
parents about various youth subcultures. It offers a highly amusing
categorization of groups that aren’t so neatly defined in real life. Other
contents in this issue include an interesting interview with the band Coachwhips,
profiles of the 15 shootings by the San Diego Police Department in 2002, and a
travel report by Zach Connolly on a trip to the 3-day Rock ‘n’ Roll Blackout in
Chicago. Also includes record and zine reviews. Genetic Disorder is one
of few long-running punk zines around today, and it’s still going strong. Well
worth a look. [5.5” x 8.5”, $4 ppd. (online through PayPal, cash, or money
order), Genetic Disorder, PO Box 15237, San Diego, CA 92175,
www.geneticdisorder.net]
The
Gleaner
#8
Simply calling The Gleaner an art zine seems insufficient. Each issue
is a piece of artwork in itself. This issue takes Leonardo da Vinci as a theme,
and explores elements of his significance as an artist. Mixed in are examples
and suggestions for art projects contributed by both Sherylynne and her
readers. Above all else, this zine is to be used as a source for ideas and
inspiration. It’s not so much a zine to sit down and read, although there are
certainly interesting essays in here, including a fascinating brief history of
alchemy. But the zine itself comes with all sorts of ephemeral objects pasted
in and enclosed in attached envelopes, with the intention being that you will
remove them and create some art of your own. I’ve never seen anything quite
like it. The packaging and design is exquisite, and I can’t even begin to
imagine how much time it takes to assemble each copy (and she makes 1200 copies
quarterly!). A one-of-a-kind zine. [5.5” x 8.5”, $12, Sherylynne Carriveau, The Gleaner Zine, POB 8429, Long Beach, CA
90808,
thegleaner@aol.com]
Greasy
Spoon
No. 16-17
Winter 2004
I love this zine for two reasons: its singularity of focus and the passion
that springs from such a focus. Greasy Spoon (formerly Burger Boy)
celebrates vintage American restaurants and does so with style. The writing in
here is excellent and truly brings the topic to life. It made me nostalgic for
the vintage restaurants I’ve eaten at in the past. The restaurant profiles pay
homage to the places that have disappeared and happily promote the ones that
have stayed open. And, although we all know how the proliferation of chain
fast-food restaurants plays a major role in the closing of these old-time
restaurants, there’s very little bitterness in the pages of Greasy Spoon.
Maybe a little sadness, but the overall tone is one of reverence and affinity
for the wonderfully original eating spots that once lined American roadsides in
abundance. Even if you’re not an active enthusiast, reading this zine might
inspire you to start seeking these places out. [8.5” x 11”, 2-issue sub. $8,
single or back issues $1.50 or $2 (dependent on issue), cash or checks to “Dirk
Burhans), Greasy Spoon, PO Box 30103, Columbia, MO 65205-3103,
burhansd@missouri.edu,
http://web.missouri.edu/~burhansd]
Greenzine
#13
Wow, this is a cool zine! Honestly, I don’t know where zines like this come
from. It makes me wonder what else is out there that I’m missing. Cristy is
not only a good writer; she’s also a phenomenal artist. Her black and white
drawings expand across two-page spreads, dividing up the neatly typewritten
sections of text. Most of the writing is Cristy’s, although the later sections
also include some contributions from other people. Topics explored include the
power and value of friendship, different types of relationships, sexual assault,
traveling, home, coming of age, and activism. This is a powerful read, and I
recommend it wholeheartedly. [5.5” x 8.5”, $2-3? (email or check website),
Cristy C. Road c/o Greenzine, 14222 SW 83 St., Miami, FL 33183,
croadcore@yahoo.com,
http://croadcore.cjb.net]
Here
#7
“The stories behind where you are.” Well, I’m pleased to have discovered
Here! It’s a literate and engaging read presented in an attractive and
easy-to-read format. Let’s dive into the contents. The first feature is a
compilation of responses to an email sent out by the editor to readers, friends,
and random acquaintances on the day the Iraq War started. The question: What
does the war look like from where you are? The result is a fascinating array of
thoughtful observations and opinions. Next up is a discussion between the
editor and two of his friends (?), one of whom is a former urban planner, on the
plans for rebuilding on the World Trade Center site. Following that are
interviews with two musicians: Barbara Manning and Catherine Irwin. Even though
I’d heard of neither, the interviews still held my attention. The remainder of
the issue includes an article on the value of the now-abandoned Tiger Stadium, a
personal tribute to Johnny Cash, a short story that touches on the difficulty of
cultural and language barriers, especially in wartime, and my favorite piece in
the issue, “No Sugar?”, a reflective essay on the complications of finding
lasting human companionship in today’s frenetically paced society. Overall,
it’s an excellent issue, and at a bargain price for this caliber of writing.
[5.5” x 8.5”, $3/issue or $10 for 4 issues, Here, PO Box 300743, Midwood
Station, Brooklyn, NY 11230,
editor@heremagazine.com,
www.heremagazine.com]
To
Cumulative Index of Zines Reviewed
P.O. Box 1580