Yet another essential recent BBC music doc, this time a fascinating glimpse into the history of the seminal indie label/empire Rough Trade. More beloved late 70’s post punk records are touched upon than would be wise to list, but I was particulary awestruck to see footage of the original lineup of Scritti Politti sitting in a dilapidated bedsit earnestly hand-assembling the epochal “Skank Bloc Bologna” single. Founder Geoff Travis comes across as a passive aggressive faux-naif with faultless taste and a talent for the elusive right place/right time nexus. Watch, learn and listen.
above photo : Genesis P-Orridge delivers the 2nd Throbbing Gristle L.P. D.O.A. to Geoff Travis @ Rough Trade HQ, 1978
 

Bump… Swoon Magazine, the awesome Los Angeles / New York underground fashion mag that I covered previously on Dangerous Minds is now shipping.

This issue features on the current Los Angeles and New York music scenes (and this stuff is actually GOOD. I hate most music and especially indie crap but editor Kelly McKay is an adept at finding and publicizing Truly New and Exciting and Interesting bands that people haven’t heard of and really should. This stuff WILL expand your cultural knowledge base about 17 chess moves past the party line.)

Bands featured in this issue:

From LA: We Are The World, Weave, Rainbow Arabia, Marfa and Ne-af, Fancy Space People, Hard Place, Hecuba, Jer Ber Jones.

From NYC: Preacher and the Knife, Bellmer Dolls, Lights, New York Night Train, Golden Triangle, Patrick Cleandenim, Rebecca Cherry, The Nasties, Electric Tickle Machine, The Beets, Light Asylum, Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson, White Diamonds, Class Actress, Bunny Rabbit.

Get yours here before they’re gone!

My very good friend Kelly McKay’s fashion magazine Swoon is launching its latest issue, a split publication devoted to the New York and Los Angeles music scenes. Issue five, arriving immanently, is available for pre-order?¢‚Ǩ‚Äùthey sell out quick, so always a good idea.

Along with John Cameron Mitchell’s Shortbus, I consider the five issues of Swoon Magazine to be the defining document of what was occurring in the New York underground in this decade. They’re all essential. (Also check out the site for good streaming audio of NY and LA artists.)

Bonus!: Check out this awesome photoset of polaroids taken at the Swoon 4 release party and hilariously captioned by Genesis Breyer P-Orridge.