My budding obsession with the original punk rock bands of Los Angeles came at a young age in the early ‘90s. Unfortunately, I was a generation late.
But that didn’t curb my young mind from daydreaming about being around and involved during this momentous time. Thankfully, in the late ‘70s Slash Magazine documented and captured the spirit of the first wave of the Los Angeles punk scene (along with reggae, rockabilly, blues and new wave and beyond) like no other publication. Created initially as an alternative media outlet to other mainstream newspapers and “alternative” weeklies, Slash’s approach, design and attitude went unrivaled. The magazine’s first logo (in true punk style) was written in a sloppy handwriting resembling dripping blood, intrusive in the way it permeated your mind and left a lasting impression. The magazine was co-founded by Steve Samiof and Melanie Niseen, with Claude Bessy aka “Kickboy Face” and Philomena “Philly” Winstanley, each integral in establishing its identity. It lasted a brief 3 years, printing 29 issues before morphing into a record label. Just the right amount of time to not burn out or run dry of unique content. Plus, as many people account, the scene was ending or, in some people’s eyes, already over the same year publication ended in 1980. Now, 36 years later, Hat & Beard Press have compiled in a massive undertaking a whopping 496-page book in homage to this underground classic. It’s been weeks and I’m still attempting to sift through and absorb the incredible depth of content. Edited by J.C. Gabel and Brian Roettinger, Slash: A Punk Magazine From Los Angeles, 1977–80 includes all the original covers, reprints of selected articles and interviews, and a collection of detailed new essays, reportage and oral histories from a number of individuals. It's a thorough, essential time capsule addition to your coffee table for endless viewings.
Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy now at Hat & Beard Press.
