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I used to be a rabid Maximum Rock 'N' Roll reader. It wasn't so much
because of the adroit writing, but rather the endless amounts of advertising
that filled each issue. I'm sure I wasn't alone in my capitalist
tendencies when I'd religiously scour the pages, digesting the ads in order
to assemble my next weekly purchasing list.
Times change, and I now have my nose deep in issue #7 of Copper Press. You
can't help but notice the amazing amount of advertising that's dropped its
share of dollars into this issue. What's even better is the fantastic layout
of these ads, bringing back to mind the fabled Maximum R'n'R days. It
may sound a bit perverse, but it's almost like looking at art, as
new releases by both well-known and up-and-coming bands delicately grace the
pages. It's all quite excellent -- I've found a new way to plan my cash-blowing decisions.
However, there's much, much more to Copper Press than a bunch of ads.
Editors Steve Brydges and Royce Deans have done a tremendous job on each
published issue so far, and this one is no exception. In fact, things keep
getting better, and within issue #7 we find some extraordinary content, as
well as clever writing to back it all up.
Issue #7 begins with two exceptionally well-written and intellectually
stimulating interviews, featuring the bands Pleasure Forever and Get Hustle.
Writers Charles Spano and Erika Ginter are clearly well versed in their
respective subjects; both paint clear pictures and spin well-developed analyses of these
bands, providing a refreshing new perspective on the age-old
published interview. With some choice pictures and design work to boot,
these offer a stimulating read.
The Copper Press crew carefully
avoids become a one trick musical interviewing pony by expanding its
horizons into other realms. Other choice pieces here include a discussion with
computer art and networking nerd Lewis Baldwin, who sheds some light on his
progressive computer artwork. Old school skater Ed Templeton briefs us on
MTV's "Jackass" as well as Thrasher and his prospectus on skating.
Steve Brydges is at the helm of this issue's high point -- his Haymarket
Riot interview. The Riot's Kevin J. Frank reveals that there's more to rock
'n' roll than sex and drugs, and it unfortunately includes an aging body that
craves ibuprofen and endless suffering from whacked out knees and lower back
pain. Brydges aptly explores the history of the Riot and helps track their
future plans.
The only disappointment is coming to the end of issue #7 and realizing that
there's an apparent absence of any sort of review section. No records, no
CDs, no skateboard accessories, no movies, no nothing. While they're certainly
not a showstopper and not even a necessity for a magazine of this magnitude,
Steve Brydges' unique "Soundscrapes" were missed this time around.
The wide variety of music covered here has me skimming interviews with The New Year and The Mountain Goats -- even though I'm
not a rabid follower of either band. The Copper Press gang has solved
the riddle of creating a successful magazine -- keeping a variety of topics
available to its readers, and successfully deploying this magic in the
marketplace. Whether you're anxiously hunting for the scoop on the latest
hip indie bands, or want some engaging reading material on other remarkably
creative people, issue #7 has something for your retinas to scan and your
brain to digest.
-- Andrew Magilow
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