Off The Record

Rip It Up, Issue 77, 1 December 1983, Page 12

Off The Record

The Trousers Press Guide to the New Wave

Edited by Ira A. Robbins Robbins is publisher and editorial director of Trouser Press, probably the only major American mag to cope with the punk explosion. In" this book he and 15 other writers review records by 962 acts that come loosely under, the term "new wave" (Americans love the phrase) that includes.both those post 77 and artists (like Beefheart and the Stooges) who might be considered its precursors. Our own Blams, Meemees, Split Enz, Swingers and MiSex are covered in an intelligent and informed manner (all but the last earning good reviews). There's also a section on compilations but no NZ records have found their way in there. Obviously evaluation- of groups and records eventually comes down to opinion but most of the criticism is reasoned and competent. The value of this book will probably increase in years to come, by which time many of the records it covers will be collectors' items. Available for U 5512.95, plus $2 shipping (surface) from Trouser

Press Books, 212 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10010, USA. You can use Visa or Mastercard if you include card no., expiry date and signature. RB Anarchy, Outrage and Serious Intent Up until; quite recently this country's new punk scene seemed to be depending far too much on a lifeline with Mother England you can still read "Thatcher Out!" graffiti around Auckland - local bands were content to ape the accents and trappings of their L UK counterparts and the punters read Sounds. Things seem to be changing, with more local punk records coming out, people like Unrestful Movements (who sort of fall into the scene) relating their songs to the things about them and, now, a fanzine. The first issue of Anarchy, Outrage and Serious Intent has little local content but that’s something the editors would like to rectify (they're looking for writers around the country). Naturally, the musical scope is narrow but the persuasive, piece on nuclear disarmament applies -to everyone. They plan to publish the full catalogue of an English punk label every month, a useful idea. They're also open to any records, demos, etc. First issue is free but subsequent ones will cost 40 cents (and SAE) from 4 Monterey Street, Glendowie, Auckland.Rß