The third issue of this oftentimes funny, sometimes poignant, and mostly nostalgic zine looks at records of decades past and features used record and tape reviews from writer March Basch (co-screenwriter of I’ll See You in My Dreams, The Hero, and Hearts Beat Loud), prolific zine publisher and Quimby’s Bookstore manager, Liz Mason, and zine maker and novelist, Joshua James Amberson, and more plus a 2-page comic spread from Jesse Reklaw.
Used Records & Tapes #3 review zine
5.5 x 8.5 in. 40 pages, full-color matte laminated cover, b&w throughout, stapled, 80 lb paper, 110 lb cover
The contents are a nostalgic romp for the writers and the reader. More trivia dealing, wistful rumination, and amused musings than hard-edged musical criticism and historicity à la Lester Bangs and Greil Marcus (though their influence is felt). Used Records and Tapes isn’t a record-collecting bully zine, talking about bands you probably never heard of because, scoff, they’re pretty obscure. While there are curiosities (Benny Bongos’ exploration of an LP narrating daredevil Evel Knievel’s career, say) more than likely you know the selections here, from top 40s radio back in the day. Most acted as soundtracks to the writers’ youths. Liz Mason shares her obsession with Corey “Sunglasses at Night” Hart, and delivers an appreciation of the Canadian pop star’s second album Boy in the Box, dripping with teen infatuation and sincerity. Mark Basch discusses the perfection of the Repo Man soundtrack, and the memories and emotions it stirs up, particularly through the outstanding surfpunk-Morricone track “Reel Ten.” Through it all, Auman presents sometimes scathing, sometimes respectful, but usually entertaining reviews of albums. The best ones involve back stories from his youth. Tracking down a band he heard on a mix tape one Friday night whilst drinking wine coolers and cruising back roads with a couple of girls, for instance. Auman spent years singing the chorus to anyone who’d listen, asking if they recognized it before the internet arrived and solved the mystery. It’s an interesting account of a way of life—not knowing something and hoping to run into someone in real life who does—that, like zines, is fading.—Dan Kelly, Third Coast Review
Used Records And Tapes #3 is exactly what a zine should be—fun, informative, and enjoyable to read. It’s certainly that, and since there aren’t as many music zines in print these days, Used Records and Tapes fills that void quite nicely. — The Recoup
