The fourth issue of Used Records and Tapes, an often-times funny, sometimes poignant, and mostly nostalgic zine, looks at records of decades past and features used record and tape reviews by Chris Auman, Marc Basch, Mike Dixon, Katie Haegele, C.E. Hanifin, Deron Gram, Justin Kern, Liz Mason, Steve Stelling, and a comic by Ben Snakepit.
Used Records & Tapes #4 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
This zine is exactly what I hoped it was about when I read the title. It’s impossible not to love shopping for used records and tapes (and CDs, but some of you aren’t ready for that conversation yet), and this publication is basically a bunch of different reviewers talking about doing just that. Releases covered in this issue range from The Kinks, Halloween music from 1974, a stack of early grunge tapes, a live Emo Phillips record, as well as some lesser-known random stuff. The best segments are the ones where the contributors talk about their own stories on how they came upon the record—whether it’s their personal history with the release, or just the story of the day they picked it up. The overall writing is strong, and the diversity in material covered makes it an easy read. I particularly enjoyed the story about The Bad Examples’ Bad Is Beautiful record, which included tales of sneaking out as a teenager, and this being the author’s catalyst into underground music. I don’t really need to read a piece about Bob Dylan records, but even this included a fun list of artists the author thinks have perfect catalogs. I was pleased to see that both Rick Froberg and Ice-T were included. Ben Snakepit also has a brilliant comic explanation of The Misfits Earth A.D./Wolfs Blood, which made me laugh out loud. Check it out, if you haven’t already. –Zach Nellis-Tessmer, Razorcake
