Podcast #123, “Tony Rettman & NYHC”

book cover - nyhcIt’s been a good long while since we last spoke with author Tony Rettman (going all the way back to podcast number twelve), but his new book for Bazillion Points, NYHC: New York Hardcore 1980-1990 is pretty amazing. We were lucky enough to interview Mr. Rettman for the Runout, and while we had him on the line, we had him play DJ for a few songs.

Thus, there’s nothing but New York hardcore on this particular episode, but it’s a nice mix of both classics and new, and all of it likely a bunch of stuff you’ve not ever heard. If you like what you hear, check out the full Spotify playlist Mr. Rettman put together for the book (and, conveniently, buy a copy of NYHC) at the Bazillion Points website.

Podcast #123, “Tony Rettman & NYHC”
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Podcast #12 – Why Be Something That You’re Not

tonyrettmanbychrisgreyThis week’s podcast is a little different. Rather than run this interview I did with Why Be Something That You’re Not author Tony Rettman on its own, I thought it best to drop it into the podcast proper. We talk about the genesis of the book, people he wanted for the book but couldn’t get, and future plans. I’ve also added in some songs from bands featured in the oral history of Detroit hardcore: Negative Approach, the Necros, et al, as well as some of the touring acts who feature prominently in the genesis of the Detroit scene.

Thanks again to Tony for taking the time to speak with me. Go buy his book, because it’s great. If you’re anywhere near the signings and shows for the book, stop by and get that sucker autographed, as well. Go buy some records from Touch and Go, for that matter.

Podcast #12, “Why Be Something That You’re Not”
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An overlooked segment of American punk history

book-cover-why-be-somethingIn the past decade or so, there has been an explosion in the number of books documenting the American punk scene’s early days. There’s the overarching nationwide view of American Hardcore. The exhaustive documentation of the West Coast scene has books devoted to individual local scenes: Gimme Something Better looks at Berkeley and the East Bay, We Got the Neutron Bomb looks at L.A., and the forthcoming KIds of the Black Hole examines the Orange County / HUntington Beach hardcore scene. However, the Midwest tends to get short shrift.
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