As I write this, ash is slowly falling over Razorcake HQ. Wildfires are ten miles away from us. The cloud formations look like a bomb blast. It's oddly quiet here and, in the morning, the sun rises blood red. Then it gets to about 100 degrees.

In the shadow of that, Razorcake's slugging away. Our newest issue, #52, is at the printers, and all of us are gearing up for North Park Awesome Fast (www.northparkawesomefast.com) this weekend down in San Diego.  If you're going, please say hi. We'll be help running registration.

Thanks to the generous and talented help of Matt Braun, Razorcake/Gorsky Press rolled up its sleeves and applied for two grants in the past several months. These are neither simple nor quick affairs. Honestly, they're grueling and force us to look at Razorcake in a much different light: statistics, financial statements, and ethnicity. As editor of these ongoing shenanigans that celebrate a person in a bunny head playing drums on lakes in upstate Wisconsin, I have a simpler view of ourselves that doesn't include website hit stats or print run numbers: "Are we treating people how we want to be treated? Are we doing our best? Is what we're making good?"
Yet, there's a strange satisfaction in putting together a narrative for the Department of Justice, who is administering grants as part of a settlement from an unnamed major music distributor who lost a lawsuit for the price fixing of CDs. If Razorcake can convince them that we're the folks who can turn an abusive practice of a large corporation into a free show celebrating independent music made in California, then it's worth the effort. Even if we don't get the grant, we know we gave it one hell of a shot, that we didn't just concede to our "fate" because the economy's the roughest it's been since we started the zine.

Razorcake has never had an easy go. We've never been a best seller, but we are one of the few internationally distributed voices for DIY punk music left America, and we're going to continue to doing the best we can.

For any of those interested in punk history, just today we posted up an MP3 conversation with Hud Flipside, who helped run LA longest-running fanzine for a decade. Click here to hear it here:
http://www.razorcake.org/site/..modules.php?name=News&file=..article&sid=20120
Razorcake is also proud to be co-sponsoring the Bateman Heating stage at the Eagle Rock Music Festival with Zocaloc on Oct. 3rd from 4-11PM. It's free. http://www.myspace.com/..eaglerockmusicfestival


Razorcake is also working on local skatepark shows in our neighborhood of Highland Park. If you'd like to be on that specific email that announces those shows, please email us back. Also, if you have a PA for sale and live in the LA area, we're all ears.

As always, we've been busy beavers outright buying some of the best DIY underground punk being made, directly from the labels and artists themselves. Help keep this whole enterprise running and get some great music, a shirt, or zines, to boot.

       Thanks for the support.

       -Todd Taylor / Razorcake

NEW RHYTHM CHICKEN T-SHIRT!
Adapted from Kiyoshi Nakazawa's illustration from Chicken's column in Razorcake Issue #47, this double-sided shirt will make you feel like your smack dab in the middle of a ruckus. Pickles and toast everywhere!
Screened by Cali Mucho, San Pedro, California
http://www.razorcake.org/..catalog/index.php?main_page=..product_info&products_id=564


NEW RECORDS IN THE DISTRO

CANADIAN RIFLE, Visibility Zero LP
The long anticipated first full-length by one of Chicago's best DIY punk bands. Tracks like "Multiply", "Swallow the Landfill", and "Live Infected" capture a passionate mixture of brash vocals (reminiscent of Leatherface or early Jawbreaker) interlaced perfectly with bleak melodies and urgent drums.(Residue)
http://www.razorcake.org/..catalog/index.php?main_page=..product_info&products_id=569

THE ESTRANGED, Static Thoughts LP
Beautifully orchestrated post-punk being played by people who bring their fair share of raw grit and undeniable talent to the plate. For fans of newer bands like the Young Offenders, Giant Haystacks/Airfix Kits, and older ones like Mission Of Burma and Gang Of Four. (Dirtnap)
http://www.razorcake.org/..catalog/index.php?main_page=..product_info&products_id=568

SOMETHING FIERCE, There Are No Answers LP
Something Fierce take a great hook and beat the tar out of it-it's as catchy as the Undertones but it's a different kind of perfection, faster, louder, more frantic. Guitar lines that are simple and infectious. Lead vocals that melt into backing vocals as they hold the vowel sounds at the end of the lines. Comes with download coupon. (Dirtnap)
http://www.razorcake.org/..catalog/index.php?main_page=..product_info&products_id=567

WAX MUSEUMS, Self-titled LP
If you miss the hell out of the Trashies, will never be able to get enough of the Marked Men, and you wanna listen to music that will put a smile on your face as well as make you pump your fist in a semi-ironic way: don't let this band pass you up. It's fun, dumb, and buying it is the smartest thing you'll probably do all day. (Douchemaster)
http://www.razorcake.org/..catalog/index.php?main_page=..product_info&products_id=563

HEX DISPENSERS, Winchester Mystery House LP
The Hex Dispensers are both simultaneously paranoid and dance party of the apocalypse-sounding, filtered through the dark charcoal of years playing in small bars and backyards. The album ends with a kick-ass cover of Devo's "Gates of Steel." Also one of the coolest looking records that's come through here in a while. (Douchemaster)
http://www.razorcake.org/..catalog/index.php?main_page=..product_info&products_id=562

GOVERNMENT WARNING, Paranoid Mess LP
After two 7"s and smoker of a 12"EP, GW released their first LP. Killer, fast hardcore that flys off the needle like it's been trapped in a damp tomb for last millennia. Zero Boys and Adolescents by way of the last 20 years of angry, pissed hardcore. Kick ass. (Grave Mistake/No Way)
http://www.razorcake.org/..catalog/index.php?main_page=..product_info&products_id=561

SICK SICK BIRDS, Heavy Manners LP
With this release SSB once again raise their glasses to '90s indie greats like Pixies, Superchunk, and more. But they also demonstrate their ability write tighter, cleaner, more precise songs. Comes with a download code and stenciled poster. (Toxic Pop)
http://www.razorcake.org/..catalog/index.php?main_page=..product_info&products_id=553

GATEWAY DISTRICT, Some Days You Get the Thunder LP
After a kick ass 7" on Rock Bottom Records, The Gateway District are back with one hell of an full-length. Seeped in Midwest punk rock that just drip of soggy, drunk Minneapolis nights. Total Replacements by way of Cleveland Bound Death Sentence. Features members of awesome awesome bands. (It's Alive)
http://www.razorcake.org/..catalog/index.php?main_page=..product_info&products_id=554

THE SPITS, IV LP
The Spits show no sign of slowing down with their latest effort, mixing equal parts Devo and Misfits into an aurally addictive, synth-inflected stew. Describing the music they play as "Punk for the People" these prophets of the proletariat have a message for the masses: The Spits are the soundtrack to the Apocalypse. (Recess/Thriftstore)
http://www.razorcake.org/..catalog/index.php?main_page=..product_info&products_id=556


NEW ZINES IN THE DISTRO

GIVE ME BACK #05
Sixty-some-odd pages of pure DIY punk rock. From noisey Virginia punk rockers - Pygmy Lush (whose interview is worth the price of admission alone) to Floridian painter Sean Mahan, Give Me Back is a handy road map to the beauty and rebellion, innovation and dedication of the underground.
http://www.razorcake.org/..catalog/index.php?main_page=..product_info&products_id=565

ZISK #18
Zisk, celebrating its ten-year anniversary, is coming from a place that I wish more zines were coming from: unadulterated, knowledgeable enthusiasm. That enthusiasm makes me want to see Pablo "The Panda" Sandoval play, revealing the story behind a player being nicknamed "Le Grand Orange," how to play "Moundies," and the complexity of either loving or hating a player like Alex Rodriguez.
http://www.razorcake.org/..catalog/index.php?main_page=..product_info&products_id=566

As absolutely and undoubtedly awful the current economic crisis is, and
wishing no one hardships, there are some silver linings. Maybe more
people will finally come to realize that there are consequences to
over-consumption, that, maybe, these big corporations and industries do
have a lot of fundamental problems and don't have people's well-being
in mind, no matter how fancy their advertising. It's nice not having so
much junk mail showing up in our PO Box along with scads of great
music. It's good that "ordinary folks" are re-thinking buying new stuff
when their current things work just fine.

Razorcake has always existed on an ultra-tight, within-our-means
budget. Our whole operation-zine, podcast recording, distribution,
website development-runs out of a 540 square foot basement. That's just
how we roll.

We also love the shit out of new music, zines, and a DVD that are
coming out in real time and offer them at the lowest possible price to
you.

In these trying times, every little bit directly helps us and you get some great music to help get you through.



-Todd



ISSUE #49 IS OUT!

This issue contains such a great mix of interviews from all sorts of
people who play totally different styles of music, but all play it with
the same fervor of independence. If you've ever seen Shark Pants, you
know why they were put on the cover. One of the wildest bands in DIY
punk. http://www.razorcake.org/..catalog/index.php?main_page=..product_info&products_id=515



RAZORCAKE BENEFIT / 50TH ISSUE CELEBRATION PARTY - JUNE 06, 2009

It's official. We're having a 50th issue anniversary/benefit on June
6th at a friend's warehouse in Frogtown, Los Angeles (just east of
Dodger Stadium). The Bananas, Tiltwheel, God Equals Genocide, and It's
Casual have all confirmed. There will be more info in the coming months.



FESTIVALS

We're also sponsoring some great festivals are going on around the country.
Windy City Sound Clash in Chicago - www.myspace.com/..windycitysoundclash
Do Ya Hear We 2009 in Chattanooga - www.doyahearwe.com
And over here in California, the return of Awesome Fast will be in San Diego this year - www.myspace.com/npaf.



RAZORCAKE RECORDS RE-PRESS

God Equals Genocide's 2nd EP - Life of Doubt - has been repressed. We
were hoping that the pressing plant would get this order right and
press it with large holes this time, but once again we were let down.
Well, to celebrate the 2nd pressing of 200 more, Adrian drew a picture
of Don Quixote shotgunning a beer, we had a stamp made of the drawing,
and then we stamped them all on the label. It's available here-

http://www.razorcake.org/..catalog/index.php?main_page=..product_info&products_id=445

The GEG 7"s are also now available for digital download through GC Downloads, which can be found here:
http://www.gcdownloads.com/


NEW DISTRO



Chinese Telephones, Democracy CD: Vinyl-only songs find home in shiny CD format, with sexy results.

http://www.razorcake.org/..catalog/index.php?main_page=..product_info&products_id=510



Birthday Suits / Marked Men 7": A couple covers and some originals. Face meltingly good.

http://www.razorcake.org/..catalog/index.php?main_page=..product_info&products_id=513



Danger Strangers 7": Orange Co. punks play punk rock and then get high on the roof.

http://www.razorcake.org/..catalog/index.php?main_page=..product_info&products_id=501



Dead Mechanical, A Great Lie 7": Raspy, intelligent punk from Baltimore. For fans of diners.

http://www.razorcake.org/..catalog/index.php?main_page=..product_info&products_id=517



Deep Sleep, Paranoid Futures 7": Another kick ass band from Baltimore? Embrace it.

http://www.razorcake.org/..catalog/index.php?main_page=..product_info&products_id=519



Doomhawk 12": DIY punk/metal fantasy adventure through time and space. Buckle up.

http://www.razorcake.org/..catalog/index.php?main_page=..product_info&products_id=506



Ergs!, Hindsight is 20/20 My Friend 2xLP: Singles collection of this decade's best pop punk assassins.

http://www.razorcake.org/..catalog/index.php?main_page=..product_info&products_id=509



Hunchback / Screaming Females 7": Two excellent bands cover Neil Young songs, better than the originals.

http://www.razorcake.org/..catalog/index.php?main_page=..product_info&products_id=504



Libyans, Crash Course 7": Two more jams from this Boston battering ram of a band.

http://www.razorcake.org/..catalog/index.php?main_page=..product_info&products_id=512



Marked Men, Ghosts LP: Another gift from one of the world's best bands.

http://www.razorcake.org/..catalog/index.php?main_page=..product_info&products_id=508



Psyched To Die, Sterile Walls 7": New Jersey band plays songs for the whole family.

http://www.razorcake.org/..catalog/index.php?main_page=..product_info&products_id=518



Pterodacdudes / Audacity 7": Two bitchin' bands from Orange Co. spread the gospel or punk rockin' rock.

http://www.razorcake.org/..catalog/index.php?main_page=..product_info&products_id=502



Sass Dragons / Brokedowns 7": Two heavy-hitters heavily hit out the hits. Mandatory listening.

http://www.razorcake.org/..catalog/index.php?main_page=..product_info&products_id=505



Shred Savage 7": This is one lion that cannot be tamed. Maximum riffage.

http://www.razorcake.org/..catalog/index.php?main_page=..product_info&products_id=503



White Night / Street Eaters 7": 2009's "weird" split. And yet it makes so much sense.

http://www.razorcake.org/..catalog/index.php?main_page=..product_info&products_id=516



Young Offenders / Giant Haystacks 12": Punk/power-pop being made in a new (improved) tradition.

http://www.razorcake.org/..catalog/index.php?main_page=..product_info&products_id=514



RESTOCKS



Dead Mechanical, Medium Noise LP

http://www.razorcake.org/..catalog/index.php?main_page=..product_info&cPath=6_9&..products_id=464

Shang-A-Lang / Sex Advice 7"

http://www.razorcake.org/..catalog/index.php?main_page=..product_info&products_id=401

Shorebirds, It's Gonna Get Ugly 12"

http://www.razorcake.org/..catalog/index.php?main_page=..product_info&products_id=470



ZINES



Go Metric #22

http://www.razorcake.org/..catalog/index.php?main_page=..product_info&cPath=6_7&..products_id=465

Roctober #46

http://www.razorcake.org/..catalog/index.php?main_page=..product_info&cPath=6_7&..products_id=511

Zisk #17

http://www.razorcake.org/..catalog/index.php?main_page=..product_info&cPath=6_7&..products_id=466



DVDS



Vacilander #01: This is one of the best video-zines I've ever seen. Highly recommended.

http://www.razorcake.org/..catalog/index.php?main_page=..product_info&cPath=6_7&..products_id=511

Hey everyone,


We know these are strange and tough times for almost everyone. Over the
past eight years, Razorcake has slowly building, putting time and
energy into making us internally strong. DIY means doing a lot of very
hidden things that aren't cool or sexy (and require math and
paperwork). They're barely worth writing about because they're pretty
boring. But, we're here, we're strong, we're excited, and we're
continuing to continue to cover the best independent punk rock on the
planet thanks to the support of people such as yourself.


Some new developments:


We've figured out a podcast glitch, so be sure to visit us every Friday for a new one. That shit's fun.


The second edition of the Sister Series is officially in production.
No, we won't tell you who they are. No, we won't reserve you a limited
edition vinyl. Yes, if you're on this list, you'll be the first to
know. A secret: it's fuckin' awesome.


We've also been busy otters, collecting a small house of new and
re-stocked distro. Also below is a list of items we, literally, have
one left. So, if you've been thinking, "I should get that," you should
get that.


Thanks for the support and take care,
-Todd / Razorcake


Issue #48 is now available.
Features interviews with: Shang-A-Lang, The God Damn Doo Wop Band, It's
Casual, Horsebites, and an extensive article on Otis Redding by Todd
Taylor.
http://www.razorcake.org/..catalog/index.php?main_page=..product_info&products_id=497


Razorcake Tattoo = Lifetime Sub offer being extended. Get a Razorcake
tattoo, get a lifetime sub. The offer is being extended to January 1st,
2010. Just keep on sending your picks in. No fakes. It's obvious, so
don't even try.


7 Random Back Issues for $10 offer good for one more week.
For a limited time we're going to offer 7 random back issues of
Razorcake for an even $10 (in the USA, sorry intl readers) sent
Priority Mail to you. If you have any issues that you really don't
want, we'll try and comply, but we can't make any guarantees. Offer
will end February 10th 2009.
http://www.razorcake.org/..catalog/index.php?main_page=..product_info&cPath=2&products_..id=488


KILLER DREAMER Zombie Action Punk Pack is back in stock! For $14 you
get their newest 12"EP+CD, their first 12", and the Survival Guns 7".
Best damn deal in the universe.
http://www.razorcake.org/..catalog/index.php?main_page=..product_info&products_id=457


We got some old shirts in some new colors. A little more friendly to
those people who just feel kinda weird wearing pink and black.
I HEART DRINKING BEER AND LISTENING TO RECORDS, YELLOW ON BLUE
http://www.razorcake.org/..catalog/index.php?main_page=..product_info&products_id=499
LIGHTNING HEART RAZORCAKE DESIGN, BLACK ON RED
http://www.razorcake.org/..catalog/index.php?main_page=..product_info&products_id=498



NEW DISTRO
AUDACITY: Power Drowning LP
Once again a gem of an album has crept out of the ultra-suburban,
cultural wasteland of Orange County. Audacity play the kind of
rock'n'roll that makes you wanna punch a cop and kiss a puppy.
Musically they can be found somewhere between contemporaries of theirs-
Thee Makeout Party and Pterodacdudes. This shit rips so hard it
includes a Dicks cover. (Burger/Recess)
http://www.razorcake.org/..catalog/index.php?main_page=..product_info&products_id=490


DMC: A HARDCORE COMPILATION 7"
This 7" contains 5 of Sweden's best. Musically ranging from melodic
hardcore punk via Svartenbrandt (interviewed in issue #44) and
Thurneman to the pummeling aggressive attack of Instangd. Not many of
these comps are available in the US so get 'em while you can. Blue
vinyl. ***Swedish Import*** (Den Magiska Cirkeln Records)
http://www.razorcake.org/..catalog/index.php?main_page=..product_info&products_id=481


THE DOMPAMINES / TILL PLAINS: split 7"
The Dopamines continue to splash around in the Midwestern pop punk pool
party (accompanied by the Copyrights, Teenage Bottlerocket, and the
rest) but also show they're not afraid to mix it up with a little
folkyness. Till Plains show they aren't afraid to completely switch it
up, playing an At The Drive-In by way of Delay sound that feels most
natural being played live in a living room filled with scrappy kids.
The DIY cranked up to 11. (It's Alive/Soapy Hands)
http://www.razorcake.org/..catalog/index.php?main_page=..product_info&products_id=480


FULL OF FANCY / SCREAMING FEMALES: split 7"
Featured in Razorcake #47, Full Of Fancy play poppy punk with the a
good amount of distortion and crunch to really make you feel like
you're listening to something interesting. Features Miranda of
Hunchback and Erg's back-up vocals. Screaming Females: imagine if that
dude from the Flaming Lips hijacked your favorite riot grrrl band and
the result was something awesome. SFs are monsters of sound, and these
two songs are epic tales of the destruction that they harness. (Let's
Pretend)
http://www.razorcake.org/..catalog/index.php?main_page=..product_info&products_id=484


HOT NEW MEXICANS: Well…Um…Er…Uh… 7"
Hot New Mexicans sound almost straight-up like a band from the late
'60s, early '70s who appreciated The Beatles as much as Credence
Clearwater Revival, Tom Petty, and Elvis Costello. So while this has
few outward trappings of punk-it's celebratory, it's made by and
directed to the disenfranchised. Comes in hand-screened, die cut,
covers. (Little Deputy/Fast Crowd)
http://www.razorcake.org/..catalog/index.php?main_page=..product_info&products_id=496


THEE MAKEOUT PARTY: Play Pretend LP
Take one cup Shoes, a half cup of Plimsouls, two tablespoons bubblegum
pop (à la Ohio Express, et. al), stir gently, and then, um, pour some
plastic junk into a circular shape! Plus, they don't look like
hipsters! They look like total dorks! (Recess)
http://www.razorcake.org/..catalog/index.php?main_page=..product_info&products_id=491


MARVELOUS DARLINGS: The Swords, The Streets 7"
Grit-laden glam rock that's sick with hooks and cocky as hell, but
isn't driven by a transparent cockholeishness. A double dose of
what-the-fuck-you-looking-at, I'll-kill-you-in-mid-solo songs.
(Wallride)
http://www.razorcake.org/..catalog/index.php?main_page=..product_info&products_id=489


SCREECHING WEASEL: My Brain Hurts LP
Re-issue from 1991, now on colored vinyl with full-color gatefold
packaging and brand new artwork by the marvelous Miss Cristy Road.
Snotty, pop punk about the dumber, more bitter-sweet things in life.
This album is believed to be Screeching Weasel's best, but pop punk's
not about beliefs now is it? (Recess)
http://www.razorcake.org/..catalog/index.php?main_page=..product_info&products_id=493


SHANG-A-LANG / TURKISH TECHNO: split 7"
Turkish Techno's first appearance on vinyl and boy is it a great start.
Like a drunken boy's choir of Riverside, these 4 dudes belt out 2 songs
of Leatherface/Stiff Little Fingers/Jawbreaker punk rock. Totally worth
checking out. Shang-A-Lang, yeah they're pretty good too. (Muy
Autentico)
http://www.razorcake.org/..catalog/index.php?main_page=..product_info&products_id=494


SHARK PANTS: Porno Snakehead LP
If I were to have to prove to god himself that rock was more powerful
than religion, I would recruit Shark Pants to do the bidding. When this
co-ed trio plays live they treat their listeners like a punching bag
and their the title holding champions of punk infused rock that's so
good it makes you just wanna quit attempting what ever it is you're
attempting to do. (Recess)
http://www.razorcake.org/..catalog/index.php?main_page=..product_info&products_id=492


SNEAKY PINKS: Loner w/a Boner 7"
The A side is a tribute to the legendary LA punk Black Randy, the B
side is the theme song to their proposed children's cartoon show
entitled "The Punkles." Do you wanna know more? This was originally
released as a two song tour cassingle. More? This 7" rules. To call
this brilliant would be the understatement of the millennia.
***Imported from Austria*** (February 7" of the month) (Bachelor)
http://www.razorcake.org/..catalog/index.php?main_page=..product_info&products_id=495


1 COPY LEFT
So being tired of just seeing a single copy of these records in our
distro, we decided to make a list of records that we only have one more
copy of. Please do yourself and us a favor and pick these records up.
They rule so get them while you can.
The Bananas, Slippery Subject LP
The Bananas, Forbidden Fruit LP
Beer Proof Suit, BYOBOC LP
Blotto, Get on Bored LP
Brotherhood Of Electricity 7"
Canadian Rifle / American Cheeseburger 7"
Cloak/Dagger, Kamikazes 7"
Copyrights, Make Sound LP
Crossed Eyes, Rattled 7"
Dick Army, Decimate 7"
Divebomb Honey, Let's Start Something 7"
Dory Tourette & the Skirtheads, Rock Immortal LP
Drunken Boat LP
FYP, 5 Year Plan LP
Hidden Spots, Important Transmissions 7"
Lemuria, Get Better LP
Manifesto Jukebox / Minority Blues Band 7"
Off With Their Heads, Hospitals 12" (Recess)
Regulations, Electric Guitar LP
Shotwell / Zero Fast 7"
Smut Peddlers, Ism CD
Songs For Moms, The Worse It Gets The Better LP
Tiltwheel, The Heavens Declare the Glory of the Bomb... 7"
Toyko Electron, Will Put a Charge in You 7"


RESTOCKS
Shorebirds, Its Gonna Get Ugly LP
Cheeky, Choke On a Cheeseburger 7"
The Arrivals, Marvels of Industry LP
Bloodbath & Beyond, Jihadcore 7"
The Bananas, New Animals LP
Sass Dragons / Party Garbage 7"
Shang-A-Lang, Summertime 7" (1st pressing w/ silk screened covers)
Toys That Kill, Shanked LP
Killer Dreamer, 1st 12"
Killer Dreamer, Survival Guns 7"



ZINES


GENETIC DISORDER #19 It's finally arrived! The newest issue of Genetic
Disorder features an interview with the band, The Trashies, plus tons
of other editorial magic, and it comes with a Cuntifiers CD (Greg Petix
motherfucker!). Pick it up NOW!
http://www.razorcake.org/..catalog/index.php?main_page=..product_info&products_id=485


NOTHING NICE TO SAY, by Mitch Clem
Mitch Clem is no stranger to these parts and we couldn't be more stoked
when his web-comic, Nothing Nice To Say, was picked up by Dark Horse to
be released as a book. If "punk humor" wasn't a genre before, it is
now. This shit is fuckin' funny! (Dark Horse)
http://www.razorcake.org/..catalog/index.php?main_page=..product_info&products_id=483