// Category Archive for: Issues

Crushing the Mold: An Interview with JG Thirlwell

Interviewed by Julie Finley

Manorexia (JG Thirlwell) at Bang On A Can
Photo © 2007 Julie Finley

JG Thirlwell is a man of many different talents. You may know him as one—or possibly all—of his many guises (i.e., Jim Foetus, Foetus, Inc., or many different variations utilizing the word Foetus; Clint Ruin; Frank Want; Wiseblood; Steroid Maximus; Manorexia; Baby Zizanie;, DJ Otesfu; that guy who does the music for The Venture Bros., the remix-dude; the gruff voiceover on MTV Sports; the swank, svelte red-haired guy you’ve seen on the NYC subway who wears white shoes and big sunglasses; etc). He seems to be omnipresent whether you realize it or not, and yet he also often seems to slip under the radar. (Some of you may already keep abreast of what he’s up to; he does have a fervid and endearing fan-base, present company included.)
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The First Shall Be Made Last: David Bowie’s Let’s Dance

By Christian Lipski

I have to begin with the obvious by marveling at how long it’s been since Let’s Dance was released, simply because twenty-five years? It’s insane. I was fifteen and didn’t know anything about anything. When I taped Let’s Dance from a record I checked out from the library, I didn’t even know much about David Bowie at the time. I had heard “Changes” on the radio before, and probably other songs, but always on the fringe of my attention. 1983 was Bowie’s year to shine. Let’s look at the album in order, and I’ll see what each track dredges up.
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Top Five Records Bought For A Dollar (or less!)

By Katrina Randell
All photos by Matthew Armstrong

I love records. I love buying campy records at thrift stores, the Sally-Anne, or places like Toronto’s Neurotica records. Below you will find my top five favorite records that either me or my fiancé purchased for a dollar, or in some cases, less.
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Top Five David Bowie Looks

By Christian Lipski

Ah, the chameleon. He’s been so many people over the years. Here are my favorites!

1. Ziggy Pirate
This is the very end of the Ziggy period, and Bowie has streamlined and cleaned up the look. No more astral circle on his forehead; no bare feet or knitted leotards. Just straight up glam pirate. See the “Rebel Rebel” video here.

(astral disc, bare feet, knitted leotard)

2. Hunky Dory
Pre-Ziggy, but not pre-glam, as this was total cinematic glamour. Sometimes compared to Lauren Bacall, this Bowie was on the back of the Hunky Dory album. This also includes the period when he wore the infamous “man’s dresses” and “came out” to the press.

If you can find the David Bowie Black Book from 1984, there’s a fantastic picture of him standing in front of his house in a man’s dress. I never should have sold that book.

Original cover for
The Man Who Sold The World

3. Screamin’ Lord Byron

The troubled, reclusive rock star character from the short film Jazzin’ For Blue Jean. That shadowed makeup still looks cool, and the frosted highlights look like actual frosting.

4. Jareth from Labyrinth
Of course, the Goblin King. Tina Turner wig, sculpted eyebrows, and Romantic attire. Plus, of course, the tights that caused the founding of the David Bowie’s Area website. When I was in Tokyo last year, there were tons of kids sporting this exact look. It’s lacy goth.

5. Sphinx
An experiment that did not go very far. In a photo shoot with Brian Ward in 1971, Bowie tried some different directions. Indeed. Brian Ward also shot the Ziggy Stardust album cover.

And a bonus, the worst look: “Be My Wife” video
1977, Paris. Unplucked eyebrows, slight trace of a moustache. . . just about the least-groomed he’s ever been. Is he trying for this particular reaction from me? Check out the video.

With added teeth!

Being Marginalized Is a Blessing: An Interview with Author Dan Kennedy

Interviewed by Less Lee Moore

A few weeks ago, I saw Dan Kennedy on our local morning TV show talking about his new book, Rock On: An Office Power Ballad. I’d never heard of him, but the book, detailing his 18-month tour of duty and disillusionment at a major record label, sounded amazing. And despite the fact that it was freezing outside and quite early in the morning, Dan’s great sense of humor was obvious. So I requested a copy of the book and an interview from Dan’s publicist and amazingly, it worked!
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Dear Fall Out Boy

By Nicole V.

Sometimes it’s hard to explain to people why you love a silly band that you technically should hate. Maybe it’s easier to tell the band.
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The Visual Splendor of Sparks

Do a search for “Sparks” on YouTube and you’ll find a plethora of links to Jordin Sparks, the winner of American Idol‘s sixth season.

But if you click on a few of the other videos, you’ll be in for a wonderful surprise.
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Lusting After The Raveonettes: Q & A with Sune Rose Wagner

Interviewed by Lisa Haviland (via email)
Text by Less Lee Moore

If you thought you had The Raveonettes pegged as just another Jesus and Mary Chain ripoff, their new album Lust Lust Lust (Vice Records) may change your mind.

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Just Getting It Out There: An Interview with Filmmaker David Markey

Interviewed by Hanna

For Hanna’s review of The Reinactors, click here.

Cult filmmaker Dave Markey’s new movie The Reinactors premiered at the 37th Rotterdam International Film Festival in January. Detailing the complicated lives of the character impersonators that work on Hollywood Boulevard as tourist attractions, it was one of the greatest successes of the festival, with all showings sold out. It was also one of the highest rated movies in the audience polls.
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Do What You Love: An Interview with Artist Vicki Berndt

Interviewed by Less Lee Moore

I first became aware of Vicki Berndt via her Margaret Keane-inspired art for the Redd Kross Third Eye album. Then I started noticing that she was credited on photos for almost every other band I loved in the 90s.

Redd Kross, Third Eye © Vicki Berndt

She’s a devoted fan of music and pop culture, not to mention an innovative visual artist, so I was thrilled when she agreed to be interviewed for this issue of Popshifter. Her DIY attitude towards art and music is inspirational.

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