I was recently checking out Elisa Ambrogio’s ‘best of’ list at the Arthur blog and was pleasantly reminded of “Why Be Something You’re Not: The Detroit Hardcore Scene 1979-1985” a comprehensive Detroit hardcore overview by WFMU’s own Tony Rettman. The piece ran in Issue 12 of Swindle Magazine and, though it was plugged here in a past Off-Mic section of BOHA, it really deserves a Beware of the Blog link of its own. Tony's piece is dedicated to the memory of Larissa Strickland from L-Seven and the Laughing Hyenas, who sadly passed away in 2006, and who was by all accounts a remarkable woman/guitar goddess. In the spirit of the thing, here's a track from the excellent L-Seven who released one 3-song 7" on Touch & Go in the early '80s before splintering off into a few other bands. L-Seven Insanity
And, after educating yourself on the impressive history of Touch and Go Magazine, the Necros and Negative Approach, be sure to peep Elisa’s list for yourself. Not only does the Magik Markers guitarist-vocalist give mention to one of my favorite novels (the gleaming tale of suburban disquiet, Revolutionary Road), she rustles up a fine collection of personal and cultural touchstones for your mind before you peace-out ‘07 for good.
Larissa looked physically ill in around 1981-82, surprised she lived that much longer. At the time, she looked like she was suffering from opiate misuse or something, and possibly starvation. Her band was OK, but we used to get more entertainment value from Negative Approach and the Necros; still, I'm amused that these bands became so highly regarded later on. The kiddies now seem to be basing much of this affected status on things they never experienced themselves--it's a twisted form of fantasy nostalgia. Where were all these latecomers when these bands were actually still around? I was at the shows, occasionally met band members, etc., and I wasn't even really a part of that scene.
Posted by: Jim | April 03, 2009 at 06:15 PM