February 16, 2005
Arthur Magazine
Arthur, the free monthly tabloid with the unpredictable distribution, likes to do theme issues. Not every one is a homerun. But, already in their first year, they have managed to put out some amazing issues. The first one to catch a lot of positive attention was the Detroit Issue. There was writing by a totally politically disillusioned John Sinclair, substantial interviews with Iggy Pop and the Stooges' Ashton brothers, etc. Just as good, if not better, was last year’s November issue: “Out, Demons, Out!” The issue revisited the 1967 exorcism of the Pentagon and birth of the Yippie movement. Those principals still among the living (Abbie Hoffman notably chose death over the Reagan era) gave ample first hand anecdotes of the event. Every one from Jerry Rubin to the consummate outsider filmmaker Kenneth Anger had plenty to say. To illustrate the writing, shutterbug cum movie auteur Robert Altman dug into the files and pulled out some incredible pictures he took at the protest. Arthur has set their standards high.