#butt rag

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“...I’d be very hard-pressed to name a band in the world that’s more powerful and resourceful.” 

Review of The EX & TOM CORA by PETER MARGASAK, Editor

BUTT RAG #9 page 47 Spring 1994

I think it’s safe to say that Margasak’s assertion about the Ex being the most powerful and resourceful band in the world still holds true nearly 25 years after he wrote this review. 

Long may they! THE EX

The Ex’s most recent,  27 Passports, is definitely one of the Best Reasons To Write A Fuckin’ Record Review in 2018!

After 25 years, Peter Margasask said farewell in 2018 to Chicago Reader. His now writes freelance and at Muck Rack  

The Ex with Tom Cora live from Budapest, 1993!

[bestreasonstowriterecordreviews]

“...ah, what lovely gaps.”

BUTT RAG #7 November 1991 (page 67)

RED RED MEAT review by PETER MARGASAK, Editor

RED RED MEAT at SUB POP

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“...well honed sense of dynamics...utilized with great resolve.”

PAUL PLIMLEY/LISLE ELLIS DUO reviewed by PETER MARGASAK, Editor 

BUTT RAG #7 November 1991 (page 65)

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“...pal, take a big bite of this beautiful sweetness.”

BUTT RAG #7 November 1991 (page 58)

BARBARA MANNING review by PETER MARGASAK, Editor

Previously on Fuckin’ Record Reviews:

MAKING LOOSE THE ENDS THAT MEET: THE BARBARA MANNING POPWATCH INTERVIEW IN THREE PARTSf rom POPWATCH #4  (1993)

BARBARA MANNING interviewed by LESLIE GAFFNEY

PART 1

PART 2

PART 3

[bestreasonstowriterecordreviews]

“Surprisingly listenable...and more than a one-time thrill....this item goes far exceeding any expectations I had of it.”

BUTT RAG #7 November 1991 (page 60)

PHIL MILSTEIN review by PETER MARGASAK, Editor

Previously on Fuckin’ Record Reviews: 

From a PEP LESTER/Forced Exposure advert in LOADED #1 (1989): “Phil Milstein used to be in Uzi. He founded the Velvet Underground Appreciation Society. Lou Reed hates him. Find out why.”

Pep Lester, as is clarified in the 1989 ad linked above, was a pseudonym for Phil Milstein (and here at FRR, we know a thing or two about pseuds and being pseud). Discogs contributors describe Mr. Milstein thusly: “Tape manipulator, collagist and solo musician (as Pep Lester). He also played with Cul De Sac on their debut album Ecim in 1992. President of the Velvet Underground Appreciation Society (V.U.A.S) and editor of What Goes On magazine. In Groups: 7 Or 8 Worm Hearts, Between Meals, Pep Lester And His Pals, Uzi."

Peter Margasak’s Butt Rag, as told by FRR to @dynamitehemorrhage

[bestreasonstowriterecordreviews]

“...their lone document sputters out thick slabs of rusty moods and a non-flashy hysteria...teeters between a non-pro looseness and a mental lunacy that continually slides from the grip...this barrel’s got plenty.”

BUTT RAG #7 November 1991 (page 65)

PLAGAL GRIND review by PETER MARGASAK, Editor

Plagal Grind and Xpressway, you ask? We be knee deep in it this past month, please click through for maximum erudition. 

[bestreasonstowriterecordreviews]

AJAX RECORDS advert

BUTT RAG #9 Spring 1994 (page 35) PETER MARGASAK, Editor

Peter Margasak at Chicago Reader

Previously, on fuckinrecordreviews:  “In addition to editing The Pope, Tim Adams was the proprietor of Ajax Records, an excellent Chicago based label and sometime record store that existed from 1987 until 1999. He also operated the Ajax Records Catalog, a reliable and totally worthwhile catalog of mostly independent heads.This 1998 story by [Butt Rag’s] Peter Margasaktells part of the tale.”

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“Another dose from Bus Stop proves that not only is light pop not dead like your neighbor told you, but a few of its practitioners can probably make a better hot dog than you.”

BUTT RAG #7 November 1991 (page 58)

MAYFIELDS review by PETER MARGASAK, Editor