Monday 25 July 2016

The Poser (Issues 1 and 2)

London. Self Published / Better Badges. 1979. First Edition. 2 Volumes. Small 4to, Unpaginated (ca 20pp). Numerous Black & White plates. Text in English.

Very special zine started in 1979 by Anderson, which John Peel described at the time as 'worth getting hold of'. Anderson was a photographer rather than a journalist, which makes the poser more of a photographic document than a fanzine. Though it is a very DIY publication the layout, printing and photography is extremely high quality, and makes for a distinct visual record of what was a fertile music scene in London at the time. The first 2 issues cover the Mo-Dettes, Iggy Poop, The Ruts, The Underground sound of Chippenham, The Slits, Penetration, The Clash, Siouxie and so on. The images are interspersed with short reviews of the gigs attended, and tips on gig photography. As a photographer Anderson seems more interested in composition, and bands that look visually striking, though many of the groups themselves are now considered essential in the punk and new wave canon.