Forming: The Early Days of L.A. Punk

Smart Art Press ISBN 1-889195-44-8
Copyright Date:
Review Date: 2003

Like a god springing from the split head of Zeus, the early L.A. punk scene spontaneously came into it’s existence influenced by the emergence of punk world wide. For every book covering the genesis of the New York scene there are probably at least two covering the Pistols, Clash, et al in the U.K.. Sadly, the L.A. scene isn’t detailed as much in most Punk Histories, and is usually treated as merely derivative of the other two titans. “Forming” dispels that myth through it’s collection of recollections interspersed with art and photos. “Forming” is by no means exhaustive, but is still very compelling. The authors include Claude Bessy, Chris Morris, Kristine McKenna, sean Carrillo, Exene Cervenka and John Doe. The format is varied and is comprised of relatively straight forward overviews from differing perspectives, ecerpts from record reviews, transcribed informal conversations, and a broad timeline of events juxatposed with mainstream cultural and news tidbits. “Forming” was produced in conjunction with an exhibit of the same name, which took place in mid 1999 at track 16 Gallery in Santa Monica California. It’s not clear whether this book is intended as a catalogue or simply an aditional companion. What is clear, however, is that “Forming” is a labor of love.

This somewhat thin book is roughly the same cover size as 45 rpm single and can be purchased for about 20 bucks. The delicate nature of the book combined with the price may cause some people to hesitate. At first I found it a little disoncerting, but after pouring over the contents I would heartily recommend it. The cost to size ratio is probably a result of a limited press run being made by small art house publisher. I’m sure it’s not a huge money making venture. As much as any book can, “Forming” gives the reader as sense of the events and atmosphere that nurtured some of the more creative bands of the genre. The fact that the book is few in pages parallels the relatively brief timespan and closeknit nature of the burgeoning scene, which remained fairly insular until the old gaurd found itself replaced by the hardcore bands that typifies common perceptions and misconceptions of the origins of California Punk. It really was a different movement back then. “Forming” sheds light on the Latinos and African Americans who were often contributors if not major players in a typically white bread environment.

“Forming” has several chuckle out loud moments. Imagine Black Flag fans disrupting Adam and the Ants, armed with stickers that say “Black Flag kills Ants on contact!” Enjoy the 1980 timeline entry that simply says “Jocks go to punk shows and ruin everything for everybody.” On the flip side, and not to be confused with “Flipside” are the less than happy moments like the now prerequisite list of OD’s and natural deaths. Also included is a really moving story about a sold out X performance that took place shortly after the band received news of the hit-and-run death of Exene’s sister Mary.

The visual elements in “Forming” are a treasure trove of some of the fringe bands in the grand scheme of punk rock. We’ve all seen about a million pictures of the Ramones and the Sex Pistols, but when’s the last time you saw a picture of the Zeros, the Odd Squad, the Bags, the Weirdos, the Alley Cats, the Dils, the Screamers, or the Plugz? Coming from the midwest, I’ve never seen a picture of the Plugz before, and since the Screamers never recorded, pictures and memories are the only record that exist. (On a related note- does anyone remember the early 80’s Screamer skateboard graphic?) Also in the collection are many gig flyers and record covers, plus excerpts from Exene’s art journals, which are worthy of reprinting in and of themselves.

As with most good books on the subject, my biggest complaint is that it ends too soon. Especially the singles and lp covers section, which should be it’s own book. ( Or at very least, a web site. Any interest?) While the book doesn’t give specific details and timelines for individual bands, it does include intersting tidbits here and there. It’s not the encyclopedia of L.A. punk – it’s more like watching old family movies. “Forming: The Early Days of L.A. Punk” is a must-have for anyone who wants to get the L.A. piece of the puzzle that makes up the birth of Punk.

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