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Stewart Home – Blood Rites of the Bourgeoisie (Semina, 2010)

Home’s latest novel is an installment in a series of books of experimental fiction. More on other episodes in the series anon, I hope.

“Blood Rites” has a number of themes – identity blurring, spam, the machinations of the art world in London. It confuses as much as it reveals, which should make for a satisfying read for the more adventurous. Dan Brown this isn’t.

The text includes a number of paragraphs of rewritten spam emails, which can be annoying, or poetic or distracting – just like wading through “real” spam when you’re trying to get to your email or blog comments. It gives “Blood Rites” a slightly off-kilter rhythm, which I enjoyed very much.

Much of the book also covers the thorny tale of the real identity of Belle Du Jour – something I’ve previously covered in relation to Stewart here. There’s even an appendix which includes some pretty weird comments from Home’s Mr Trippy blog, in which some nutjobs are completely convinced that he is Belle Du Jour, even after her actual identity was revealed. (Or was it? Ad infinitum tedium…)

Blood Rites of the Bourgeoisie is published as part of Book Works’ Semina series (No.7) edited by Stewart Home. Printed offset in an edition of 1,500 copies, b/w, 128 pages with a soft cover, and colour dust jacket. Designed by Fraser Muggeridge, 130 x 195 mm.

Road Rage archive #1 « Piece of Paper Press.

Tony White on 1980s Hackney, the backstory to his “Road Rage” crusty pulp novel, Psychic TV and much more…. well worth a read, as are his books!

Ras Kush on Black Redemption Sound, in Tokyo

Musik Line: Ras Kush: Sound of Brooklyn.

Absolutely awesome interview with Ras Kush about reggae in New York covering everything from the connections with hip hop, soundsystems, Wackies the underdog, Super Cat, Jammyland, binghi sessions and black consciousness. And also the long reach of sleng teng,  Jah Shaka and Xterminator from overseas.

Essential reading and definitely one to print off for the bus/train/tube journey home.

Wackies and Jah Shaka are interviewed at length in this new publication: More Axe #2.

A 150 page perfectbound book featuring some nice archive interviews and writing. Of particular note is the piece on Peter King – Saxon soundsystem’s fast chat originator.

It’s slightly let down by its design and typesetting but is professional produced overall and very readable.

Books on rocksteady and deejays also available. Order via the link.

junior delahaye & jerry harris with original master tape reel

And if that’s not enough Wackies for ya, check out this recent Wackies Alumni radio show in NYC by the man Carter Van Pelt and featuring Jerry Harris, Junior Delahaye, and Prince Douglas reminiscing on their musical history and contributions to the Wackies sound.

Photos by the man named Dubstar.

I’ve not had a chance to write about the Red Bull Music Academy events, or their daily newspaper which is an omission on my part.

I was too knackered to make the now legendary 4 way soundclash between DMZ, Trojan, Soul To Soul and Metalheadz at the Roundhouse last week, but is sounded wicked. Check Laurent’s write up and the only-to-be-expected disagreements in the comments.

You can listen to the four rounds of the clash here (no downloads tho).

The most recent Daily Note includes a nice piece on fanzines which mentions Woofah and says it has: “consistently proved that informed, considered and informative journalism continues to exist outside the internet and mainstream monthly music titles”

Which is the sort of thing which makes it all worthwhile! One for the Woofah Love page I think!

Previous issues of the Daily Note have included a two part piece by Melissa Bradshaw on the history of UK Soundsystem,  Dan Hancox on the cops and grime, a cool Weatherall interview and a series of pieces on different areas of London, including Hackney. It’s all available for download as pdfs on the RBMA site.

woofahmag.com

I can barely believe I’m saying it but the new issue is here and ready to get out to you all!

Believe me it’s worth the wait – up to a massive 92 pages this time and some incredible content that I am completely amazed we managed to secure. And it’s still the same price!

In the shops next week, but you can order direct NOW:

woofah magazine » Buy.

(copies to contributors and allies will be mailed out early next week, or can be got from me in person)

Hackney Heckler No 2 now available for pdf download | Hackney Solidarity Network.

Check it out folks! All yer news and views from London’s most exciting borough.

Including: Top Ten Hackney Novels centrespread!

weareie: Finally!!.

Woofah issue 4 just landed at Chateau Droid. The shipment will now cross the Irish sea and reach London early next week.

Hit the link for more info or stay tuned to this channel…

I’m excited – you should be too!

Issue 2 of Hackney’s best (and only?) radical lefty rabble rousing free-sheet is out now.

This time it includes:

• Top Ten Hackney novels
• Hackney’s unemployed standing up against the job centre
• Plus a load of smaller news pieces and a roundup of upcoming events.
• And a whole lot more!

Copies will be available in various places around the borough over the next few weeks. I’ve got some as well, so let me know if you want a copy (or a small bundle for mates/co-workers/neighbours).

Irie Up Vol 1 Issue 1 Jan Feb 2010 – magazine.

From Berlin, in English. Looks very interesting!

Blog closed until further notice… « Mister Trippy.

An interesting review of Stewart Home’s latest blogging incarnation and some comment on blogging in general.