Book Description

This book collects more than 90 of the best articles — profiles, interviews and histories — that appeared in the magazine fans have called “the bible of alternative rock” but had a broader mission than that. Sections on: · the 1960s · classic rock · glam rock · prog and art rock · reggae · the roots of punk · American punk and new wave · UK punk and new wave · post-punk Annotated with recollections and reflections on the changing times, the ridiculous business of independent magazine publishing and the colorful, complicated artists — illustrated with cartoons, covers, documents and ads from the Trouser Press archive — Zip It Up! is vintage rock journalism of a form that is no longer widely practiced: features heavy on historical detail and lengthy, probing interviews, all written with wit, intelligence and a willful expression of opinions and values. It is also an extensive document of rock’s evolution from the 1970s to the mid-’80s, often capturing now-iconic bands in the early stages of their existence. By turns reverent, snarky, adulatory and cynical, Zip It Up! is a rich grazing ground for fans and students of music and music journalism. Articles on: Small Faces, Syd Barrett, Jimmy Page, Pete Townshend, Todd Rundgren, Ray Davies, KISS, Joy Division, Frank Zappa, Cheap Trick, Ritchie Blackmore, T. Rex, New York Dolls, Lou Reed, Sparks, Bryan Ferry, Brian Eno, Genesis, Robert Fripp, Kate Bush, Peter Tosh, Black Uhuru, Iggy Pop, Graham Parker, Television, Eurythmics, Ramones, Blondie, R.E.M., Violent Femmes, Devo vs. William S. Burroughs, the Go-Go’s, Black Flag, X, Holly and the Italians, the Clash, Sex Pistols, X-Ray Spex, Elvis Costello, Nick Lowe, Cure, U2, Joan Armatrading, Human League, Gang of Four, Adam Ant, Joan Jett, Malcolm McLaren, Public Image Ltd., Eddy Grant and Billy Idol.