Posted on: August 3, 2008 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

Skyscraper #16 / $4.99 / Full Sized / 178 Pages / [email protected] / http://www.skyscrapermagazine.com /

One of the most jam-packed zines that I’ve read in the last few months, Skyscraper has stayed remarkably close to the earlier issues: #6 has interviews with bands I never have heard of just like the current issue, #16. While the layout has gotten more appealing in the five years since #6, the choice of articles in the current issue are much more than I expected from Skyscraper. This time, a six page section of the magazine is given to a slight history of punk music in the American electorate as well as what needs to be done for the 2004 election, as well as a surface-level piece done on American-created styles of music. While the ratio of hit-to-miss for these articles are much more generous than the ample interviews given in this issue (while both of the articles are compelling and well-written, only about five of the interviews really drew me in for the entire duration of the piece). Pandering heavily to the Pitchfork Media crowd, an interview with Daughters showcases the assholic nature of bands who think they are the shit much too early in their careers, and an interview with The Unicorns is actually well-written and funny. Giving an adequate amount of space to their reviews, individuals can actually gain a little understanding about an album that a fifty or one hundred word review wouldn’t allow the individual. Overall, Skyscraer is essential for individuals who wish to find out about bands that will hit it big in the next few years, and as such, is well worth the $4.95 cover price.

Rating: 7.1/10

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