Bald Cactus 26

BALD CACTUS, #26 (A5, 32 pages, 50p+SASE) How pleasing it is to see that BALD CACTUS is still so refreshingly eclectic and witty. This is the zine’s 20th anniversary issue and, to commemorate the momentous event, editor Andy has a give-away with the zine. A comp CD? A vinyl 7”? A badge even? No to all of those. With this issue you get a free TEABAG!! Inspired stuff and totally fitting with Andy’s sense of humour. As usual, the pages of the zine are full of witty verbalisms, informed knowledge on great music and neat cut ‘n’ paste layouts. This issue sees interviews with INNER TERRESTRIALS, SOCIAL PARASITES, FUCK WITH FIRE, the always readable Dick Lucas of SUBHUMANS/ CITIZEN FISH and a three page piece from Pete Wright, formally of CRASS. The reviews are spot on too while the articles Andy writes can be both reflective (a historical piece about the Duchess of York in Leeds), scathing (a piece about scabs at Andy’s workplace) and hilarious (just about all of them!). I really rated the ‘Top Trumps’ gig reviews too! Inspired work!! Gotta commend the piece about smoking at gigs too – who fucking needs it? Easily one of my favourite zines around and, given Andy’s witty and slightly surreal outlook, it’s one of the most original out there – even after 20 years. More power to your pen, Andy!