Screamin

#4 $2 (P.O. Box 543, Franklin Park, IL 60131)
by Mark Phinney

This is one of the better ‘zines dedicated to the rockabilly scene that I have come across in a while. Based out of Chicago (which is a pretty big mover and shaker in the scene, boasting the claim on Hi-Fi and the Roadburners), this very professional-looking package lets us in on upcoming shows nationwide, as well as ways to order your faves on vinyl or CD. This issue takes a look at those dangerous chicks from the celluloid screen of the ’50s, with Jeanne Carmen gracing the cover. The publication is a big name dropper as well, letting us know they love Mamie Van Doren and Eddie Cochran. This may be the weak spot where I’m concerned. There’s your usual LP reviews, called “Platter Chatter,” a pretty cool heading, huh?…you think? One segment I liked was a piece on Hot Boppin’ Girls which covers female musicians of the good ol’ days. Screamin is a full-bodied guide to a scene that doesn’t have enough people that know how to capture the spirit on paper. Good job, Screamin.