Mass Movement Magazine

Why Be Something You’re Not? Detroit Hardcore 1979 – 1985 - Tony Rettman (Revelation Records)
One of my main gripes with Steven Blush’ American Hardcore was the pitiful amount of space given to hardcore bands from the heartlands of the Midwest, particularly the Detroit scene which continued its rich heritage of producing outstanding music in the form of the Necros, Negative Approach and the Meatmen. Rettman’s book goes someway to correcting this oversight and provides us with timely reminder of the importance of these bands (and the individuals which comprised them) on the developing American hardcore scene of the early 80s. Like the hardcore blasts produced by the bands themselves, Rettman uses short sharp paragraphs to introduce the subject and then lets the participants do the talking for themselves. By concentrating on the main protagonists in the Detroit scene Rettman provides a first hand insight into the individuals, alliances, petty disputes and scene politics which dominated the Detroit scene between 1979 and its eventual fragmentation in 1985. The book features some fantastic live shots from legendary venue such as the Freezer and Nunzios, band discographies, show listings and flyers from the era. An essential piece of hardcore history and a must have for any discerning fan of hardcore music. Ian Pickens