A very cool, very polished, trashy culture zine. As stated in the editorial, this first issue is “a compte rendu of our tastes,” and a glimpse into the contributors’ world follows as promised. The common thread here is a desire to retain the memory of the attitudes and airs of the early-to-mid sixties, the impression being that that was about the last time Civilization worked smoothly. But this ain’t just a nostalgic trip back. Popaganda doesn’t just focus on either music or movies or politics, it draws attention to the common themes and cross-influences between every medium of the era. Alongside straightforward looks back at sixties soundtracks, screen idols and such, there are bits of history and insight that place this all firmly within today’s perspective. Guy Fixx’s “Whatever happened to Cool Radio?” puts its finger on an almost-lost unifying cultural medium sorely missed in today’s ever-fragmenting media landscape. Editrix Francoise Faithfull sincerely wrestles with ideology and action in “I Took A Wrong Left Turn” and pertinently points out that “we are not only victims but also perpetrators of an unjust society.” With Jamie Salomon’s commentary on comics, Flipped Out Phils’s mod culture musings, and Eric Theriault and Sophie Cossette’s groovy graphics, Popaganda provides an unexpectedly diverse (and definitely slick) read. Overall, as professional and impressive a first issue as I’ve ever seen. (LR)
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