Jukebox Cruci-Fix
One of Patti Smith's best prose poems is a tribute to Jim Morrison and other deceased rock stars. This was her last contribution to CREEM before moving on to become a big rock star herself! (June 1975)
The Secret History Of Queen
CREEM's resident wacko (Rick Johnson) takes a really off-the-wall look at the gayest, er, the happiest, uh... let's just say "the champions" of rock 'n' roll. Freddie Mercury will never seem the same! (August 1974)
Bruce Springsteen: "Walk Tall.. Or Don't Walk At All"
Originally part of Dave Marsh's Don't Touch That Dial column, this was one of the first – and perhaps THE first – national story on Springsteen anywhere. Marsh, of course, would go on to write Springsteen's best-selling biography, Born To Run. (October 1974)
Psychotic Reactions And Carburetor Dung
One of Lester Bangs' best ever. A pop history revisionist look at the Count Five and the garage rock/trash culture ethic that was integral to the origins of CREEM. This is one of rock writing's most influential pieces ever – and a testimony to why Lester was often called "the greatest rock 'n' roll critic in the world." (June 1971) |
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THE BEST OF CREEM
Fall 1984
Special Issue
Mail Hall Of Fame
Compiled by Rick Johnson. The best from Boy Howdy's mailbag, including correspondence from John Lennon, Patti Smith, Joan Jett and other inspired zaniness!
Dead Lie The Velvet Underground, R.I.P., Long Live Lou Reed
Lester Bangs' first CREEM story on Lou & The Velvets, and perhaps the definitive look at the legendary band which helped to shape at least part of the CREEM consciousness. In later years , of course, Lester's name would almost become synonymous with Lou Reed's. (May 1971)
MC5: Back On Shakin' Street
Dave Marsh's classic look at the Motor City bad boys – the original political rock anarchists (and progenitors of the Clash and other '70s punk groups) – at a time when rock 'n' roll was still considered something that might "save" the world! (October 1971)
Rolling Stones: "Can't Get No Satisfaction"
Mr. consumer Guide (Robert Christgau) himself analyzes "the greatest rock 'n' roll band in the world" from their origins through Altamont and its aftermath up to Exile On Main Street and the '72 U.S. tour. In short, a view of the Stones in their prime. (January 1973)
The Led Zeppelin Circus Is Back
Lisa Robinson – rock's original gossip, originator of CREEM's Eleganza column and currently host of Radio 1990 – catches led Zeppelin in the process of making history, filling stadiums and breaking attendance records! (September 1973)
Jungle Music: The All-Time All-Star 1950's Rock 'N' Roll Movie
Greil Marcus, the influential author of Mystery Train, creates the definitive '50s rock yarn, with Elvis, gene Vincent and Eddie Cochran joining forces to save the world from the clutches of the evil Mr. Big! Featuring cameos by everyone from Chuck Berry & Bo Diddley to Dick Clark & Alan Freed! (July 1975)
Journey As A Way Of Life
Dave DiMartino, CREEM's current editor-in-cheif gets a free trip to California(!) and an opportunity to talk to one of, uh, "the most popular bands of the '70s." Dave's second wackiest submission to the magazine ever, right after his job application! (September 1981)
CREEM Of The Crop: Boy Howdy's Hall Of Fame
Compiled by Bill Holdship: Boy Howdy's greatest hits, from The Beatles to Judas Priest, from Elvis Presley to Elvis Costello, from Alice Cooper to Boy George, from David Bowie to Prince – plus lots of stuff in-between! |
