Here we go again, just a few months after the last and Ashamed and Bored #5 is out. This issue has definately been the most difficult to compile, mainly due to the pressures I've been put under in the Upper Sixth: coursework deadlines, mock exams and lengthy school magazine articles. I did consider just postponing this issue until the summer, but then it would have been all out of date and rather pointless, so here, after much hard work is issue five. Thanks very much for buying the zine. I hope you enjoy it.
Of course, there's been loads of fun moments in putting A&B #5 together, especially interviewing the bands, who were all fantastic and well worthy of your future attention. I have also reviewed a staggering amount of new albums and singles. Make sure you give them all a quick read, at the very least, because the last few months of 1999 were a brilliant period for quality releases, and there is something for everyone. Yes, even your granny.
All the recors I have reviewed are in Heaven Sent Records in Guildford. I've visited lots of record shops in the past, and can still say this shop is the best for everything indie related, and a lot more. For all your second-hand and collectable needs, Collectors Records in Guildford, but also with branches in Wonking and Kingston, is well worth a visit. Every time I go in there I can't resist coming out without something new to listen to. no Saturday morning shopping trip is complete without a visit to these shops.
The last thing to do is thank everyone who has helped me put this zine together: all of Spearmint, Ben and Caretaker, Sid and Steve, Heaven Sent Records and Rough Trade for selling A&B, Will for the cool photos, Greg for putting the website together, Jess for continual help and contributions, Pete Clean Shaven and Rosey Repeat for being nice, all the other fanzine editors who have kept in contact and the bands who have sent me material to review. Than you!
A sad final note: RIP Hiremaka Hi-Fi and Dustball, and good look in your new projects.
Spearmint
Issue 5 Contents
Issue 5 Winter 2000 © Tim Bragger