IN THIS ISSUE
Vol I
Issue 1
May 2025
▪ Letter From the Editor/Manifesto
▪ What’s in a Name?
▪ The Merry Month of May
▪ See: Skating Polly
▪ Know Your Rights!
▪ Reviews
▪ Feedback
▪ Credit/Contact
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
Hey there, and welcome to the inaugural issue of Angrr!
Volume I, Issue 1 is going to be quick'n'dirty as the Oklahoma Underground Music Archive and I decided to debut an entire 'zine at the literal last minute, but I am eager to see the idea expand. I envision Angrr! as a repository for longer, more exploratory articles which do not fit the format of UMAmi. It can contain more comprehensive coverage and
also reviews of material which isn't available through the Metropolitan Library System, and perhaps even be a place for more personal art and essays – my own as well as others’. It exists as a cerebral companion piece to its parent 'zine.
Angrr! will increase its focus - if you can call it that - beyond "punk" to include emo, goth, industrial, new wave, postpunk, shoegaze, and other genres. It will celebrate not only music and 'zine culture, but art/design, fashion, history, literature, psychology, and sociology. Eventually I'll be looking into activities which punk has influenced or entwined with, such as sports and politics.
As a Generation X Granny Anarchy, I believe that
Photo of the author’s personal bookshelf
Angrr! will appeal most to first and second wave punk readers, but I certainly hope that it can be appreciated by anyone. So, come on, let's get Angrry!
--Granny Anarchy
"Punk is rebel music. It’s not for couch potatoes who haven’t a thought in their heads. Punk is an ongoing discussion about the world we live in & society & our ... political system..." - Captain Sensible https://tinyurl.com/bdh63zjc/
What’s in a Name?
GRANNY ANARCHY
In certain cultures, the elders - particularly the matriarchs, the grandmothers - are the keepers of the family, the clan, the tribe. They keep practical knowledge such as how to weave threads into clothes and blankets, and they keep the lore from cultural myths to family history. I chose the name Granny Anarchy to signify my arthritic age, my propensity for gathering and dispensing knowledge, and of course as a general nod to punk sensibilities.
ANGRR!
Captain Sensible of The Damned
When choosing a name for this 'zine I thought I might select something that would complement UMAmi, but something that would also reflect Granny Anarchy. Grumble? Umami is a foodrelated word, a stomach can grumble, and old people grumble all of the time! But the name didn't quite fit my vision for an academic punk 'zine. What about Growl? Stomachs growl, and that sounds kind of tough. But more feral than old and artsy. Grr! Hey; that sounds promising! It references Riot Grrrls, who have a huge influence in 'zinedom and a
Image via Wikipedia
prominent place in punk history.
AnGrr! Aha! This partial combination of Anarchy and Granny has that Riot Grrrl connotation as well as sharing a subliminal context with all of the genres, cultures, and subjects I hope to explore. This 'zine isn't
angry, it's Angrry! It disseminates the simple enjoyment of all things punk and the desire to celebrate the knowledge of how punk influences and was influenced by different aspects of society. Perfect! I think I found a (typically hard to spell and punctuate) name!
The Merry Month of May
By Granny Anarchy
Photo by Granny Anarchy April showers bring May flowers, and May is full of interesting and important dates. Most people probably think of Mother's Day, Memorial Day, Cinco de Mayo
or even the Kentucky Derby when thinking of May Days (that's actually another one!) but there are even more occasions to note this month. Here are a small sample of other occasions to celebrate alongside all the graduations!
1 - Beltane
Also known as May Day, the pagan Sabbat (seasonal festival) of Beltane is celebrated the evening of April 30 and on May 1. It is the midpoint of the spring equinox and summer solstice, representing summer, fertility, and abundance.
International Sunflower Guerilla Gardening Day
Guerilla gardeners transform neglected public spaces by
sowing seeds of hardy plants that are easy to cultivate, beautifying and greening heat islands and aiding local birds and insects. (Please be sure your seeds are good for local flora and fauna and not invasive species that can outgrow and outbalance native life.)
https://tinyurl.com/8ns3ndee
https://tinyurl.com/mwspfv5b
https://tinyurl.com/uybm84y5
May Day
The fires of Beltane don't burn in the more Christian and civic May Day festivals, but pagan influence can still be seen in May Poles, flowers, dancing, and animal blessings. In more modern times, May Day also became known as International Workers’ Day as people fought for labor rights.
Mother Goose Day
Mother Goose likely originated from French fairy tales and nursery rhymes in the 1620s-30s. Charles Perrault's "Contes de ma mere L'Oye" may be the first Mother Goose published, circa 1697. John Newbery's "Mother Goose's Melody or Sonnets from the Cradle" was printed in England around 1780.
Save
the Rhino Day
Did you know there are five species of rhinoceros alive on Earth right now? Three are critically endangered, one vulnerable, and one is near threatened. All face not only habitat loss but poaching due to demand for rhino horn, sold for more than gold but made basically of hair and hooves.
2 - Astronomy Day
Celebrated every spring and autumn, Astronomy Day is a world-wide event "bringing astronomy to the people" where universities, observatories, museums, and science clubs set up telescopes for the public and share their love of the skies.
International Harry Potter Day
The day of the Battle of Hogwarts - when He Who Shall Not Be Named (and all of his deatheaters) was defeatedwas picked as the day to celebrate the Harry Potter franchise.
(Note: Author J.K. Rowling has made multiple transphobic statements as well as showing an unwillingness to be open-
minded and understand asexuals, body image issues, and caricatures in her work. However, the Harry Potter books and movies have made an immense cultural impact.)
3 - Free Comic Book Day
Southern Oaks Library is participating in this annual comic book industry event! Free comic books for all ages, while supplies last, one comic book per person.
Kentucky Derby
World Press Freedom Day
Honoring journalists and democracy advocates who defend access to information, freedom of speech, and media independence around the world - including those who have been killed in performance of their profession.
James Brown's Birthday
The "Godfather of Soul" was innovative and influential in funk, hip-hop, r&b, and soul, as well as being an activist.
4 - 45 Day
Before streaming, mp3 players, CDs, and cassettes, there was vinyl - and the 45 RPM 7" single (which was an
advancement of the 78 RPM and 33 1/3 formats.)
Anti-Bullying Day
Also known as Pink Shirt Day. Jadrien Cota was bullied for wearing a pink shirt to school. David Shepherd and Travis Price bought and distributed 50 pink shirts to show their support for Jadrien, and Anti-Bullying day began. Its aim is to prevent and stand up to bullying, particularly in schools, and support those who need help.
Star Wars Day
"May the Fourth be with you!"
Anniversary of Kent State Shootings
Four unarmed students were shot by the National Guard while protesting military strikes in Cambodia, which was neutral during the Vietnam War. Kent State University, Ohio, 1970.
Dick Dale's Birthday
Lebanese-American "King of the Surf Guitar" pioneered "surf music" and playing with reverb effects. His middle eastern inspired music, such as "Misirlou," significantly impacted our aural landscape.
5 - Cinco de Mayo
Cinco de Mayo celebrates the Mexican army's 1861 victory over France during the Franco-Mexican War.
National Concert Day
Marking the beginning of the summer concert season in the U.S., National Concert Day celebrates the artists, crew, and fans of live concert performances.
6 - Poem on Your Pillow Day
Promote poetry by leaving a poem on a friend's or guest's pillow.
John Flansburgh (They Might Be Giants) Birthday
8 - Make a Book Day
Encourages and inspires people of all ages to create their own books (or zines!) through art, journalling, and other creative formats. Warr Acres Library has a Creative Writing Chapbook and a May Mindfulness Journal program this month - great ways to start!
National Report Government Contractor Fraud Day
Joel Hesch, a whistleblower attorney who spent over 15 years working in the
Department of Justice, created this day to "help whistleblowers properly report fraud against the government, such as Medicare or military fraud, and get a reward in the process."
https://tinyurl.com/yvs4sb86
9 - Dave Gahan's (Depeche Mode) Birthday
Depeche Mode formed in 1980 and is still active today. Gahan also released two solo albums and sings lead for Soulsavers.
11 - Mother's Day (Bereaved Mother's Day is May 4.)
Greg Dulli (Afghan Whigs) Birthday
Greg Dulli has also been in The Twilight Singers. He and Mark Lanegan performed together as The Gutter Twins, and Dulli has released his own solo work.
12 - National Limerick Day
Celebrates the birthday of English artist, author, and poet Edward Lear, best known for his "nonsense," including made up words and over 200 of these five-line poems.
Tony Hawk's Birthday
Born in 1968, Anthony Frank Hawk is a pioneer of vert skateboarding. Pro at age 14, sponsored by Peralta and Vans at 16, he'd earned enough to buy a home by high school graduation. At age 25 he'd won 73 of 103 pro contests. Tony invented and mastered over 100 tricks. He's acted, had a video game series, and continues in other entrepreneurial pursuits.
14 David Byrne, Mike Inez (Alice in Chains) Birthday
15 - Tourette Awareness Month (runs through June 15)
Tourette Syndrome Awareness Month is observed annually from May 15 to June 15. It advocates for support of this neurological disorder, which causes tics - or involuntary (often repetitive) sounds or movements - and often comes with other comorbidities.
Brian Eno's Birthday
Known best for his work in ambient music and electronica, Brian Peter George Eno has collaborated with David Bowie, David Byrne, Robert Fripp, produced Damon Albarn, John Cale,
Devo, Peter Gabriel, Slowdive, and Ultravox, and many more.
16 - Love a Tree Day
Did you know that a bristlecone pine tree named Methuselah has lived for more than 4,800 years and is older than the Egyptian Pyramids? The gingko is known as a "living fossil?" The oldest certified olive tree is more than 2000 years old and still bears fruit? Trees provide cleaner air, cooler temperatures, wildlife habitats - and enjoyment for us. Celebrate by learning about trees or caring for one today!
Krist Novoselic's (Nirvana) Birthday
Krist Anthony Novoselic, best known for playing bass in Nirvana, also played in 3rd Secret, Eyes Adrift, Giants in the Trees, Sweet 75, and Flipper. He's been an outspoken political activist.
17 - Trent Reznor's (Nine Inch Nails) Birthday
Michael Trent Reznor has also performed in How to Destroy Angels and has created and produced multiple movie and
game scores, songs, and soundtracks, such as for Bird Box, Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Gone Girl, Lost Highway, Mank, Mid90s, Natural Born Killers, Quake, The Social Network, Soul, Tron: Ares, and Watchmen.
18 - International Museum Day
"Museums are an important means of cultural exchange, enrichment of cultures and development of mutual understanding, cooperation and peace among peoples." On this day, museums often plan activities and events to engage the public. Some museums offer free admission. (Did you know that Metro Library offers an Experience Pass for several area museums every day?)
https://www.metrolibrary.org/ experience-passes
19 - World Plant a Vegetable Garden Day
If you don't know how to grow your own vegetables, MLS can help you learn how. You don't even need your own yard - you can try one or two small plants indoors!
Grace Jones, Joey Ramone, Pete Townsend's (The Who) Birthday
20 - Jane Wiedlin's (The GoGos) Birthday
Wiedlin also performed in a four-album solo career, acted extensively, wrote, has been an animal rights activist and an ordained minister.
21
- International Tea Day
Coordinated by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization to champion sustainable production and consumption of tea and to raise awareness of its cultural and economic significance. The tea industry is important to some of the world's poorest countries, where tea consumption is also low.
https://www.un.org/en/observa nces/tea-day
22
- World Goth Day
First celebrated in the UK in 2009, World Goth Day is a time to focus on this music subculture which includes bands such as 45 Grave, The Cure, Dead Can Dance,
Kommunity FK, Siouxie and the Banshees, and Xymox.
http://www.worldgothday.com/ (One of my faves: https://tinyurl.com/ap mfd9nv)
Morrissey's Birthday
Steven Patrick Morrissey, lead singer of The Smiths and solo artist, is also known for animal rights advocacy, speculation about his sexuality, and contrary personality and political opinions.
24 Bob Dylan's Birthday
Robert Allen Zimmerman was defiant and unapologetic. His folk music was raw, troubled, and unpolished. He didn't stay in his lane, aggravating many when he "went electric." Check out "A Complete Unknown" DVD or one of MLS's many other items on Dylan!
25 Towel Day
A tribute to Douglas Adams. Fans carry a towel with them as is described in the book "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy." It's the most massively useful thing an interstellar hitchhiker can have!
Paul Weller's (The Jam, Style Council) Birthday
26 - Memorial Day
Don't let the sales fool you - Memorial Day is a day to honor and mourn U.S. military personnel who died while serving.
Lenny Kravitz's Birthday
Kravitz has acted in Precious, The Butler, and The Hunger Games films in addition to his music career.
28 - Amnesty International Day
Amnesty International is a worldwide human rights organization. Their main focus is freedom and speech and the right to not be tortured, but they advocate for many other issues.
On May 28, 1961, The Observer published "The Forgotten Prisoners" by Peter Benenson. ( https://tinyurl.com/2trzuku 6 ) This piece referenced the Universal Declaration of Human Rights ( https://tinyurl.com/bdepwt6 t ) - and each anniversary Amnesty International Day honors this by raising awareness and encouraging
activity to prevent abuse and promote justice.
World Hunger Day
Begun by The Hunger Project, this day - created in 1977seeks to promote selfreliance and sustainability in the fight against hunger and poverty. According to the Hunger Project, "We don’t see a billion mouths to feed, we see a billion human beings who are aspiring change makers, entrepreneurs and innovators."
https://www.worldhungerday.or g/
29 - National Paperclip Day
In 1940, Oslo University students in German occupied Norway wore paperclips as a symbol of resistance.
https://tinyurl.com/mjez93t8 https://tinyurl.com/4v8n3379
Danny Elfman's Birthday
The lead singer of Oingo Boingo is also well-known for his work on soundtracks and scores, including Batman, Beetlejuice, Good Will Hunting, Mars Attacks, Men in Black, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Pee-Wee's Big Adventure, The Simpsons, Spider-Man, and Wednesday.
May is also an Awareness Month for a multitude of causes and conditions, including:
▪ Arthritis Awareness Month
▪ Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
▪ Be Kind to Animals Month
▪ Food Allergy Action Month
▪ Indian Heritage Month
▪ International Drum Month
▪ Mental Health Awareness Month
▪ National Egg Month
▪ Older Americans Month
▪ Zombie Awareness Month ok
“Punk rock is being honest, believing in yourself and doing what you gotta do. That's all” Marky Ramone.
See: Skating Polly
By Granny Anarchy
My favorite photos from Skating Polly with the Gully Boys and OKC’s Keathley at Factory Obscura! March 13 2025
Visit Keathley at https://tinyurl.com/24ra834n Listen to The Gully Boys at https://tinyurl.com/mu486by3 (Granny’s fave: NeoPet Graveyard!)
Keathley and The Gully Boys entertain a good-sized crowd at Factory Obscura.
Kelli Mayo, Peyton Bighorse, and Kurtis Mayo of Skating Polly (as well as a crowd shot!)
Skating Polly is a band!
Kelli Mayo’s Signature Move during “Camelot.”
Know Your Rights!
By Granny Anarchy
"Know Your Rights," the first single from The Clash's "Combat Rock, was released April 23, 1982. This "public service announcement ... with guitar!" names three human rights:
"The right not to be killed. Murder is a crime, unless it is done by a policeman, or an aristocrat"
"The right to food money, providing, of course, you don't mind a little investigation, humiliation, and if you cross your fingers, rehabilitation"
"The right to free speech (as long as you're not dumb enough to actually try it)"
According to Inside Hook, "Know Your Rights" was "was a timely, and sadly prescient, play on what The Clash’s frontman saw as the unfulfilled promise of the U.S. he loved so dearly."
(https://www.insidehook.com/m usic/mick-jones-paul-simononclash-combat-rock)
https://tinyurl.com/mryksk5k
You can find downloadable copies of the “red card” in multiple languages at: https://tinyurl.com/3h2dncwx
“Punk is musical freedom. It’s saying, doing and playing what you want. In Webster’s terms, ‘nirvana’ means freedom from pain, suffering and the external world, and that’s
pretty close to my definition of Punk Rock.”
Kurt Cobain
REVIEWS
By Granny Anarchy
In System@MetroLibrary
Brigitte Calls Me
Baby - The Future Is Our Way Out
I was a teen in the 80s; these fellas sound SO MUCH like The Smiths mixed with other 80s influences - though to be fair, in the 80s, there were 50s and 60s influences, so singer Wes Levins also sounds a bit rockabilly, janglepop, and Elvis-meetsRoxy Music.
Faves: Fine Dining / Too Easy / Impressively Average
Crows - Reason
Enough
A little bit cheeky, a little bit dark, this album by UK's Crows has a punk intro and dabbles in (dark) dreampop, with several songs that sound very Interpol-influenced. I
might best describe it as "Joy Division and The Damned cruised by IDLES."
Faves: Bored / Is it Better / Vision of Me / Land of the Rose / Silhouettes
The Lambrini Girls - Who Let the Dogs Out
THIS IS MY NEW FAVORITE BAND. (My other favorite bands are Skating Polly and Sprints.)
This UK duo are a couple of queers; Phoebe Lunny is a lesbian with ADHD, and Lilly Maciera is bisexual, bipolar, and autistic. They sing - or shout - about police brutality, misogyny, eating disorders, homosexuality, class inequality, and anything else that crosses their minds. They're a little sloppy and not completely serious, but also utterly "in tune" with what is on a lot of minds in these chaotic times. Inspired by Bikini Kill, Courtney Love, and The Runaways, these punks can party - but also advocate.
Faves: Bad Apple / Company Culture / No Homo / Nothing Tastes As Good As It Feels / Filthy Rich Nepo Baby / Love / Cuntology 101
Metz - Up on Gravity Hill
Influenced by The Jesus Lizard, Mission of Burma, and Shellac, METZ may appeal to fans of such diverse acts as Frank Carter, Cloud Nothings, Drive Like Jehu, and Helmet with their rough, fuzzy noise rock. This is an intense, powerful album that showcases some great musicianship and shows some real sophistication from a band that's been around since 2012.
Faves: No Reservation+Love Comes Crashing / 99 / Superior Mirage
Skating Polly -
Chaos County Line
Oklahoma-grown Kelli Mayo, Peyton Bighorse, and Kurtis Mayo's most recent double album offers a variety of songs that encapsulate the band's self-described "Ugly Pop." Inspired by X, Regina Spektor, and Bikini Kill, this trio can sound like a riot (grrrls) of Seattle sound, sweetly twee, or darkly moody and almost Curelike.
Faves: Baby on My Birthday / Masquerade / Hickey King /
Girls Night / All the Choices / Rabbit Food / Send a Priest
Not In System Descartes a Kant -
After Destruction
Mexican women who combine Gary Numan, Sparks, and Wooze with punk sensibility to create a concept album that's also prog-rock and philosophical. The songs are extremely catchy, and the lyrics are deeper than they seem.
Faves: The Mess We've Made / Raindrops of Poison / After Destruction
Sprints - Letter to
Self
This Irish group fronted by Karla Chubb has been influenced by PJ Harvey, the Pixies, and Savages. The songs here are about anxiety, depression, and feeling alienated by homosexuality or modern society at large. The guitars are buzzy and the drums beat darkly, though there are a few clean, crisp rays of light that give the album's sound a more dynamic quality.
Faves: Ticking / Heavy / Cathedral / Adore / Can't Get Enough / Literary Mind
FEEDBACK
INAUGURAL ISSUE
No letters to the ed yet! Send ‘em in!
Many thanks to the UMAmi team for all their patience, help, and encouragement
Cover photo and layout by Granny Anarchy
All interior photos and text by Granny Anarchy unless otherwise noted
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