Cudgel has a great attitude about music. They’re open enough to be diverse and human about how music affects them while the coverage is focused enough to exhibit good taste. The premiere issue runs the gambit of how listening to Leadbelly almost lead a staunch lover of punk to give up loud fast rules, but comes to the conclusion that the world was better – and big enough – to hold both. The interview with The Chargers Street Gang was far above par. When any interviewer has the gall to ask, “What’s the best southern rock song to have on while taking a shit?” gains instant bonus points with me, the deal is sealed with the simple, yet powerful line summing up exposure to the Chargers’ live set: “I felt like I’d had sex with rock’n’roll.” The Chargers then win my heart by stating, “Mike Watt’s never gotten gay and boring.” Proper props are given all the way through all forty-one pages. The whole issue, which includes an interview with comic artist Peter Bagge, local Ann Arbor hard workers, record reviews, and much more, always feels like you’re in the middle of an engaging conversation. Unpretentious, funny, and knowledgeable. Well worth the two bucks. –Todd (Cudgel, c/o Dustin, 608 Catherine St., Ann Arbor, MI48104)