03 Mar 2025 14 min read punk

Rag Mag Issue 5

This is a packed issue punks. Lindsay’s back with Lost and Found featuring Amy and her red pea coat (ed. note Amy we want a part 2!) and Velvet Deluxx’s Stage Dive chats with Hilken Mancini of approximately one million bands, seen most recently by Creature a few months back in Puke Pistols (love the dueling white SGs, band rips!) Wasteland Chick is taking on the Irish national anthem, at least according to Derry Girls, and Leela Corman drops a new “Splinters”. Your old friend Dottie’s Medium Regular is here, listen to the stars folks. And of course Creature’s Double Feature. Check out the flyers and events at the end, keep sending stuff in, we wanna hear from you, so get on the rag punks. See ya soon and keep up the fight.

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Tell us about the item you lost (or found)—what’s the backstory?
The item I lost was a red pea coat at the boiler room in Allston, MA. This is the story: Brian and I were living in Lower Allston. Sometimes when he would go to boiler room shows, I'd hang out with friends and then meet up with him afterwards. We'd kick rocks for a bit then walk home together. This one night, Brian went to see flaccid, nuke cult, and dirty work (thank you for remembering, Tom!). I met up and we were hanging around with some people outside. I remember someone gasped and pointed to my right, I turned around and saw someone peeing into another person's mouth. Then, the pee reciever stood up and spit it everywhere. I had front row splash zone seats. It got all over my favorite red pea coat. That coat was awesome. It was warm, had deep pockets and was the perfect shade of red.
Where and when did you realize the item was lost?
I would say once the shock wore off and I realized what had happened. When I got home, it immediately went in the trash. A small amount of piss can do a lot of damage, and this was no small amount. The next day, we went to savers in nashua and I got a red and black flannel jacket which I can gladly say has gotten me through each cruel new england winter since that night.
Did you go back to look for it? How did that go?
I probably could have put it through the wash or something, but earlier that winter I had to use it to stop the bleeding of someone who was stabbed. It was not in the best shape as far as jackets go.
Did losing this item change anything about how you experience shows now?
Oh sure, I probably stopped meeting up as much after shows, or would only go if Brian was playing. It definitely made me weary and more watchful. If anyone reading this was there that night, we should talk!
Was the crowd or show vibe in any way connected to why the item got lost or found?
Years later, I still often talk about that night with our dear friends Tom and Lauren. The first time I recounted this gross story, they told me the story continued. They refer to this night as "gun night" because the pee people pulled a gun on everyone after Brian and I had left to deal with this piss. I'm thankful I missed that part of the night, but I feel awful for the people who had a gun aimed at them.

Every. Fricking. Time. Salutations, Wasteland Chicks. Welcome back to: “A tween girl calling herself a Mad Max character reviews music from the eighties”. Just kidding, this job rules! Anyway, today we’ll be reviewing another favorite of this Wasteland Chick, “Teenage Kicks” by The Undertones. Let’s start with the melody and rhythm: In a word, awesome. This song’s melody has a very excited, low-riff tune to it, if that makes any sense. The melody and rhythm: 9.1 out of 10. Now the lyrics: In a word, yeah. This song’s lyrics evict an excited, pumped-up “yeah”! Though the lyrics are a bit repetitive, I've become accustomed to that with most punk songs. Anyways, this song’s lyrics are a bit confusing to me, but still very vibe-able and cool. Lyrics: 9.3 out of 10. General review: 9.1 out of ten. Very vibe-able and cool, definitely would recommend playing on a car ride to the beach, summer evening trip to the store, or trip to the pizza shop. Live eternal, shiny and chrome, Wasteland Chicks. Bye!

Sincerely, WASTELAND CHICK

Hilken Mancini is a performer extraordinaire. Whether its rocking with one of her million bands, leading a punk rock aerobics class or giving a motivational speech she’s getting the crowd moving. She’s performed on stages all over the world big and small, from basements to fenway park. She’s shared the stage with the likes of Cherie Currie , J Mascis and countless other legends. She's a rock n roll big sis to many so that's why we’re chatting with her today!

Photo Credit: All photos submitted by artist, photographer unknown. Let us know who you are and we will update and credit.

When was your first performance and what was it? How did it make you feel?

I was probably 6 or 8 years old or something like that. I’m not sure but I used to dance around the house my mom said and make her put me in tights and a leotard and tiny pigtails. I probably did a dance recital maybe and probably liked being a show off since that's what I did around the house all the time…making up songs and dancing and cracking up my mom and her sister.

Do you think your dance background influenced how you perform while playing music?

Oh definitely. When I play drums I feel like I am dancing. When I write songs I feel like I am escaping reality and that's what that was all about…immersing yerself in music to feel free.

Do you ever get stage fright ? And if so , do you have any pre-show rituals?

Depending on the venue and the audience size….I usually get nervous for big shows. I don’t wanna fuck up. I don't have a ritual, but I do think if I drink a beer I have a better time up there and am less nervous. Lighten up a little bit. Also I just turn up really loud or hit really hard and deliver the rock - and then I feel better

How do you feel performing ?

I really like it. I like recording more honestly, but it's good to try and do your songs live. It's kind of like sex. Sometimes it's awesome and it's perfect and you get everything across that you wanted to and all your gear and pedals work right and you feel great, and other times you just kinda try and nothing works-, you break a string, your amp blows up - and you feel awkward but you know you did yer best and that's all that matters - ha ha ha…

Do you have any favorite shows or performances that stick out in your mind?

hmmmmm…Maybe when I was in Fuzzy in the 90’s in the UK when we were playing the Garage. We said we were gonna cover an Australian song and a man started running from the back of the room up to the stage all angry and screaming and freaking out and I dumped my beer on his head.

I also used to chew a lot of gum on stage in the 90’s. I felt like it gave me more attitude, which is important, especially touring in the south in the US, being girls in miniskirts and playing Marshall 50 and 100 watt amps…but it’s all kind of a blur back then - a lot of beer drinking. I remember fun things outside of playing shows, like visiting Graceland with Redd Kross and The Lemonheads when we toured with them. We got kicked out for jumping on a bed.

So, we’ve all been here. What do you do if you’re performing to a tiny audience?

I love that. You can chat it up - talk to people and make them buy you a beer or a whiskey. I don't really drink that much but this interview is turning into me talking about drinking a lot (and sex HA Ha HA) but I guess that's rocknroll!

Have you ever stage dived?

No, sadly … but Macbain has- many, many times in the Monsieurs. Honestly in that band I expended the most energy just trying to make sure he wouldn't break his neck and die. It was stressful.

Do you have any words of encouragement for our Rag Magazine readers?

You know that lyric in Roadrunner where Jonathan Richman sings “I'm in love with rock and roll and I'll be out all night” …It’s like that until yer about 50yrs old, and then you sing along and change the ending part from “...and I'll be out all night” to “...and it ruined my life”. It still rhymes and works just as well.

OK Byyyyyyyeeeeeee! Thanxxx for asking me!

“Splinters” by Leela Corman

What's up world, it's your old friend Dottie. I know we’re living through a shit storm but lucky for you I’m connected to the stars , and I ain't talking celebrities!. I’ve been hitting the box wine and staring at the moon and have some cosmic advice for you this month - enjoy

Capricorn Dec 22 - January 19

You’ve been wrapped in a blanket and haven’t left your bed in days. It might be the crippling depression you’re suffering from or maybe you’re just really comfortable. Sometimes it's hard to get up and face the day but we have to . The world is harsh and unrelenting but it's important to find the little joys in it. Call a friend and have a good laugh. Oh and wash the sheets this week.

Aquarius *Jan 20-feb 18

Your sign is known to be easy going. Like returning the car on empty , I’ll know the chickens ready when the smoke alarm goes off kind of LAID back. This month try to walk through the world with a little more urgency. Help someone out, volunteer , get up and put some energy into something that will help others. Also , the smoke alarm is going off - I think your dinners ready.

Pisces Feb 19- March 20

You’ve been avoidant and non responsive. Faking your own death seems like a viable option but you’re wondering if a ghost can still go to their favorite dance night ( that's what wigs are for hun). ANYWAYS, sometimes it's hard to interact when you’re in a rut. This month remember you’ve got people in the world that love you. Try to reach out even if it's hard. Also what dance night are you going to?

Aries * March 21- April 19

Your energy level has been blah lately. Like a vibrator losing battery power you’re buzzin along but not really getting the job done. This month try to do a few things that inspire you , get you out of your rut. Whether it's watching a movie you’ve never seen or walking around a place you’ve never been , sometimes a change of pace can help us snap out of our haze. Oh and get some double A batteries.

Taurus * April 20 - May 20

You’re known to be one of the most logical of all the signs which is much needed these days. Not a lot of people want to listen to reason ( yes , I know that extra glass of wine resulted in me being escorted out but that's ANOTHER story) . Sometimes it's hard to be the one always delivering truth non stop. This month live in a fantasy for a minute or two. Wear that wild coat, pretend you’re onstage ect. Oh and if you can put in a good word for me with Mary the bartender I’d appreciate it!

Gemini * May 21- June 20

Gemini’s are social and impulsive which is a blast until the one you’re dating decides to go skydiving into someone else's pussy. This month while feeling impulsive take a step back and perhaps reflect on what you’re about to do. Also I REPEAT , I don’t know who slashed your tires.

Cancer *June 21 - July 22

I once dated a cancer, what a royal pain in my ass. They once left a message on my machine listing all the ways they didn’t like me anymore, how's that for embracing honesty? Though honesty is great, maybe this month also try embracing kindness .

Leo July 23 - Aug 22

You’re known to be dramatic and put on a show but doing donuts in your ex’s work parking lot while screaming WHORE may be a lot for a Tuesday ( personally hun thats a friday evening activity ). Though I love a bit of flair sometimes we really got to know when to show off. This month try to breathe before you go off and blow off steam by running or screaming into the void. Oh, and see you in the parking lot!

Virgo Aug 23- Sept 22

Like the billionaires that thought they could take a sega genesis controlled mini van down to the titanic, you’re a bit delusional lately. Maybe it's all the ship wreckage forums you’re now on or the self medicating with 5 hour energy but things have begun to unravel. This month try to step outside yourself and see the sun , the moon , trees touch grass as they say. If there's no grass touch the pavement, just stay off the 5 hour energy.

Libra Sept 23 - Oct 22

You’re saying yes to everything and its becoming exhausting. Honestly hun, no offense you should have said no to those bangs. This month throw NO into your vocabulary. Remember you don’t have to please everyone! And lucky for you we’re in hat season.

Scorpio Oct 23 - Nov 21

Listen hun, the only scorpion I’m getting close to these days is a scorpion bowl ( preferably from Kowlouns) You’re known for being passionate and fiery but sometimes it can be too much. This month embrace your softer side a bit, see how the other half lives. Oh, and If you’re heading out to route one give Ol’ Dot a call.

Sagittarius Nov 22 - Dec 21

As of late you’ve been spending a lot of your days robbotripping around the neighborhood seeing visions in all the bathtub mary’s . Though it sounds fun , You’ve now been put on the neighborhood watch list with rat poison man and the flasher. This month ditch the religion and cough medicine and do some self reflection and make some springtime goals. Also feel free to mace the flasher.

Yr pal Creature's folks were in town this weekend, so I'm exhausted. Dunno what to say about the current state of the world, but we gotta keep up the fight. Anyways, i'm always out digging for records at flea markets, antique shops and record stores and I'll usually take a flyer on anything if its cheap and looks interesting. For today's double feature, here are two recent finds from out in the wilds of New England.

Up first, grabbed a private press looking metal 12" from Mass. Self titled and self released, I saw it at an antiques mall and grabbed it immediately based upon the Star Trek anus looking logo, the apparent self release, being from Revere, calling your fans "mass believers", the 5 dollar price tag and most importantly, look at the band photo. Fuck. Is it good, depends on your tolerance for metal bands looking to make it big. This is all over the place stylistically. I dig the doomier sounds on the b-side, but the vocals are a little too-Cinderella for me. At least I have a nice gift for a buddy more into this sound than me. Love finding this kinda nonsense in the wild.

Next up, I grabbed this triple (!!!) flexi comp on MCR records of Japanese hc called Unknown H.C. Drunkers (link).

While the cheap price and cover art by a member of Assfort sold me instantly, when I got this home and looked at the 7" booklet cover with individual band pages I knew this was gonna be good. Never heard of them before but Plot Scolder from Tokyo have incredible punk hair and some amazing nicknames. “Megaton Hiphoper” on bass and “Active Sex Macine” on guitar. So many cool bands on the thanks lists too. Of course it is ripping, heavy hardcore and a fun comp overall. Most of the bands were apparently unknown then and this appears to be the only release for a lot of them. I love punks and punk.

Records of the Day from your ol’ pal Creature are a new reissue and a new to me record. First up, Frau - punk is my boyfriend. Apparently this is like a decade old, but I found a copy at big dig records in the fall and the cover was cool and, what? I'm not gonna buy a record with a song called punk is my boyfriend on it? Duh, bought it and it fucking rips.

Next up, Skull flower - Last Shot at Heaven. Recent double LP reissue and first vinyl edition of maybe my favorite Skull Flower LP. Heavy and unrelenting guitar damage. Real mind eraser (ed. note, the act of erasing one's mind, not the sick band) of a record for sure. Put it on to forget about everything and disappear.

Soul song of the day - Alvin Robinson - Searchin'. Not really much to say about this one. Catchy beat and a good voice and sometimes that is all you need.

Wrapping it up this week for Creature, I wanted to give a shout out to our friends at the Atlantic Mills fighting to preserve our independent work and cultural spaces in Providence. Landlords suck. Here’s a link to recent news. Help out however you can, we need to preserve these precious spaces.

Tuesday, there’s an event at Brown University (open to the public) with local immigration and refugee advocacy organizations about living under the threat of mass deportation. Check it out. https://events.brown.edu/event/306937-living-under-the-threat-of-mass-deportation