Scum

by Alex Binnie

Alex Binnie's 'Scum' is a cri de coeur against the hostile indifference of the universe and the absolute tyranny of body and mind. Originally written to be read aloud at punk poetry events Binnie performed at with the likes of Kathy Acker, we are proud to welcome 'Scum' back into print for the first time since 1984. A forbidden snapshot of England's Hidden Reverse.

Genres: Poetry

36 pages, Stapled Booklet

First published January 1, 1984

Reviews

[Terence · Rating 3 out of 5]

1984. This had my interest since I liked Binnie's work with the obscure noise act Pure, and it kind of filled out that time frame a bit. "Scum" is in the vein of a lot of this circle, Best and Sotos included, with a very negative outlook comparable to an interior monologue composed by Celine. Anyway it's a short read and incredibly intense, affirming and denying in the same breaths. Definitely worth it if you're at all interested in this time frame of noise/power-electronics.

[Clayton Hackett]

Reducing this book to a star rating of any level feels wrong. If you want to read a kind of punk, nihilistic anti-poem that serves as a paradoxical affirmation of the self against an uncaring world, then you might appreciate this. Definitely not for everybody.

[Zak · Rating 4 out of 5]

Furiously fucking with your head and altering you speaking abilities - ferociously forcing you to read Scum aloud. It is to be read aloud. Gesticulating whilst Scum is being read is advised. It is performative and also like the greatest electronic noise music, it gets you mad, furious, and hyped to some insane level you end up dehydrated.

When read from mouth, it is a genius appeal. It is a motivator to all unconscious doubts and unease. It forces you to say fuck to the world. When read internally, it is a menacing meaningful meaningless tirade and intrusive prosaic incantation from a maddening deity birthed from the Self and birthed from No Where.

[Kevin Svartvit · Rating 3 out of 5]

A relentless nihilistisc tirade that somehow creates a sense of comfort in the knowledge that everything is futile. Fits perfectly within the 1980s Power Electronics realm from which it originates. Describes as punk poetry I can only imagined this being screamed from the top of the lungs over a horrendous onslaught of microphone feedback.

[Lawrence · Rating 3 out of 5]

https://gnomeship.blogspot.com/2018/1...

[Ryan Rice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pure intensity

[Andrij · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't know what I did to make this guy so mad at me, but I apologize.

[J L · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5, a manifesto on nice thick paper FFO whitehouse and the Michael Gira Lydia lunch split