The British neurologist who uses William S. Burroughs’ ideas to treat Parkinson’s disease
Though he never met William S. Burroughs, the British neurologist A.J. Lees credits the author as an important teacher in his recent book, Mentored by…
Author: Oliver Hall
When Johnny Thunders endorsed Jesse Jackson’s presidential bid in song
Let it be said that I had this, at least, in common with Johnny Thunders: we both supported Jesse Jackson’s candidacy in 1988. I was…
‘Europe after the Rain,’ classic documentary on Dada and Surrealism
‘Portrait of Andre Breton’ by Man Ray, c. 1930 Europe after the Rain, the Arts Council of Great Britain’s 1978 documentary on Dada and Surrealism,…
Steve Allen’s fake jazz records that duped critics
The posthumously celebrated boogie-woogie pianist Buck Hammer was legendary, and the reason he was legendary is that he had four hands. When his debut and…
When Luis Buñuel wrecked Charlie Chaplin’s Christmas
Eduardo Ugarte, Luis Buñuel, Jose Lopez Rubio, Leonor and Tono at Charlie Chaplin’s house, 1930 Whenever someone voices alarm about the “war on Christmas,” I…
‘Toy Porno,’ the video the Frogs made for Kurt Cobain
Dennis Flemion, Mark Arm, Kurt Cobain, and Jimmy Flemion (via Matador) When Everett True recalls watching “videos of puppet sex created by insane Midwest band…
When Iron Maiden’s mascot knifed Margaret Thatcher
Derek Riggs’ original artwork for the ‘Sanctuary’ single sleeve Who doesn’t love the metamorphoses of Iron Maiden’s cover star, Eddie? (Don’t answer that.) To flip…
Penderecki’s ‘The Devils of Loudun’ is the sleaziest, most depraved opera you’ll ever see
Obtaining the original cut of Ken Russell’s The Devils is still a royal pain in the ass. But it’s easy to see this gorgeous TV…
William S. Burroughs on the cut-up technique and meeting Samuel Beckett & Bob Dylan
“It’s the stink of death, citizens!” (Photo by Peter Hujar) This hour-long BBC Radio special opens with “Old Lady Sloan,” the Mortal Micronotz’ interpretation of…
Comic books & science fiction: ‘Flying Saucer Attack’ collects the Rezillos’ complete recordings
Sire’s “Plundering the Vaults” reissue series got to the Rezillos in 1993, as if in karmic compensation for my first year of high school math…