The Scary New York

The New York Times has a photo essay from photographer John Conn who spent the late 70's and early 80's photographing the subway system.  For Halloween, the piece is titled When The City Was A House of Horrors.  

This was a great time for music in the city. I was going to college in the Bronx and riding the D Train at least once a week.  I remember taking those graffiti laden trains at all hours of the night coming back from shows downtown. It would be myself and a few girlfriends.  I look back now and say "What were we thinking?"  When you're in college and there is a band you want to see, you are fearless.

These photos brought me back to that time when it cost 50/60 cents to ride a filthy train downtown to see and hear great music. 

This photo to the right titled Trick or Treat, as well as others of Conn's can be purchased on his website. 

Ari-Up Founder of The Slits Dies

Ari-Up founder of the 70's female punk band The Slits died of a serious illness on Wednesday. Her death was reported on Johnny Lydon's website.  He was her step father.  Arianna Forster was 14 when she founded The Slits.  According to the NY Times, she met drummer Palmolive at a Clash concert and they formed the band.  The Slits wound up opening for The Clash.  Whenever think of The Slits, the album cover for Cut comes to mind.  The ladies are clad in mud and loin cloths.  Ari-Up was 48 and had three sons.