The most recent issue of that misfit of British publications, Bizarre magazine, was sadly the last.

Over the years, Bizarre magazine featured articles that astounded, amazed, and entertained as it explored the fringes of popular culture.  Sometimes gross, sometimes weird, always entertaining – each issue offered content that would never be published elsewhere. 

Amongst the counter culture oddness and thought provoking investigations, I found many an interesting film to track down in their review pages.

Bizarre also covered many musicians/bands that strayed from the familiar paths.  Whether in the regular monthly review section or in the excellent “Bizarre Albums” features, I found a few favourites and some new treasures.

This playlist is comprised of just some of the bands featured in the magazine over the years, in some form or other.  As a sort of tribute (hell, I’ve even got the first issue lurking around in the garage…).

Bizarre Magazine Playlist

1. Christopher Lee – “The Impossible Dream (The Quest)”
2. Fantomas – “One Step Beyond”
3. The Moog Cookbook – “Basket Case”
4. Mr Bungle – “Chemical Marriage”
5. Jean Jacques Perry – “E.V.A.”
6. Lord Sitar – “I Can See For Miles”
7. Alice In Chains – “Heaven Beside You”
8. Yma Sumac – “Malambo #1”
9. Spike Jones – “Power House”
10. Hanna-Barbera – “Tra La La Song (Banana Splits Theme)”
11. Christopher Lee – “Act V: Starlight”
12. Zombina and the Skeletones – “Punk Rock Vampires Destroy!”
13. Electric Eel Shock – “Goodbye Peach”
14. Ween – “Spinal Meningitis (Got Me Down)”
15. Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds – “Stagger Lee”

There are tons more bands I could add to this list.  Many more covered by the magazine can be found in the catacombs of my iPod.  But this will do nicely for now.

Thanks and goodbye Bizarre magazine.  In particular for the wonder of Christopher Lee’s albums; not to mention Zombina and the Skeletones and Electric Eel Shock – two of the best live bands I’ve ever seen!