Alternative Press

Bibliographic Information: Pettigrew, J. (2013). Alternative press. [Magazine]. Cleveland: Alternative Press. Website URL: http://www.altpress.com/

Content Summary: Alternative Press, or AP, was founded in 1985 by Mike Shea who wanted to give credit to many of the underground bands that were being featured on his local radio stations in Cleveland, Ohio. What began as a photocopied zine eventually grew to feature bands on the cover right before they made it big (Red Hot Chili Peppers). The magazine averages 198-220 pages per month and has such features as “Favorite Gear” and “Unsigned Bands of the Month.” The magazine now sponsors several music festivals like Warped Tour and the Taste of Chaos Tour. The photographs have a very iconic, glossy, high contrast appeal.

Wikipedia. (2013). Alternative press. (28 April, 2013). Retrieved from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alternative_Press

Genre: Magazine

Subjects: alternative rock, music, bands

Reading Level/Interest Age: 13+

Challenge Issues/Defense: Due to some occurrences of profanity, this magazine may be challenged. If so, refer to:

1.     The San Francisco Public Library Collection Development Policy, Selection Criteria, and Teen Collection documents.

2.     The California Department of Education District Selection Policies, Reading Lists, and Resources for Recommended Literature: Pre-K-12.

3.     A hard copy of the ALA’s Library Bill of Rights.

4.     Mixed book reviews from School Library Journal, Kirkus, and Publisher’s Weekly.

5.     Book selection rationale.

6.     If necessary, The San Francisco Public Library’s Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials Form.

Reason for Selection: This is the go-to magazine for reviews of alternative bands. I can’t count how many great interviews with my favorite bands were published by AP. This is a staple music magazine for many teens, and features full spread photographs.