Cool Hunting

Much like John Cusak’s character in High Fidelity, we at CH constantly wrestle with the proper way to organize our records. Alphabetical? Chronological? Emotional significance? "Radio Silence," a forthcoming book from MTV Press/Powerhouse Books, takes a clever approach to the classic dilemma. An unprecedented documentation of the American hardcore scene from 1978-1994, the book includes all sorts of memorabilia. But it's the collection of hardcore album covers laid out in compelling grids and arranged according to aesthetics that sets it apart from other documentations of an era. (Pictured above, click to enlarge).

Loosely grouped by cover art style, the collection is not only visually compelling to the uninformed, its a truly innovative way to examine the almost 20 years worth of American hardcore output the book spans. The groupings, which ignore region and chronology, nonetheless hint at the multitude of styles and subgenres that emerged within the larger scene.

Culled from the personal collections of hardcore luminaries and fans alike, many of the photos, letters, fliers and shirts have never been seen before. Authors Nathan Nedorostek and Anthony Pappalardo used their connections gained from coming up in the hardcore scene to reach out to the likes of Jeff Nelson, Dave Smalley, Walter Schreifels, Cynthia Connolly, Pat Dubar, Gus Peña, Rusty Moore and Gavin Ogelsby to unearth an astounding collection of personal artifacts that tell the story of American hardcore like never before.

Due out in September, we got a sneak peak at CH HQ this week and we can't wait to get our hands on the finished product. You can find out more at the book's site and preorder at Amazon or PowerHouse.