Spoiler

America is stubborn. We demand that our native language be understood or somewhat commonplace to all other countries, and never bother to reciprocate. We demand that our unit of monetary measurement be well known and supreme throughout the world. Hell, we even refuse to bow down to the rest of the world and use the metric system. Soon after I'm dead and gone, the almighty dollar, American English and miles will remain a common aspect of America.

Thus, I've been raised as an ignorant American. Aside from two years of Spanish class in high school, I am culturally clueless to the outside world. And to remind me of my misgivings and shortcomings is Spoiler Music and BMX Magazine, deep from the heart of Stockholm, Sweden.

Spoiler is printed with a mixture of English and Swedish. Sure, I can't read more than half of it, but what I can't understand in words is easily understood through good pictures and the occasional English context clue. And although it may be hard to understand at first, Spoiler's content is great. Highlights from issue two include a Rick Thorne interview, a Martti Kuoppa interview (awesome Finnish flatlander), a Bluetip interview (best D.C. band out right now), coverage of the Ditch Dirt Jam and Supersession, and record reviews from mostly Swedish bands. A gigantic bonus is the centerfold poster of Martti Kuoppa doing some sort of one-footed spastic frontyard.

Layout is really clean, a little similar to Dig without all the color since Spoiler is printed in black and white. And as for the content in English, I must say that I am extremely impressed with the fact that Johan (the editor) is very adept at speaking and writing very good English. And although this aspect reminds me of my cultural ignorance, it also wins me over as reader and fan of this upcoming magazine. Get ahold of this. You won't be sorry.

Available through Spoiler Music and BMX Magazine, Stora v. 64, s-194 68 Uppl. Vasby, Sweden, or visit their Web site. [Brian Tunney]

Uploaded February 1998