I'm shocked that I've only just discovered the greatness of Arthur magazine.

It looks to be a great publication, focusing heavily on the current new-psychedelic-underground (or whatever) scene, along with various other things, the uniting factor behind them seemingly being that I like them all.

(Unfortunately, the price to have a copy shipped to the UK is rather steep, although it says on their site that Rough Trade carry copies so I might bother them about it..)

And I then discover that the magazine is edited by none other than Jay Babcock, original founder of Barbelith way back in the mists of time when it was nowt but a place for Invisibles obsessives to check up on that obscure reference in vol.2, issue#16, page 23, panel 1.

Rather like finding out some old forgotten school chum is now the singer in a really cool band. (Well ok, not quite that good, but the same sort of feeling.)

The magazine is sponsoring an absolutely awesome looking festival in Chicago, complete with beautifully whacked out artwork and a line-up of bands with names such as "Spires That in the Sunset Rise" and "By Lightning to the Womb". I SO wish I could go.

It seems psychedelia is back and badder than ever in the US "scene", and that makes me happy as Larry, even though I haven't actually heard most of the music yet.. exciting stuff!