i recently picked up this 12" out of curiosity since it had a "file under MINUTEMEN" sticker on it. The Reactionaries were indeed the pre-Minutemen band that practiced and preformed in the San Pedro area between 1978 and 1979, and as a fan of the Minutemen, this record does not disappoint. the cover art was beautifully illustrated by Joe Baiza, who i can't find any other artist information about but i guess was the guitarist for Saccharine Trust? kinda weird, you would think someone with this much commanding style and illustrative presence would have a website or online portfolio somewhere... anyway, i absolutely love this cover art, it's fucking incredible. ...
this brush and ink illustration has a little bit of everything going on in it, but still reads clean. i really like how he worked in a few negative spaces instead of trying to fill every possible inch of space. also, the uncoated covers on a nice cardstock were an excellent choice! they feel so nice in your hand and really compliment the rawness of the art.
the back cover is a expertly organized panel of photos and information.... nothing flashy, but very well done. the playful use of black and white spaces makes for a rather dynamic composition while keeping the text orderly. i mean, it's easy to read and nice to look at, what more could you ask for?
offset printed insert is 8.5" x 11" on a delicate uncoated sheet. i like that they mono-printed these in a sort of off-black brownish color, just different enough so you know that it wasn't a photocopy. on one side, all the player information...
flip the insert over for another beautifully treated type layout, this one is of all the lyrics and some flyers at the bottom....
clear vinyl has always been my favorite! looks like another Baiza illustration on the A side...
B side label is all tribute....
there is lots more info about this project on their own blog here, and you can buy this record from the man directly...
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