In 1993, a small print magazine out of Central Jersey named Consumable had started its publication run, of what would subsequently be only two issues. At that time, it was decided to take Consumable from a print version to both a print and online version. Thus, a pioneering action - which countless 'mainstream' music publications would eventually follow - was born.
Celebrating its five year anniversary, Consumable Online is the Internet's oldest music reviews publication. Initially distributed as reviews were submitted (in a 'mailing list' fashion), Consumable eventually became a regular scheduled event, now being published approximately 35 times/year.
Since those beginnings, Consumable has grown to a staff of more than 30 international writers, not dedicated to the almighty buck, but spreading the word on good music. By limiting each issue to 12 or so reviews and interviews, we may omit many bands who we could provide 'fluff' pieces to - and provide filler for their clip file - but we'd rather stick to the key artists who we like, or who we feel our subscribers would like. It's the quality of these reviews that has earned us the respect of our peers, including accolades such as 'the no-frills alternative music authority packed with good writing' (Netguide) and 'excellent, smart and chock-full of useful stuff' (Internet Underground).
Oasis' rise and success has closely paralleled that of Consumable. We were the first non-daily American publication to review their first American concert, and subsequent reviews of other concerts, singles, and debut album provided readers with the most significant band to come out of Britain in many years. And while British press were initially dismissing Oasis second album, and America was wondering what the hype was about, our synopsis of Morning Glory perfectly hit the nail on the head...
Consumable readers were able to read interviews with Dave Matthews and Squirrel Nut Zippers before their star had fully ascended, and interviews with bands such as XTC, Radiohead, Manic Street Preachers, offered insights into what made those bands tick, and sometimes, foreshadowing future events.
But interviews are only one small part of Consumable. The main focus of each issue is reviews of today and tomorrow's music, whether it be Jon Steltenpohl highlighting attempts to bring Scandanavian and Swedish music to America, Tim Kennedy providing us with several 'first in America' reviews, Sean McGill's controversial review of gangsta rap or Robin Lapid's 1998 Beastie Boys concert review (from Scotland), our readers can always expect to get a straightforward assessment of an album before plunking down their hard earned cash at the record store.
The first review to appear in Consumable Online, a Seattle artist named Johnny Fly (with a group called His Boy Elroy), is also included here. Fly may have disappeared, but the review hasn't. It would have been so much more glamorous to have the first review be of a bigger name artist, but in some ways, it's appropriate that the album never made any mainstream waves.
So, in conclusion, thanks for the first five years of Consumable Online. Despite no advertisement, or corporate backing, we've managed to continue growing by word of mouth. Thanks to all the staffers, past, present, and future who have given far too much of themselves in order to ensure that the original inspiration for Consumable Online would continue. And, finally, thanks to our loyal readers - who have provided invaluable support - without you, it just wouldn't be worth it. This special five year look back is to all of you. Here's to another five...
- Bob Gajarsky, Editor In Chief
