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John R. Davis @jrdarchivist.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

Gratitude to Roddy Frantz of Urban Verbs, who reportedly passed away recently. An important band in the evolution of D.C. music and one that's still due for a wider reappraisal and appreciation. Listen to either of their albums on Warner Brothers, maybe starting with "Subways." Photo: Don Hamerman.

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John R. Davis @jrdarchivist.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

I thought the last Q And Not U record from 2004, "Power," had been totally out of print for years, but I guess Dischord still has CDs in stock?! Aren't people buying those again? Well, if you want a physical copy, they still have some here: dischord.com/release/143/...

Album cover for "Power" by Q and Not U, set against a plain white background.

Key Visual Elements:

Top Row: Cut-out black and white portraits of band members tint-colored in red, yellow, orange, green, and pink. Beneath them, the band name "Q AND NOT U" is printed in black, uppercase sans-serif text along a slightly tilted baseline.

Bottom Row: A second row of cut-out portraits tinted in green, yellow, pink, red, and orange—with the figure on the far right holding an acoustic guitar that extends upward. Beneath this row, the album title "POWER" is written in bold, black sans-serif font.

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John R. Davis @jrdarchivist.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

I revisited 1985 w/ Jim Spellman of Velocity Girl in this episode of my WOWD radio show, This Year's Model. A computer glitch deleted the archived second half of the show, so we just have the 1st hour here - w/Prince, the Cure, Madonna, the Mice, Gray Matter & more. www.mixcloud.com/thisyearsmod...

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John R. Davis @jrdarchivist.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

Just a reminder that two Q And Not U t-shirt designs are available from our friends at Shirtkiller. Go here for more: shirtkiller.com/collections/... #PunkShirts #DischordRecords #QandNotU

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John R. Davis @jrdarchivist.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

47 years ago today - On August 24, 1979, the Slinkees played their only show in a Washington, DC garage in the Palisades neighborhood. They disbanded soon after, with members reforming as the Teen Idles. Ian MacKaye and Jeff Nelson subsequently founded Minor Threat at the end of 1980. #DCpunk

A black-and-white, collage-style punk show flier filled with cut-and-paste graphics, newspaper snippets, and bold typography.

Top Header: Features the slogan "Score One for Capitalism" flanked by a graphic of Coca-Cola cans on the left and an American flag on the right.

Main Band Titles: The band name THE SLINKEES is written in large, bubbly, outlined lettering over a background image of armed soldiers aiming rifles. Below, it reads "w/ THE ZONES" in sharp, stylized block text.

Show Date: A snippet of an August 1979 calendar appears on the mid-left side, with the date 24 prominently circled.

Location & Price: On the lower right, a stamp graphic reads "FREE!" over an image of a young child wearing a dress labeled with the venue address: "5746 MacARTHUR BLVD., BRIAN'S GARAGE."

Collage Details: Additional elements include a cartoon pirate character, a Timex clock graphic, a cut-out map of Africa labeled "We need your help," Pabst Extra Light beer cans next to a bold "BYO!" label, and vertical text along the left edge reading "More Spectacle Than Ritual."

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John R. Davis @jrdarchivist.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

I was a guest on one of my favorite podcasts around, the Music Book Podcast hosted by Marc Masters. We talked about my book, "Keep Your Ear to the Ground: A History of Punk Fanzines in Washington, D.C." Listen: themusicbookpodcast.buzzsprout.com/2120946/epis... #DCpunk #Fanzines #Zines #Podcast

A square, yellow-background graphic for "THE MUSIC BOOK PODCAST HOSTED BY MARC MASTERS."

The design features thick black outlines and rounded corners. On the left, four colorful stylized books form a stack: two stand vertically in orange and green, while two lie horizontally underneath in red and blue. The podcast title is stacked in black text on the upper right, and a black line separates the lower banner reading "HOSTED BY MARC MASTERS" in bold capital letters.

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John R. Davis @jrdarchivist.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

Listen to me and @hugoprimas.bsky.social of Black Eyes play the music of 1988 in this episode of This Year's Model, my #radio program on WOWD/Takoma Radio. We get to Public Enemy, New Order, Neneh Cherry, MBV, Pet Shop Boys, #Fugazi, Sonic Youth, Salt-n-Pepa & more. www.mixcloud.com/thisyearsmod...

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John R. Davis @jrdarchivist.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

Check out me and @madonagraysea.bsky.social playing the music of 1978 in this episode of This Year's Model, my radio program on WOWD/Takoma Radio. www.mixcloud.com/thisyearsmod...

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John R. Davis @jrdarchivist.bsky.social · 23/06/2026

This episode of This Year's Model focuses on the music of 1994. It features songs from Nirvana, Madonna, Gang Starr, Shudder to Think, Unwound, Slant 6, Shellac, Pegboy, Jawbox, Sam Phillips, Sugar, Digable Planets, Sebadoh, Elvis Costello, and much more. #radio www.mixcloud.com/thisyearsmod...

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John R. Davis @jrdarchivist.bsky.social · 12/05/2026

28 years ago today -- Fugazi, Lungfish, and the Crainium concert flier – Teamsters’ Union Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, May 12, 1998. From the John Davis collection on punk at the University of Maryland. #DCpunk #DischordRecords #Fugazi @dischord.com #Lungfish #PunkFlyers #PunkFliers #PunkSky

Alt text for a black-and-white benefit concert flier for the Homeless Persons Representation Project.

The flier is organized into two main columns. The left column features four distinct, high-contrast woodcut or linocut-style illustrations stacked vertically. The right column contains the event text.
Left Column Illustrations:

Top: A graphic titled "HOMELESSNESS" showing several figures huddled on the ground in front of a city skyline.

Second: A man holding a large hammer stands in front of a boarded-up building. A speech bubble asks, "WHAT ARE PEOPLE GOING TO DO ABOUT IT?"

Third: A scene of a protest or riot with figures raising their fists toward a giant, angry face in the background.

Bottom: The words "DO Some thing." in a large, scratchy, hand-drawn font.

Right Column Text:

Top: "Homeless Persons Representation Project which brings crucial legal services to homeless people in Baltimore's streets and shelters."

Band Lineup: Fugazi, Lungfish, and the Crainium (printed in large, bold italicized serif font).

Event Details: * 7pm Tuesday May 12, 1998

$5 all-ages

Teamsters' Union Hall, 6000 Erdman Avenue, Baltimore, MD

Ticket Info: Notes that tickets go on sale April 29th at Reptilian, Soundgarden, and Vinyl Ink. More info: Positive Force DC.

Bottom Right: The tagline "be more than a witness" in a lowercase serif font.

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John R. Davis @jrdarchivist.bsky.social · 11/05/2026

Appears that Dischord is running low on copies of the Elusive album (pre-Q And Not U, ex-Corm) that @expertworkrecords.bandcamp.com reissued last year on colored vinyl. I don't think this will be pressed again, so grab it now on either green or white vinyl here: dischord.com/release/EW02...

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John R. Davis @jrdarchivist.bsky.social · 07/05/2026

The 2014 episode of This Year's Model, my show on Takoma Radio, is up now! Featuring Ex Hex, Alvvays, Cloud Nothings, Mitski, @protomartyr.bsky.social, Puff Pieces, Mac DeMarco, GBV, Terry Malts, Tweedy, Tony Molina, Angel Olsen, & much more: www.mixcloud.com/thisyearsmod... #communityradio #WOWD

A graphic with bold, slanted text on a solid medium-blue background. The entire layout is tilted at a sharp 45-degree angle, ascending from the left to the right.

The text consists of:

Top Left: The phrase "THIS YEAR'S MODEL" in a clean, white, all-caps serif font. The words are stacked in three rows.

Center/Right: The year "2014" is featured in a significantly larger, vibrant red serif font. The numerals are tall and prominent, anchoring the right side of the design and contrasting sharply against the blue and white elements.

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John R. Davis @jrdarchivist.bsky.social · 10/04/2026

The 1965 episode of This Year's Model, my show on Takoma Radio, is up now! Featuring the Beatles, the Supremes, Dylan, Astrud Gilberto, the Kinks, the Who, Dionne Warwick, Bobby Fuller, Gloria Jones, the Byrds, Lesley Gore, Shirley Ellis, Otis Redding, & much more: www.mixcloud.com/thisyearsmod...

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John R. Davis @jrdarchivist.bsky.social · 08/04/2026

I'll be in conversation tomorrow (April 9 at 1:15pm) with Dr. Shelbi Nahwilet Meissner about @univofmaryland.bsky.social's D.C. punk fanzine collection as part of the 2026 D.C. Queer Studies Symposium in the Stamp's Carroll Room at UMD. The event is free & RSVP here: wgss.umd.edu/events/2026-...

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John R. Davis @jrdarchivist.bsky.social · 31/03/2026

Another episode of This Year's Model on WOWD! This one covers music from 1991, including Nirvana, A Tribe Called Quest, @theebikinikill.bsky.social, Teenage Fanclub, Massive Attack, @remhq.bsky.social, Public Enemy, Matthew Sweet, Throwing Muses, De La Soul & more. www.mixcloud.com/thisyearsmod...

A graphic featuring bold, slanted text against a solid blue background. The entire design is tilted at roughly a 45-degree angle, rising from the bottom left toward the top right.

The text is arranged in two distinct sections:

Top Left: The words "THIS'S YEAR'S MODEL" are stacked in three lines of white, capitalized serif font. The letters are tightly spaced, creating a compact block of text.

Center/Right: The number "1991" is printed in a much larger, bright red serif font, dominating the lower half of the composition and overlapping slightly with the word "MODEL."

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John R. Davis @jrdarchivist.bsky.social · 20/03/2026

Honorable mention for my favorite book of 1976: "The Master and other stories" by Sue Kaufman.

A vintage hardcover book jacket for The Master and Other Stories by Sue Kaufman.

The design is minimalist, featuring large, overlapping serif typography set against a plain light gray or off-white background. The text colors alternate between a muted red and a dark teal or black:

Top: The author's name SUE KAUFMAN is printed in large red capital letters.

Center: The title THE MASTER AND OTHER STORIES is arranged in a staggered, overlapping layout using both dark teal and red ink.

Bottom: In smaller, clean black serif font, it reads, "By the author of DIARY of a MAD HOUSEWIFE and FALLING BODIES."

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John R. Davis @jrdarchivist.bsky.social · 20/03/2026

Favorite book published in 1976: "Easter Parade" by Richard Yates. What's yours? #Booksky

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John R. Davis @jrdarchivist.bsky.social · 15/03/2026

46 years ago today - Flier for Teen Idles, Bad Brains, the Enzymes, the Untouchables, Tru Fax and the Insaniacs concerts - Madam's Organ, Washington, D.C., March 14-15, 1980. From the Sharon Cheslow punk flyers collection at the U. of Maryland. #DCpunk #DChardcore #BadBrains #DischordRecords #Punk

A collage-style black-and-white punk flier for a benefit show, dominated by a large, diagonal graphic of a 1-liter Coca-Cola bottle. The design uses a mix of cut-and-paste text, hand-drawn lettering, and photocopied elements.

The text and details are layered throughout the composition:

Top Right: The headliners TEEN IDLES are written in large, scratchy, hand-drawn letters, followed by BAD BRAINS in cut-out letters and ENZYMES in a cursive script.

Bottom Right: Additional bands UNTOUCHABLES (in a stencil font) and TRU FAX + INSANIACS written by hand are listed.

Left Side: A price tag graphic lists "$3.00 or $4.00." Below the bottle label, it reads "BENEFIT AT MADAM'S ORGAN, 2318 18th St. NW."

Bottom Left: A March 1980 calendar is shown with 14 and 15 circled. Tiny illustrations of figures on bicycles are positioned above the dates.

Small Details: Various "14th" and "15th" markers are scattered on the right, including a clock face pointing to 10:00 and a "15" inside a hand-drawn TV or box.

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John R. Davis @jrdarchivist.bsky.social · 13/03/2026

40 years ago today - Gray Matter and Embrace concert flier, 9:30 Club, Washington, D.C., March 13, 1986. From the Sharon Cheslow Punk Flyers collection at the University of Maryland. #DCpunk #GrayMatterBand #GrayMatterDC #EmbraceDC #DischordRecords @dischord.com #Emocore #Emo #PunkFlyers #930Club

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John R. Davis @jrdarchivist.bsky.social · 12/03/2026

37 years ago today -- Edsel, Mo Pagans, and Shudder to Think concert flier, BBQ Iguana, Washington, D.C., March 12, 1989. From the Sharon Cheslow punk flyers collection at the University of Maryland. #DCpunk #ShudderToThink #PunkSky #PunkFliers #PunkFlyers #DCinThe80s

A lo-fi, DIY concert flier printed on green paper with a distressed, splattered aesthetic. Black ink splatters and smudges cover the page, including a prominent set of fingerprints near the bottom center.

The text is arranged as follows:

Top left: The band names EDSEL, MO PAGANS, and SHUDDER TO THINK are printed in a classic serif font.

Center: The words "aRT wOrk" are stamped in a blocky, typewriter-style font amidst the splatters.

Bottom right (handwritten): A small handwritten note reads "1413 P St."

Bottom edge: Event details are printed in a large serif font: "$5, 8pm ; 3.12 at BBQ IG."

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John R. Davis @jrdarchivist.bsky.social · 27/02/2026

Inside the D.C. punk archives here at the University of Maryland. #PunkArchives #DCpunk #UMD #Archives

Shelving filled with boxes in an archival collections room. The back wall in the photo is an art rack with several framed items hanging from it.

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John R. Davis @jrdarchivist.bsky.social · 11/02/2026

31 years ago today - Jawbox concert flier - HUB Ballroom, University Park, Pennsylvania, February 11, 1995. From the Chris Baronner digital collection on D.C. punk at the University of Maryland. #DCpunk #Jawbox #DischordRecords #AtlanticRecords #DesotoRecords #PunkFliers #PunkFlyers #AlternativeRock

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John R. Davis @jrdarchivist.bsky.social · 13/01/2026

The 1989 episode of my radio show on WOWD, This Year's Model, is up for listening now! With guest co-host Sarah Grady, we'll hear Beastie Boys, Fugazi, Pixies, De La Soul, Janet Jackson, Replacements, Throwing Muses, REM, The The, XTC, Public Enemy, Nirvana & more. www.mixcloud.com/thisyearsmod...

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John R. Davis @jrdarchivist.bsky.social · 03/01/2026

Chicago! I'll be appearing at @quimbysbookstore.bsky.social in conversation with Liz Mason (@caboosezine.bsky.social) on Friday, January 16 at 6:30pm. We'll be talking about my book, "Keep Your Ear to the Ground: A History of Punk Fanzines in Washington, D.C." and I'd love to see you there.

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John R. Davis @jrdarchivist.bsky.social · 29/11/2025

41 years ago today - Gray Matter and Rites of Spring concert flier, Food For Thought, Washington, D.C. - November 29, 1984. Art by Steve Niles. From the Sharon Cheslow punk flyers collection at the University of Maryland. #DCpunk @dischord.com #Emo #Punk #PunkRock #PunkFlyers #PunkArchive

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John R. Davis @jrdarchivist.bsky.social · 28/11/2025

My book on the history of fanzines created by Washington, D.C.'s punk community was just published last month via @georgetownup.bsky.social. It's called "Keep Your Ear to the Ground: A History of Punk Fanzines in Washington, D.C." and more info is available here: press.georgetown.edu/Book/Keep-Yo...

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John R. Davis @jrdarchivist.bsky.social · 25/11/2025

The new episode of my radio show, This Year's Model, is up! This one focuses on 1998, so we'll hear from Elliott Smith, Outkast, Aaliyah, Braid, Komeda, Belle & Sebastian, JAY-Z, Fugazi, Massive Attack, Lauryn Hill, @remhq.bsky.social, & more. www.mixcloud.com/thisyearsmod... #radio #1990s #WOWD

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John R. Davis @jrdarchivist.bsky.social · 10/11/2025

I'll be talking about "Keep Your Ear to the Ground" with the great Emily Flake (who wrote the foreword) this Friday Nov 14 at Books Are Magic's Smith Street location in Brooklyn at 7pm. RSVP here!: www.eventbrite.com/e/in-store-j... #DCpunk #Booksky #BooksAreMagic

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John R. Davis @jrdarchivist.bsky.social · 29/10/2025

The latest episode of This Year's Model -- my radio show on WOWD/Takoma Radio -- is up now. This one covers music from 1976, like the Damned, the Slickee Boys, Stevie Wonder, Bohannon, Mort Garson, Selda Bagcan, the Saints, AC/DC, Max Romeo, Crime, and lots more. www.mixcloud.com/thisyearsmod...

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John R. Davis @jrdarchivist.bsky.social · 27/10/2025

This Wednesday, October 29 at 7pm, I'll be at the Connecticut Ave location of @politicsprose.bsky.social in DC talking with Ian MacKaye about my new book, "Keep Your Ear to the Ground: A History of Punk Fanzines in Washington, DC." politics-prose.com/john-davis-1... #DCpunk #Booksky #PunkFanzines

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John R. Davis @jrdarchivist.bsky.social · 14/10/2025

The latest episode of my radio show, This Year's Model, is up now! This one focuses on 2012, which means we'll hear Jessica Pratt, Terry Malts, Beach House, Royal Headache, Andy Shauf, Tanlines, Poolside, @bobmouldmusic.bsky.social, Jaill, Alpine, Neil Young & more. www.mixcloud.com/thisyearsmod...

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John R. Davis @jrdarchivist.bsky.social · 01/10/2025

Out now via @georgetownup.bsky.social -- "Keep Your Ear to the Ground:" A History of Punk Fanzines in Washington, DC" documents one of the most important parts of a punk scene's ecosystem -- the fanzine creators. Should be available anywhere you find new books! press.georgetown.edu/Book/Keep-Yo...

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John R. Davis @jrdarchivist.bsky.social · 22/09/2025

36 years ago today - Fugazi, Shudder to Think, and Jawbox concert flier, Pierce Hall, Washington, D.C., September 22, 1989. From the Sharon Cheslow Punk Flyers collection at the University of Maryland. #DCpunk #Fugazi #ShudderToThink #Jawbox @dischord.com #PositiveForceDC

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John R. Davis @jrdarchivist.bsky.social · 21/09/2025

28 years ago today - The Most Secret Method, The Dusters, The Better Automatic concert flier, Resin House, Rockville, Maryland, September 21, 1997. From the John Davis collection on punk at UMD. #DCpunk #MostSecretMethod #TheBetterAutomatic #HouseShows #PunkFlyers #DischordRecords #PunkRock

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John R. Davis @jrdarchivist.bsky.social · 21/09/2025

The new episode of my radio show on WOWD, This Year's Model, is up now! This one focuses on 1968, so we'll hear Shocking Blue, the Byrds, Sharon Tandy, the Beatles, Basil Daley, Sam & Dave, Cherry People, Hendrix, Simon & Garfunkel, Norma Jean, Delfonics, & more. www.mixcloud.com/thisyearsmod...

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John R. Davis @jrdarchivist.bsky.social · 18/09/2025

Adam, Roland, and Jason of the Impossible Five (Stevie hadn't arrived at the show yet!) outside the University of Maryland's South Campus Dining Hall, before a show at WMUC on April 12, 1997. Photo by John Davis from the John Davis collection on punk at UMD. #DCpunk #ImpossibleFive

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John R. Davis @jrdarchivist.bsky.social · 18/09/2025

I'll be speaking at the UMD School of Music next Friday, September 26 at 4pm in the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center at UMD. Free and open to all, this talk covers the D.C. punk fanzine scene's work during the culturally turbulent period in the early 90s when alternative rock went mainstream.

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John R. Davis @jrdarchivist.bsky.social · 05/09/2025

28 years ago today - Kerosene 454, Bluetip & Burning Airlines concert flier, Black Cat, Washington, D.C. - September 5, 1997. From the John Davis collection on punk at the University of Maryland. #DCpunk #Kerosene454 #BurningAirlines #Bluetip @dischord.com @solidbrassrecords.bsky.social

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John R. Davis @jrdarchivist.bsky.social · 05/09/2025

45 years ago today -- Teen Idles and Nurses concert flier - The Chancery, Washington, D.C., September 5 and 6, 1980. From the Sharon Cheslow punk flyers collection at the University of Maryland. #DCpunk @dischord.com #TeenIdles #DischordRecords #1980

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John R. Davis @jrdarchivist.bsky.social · 29/08/2025

I'll be in conversation with my old friend and QANU/PB/Elusive bandmate @chrisrichards.bsky.social about my new book on DC punk fanzines, "Keep Your Ear to the Ground," on Saturday, October 11 at 3pm in MLK Library's New Books Area (corner of 9th and G in NW DC). Part of Black Eyes' festival!

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John R. Davis @jrdarchivist.bsky.social · 24/08/2025

46 years ago today: The Slinkees concert flier, Brian's Garage, Washington, DC - August 24, 1979. An important date in D.C. hardcore history, as this was the Slinkees' only show. 3/4 of the band went onto form the Teen Idles, the band that founded @dischord.com and led to Minor Threat, Fugazi, etc.

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John R. Davis @jrdarchivist.bsky.social · 24/08/2025

40 years ago today -- Bad Brains, Scream, and Beefeater concert flier, WUST Radio Music Hall, Washington, D.C., August 24, 1985. From both the Paul Bushmiller and the Sharon Cheslow collections at the University of Maryland. #DCpunk #BadBrains @dischord.com #PunkFlyers #PunkFliers #DChardcore

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John R. Davis @jrdarchivist.bsky.social · 11/08/2025

The "Essex Hemphill: Take care of your blessings" exhibition at the Phillips Collection in DC was one of my favorites of the summer. Just as memorable was its exhibition catalogue, which was an inspiration. Great writing, curation, design, print quality, and binding. Up through August 31!

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John R. Davis @jrdarchivist.bsky.social · 11/08/2025

The latest episode of my radio show, This Year's Model, focuses on the music of 2023! You'll hear the Whiffs, Telehealth, Sensor Ghost, Mitski, Wireheads, Sweeping Promises, Olivia Rodrigo, Andy Shauf, Lemon Twigs, Sharp Pins, the Beatles, Cel Ray, and lots more. www.mixcloud.com/thisyearsmod...

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John R. Davis @jrdarchivist.bsky.social · 08/08/2025

32 years ago today -- A pretty amazing day in D.C. on August 7, 1993. I saw Fugazi perform by the Washington Monument in the afternoon, took a dinner break, and then went to see Jawbox and an incredible bill at St. Stephen's that night. Also interviewed Guy Picciotto before the Fugazi show! #DCpunk

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John R. Davis @jrdarchivist.bsky.social · 02/08/2025

44 years ago today -- Kraftwerk concert flier, Warner Theatre, Washington, D.C., August 2, 1981. From the Paul Bushmiller collection on punk at the University of Maryland. #Kraftwerk #DCinThe80s #ConcertFlyers #WarnerTheatre #PunkArchive

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John R. Davis @jrdarchivist.bsky.social · 24/07/2025

I'll be talking about my new book (out Oct 1) with @chrisrichards.bsky.social as part of the upcoming Speaking in Tongues festival that Black Eyes is putting together. We'll announce the location soon, but Chris and I will hold our talk at 3pm on Saturday, October 11. More info TBA!

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John R. Davis @jrdarchivist.bsky.social · 15/07/2025

Jawbox performing at American University in Washington, D.C. - March 1, 1996 - Photo by John Davis - From the John Davis collection on punk at the University of Maryland. #DCpunk #Jawbox #Jrobbins #PunkPhotos #AlternativeRock #DesotoRecords @dischord.com #ConcertPhotography

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John R. Davis @jrdarchivist.bsky.social · 14/07/2025

The latest episode of my radio show, This Year's Model, is up! This one focuses on music of 1979 and my guest is Sarah Grady of Made You a Tape. Music from the Undertones, Pylon, the Slits, @gangoffour.bsky.social, Slickee Boys, Bad Brains, @buzzcocks.com, & more. www.mixcloud.com/thisyearsmod...

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John R. Davis @jrdarchivist.bsky.social · 06/07/2025

This coming Friday, July 11, I'll be DJing at the Art Sound Language record/book shop in NW DC near Chevy Chase Circle from 6-9pm with my old QANU bandmates Chris and Matt. Just a fun hang as we play some records on a summer evening, so come by!

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