Rubin Recommends

(Part of The Weekly Check In series)

photo by: Chrissy Piper

I’ve been going to Needles and Pens store/gallery for the last 5 years or so stopping by when I’d visit SF to always pick up a copy of Cometbus. Since moving here I’ve gone in for their art shows and to dream about buying everything they carry.

I’m glad I finally met Andrew M Scott, the man behind the store Needles And Pens, as well as being a photographer, writer and curator. He’s done work for Maximum RocknRoll, Punk Planet, Hot & Cold, his own zine “Sob Story?” and many more. Keep up with him at http://www.amscott.org/blackhole.

Rubin: What are you currently working on or just finished that you’re excited about?

Scott: I just finished writing an essay for the very last issue of Chris Duncan & Griffin McPartland’s Hot & Cold zine. Also, and I’m working on finishing up a 2010 poster/calendar of my half-frame photos.  …Here’s a blog about the last one I did over at Fecalface.

Rubin: Where have you traveled so far this month?

Scott: I’ve failed miserably at traveling this year, which sucks because I really thrive on it. I had big plans to roam the globe in September, but randomly ended up getting a new part-time job doing layout for a newspaper in Marin. …So, I’m gonna try and hunker down, pay off some debt, and save up some money for future travels. But on the upside, San Francisco isn’t such a bad place to stuck, it’s beautiful here.

Rubin: What’s your favorite music right now?

Scott: The Television Personalities‘ “…And Don’t The Kids Just Love It” LP has been on my turntable for the last week straight. I can’t get enough of it. Other than that, The Country Teasers, Fresh & Onlys, loads of early post-punk, and Flying Nun Records‘ stuff.

Rubin: Best food you’ve had in your neighborhood lately or while you were traveling?

Scott: I mostly eat out in the Mission, but live in the Lower Haight. As far as food In my apartment’s general vicinity, I’d endorse (sort of shamefully) the gringo taqueria up the street – Little Chihuahua. They’ve got free-range meat and a boss hoss salsa bar. I’d also throw in Little Star Pizza on Divisadero, it’s pretty excellent for deep dish Chicago style pizza when I’m craving it.

Rubin: Anything else you want to mention?

Scott: Be excellent to each other. …Oh, I’d also like to mention that the photo up there was taken by Chrissy Piper (I told her I’d make sure to give her credit). She has a great photo show at Needles & Pens at the moment that runs through September 20th. If you’re in the neighborhood, you should come check it out!