On March 30, the Arlington, Virginia based Simple Machines closed its doors forever. For eight years Jenny Toomey and Kristin Thomson put out vital music by bands like Ida, Scrawl, Retsin, and their own Tsunami. The label distinguished itself by releasing innovative projects such as the "Working Holiday" 7-inch series and the "Neopolitan Metropolitan" triple box set. But perhaps their most important contribution will be the booklet "An Introductory Mechanic's Guide to Putting Out Records, Cassettes, and CD's." Who knows how many fledgling record labels have started with this guide close at hand.

Tony Peltier