Hell's Kitchen Radio #618: Photographer Jimmy Jocoy

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Monday night, Daniel and I hosted photographer Jimmy Jocoy, known for his fiercely intimate portraits of young punks in the West Coast scene in the 1970s and 1980s. There wasn't a show that Jimmy attended where his camera wasn't slung at his side. 

Jimmy's story is one of curiosity for his subjects, and some risk taking at times. It's also about what he chose not to shoot. I was surprised to learn that he published very few photos during the heyday of West Coast Punk, and it wasn't until 25 years after he took his last concert pics, and left them in a box in his home, that he was encouraged to pull them out for publishing consideration. And a huge thanks to Thurston Moore for having the sharp eye, noting these images must be seen by the world. 

We're all better for this.

In a world where we are hooked on the live, in your face, boot to the head concert pics, Jimmy's are much more intimate. He asks the subject if he can pull them aside, away from the frenetic energy of the mosh pit, to a less obtrusive and desaturated backdrop to frame them in the deep saturation, showcasing their style. 

Jimmy caught people in vulnerable moments that make me feel like I was in their bedroom while they were choosing what to wear to the FabMab that night.

Jimmy has published two books of his works: "We're Desperate" (2002), and "Order of Appearance" (2017). Both books showcase the images much more than offering the context, drawing you deeper into the experience. You can feel yourself in the room, soaking in with all senses what Jimmy felt and captured.

We're all desperate and satisfied that Jimmy captured and shared what he has.

Enjoy this interview and check out the music we played throughout the show, below.

jh

Hell's Kitchen Radio with John Hell
Mondays 8-10PM Pacific
Radio Valencia in SF
http://radiovalencia.fm

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In Frisco: Pop O Pies (7" - 1983)
Hate the Police: The Dicks (7" - 1980)

Holding Back: The Sleepers (7" - 1981)

Interview with Jimmy Jocoy

I Gave My Punk Jacket to Ricky: Mary Monday (7" - 1977)
Insect Lounge: The Mutants (7" - 1980)
Mercenaries: Negative Trend (Tooth and Nail Comp - 1979)

Car Crash: The Avengers (s/t - 1977)

Interview with Jimmy Jocoy

Savage Connection: Bump Fuzz (7" - 1982)
Radio Dies Screaming: Flesh Eaters (7" - 1979)

This is Your Leader: Pope Paul Pot (7" - 1981)

Baby Talk: The Urge (7" - 1980)

Looking For Laughs: Neil Hamburger (7" - 1994)

Sex Bomb: Flipper (7" - 1981)

Nazi Punks Fuck Off: Dead Kennedys (7" - 1980)

Double Garage: Voice Farm (7" - 

I Was A Teenage Werewolf: The Cramps (Songs The Lord Taught Us - 1980)

Atmosphere: Joy Division (7" - 1979 Sordide Sentimental)

We Must Bleed: Germs ((Gi) - 1979)

Who Stole The Keeshka: Polkacide (s/t - 1986)

Six Pack: Black Flag (The First Six Years - 1983)