Even if you have no interest in leftfield folk music, indie rock, or writing on "subjects ranging from Guatemala's patron saint of thieves to the changing role of women in the circus" the recent announcement that acclaimed LA-based underground magazine Arthur is going on indefinite hiatus was sad news indeed. The word came via an email blast from editor Jay Babcock who simply said that the newsprint rag was "done."

The story, however, is not so simple it would seem. According an article published today in the LA Times, the magazine's current situation is the result of a failed business deal via which Babcock would assume full control of the publication by buying out his partner, Maryland-based Laris Kreslins. When the negotiations fell apart, Babcock was left penniless saying "I don't even have the rights to my baby," and leading him to pull the plug on the four year old publication. Kreslins for his part is saying he hopes that this isn't the end of the line for the counter-culture publication, which has drawn frequent descriptions to 60's relics like Rolling Stone, in no small part to the rag's fondness for bearded folkies and psychedelia, as well as it's decidedly countercultural vision.

Whatever becomes of Arthur, the passing of yet another independent voice on the publishing landscape, even a niche magazine, should give us all pause. Sure the internet offers an infinite quantity of information on any subject, but well-researched and written work is tough to come by, especially with the keen curatorial vision of an excellent editor. Having read Arthur frequently over the past few years and having attended one of their storied shows at last years SXSW festival in Austin, Texas, EMERGE has been saddened by this bit of news.

We pour a bit of our proverbial 40-ounce on the pavement for all at Arthur who have been caught off guard by this sad development.

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