November 11, 2009
Admit it: we've all read it. After getting the perfunctory chuckle that never gets tired out of the way, we find ourselves in line at American Apparel, a jersey something or other draped over our arm, clutching an issue of BUTT Magazine. Despite its callow name, BUTT, one of the Netherlands' finer literary exports, is now 27 issues into its enigmatically successful run and boasts an enviable posterior of accomplished and culturally necessary photographers, writers, and other figures, including John Waters, Bruce LaBruce, Michael Stipe, and Terrence Koh. Touted as a gay magazine, it certainly is, but with an indie spin that has gained it subcultural notoriety. Part zine, part nudie mag of men, for men, BUTT is unequivocally tasteful, probably the reason Taschen crafted the first five years' issues into a collectible tome.

