Who are the best art critics and what are the best books of art criticism? Here are some of the books I own: Robert Hughes, Nothing if Not Critical – The sort of critical anthology I’m currently most interested in (it contains reprints of Hughes’s reviews across several years at Time magazine). Hughes is devastating when he goes in for the kill (Julian Schnabel—ouch!), and … Continue reading Art critics, art books
Crystal Leww: Cardi B is not a good rapper, and any criticism of her music will undoubtedly try to hit at her weakness in the “technical” department. But technical skills have always been overrated in music anyway. You know what is exciting? I went to a small music night in New York a couple of weeks ago, and the DJ dropped “Bodak Yellow.” Before Cardi’s … Continue reading To watch it unfold (Cardi B)
Amanda Petrusich in the New Yorker on “How to Be a Rock Critic,” a new one-man play starring and co-written by Erik Jensen. Continue reading Lester’s One-Man Show
But at the same time, you told me when we talked last week that this is yet another clichéd sentiment, that music was at one time the center of the culture and that the internet has ruined that. You said that things like The Beatles and Michael Jackson and Nirvana were huge exceptions. I just think — when you mention those names, I think what … Continue reading Chuck Eddy interview, Oct 2017 (link)
The first ballot I’ve submitted in several years, in fact. Top 10 Singles (videos below) 1. A.Chal, “Love and Hennessy” 2. Angus & Julia Stone, “Snow” 3. Blaenavon, Soko, “No One Else in Mind” 4. Kygo w/Selena Gomez, “It Ain’t Me” 5. Lana Del Rey, “Love” 6. LCD Soundsystem, “Call the Police” 7. New Pornographers, “Play Money” 8. Sevyn Streeter, “Before I Do” 9. Smokepurpp, … Continue reading 2017 Pazz and Jop ballot
New York Times, Oct. 5, 1969 “The six tracks on the first side and the opening two tracks on the flip are all write-offs: there’s a Ringo Starr nursery rhyme; a quick burst of sub-Brian Wilson; two songs by George Harrison, mediocrity incarnate; yet another slice of Paul McCartney twenties nostalgia, and an endless slow blues. “The badness ranges from mere gentle tedium to cringing … Continue reading Nik Cohn on an “unmitigated disaster” by the Fab Four
“Don’t fear the reaper: Five great death records, by Naveel Zuberi, Michigan Daily, Jan 31, 1990. (This well-written top 5 survey draws a connection between the Shangri-Las and the Smiths….neat.) Continue reading Death Rock 1990
