Thursday, July 23 2009
The Demise of Vibe Magazine and the Future of Criticism
With diminishing places for thoughtful criticism, black cultural critics exist as little more than commentators on the Obama White House. Blackness has been reduced to a news cycle.
Wednesday, February 4 2009
The Guardian Book of Rock & Roll by Michael Hann (ed.)
A little editorial intervention should perhaps have been included to challenge the legitimacy of having a member of the Kooks deride the Beach Boys' Pet Sounds.
Monday, July 21 2008
Goodbye 20th Century by David Browne
On more than one occasion the band’s collective memory is not exactly in synch, a point that only further reminds us that we are reading a mythology, not a chronicle.
Wednesday, July 16 2008
Slayer’s Reign in Blood
Metal fans are a cynical bunch when it comes to outsiders offering critiques of their favorite pieces of work, and can pick apart a treatise with the thoroughness of fussy jazz enthusiasts.
Monday, April 23 2007
The Boy Who Cried Freebird by Mitch Myers
Despite reading like a book set on random, Myers is a fantastic writer with a great ear for rhythm.
