Critiquing the Critics

Brian Briscoe You see them in interviews, or maybe read something they've said in the paper. "I don't pay attention to the critics," artists say, enunciating the word "critics" like they would "Hitler" or "rapist." Perhaps such quotes should be amended to end with "anymore," because in each case it's clear a nerve has been touched.

But before stooping too low, let's back up.

The critic's job is
to serve as some
level of filter
for the public. Critics love music. No matter our tastes, preferences, backgrounds, prejudices, burnout factors or fetishes, we love music. Every single time we drop a CD in the player we hope to be awestruck. We hear CD after CD of flavor-of-the-week, trend-imitating knockoffs who aren't nearly as good as the banjo player we heard in the Tube in London once. We are ready to be wowed at any time, by any artist. Many critics prefer the company of music to the company of musicians (which would explain why we're such bad interviewers sometimes). This makes critics, despite our reputation as dour party-poopers, a clan of optimists. (more)

Aural Fixations

RADNEY FOSTER
Are You Ready For the Big Show? (PureSpunk/Dualtone)
Radney Foster is a spit-and-polish perfect example of the musical genre that's come to be called "Americana." So what's the problem with the live Are You Ready For the Big Show? (more)