As someone who reads (and, honestly, watches) a ton of culture criticism across music, TV, film, and books, I find it startling that no one here mentioned Steven Hyden. He manages to carry his core tenets of being insightful, hilarious, and thought-provoking across multiple mediums: columns, books, newsletters, and music docs. He's also one of the most prolific forces in the game. He's been my #1 for many moons now.
So many music writers and editors that I love weren't mentioned. However, since I also wasn't mentioned I've decided to put a voodoo spell on you Philistines... starting with you Nick.
We should note what a great critic David Thomas - RIP - was at Cleveland's "The Scene" back in the 2nd half of the 70s. He was as good as anyone. But of course took it to another level after with Rockets from the Tombs and Pere Ubu!
As someone fairly new to this and still figuring it out, the advice that landed hardest was the “pick a deep audience will find you.” I started a small newsletter about songs that aren't what they seem—ones that sound cheerful but are quietly sad, or that everyone's been misreading—mostly because it was the thing I couldn't stop noticing. What's surprised me is that the narrowness is the point: the niche is what gives you something to say that isn't already being said. Grateful for a piece like this, and Danyel Smith's welcome at the end got me.
ADDENDUM: a lot of great writers shouted-out in the lists above, people doing excellent work, but it strikes me as VERY odd that three of the writers who have, IMO, been absolute must-reads over the past half-decade, are nowhere to be found. Massive kudos for the work of Carina del Valle Schorske, Harmony Holiday and Danielle Amir Jackson. If you believe in a great music critical future, start there.
Gratified to be mentioned!
As someone who reads (and, honestly, watches) a ton of culture criticism across music, TV, film, and books, I find it startling that no one here mentioned Steven Hyden. He manages to carry his core tenets of being insightful, hilarious, and thought-provoking across multiple mediums: columns, books, newsletters, and music docs. He's also one of the most prolific forces in the game. He's been my #1 for many moons now.
So many music writers and editors that I love weren't mentioned. However, since I also wasn't mentioned I've decided to put a voodoo spell on you Philistines... starting with you Nick.
This is what the comments are for guys :)
LOL - didn't see this note before I wrote my addendum, I think I added a couple on both our behalfs
We should note what a great critic David Thomas - RIP - was at Cleveland's "The Scene" back in the 2nd half of the 70s. He was as good as anyone. But of course took it to another level after with Rockets from the Tombs and Pere Ubu!
Beyond honoured to be mentioned!
yo i appreciate the shout!! i co-sign the Make Alex Pappademas Blog More About Music petition
Was looking for a list like this, thanks for sharing.
As someone fairly new to this and still figuring it out, the advice that landed hardest was the “pick a deep audience will find you.” I started a small newsletter about songs that aren't what they seem—ones that sound cheerful but are quietly sad, or that everyone's been misreading—mostly because it was the thing I couldn't stop noticing. What's surprised me is that the narrowness is the point: the niche is what gives you something to say that isn't already being said. Grateful for a piece like this, and Danyel Smith's welcome at the end got me.
Thanks for the shout Jason King. Link to said 'stack (warning: local NYC music-heavy) here: https://dadastrain.substack.com/
ADDENDUM: a lot of great writers shouted-out in the lists above, people doing excellent work, but it strikes me as VERY odd that three of the writers who have, IMO, been absolute must-reads over the past half-decade, are nowhere to be found. Massive kudos for the work of Carina del Valle Schorske, Harmony Holiday and Danielle Amir Jackson. If you believe in a great music critical future, start there.
It’s astounding to see Chuck Eddy call someone ELSE’s work bad.
Sasha Frere Jones confirming once again he’s a total douche