sometime i read christgau and am amazed...

The format of the 10-word joke review is inherently dismissive to whatever it's reviewing. By extension, being casually dismissive of the aesthetic value of that 10-word review is only fair.

even if it says more than 600 words? some examples.

do you think that 10 minutes songs are better than 3 minute ones?

"Flip" = "this album is so obviously not a matter of life and death" --> "so I can be pretty or silly or cute or pretentious or extremely casual about this album." OR "It's pretty much common knowledge I love these guys" --> "I can say all sorts of silly things about them without seeming mean." (Much like I can call a friend a "fascist" or a "jerk" in certain contexts -- like in jokes -- and they'll KNOW I'm not dissing them.")

"Dismissive" = "This sucks, and isn't worth respect in any contexts."

He needs the blood of the living to retain his girlish figure.

Doesn't look like it's made it to his archive yet. But his consumer guide review is here

U2 - "Pop"
Misses his mother, misses Jesus ("Mofo, "Wake Up Dead Man")

I want to start a thread now.

For distinguished criticism, Ten thousand dollars ($10,000).

Awarded to Dan Neil of the Los Angeles Times for his one-of-a-kind reviews of automobiles, blending technical expertise with offbeat humor and astute cultural observations.

Also nominated as finalists in this category were: Nicolai Ouroussoff of the Los Angeles Times for his versatile architectural criticism that stretched from his hometown's new Disney Hall to the rubble in Baghdad, where he pondered the ancient city's resurrection, and Inga Saffron of The Philadelphia Inquirer for her passionate and insightful architectural criticism that, through clear, elegant writing, was as accessible to the ordinary reader as it was to the expert.

"yes, rock criticism is a lower format than other kinds of writing. thanks for setting us straight. "

Matos, where did I say that? Again, words in my mouth (or you're making a dubious leap).

"novels and hard journalism are automatically better because higher than writing about records. this is a point that cannot be reinforced enough! "

I think you misunderstood my Ulysses reference (which was meant more as a quip). I'm really not interested in positing some sort of hierarchy of the written word. I never said novels and hard journalism are automatically better. Again, words put in my mouth, which is a lazy way to debate.

Ulysses is a hard read though. My ancient Greek is none too good.

Also, yes, criticism is different from straight journalism, thank god, but when I read a food critic, I want to understand his opinion about the restaurant.; when I read a movie review, I want to know the critic's take on the movie.
The writing should be good — that's part of the enjoyment — but it shouldn't get in the way. I mean, as a writer, you are trying to communicate.

Simply put, clarity and creativity are not mutually exclusive. I realize writing about music involves approximations and metaphor, but the intent doesn't have to be buried.

"through clear, elegant writing, was as accessible to the ordinary reader as it was to the expert. "

"If you write about cars, it is reportage," said John Simon, theater critic of New York magazine. "It is not criticism, even though it postures as criticism. Cars are utilitarian things. You might as well be a critic of kitchen utensils."

I wonder if he realizes he sounds nine hundred?

banjomania, that leap is pretty dubious to me too, but I've seen it made countless times on this board and fully expect to see it made again in the future, so my (actual!) dismissiveness has some basis here. also, as one friend put it, does the auto guy clear the path for Paul Lukas to get a Pulitzer? (I hope so!)

Thank you Matos! more where that came from.

Tom Petty - Wildflowers

More songs about buildings and weed. ("House In the Wood", "You Don't Know How It Feels")

Saint Etienne - Good Humor

Muzak for the duty free shops, which isn't a bad thing, really. ("Woodcabin", "Mr. Donut")

Handsome Family - In the Air

Nature will make everything alright, except when you're crossing bridges. ("Don't Be Scared", "In the Air")

That's more than ten words, you're fired.

i reject this view most vehemently; writing is debased if its primary objective is simply to stir up talk (or anger)

this is a trick question isn't it???

whose posts are you alluding to john? in my case i don't think my mild approbation qualifies as a "rain of venom"

i had this exact same experience, if that helps people understand my criticism, but on the other hand, i don't feel edified or satisfied after solving the riddle

x-post

sorry blount i should organize my posts into one big one, but i sort of read a bit of this long thread ,posted my response, then read the rest of it, etc etc

it's early in the morning here, i'm sort of discombobulated