No, really, what’s it all about?

I am a writer, and I am a musician. While anyone can learn how to be either, I believe both have always been in my DNA. Therefore, I write about music. That’s what you’re going to see here.

I honestly don’t know where I’d be without music. My earliest exposure came via the radio and my parents’ record player, so when I began my own journey, those were the places where I heard things. So you can expect to find the occasional lament of the state of radio, alongside references to old records.

However, that’s not to say I’m a total Luddite. I love the convenience of CDs and MP3s/iTunes, but I do miss the vinyl experience. I still think of albums as records, and understand the math that goes into the album side. Listening to an album also involves reading the liner notes, studying the label, checking the inner groove for secret messages, and considering the significance of its place in the rack alongside its brothers. As a product of my generation I’ve also had a fondness for the art form of the mix tape, and the possibilities held by a Maxell XLII-90. That’s something that will be explored here as well.

I admit to being something of a snob, if an open-minded one, which will be more apparent as this blog grows. I will be writing about things I like and don’t like, and while I may not always be able to explain why, I’ll certainly try. I may even contradict myself along the way. But I’m sure you’ll find me to be consistent, even in my inconsistency. A quote from the late great Lester Bangs at the top of the page gives this blog its title, and many of his other asides will certainly find their way into this forum, whether quoted directly or alluded to.

My aim is to update the blog on a regular weekly schedule. I’m fully aware that there are lots of blogs and review sites in cyberspace, and many of them take approaches that are beyond my capabilities. But hopefully visitors will find something in my voice that will warrant return visits. Comments are welcome, and appreciated. I hope you’ll enjoy what you see, and spread the word.