I keep clicking on Anthony Fantano videos because the idea of an active music critic on YouTube appeals to me. But I just really dislike his vibe. I know he annoys more people, and others will love him, so let’s not discuss that here (full stop, that’s not what this topic is about).
It’s a shame though because he’s very active. Are there other music critics that people love here? On YouTube or other free platforms like podcasts? Of course there can be great critics for subscription magazines and stuff but that will be less easy to share here.
Curious if there’s anything to share in this area! Maybe add a couple of words about their type of genres and approach if relevant.
Phillip Sherburne is an excellent music critic who focuses on electronic music. He mostly publishes on pitchfork now. Even if you dont like pitchfork, his particular voice is worth hearing. He does a nice job balancing praise/enthusiasm with criticism. He is neither cynical nor a fanboy. I also like his particular prose, which isnt especially flowery.
I used to check out Headphone Commute, but I personally don’t really like that writer’s style as much now, which I find too flowery. There’s a brand of music review that’s like “exquisitely cinematic beauty for the dusty horizons of your future self” thats just super masturbatory and doesn’t really help you appreciate or find new music. You see those types of comments on bandcamp reviews all the time. Pretty annoying IMO.
I like Andrew Ryce on Resident Advisor. Some ppl don’t, but I think he’s got a good voice and finds interesting things to say about the records he reviews.
I decide on my own, after 32 Bars i know, if i continue listening. I think mostly in labels when i want a specific sound. I.e Epitaph stuff sounds often the same, and when i like their style, i generally come back for more. Label bosses are like this anyway in the alternative music scene. No need for additional critiques.
The only online music critic that matters to me is me. I don’t need music critics in my life just like I do not need talking heads on the news, or sports commentators.
used to during the early days of 80s and 90s and 2000s mostly in print but not during the online era…after the absence of local voice and style I pretty much use my own ears and experience, as well as preference …Simon Reynolds was the last one or among the last critics I read
I really like Jennifer Lucy Allan’s bi-monthly “Rum Music” column for The Quietus. She is a great writer, and she always manage to turn me on to some strange new or old stuff I didn’t knew existed.
(I am in general not a fan of the The Quietus, though. The quality of the writing has turned increasingly uneven the last couple of years, but Jennifer still delivers every time.)
0 interest in critics in general. Gear, movies, music, books, games: it’s all subjective.
It all comes down to if I enjoy something or not so a simple recommendation system is enough for me. Like how it works in record stores, no fillers, just music that someone feels you should check out.