Wow, what a review. This is the first cultural critique I've read in recent memory where legitimate critical thought justified your position, rather than what seems like the norm now –making broad statements and claiming to contribute to cultural discourse. I haven't read the book, but my preconceived notions align with your critique.
I liked and related to how you described the crate-digger. I'm like the person sitting on the floor at the record store who has to be asked to leave LOL and couldn't imagine being any other way. While the algorithms have undoubtedly had an impact on the arts, I personally feel like my taste is better-refined than ever. The incorrect assumption here is thinking everyone else had taste in the first place.
Great review. I feel exactly the same about certain criticisms levied at algorithmic curation. There are legit criticisms. The angle of this book isn't really one of them imo.
Related but not: TIL that Cigarettes After Sex are playing the hockey arena, which, I like the band but can't think of a worse use for a hockey arena, but maybe they've got a great live show and I'm missing out. Or maybe my tastes have been so shaped by the algorithm that I can't fathom quiet music in loud spaces.
I looked into this a while ago and it's a fairly decent light show with a lot of heavy darkness. It's def the kind of show you take a date too and maybe you kiss a bit when Your Song comes on. I get the impression people listen to this as their Sex Music, and it's always a little weird seeing that kind of thing live, certainly my experience of seeing The xx and Massive Attack.
Great piece. I'm reading this at the moment and you've nailed all the criticisms I have with the book. There are some salient points to be explored around the issues raised, but he seems to be entirely the wrong person to be writing about it
Best take yet on what sounds like a deeply silly book.
Wow, what a review. This is the first cultural critique I've read in recent memory where legitimate critical thought justified your position, rather than what seems like the norm now –making broad statements and claiming to contribute to cultural discourse. I haven't read the book, but my preconceived notions align with your critique.
I liked and related to how you described the crate-digger. I'm like the person sitting on the floor at the record store who has to be asked to leave LOL and couldn't imagine being any other way. While the algorithms have undoubtedly had an impact on the arts, I personally feel like my taste is better-refined than ever. The incorrect assumption here is thinking everyone else had taste in the first place.
Great review. I feel exactly the same about certain criticisms levied at algorithmic curation. There are legit criticisms. The angle of this book isn't really one of them imo.
Yes yes my thoughts exactly.
Related but not: TIL that Cigarettes After Sex are playing the hockey arena, which, I like the band but can't think of a worse use for a hockey arena, but maybe they've got a great live show and I'm missing out. Or maybe my tastes have been so shaped by the algorithm that I can't fathom quiet music in loud spaces.
I looked into this a while ago and it's a fairly decent light show with a lot of heavy darkness. It's def the kind of show you take a date too and maybe you kiss a bit when Your Song comes on. I get the impression people listen to this as their Sex Music, and it's always a little weird seeing that kind of thing live, certainly my experience of seeing The xx and Massive Attack.
Excellent article!
Great piece. I'm reading this at the moment and you've nailed all the criticisms I have with the book. There are some salient points to be explored around the issues raised, but he seems to be entirely the wrong person to be writing about it