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Pop Quiz: Amazon or Christgau?

By Tom Hawking on

Yesterday we ran a series of hilariously negative reviews of classic albums, and noted at the time that we could have cited several more from the inimitable Robert Christgau, a man who’s never been shy about putting his most controversial foot forward when it comes to music. Christgau’s hairy-chested prose, idiosyncratic tastes, and habit of reviewing himself rather than the album in question have often perplexed us, as has his Dean of American Rock Critics™ schtick. In view of this, after the jump, we’ve set out a selection of mystifying reviews — both good and bad — of notable records, and we’re asking you: which quote comes from an Amazon commenter, and which was penned by the man himself? The results, which you can find at the end of the post, may or may not surprise you. … Read More

Music

Inside the John Lennon Educational Tour Bus

By Tanja M. Laden on

The John Lennon Educational Tour Bus helps kids write songs, record tracks, and film music videos — all in one school day. The bus is the brainchild of Yoko Ono Lennon, who keeps her husband’s musical legacy alive by sending the interactive mobile recording studio to teens in cities, suburbs, and rural communities across the country. Thanks to her and more than 30 corporate sponsors, the nonprofit production facility is now in its 14th year, keeping up with the latest audio and visual gear, courtesy of big-name companies like Apple and Avid. With help from three intrepid on-board video and recording engineers, kids have access to free workshops on songwriting and digital production, from storyboarding all the way to DVD burning, until they’re finished with an entire digital production. We took a ride and found some pictures and videos by the kids themselves. Is the next YouTube sensation somewhere in there? You decide. … Read More