Who gives a shit about the consumer? Writing and analysis is an art form in itself, and that’s to be respected. What we have to give up is the idea of adequate compensation for our labors. (Something many musicians have already come to terms with — and once again, I’m one.)

I’m not sure that’s possible anymore (see: the information age), or even desirable. Was Meltzer right about seventies rock music? No. He was like Godard, burning through possibilities as such a fast clip that he didn’t know where to go next. He was bored, so, therefore, the music must be boring.

For better or for worse, that era is behind us, I think. But, you know, if colleague after colleague goes to bat for a record that means a lot more to me than, say, a single Sasha Frere-Jones column.

Back in the day, people paid attention to their friends, too. I mean, I had never read a review of Led Zeppelin IV or Unforgettable Fire when I bought those records. My sister played them for me. Or someone at church. Or I heard them at camp.

You know?

But I wouldn’t call it gatekeeping, more like a filtration system: You, sir, are the one who distinguishes the noteworthies–successes AND failures–from the staggering tide of mediocrity.

But I don’t even think it’s an issue of listening to a lot of free CDs–which are not as plentiful as they used to be–so much as sorting through a lot of electronic information (upcoming release lists, emails from PR folks, digital downloads, etc.) and finding something that might interest you enough to inspire 50 to 1,200 words of criticism.

But then, that’s REALLY the point, isn’t it? We, the critics, wade through piles of dreck and find the gems so the public doesn’t have to. And I don’t think that vocation is in any danger: Everybody wants to find the good stuff themselves, but ferreting out the crap is someone else’s job.

Granted, this is now the realm of the “OMG-I-just-heard-this-leak” blog post (”Track 7 is faster than track 6!”). But even there it’s just silly. What these people are really be saying is that, ‘hey, I heard this song/record befor you did.’

I read criticism because I like to read. Not because I’m planning my time/budget for the week.

Arts criticism predates everything we’re talking about here–movies, records, videogames. It’s probably a safe bet that it’ll be here long after we’re gone.

That being said, I do think there should be space for long-form reviews, arguments, and well-constructed essays. Burton’s Art Ensemble of Chicago review comes to mind. Glenn Dixon’s take down of Patti Smith comes to mind as well.

I also think Love is a Mixtape is a book I couldn’t recommend enough.

http://www.randomhouse.com/crown/mixtape/