285 pages
English language
Published Nov. 8, 2017 by Two Dollar Radio.
"In an age of confusion, fear, and loss, Hanif Abdurraqib's is a voice that matters. Whether he's attending a Bruce Springsteen concert the day after visiting Michael Brown's grave, or discussing public displays of affection at a Carly Rae Jepsen show, he writes with a poignancy and magnetism that resonates profoundly. In essays that have been published by the New York Times, MTV, and Pitchfork, among others--along with original, previously unreleased essays-- Abdurraquib uses music and culture as a lens through which to view our world, so that we might better understand ouselves, and in doing so proves himself a bellwether for out times." --
I can't describe the depth of emotions this made me feel. It is the kind of writing I want in my life all the time, the way music criticism should be written, the way cultural criticism should be approached. Cannot recommend enough.
Half of these essays are about stuff I mostly don't care about, like Fallout Boy, My Chemical Romance, etc., but that doesn't mean i didn't like this book. I really did. I don't think I've ever heard some of these bands. The heart warming turns of language and great observations of modern culture kept me going.
really interesting approach to a collection of essays; mostly through the lens of musical artist analysis, but always tied back to personal and social stories.
Simply one of the best books in memory about music, culture and this profound moment of change in America. Bighearted, kind, real, unshakably black and for everyone.
