Original image by There Stands the Glass.
The cool kids insist they love it. My feed is speckled with their rave reviews. Yet to me, the latest release from an artist with impeccable credentials and well-deserved goodwill is almost unlistenable. What’s characterized as a daring change in direction seems like tasteless pandering. What others praise as microtonal I call out-of-tune. Taste is subjective, of course, but the ostensible “instant classic” is manifestly an artistic disaster. I’m not ordinarily bothered by disparities between my verdict and the opinions of others. In this instance, however, I’m convinced tastemakers are following the critical consensus to maintain good relationships with a publicity team and record label armed with guest lists and promotional vinyl. It’s disappointing that the work of many of my peers can be so cheaply purchased.