Here’s my shameful admission as a music critic: I probably spend too much time looking at the audience.
But you learn so much about music that way.
If I had a time machine, and went back to Woodstock in August 1969, I wouldn’t worry about what’s happening on stage—I can watch the movie for that. I’d be fixated on 460,000 people gathered together for an “Aquarian Exposition: 3 Days of Peace & Music.”
What in the name of Jove does that look like?
Even now I seek out lore and learning from the interstices of the music world—exploring its psychology and biology, its politics and communal effects, and (above all) its life-changing properties.
Sometimes the results are amusing. Sometimes they’re profound. They are rarely boring.
With that in mind, I’m sharing a few music lessons not taught in music school.
The Honest Broker is a reader-supported guide to music, books, media & culture. Both free and paid subscriptions are available. If you want to support my work, the best way is by taking out a paid subscription.
The more metal bands per capita, the happier the country.
I thought I had cool audio equipment, until I learned about the radio that keeps playing music after a nuclear attack.
And what about the music lover who spent a million dollars on his stereo? The turntable alone weighs 1,500 pounds.
I have an unhealthy interest in background music for shopping. I guess it’s because I’m such a firm believer in music as a source of power—but Joni Mitchell shouldn’t be forced into shilling for discounted talcum powder in aisle six.
I know others will share my interest in music playlists at The Gap. A former employee has been collecting these, and provides some examples.
Keep reading with a 7-day free trial
Subscribe to The Honest Broker to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.