tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9991864.post113502517511086431..comments2023-08-10T05:24:20.775-04:00Comments on Razing the Bar: Shit, Now He's Talking About MerdeAndy Whitmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04010130934552315074noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9991864.post-1135259354415659202005-12-22T08:49:00.000-05:002005-12-22T08:49:00.000-05:00Andrew, thanks for your comments. You know, I do ...Andrew, thanks for your comments. <BR/><BR/>You know, I do see what you're seeing as well, at least some of the time. I'm sometimes frustrated by the writing. Sometimes I'm frustrated by my own writing, and wish I had both more time (it's not uncommon to receive an album a day or two before a review is due) and a word count greater than 100 words to state my case. It's difficult for me to say much of anything in 100 words. <BR/><BR/>The last cover story contained the egregious word "unfuckwitable," which not only told me that the writer was terminally hip, but that he dabbled in the incomprehensible. Just what does that mean, anyway?<BR/><BR/>In any event, you're not the only one who has commented on the Death Cab for Cutie story. I'll just say that others have noted the things you've noted, and that your observation is fair and valid.<BR/><BR/>All that said, I'm still thrilled with Paste, and would be even if I had no involvement other than as a reader. I greatly appreciate the breadth of the coverage. I know I've discovered music, films, and books that I otherwise would have never encountered. <BR/><BR/>For what it's worth, Joe Henry and Loudon Wainwright are heroes of mine. I've written about both in Paste. Joe Henry is so articulate and so thoughtful, and it was a great pleasure to interview him. I'm not surprised that he was able to really dig deep in his conversation with Loudon. <BR/><BR/>Thanks again for your comments. I really appreciate them.Andy Whitmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04010130934552315074noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9991864.post-1135201922751641402005-12-21T16:52:00.000-05:002005-12-21T16:52:00.000-05:00I didn't mean to slag Paste so harshly, but I gues...I didn't mean to slag Paste so harshly, but I guess I do find myself disappointed more often than not as a subscriber.<BR/><BR/>The cover features tend to read a bit hammy to me (the Death Cab article being the worst example of this... since when does a music journalist name-drop the brand of their shoes to try to prove cred? And aren't Fluevogs kinda five-years-ago anyway?). I find myself learning more and expanding my shopping list more from Harp, Magnet, and Performing Songwriter. They're tough competition, but I know Paste has the drive and the resources to outdo them.<BR/><BR/>I suppose the qualities I love most about your column -- the depth of knowledge, breadth of reference, and beautiful knack for nailing the proper context of an artist's influences -- would be what I find sorely lacking in most of Paste's other writers.<BR/><BR/>What frustrates me is that Paste has obviously brought a lot of hope to songwriters I love. I've heard many a jaded musician talk about something they saw in Paste. I just want to see something unique and magical happening in the pages. <BR/><BR/>Acoustic Guitar magazine recently had Joe Henry interview Loudon Wainwright, who Henry considers one of his Top-4 influences. It was insightful, informative, and got me out of my chair to buy the albums they spoke of.<BR/><BR/>Overall, Paste has shown a lot of development since the first issue, and I appreciate that. When my current subscription ends, I'll renew and hope for continued development.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9991864.post-1135192950012939652005-12-21T14:22:00.000-05:002005-12-21T14:22:00.000-05:00Andrew, I remember you from the RMC and VoL lists....Andrew, I remember you from the RMC and VoL lists. Thanks very much for your kind and encouraging words. <BR/><BR/>Do you really think Paste is equivalent to Entertainment Weekly? Wow, I hope not. I'd really like to hear what you don't like about the magazine. And no, I won't get defensive. Paste isn't only my baby, but it's partly my baby, and I'd certainly like it to be the best magazine it can be. What don't you like about the magazine?Andy Whitmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04010130934552315074noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9991864.post-1135106796592473322005-12-20T14:26:00.000-05:002005-12-20T14:26:00.000-05:00Andy -I have your blog in my daily reading links a...Andy -<BR/><BR/>I have your blog in my daily reading links and I've been a fan of your work since the RMC list, then the VOL-list, and you're pretty much the only reason Paste can claim me as a subscriber. Just when I've exhausted myself complaining about the publication I turn to your column and shut the hell up because I know I'll get my money's worth. It's very similar to my Entertainment Weekly subscription. Ever been told you're someone's Steven King? Now you can...breath of brilliance and fresh air to close out the publication on a memorable note.<BR/><BR/>Anyway, the purpose of this note wasn't to praise you, though it's long overdue. I wanted to thank you for the Walker Percy quote. I'm sure you've read Lancelot, but on the off-chance that you haven't, I'd highly recommend it.<BR/><BR/>Thank you for increasing your visibility. The world is a richer place for it.<BR/><BR/>Sincerely,<BR/>Andrew NewbyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9991864.post-1135035687879260552005-12-19T18:41:00.000-05:002005-12-19T18:41:00.000-05:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.danthresshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07519939413038295776noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9991864.post-1135026635506591482005-12-19T16:10:00.000-05:002005-12-19T16:10:00.000-05:00Hot off the press. Until today the U.S. military ...Hot off the press. Until today the U.S. military has denied that white phosophorus was used in the battle for Falluja, and has denounced such a story in the strongest terms. <BR/><BR/>But not there is this: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4440664.stmAndy Whitmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04010130934552315074noreply@blogger.com