Auriculum

RJ Smith, writer/editor at the Country Music Hall of Fame, discusses his latest book about Chuck Berry. They explore Berry's upbringing in St. Louis, his impact on rock music, and his controversial treatment of women. The podcast delves into Berry's musical legacy, the complexities of his personal life, and the challenges of writing his biography.

Rob Sheffield and Robert Christgau dive into their favorite records of Q1 2023 including discussions on Boygenius, Iris DeMent, and Pictoria Vark. They explore the evolution of these artists' music styles, lyrical themes, and influences, offering insights into the latest music trends and standout albums.

Pioneering female rock critic Carola Dibbell joins the podcast to discuss the process of selecting greatest albums of all time. They reflect on the flaws in Rolling Stone's list rankings, the evolution of artist perceptions, underrated albums by women artists, and the significance of diverse music influences. The conversation navigates personal opinions versus objective judgment in music criticism and explores the impact and genre classification of various music records.

Rob Sheffield joins the podcast to talk about year-end lists and musical finds. They discuss unique guitar albums, Saharan guitar collaborations, Sad Girl Music, owning physical music, Black Thought's EPs, R&B and hip-hop influences, artist evolution, and the impact of nostalgia on music creation in 2020.

Robert Christgau and Rob Sheffield discuss the early days of rock criticism, the role of the Village Voice in covering punk and hip hop, and how taste leads to knowledge. They reflect on music writing, community building, and the authenticity needed to critique love songs.