Ultimately, to insist that rock criticism be political is first to insist that the humans who make and enjoy music are embroiled in politics whether they like it or not - and whether they know it or not.
Interpretation
Rock music criticism inherently involves politics, reflecting the connection between music and societal issues.
This quote by Robert Christgau highlights the notion that music, especially rock, is inseparable from the political context in which it exists. It suggests that both musicians and listeners are influenced by and participate in political dynamics, whether they consciously acknowledge it or not, thus implying that discussions around music criticism must also address these political dimensions to be meaningful and relevant.
In practice
In a discussion about music's impact on society, this quote can be used to highlight the interconnectedness of art and political issues.
Sonnymoon and Quadrants are a couple of bands that really inspire me in terms of the melodics of things and certain tones and just what feels good. It takes me back to the type of music that I grew up on in my household. We played a lot of gangsta rap, but we also played a lot of oldies, and I think that mix is part of what inspires my sound.
Technically, I'm not a guitar player, all I play is truth and emotion.
People want to listen to a message, word from Jah. This could be passed through me or anybody. I am not a leader. Messenger. The words of the songs, not the person, is what attracts people.
I approach everything as chamber music. Even with Beethoven symphonies, I lead from the violin and basically encourage the orchestra to think of it as a giant string quartet.
You want to meet a bunch of really friendly people? Go to a Slayer concert. There'll be some real psychos there, but most of those people will take care of each other.
Soundgarden signing to a major, then Mother Love Bone, and seeing the same happen to Alice in Chains. We were all suddenly making music and recording at the same time, and we had money to do it. It wasn't like a $2,000 recording that you do over a weekend. It's like, 'Wow, maybe this will be our job.'
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