Any Old Way You Choose It, Updated Edition: Rock and Other Pop Music, 1967-1973 [Bargain Price] [Paperback]

Robert Christgau (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 25, 2000

An invaluable compendium showcasing a new sub-genre of writing not yet contained by the established boundaries of journalism or criticism.

Editorial Reviews

Review

What gives Christgau's writing life is the quickness of his mind, the intricacy of the web of thoughts he spins, the multiplicity of the layers of thought that he can work into seemingly the most simple notices. (John Rockwell New York Times )

Few critics are more provocative than Robert Christgau. Ferociously polemical, able to comvine cool erudition and zingy one-liners in the same paragraph, imperious and funny and impeccably accurate, Christgau is passionate about pure, unadorned rock 'n' roll without being ponderous about it. (Ken Tucker Los Angeles Herald Examiner ) --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Robert Christgau is chief music critic for The Village Voice and a contributing writer for Rolling Stone.

Robert Christgau is chief music critic for The Village Voice and a contributing writer for Rolling Stone. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Cooper Square Press; Expanded edition (August 25, 2000)
• ISBN-10: 0815410417
• ASIN: B001QCX71U
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,790,830 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Too Long Out of Print, June 9, 2000

By 

Gloria Jackson-Nefertiti (Seattle) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Any Old Way You Choose It (Paperback)

This review is based on the original printing of this book, which came out in 1973. I don't know how long it's been out of print since then, but it was too long. The articles reprinted herein cover the late 60s to mid-70s, beginning with the Monterey Pop Festival and finishing with the New York Dolls, with the Beatles, Dylan, Elvis, Chuck Berry, The Byrds, The Rolling Stones, Joni Mitchell, Alice Cooper, Stevie Wonder and many many others in between. These were some of Christgau's first rock writings, back when he was still developing his singular style, and as such might make this book a little easier introduction to someone encountering him for the first time. Christgau's been accused of being overly academic and big-word-loving, which is only true about a third of the time and which I personally don't mind. I'm one of the sorts who doesn't mind working a little for their pleasure, and if I have to reread a passage (or hit the dictionary) I'm more than happy to do so - like rewatching a favorite Kubrick or Lynch film, I get something new each time. Of course, he ain't for everybody. I've trusted him to make the majority of my record-buying decisions for over 15 years now and he's never disappointed me, but you might be another story. I'd recommend that if you have any curiosity about the fella you should check out his monthly Consumer Guide column in the Village Voice to see if your tastes are in the same ballpark. Or, if you're one of those truly enlightened folks who like great writing even if they don't always disagree with the opinions expressed, I'd definitely say give this book a try.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Why Did the Voice Fire This Man?, October 20, 2006

By 

D. Lundeen (Orlando, FL USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Any Old Way You Choose It (Paperback)

Go get all his books, particularly this one and the three Consumer Guides. All entertaining.

And Mr. Christgau, now that you don't have a job, why not add an Amazon tip jar on your excellent website so your longtime readers can contribute to your semi-retirement?