Robert Christgau Books

Robert Christgau on James Brown: "When he modulates to the bridge it's like the Spirit of God moving upon the face of the waters. After that he could describe his cars for three [LP] sides and get away with it." Christgau on Carly Simon: "If a horse could sing in a monotone, the horse would sound like Carly Simon, only a horse wouldn't rhyme 'yacht,' 'apricot,' and 'gavotte.'" Christgau on Van Morrison: "This is a man who gets stoned on a drink of water and urges us to turn our radios all the way into the mystic. Visionary hooks his specialty." Christgau on Lou Reed: "Reed Sounds like he's imitating his worst enemy, himself." (Lou Reed on Robert Christgau: "What a moron! Studying rock and roll. I can't believe it!") An indispensable book, Christgau's Rock Albums the '70s is the definitive guide to nearly 3,000 albums of the decade that brought us progressive rock, country rock, glam rock, funk, disco, punk, heavy metal, and new wave.

Robert Christgau's collection of book reviews and literary essays reflects his deep passion for literature, covering a wide range of topics including music genres like punk and hip-hop, and notable artists such as Lead Belly and Patti Smith. The essays also explore significant works like the Bible and 1984, alongside themes in pornography, science fiction, and cultural theory. Christgau's insights into figures like Walter Mosley and the history of bohemia, as well as commentary on the 2008 financial crisis, position him as a leading voice in American cultural criticism.

The memoir offers an evocative exploration of the author's life as a prominent essayist and music journalist, reflecting on a bygone New York and the profound impact of art. Through vivid storytelling, it captures the essence of his experiences and insights, celebrating the transformative nature of music and culture. This personal narrative serves as both a nostalgic homage to a vibrant city and a deep appreciation for the artistic journey that shaped his identity.