My name is Everett True. I am a music critic. This is what I do. I criticise music.
The clue is in my job description – music critic. I do not consider myself a journalist, as I do not research or report hard news. I do not consider myself a commentator as I believe that everyone should be a participant. I criticise people and in return I am not surprised if other people criticise me. It is part of the whole deal of being in the public arena.
This blog is intended to be some sort of update on my current favourites in music, and life. I do not separate one from the other, nor am I ashamed of voicing opinion. Indeed, I believe opinion to be central to my craft. I do not need others to tell me what to enjoy and I do not trust critics who claim to be impartial because – at the very least – they have not fully thought through what they are doing.
I am Everett True. Believe in me and I have power like a God. Quit believing in me and I no longer exist.
Here is my PhD blog
Here is my Record Rummage blog
Here is my Book Rummage blog
Here is my Great 60s Pop blog
Here is my Plan B – the archives blog
PS: If you’re a photographer or illustrator (or other) and you see your work up here, unfairly uncredited – please contact me so I can either credit it, or take it down forthwith. I have tried to source only public domain images, but it is quite tricky.
July 23, 2009 at 5:52 am |
Hello Everett
I have read every word on your blog and feel wiser for having done so.
I’m a wannabe (but have pretty much accepted the unlikelihood of becoming a) music journo. I’m writing because I found out you were born in my home town, chelmsford. I don’t know what the town was like when you grew up but now it exists as a culturally deprived london dorm town; a satellite residence sapped of character; the magnetic pull of london continuing to rob it of any identity. There are no gig venues, no art house cinemas or offbeat club nights and everyone is expected to go to london for their fix of culture.
I hadn’t realised anyone from Chelmsford had made such an impact into the world of music journalism. Did you have to emigrate from Chelmsford when you were really young?
Like you, I have spent time (a year, Oregon) in the pacific Northwest, albeit with less influence (I matched up a total of 0 rockstars) but this made me appreciate what it feels like to feel PART of a scene, part of something of cultural value and importance.
Question is, is there still room for me? Can you offer a fellow Chelmsfordian advice on how to find my feet in music criticism? I am interning at The Fly on monday.
I hope to hear from you
Thanks
John Mutch
August 18, 2009 at 10:48 pm |
Dude, I’m not sure I’ve made that much impact. Chelmsford, huh? They ripped the heart out that town when they built that dual carriageway through its centre in the 60s (I can still vaguely recall seeing the works). Um. I dunno. The magnetic pull of London is pretty fucking strong, was in my day, only imagine it gets worse… seems so, on the rare occasions I go back and visit. (Obviously that hasn’t happened for a while now.) I moved up to London first chance I got – when I left school, basically. Start yr own clubs. Start yr own art house cinemas. Even if it’s only yr bedroom. Talk it up enough, everyone will want to be a part.
August 15, 2009 at 10:52 am |
hey ET,
just wanted to let you know that I started checking your blog(s) since yesterday. in this internet age I manage to miss more things than I find. but, I’m happy that I can read your stuff again.
also, if you talk to frances again please tell her that I’m sorry if I was harsh in my reply to her email about ‘plan b’ losing all plan b-s. I was just too happy about you guys making something really great. and too disappointed that it was over (overover).
I hope you’re fine, but with that beard, man, you’re looking like seth rogen’s dad.
all the best and keep blooming while fading
yrs
slobodan
August 18, 2009 at 10:45 pm |
Absolutely fucking lovely to have you on board again Slobodan. And remember. Nothing’s ever over. Nothing.
August 17, 2009 at 7:45 am |
Hey E.T.
My name is Jason. I enjoy reading your blog for the music recommendations and generally balanced outlook. I am really into the Vivian Girls thanks to your recommendation. I enjoyed a few of your books too. I generally consider you one of the good guys (not that you should care).
Anyways, I made a new song up in my bedroom last night. I uploaded it to Myspace. I figured I read your stuff, maybe you’ll want to hear my stuff.
Thanks, keep up the recommendations.
-Jason Ward
http://www.myspace.com/beatgraveyard
August 18, 2009 at 10:43 pm |
All the best with that, Jason. More songs from the bedroom the better.
August 18, 2009 at 10:35 pm |
So I pretty much been music criticism-ing for longer than my nearly thirty years cares to remember, read a few books written by you with utter respect, interviewed you once 6 years ago.. 5 years later emigrating to Brisbane.
Scouring the Big Sound website while waiting for me other ‘alf to finish his audio engineering exam – I see I have emigrated to the same town as the Great ET!
August 18, 2009 at 10:42 pm |
Make sure you look me up when you get to town then! Who did you interview me for?
August 18, 2009 at 11:12 pm
I’m already in town (in Ashgrove), got here last September. I interviewed you for the University of Hertfordshire newspaper – the prestigious publication ‘The Universe’. If you are free that would be grand!
August 18, 2009 at 11:23 pm |
send me a message over at Facebook or PM me at Twitter. you live pretty close!
September 3, 2009 at 1:10 am |
http://slowlygoingbald.com/pics/rogen.png
am i the only one sensing extraordinairy similarities?
oh, and thanks for les calamites! best/S
September 16, 2009 at 10:47 pm |
Jerry
you still rock the younger generation with your passion for music!