In the era of 24/7 content, the written record review has plummeted into irrelevance. Key word: written. Just as a lot of us prefer having the news read to us over skimming several paragraphs across a tiny screen, Anthony Fantano’s The Needle Drop YouTube channel has, since 2009, offered an alternative for those without the time, inclination or English degree to get through the average Pitchfork review (especially when it feels like nine out of 10 albums end up scoring noncommittal 7-to-7.9 marks anyway). Not only is the clarity of the 32-year-old Connecticut native’s video reviews appreciated — putting into context who the artist is and what they’re about, describing the sound, and ultimately, declaring whether or not this thing is worth listening to — I have big respect for his willingness to go against critical groupthink (for a recent example, check out his critique of Kacey Musgraves’ acclaimed Golden Hour record). If you’re in the music journalism world (or, God forbid, considering getting into it), why not check out this intimate TED Talk-style seminar with, if not the most influential record reviewer out there, perhaps the most heard? CHARLIE ZAILLIAN
Anthony Fantano
