Going into the City: Portrait of a Critic as a Young Man by Robert Christgau

Since the publication of his 1972 book, Going Into the City: Portrait of a Critic as a Young Man, Robert Christgau has become one of the most influential music critics of the last half century. His work has shaped the way we think about and experience music, and his legacy as a writer and scholar continues to impact our lives today.

In Going Into the City, Christgau tells the story of his own musical journey from a childhood of jazz to a career as a professional music critic. From his early days roaming Greenwich Village to his years as a contributor to publications such as Newsday and The Village Voice, Christgau reflects on the changes in music and music criticism during the latter half of the 20th century.

Christgau’s work is driven by an immense passion for music. He recalls attending performances of great jazz artists such as Charles Mingus, and writes movingly of his lifelong love affair with the blues. In the 1970s, Christgau’s coverage of contemporary music evolves to include more genres and artists, ranging from punk to soul. He reflects on the need to stay current and reviews bands and albums meticulously, without being bound by any one genre or style.

Throughout Going Into the City, Christgau reflects on his growth as a writer and critic. He takes readers on a journey from his introduction to music criticism to his unique career as a music critic, where he brings a level of intelligence and humor to the genre while never compromising his integrity as a critic. Christgau eloquently captures his experience of the ever-changing musical landscape and the hard work that goes into becoming a successful music critic.

In the second half of the book, Christgau delves deeper into the music industry, focusing on the blossoming of labels in the 1980s and the shifting of power away from major labels to indie acts and other artists. Christgau also examines the impact of the internet and streaming services on music distribution and criticism, and how these developments have pushed musicians to do more with less.

Going Into the City is an engaging and candid portrait of a critic as a young man and a meaningful exploration of the times and changes in music over the last half century. It provides an intimate look at the development of Christgau’s career as a music critic and offers readers a glimpse into the mind of this great critic. His reflections on music and its evolution in our culture provides readers with a unique insight and an appreciation for the craft of music criticism.

By tracing his personal growth as a music critic and an individual, Christgau reveals his deep insight into the power of music and the ever-changing world of music criticism. For anyone interested in the past, present, and future of music criticism, Going Into the City is a must-read.