Reader reviews for Music in a Word Volume 1:

Ira Robbins is a legend and this first volume of his selected reviews and personal observations does not disappoint. This collection highlights some of the many highs from Robbins' storied career as a critic, but he's not afraid to discuss the lows as well. Over all, one of the most honest books I've read on music criticism. Can't wait for Volume 2.

Many music fans get turned off by critics, because a lot of rock criticism may be well composed journalism, but its tone is hipper-than-thou mansplaining. Thank goodness then for people like Ira Robbins. His vision for writing as a smart fan for other smart fans started with the (imho) best US music publication ever, Trouser Press magazine, and has continued through the years in myriad books, magazines and newspapers. He's always informative, writing well thought out assessments that leave the attentive reader gaining much more than just Ira's opinion. In the first of three volumes of Music in a Word, he goes for part memoir, part greatest hits collection. And while we're all very familiar with the latter from many of our favorite artists, what sets this compilation of previous work apart is that Ira goes back and questions and explains himself...this adds context, updates for cultural shifts, and even provides some good chuckles when he asks himself "what was I thinking?" The Trouser Press history will appeal to all of that brilliant magazine's many fans, but so will everything else. Looking forward to volumes 2 and 3.