Rock Critic Law: 101 Unbreakable Rules for Writing Badly About Music

One of the finest music writers today, Michael Azerrad has catalogued the shortcuts, lazy metaphors and uninspired prose that so many of his beloved colleagues all too regularly rely on to fill column inches. In 2014, he began his wickedly droll Twitter feed @RockCriticLaw to expose and make fun of this word-hash. Now, he consolidates these "Laws" into one witty, comprehensive and fully illustrated volume.

Rock Critic Law includes timeless gems such as:

• If a band pioneered something, you must say they are "seminal." That is the Seminal Law of Rock Criticism.
• If a recording features densely layered guitars, then you MUST use the phrase "sonic cathedrals."
• Even when it’s easy to find out with research, by all means ask a band how they got their name.
• Please feel free to deny an artist’s individuality and say they are "the new [x]."
• If two guitars play a melodic line in harmony, you MUST say they are "twin lead guitars."

All 101 Rock Critic Laws are accompanied by original illustrations from Ed Fotheringham, beloved Seattle scenester and highly regarded artist who has created album covers for everyone from, well, seminal grunge band Mudhoney to iconic jazz label Verve Records, as well as illustrations for TheAtlantic, Vanity Fair, The New Yorker and more, making this book a must-have for music lovers everywhere. A unique appreciation of music writing from one of its own, Rock Critic Law irreverently captures all the passion and furor of fandom.