Sep 13, 2019
This show represents a deep (3 hour) dive into examining the
evolving language of rock criticism: the ideology employed – the
fluid definitions of “rock” and “pop” – the application of
“authenticity” as a value to an artist’s work, in this specific
case, Paul McCartney and Wings. The 1970s was a time when rock
critics achieved nearly the status of rock icons themselves:
everyone from John Mendelssohn and Jon Landau to Simon Frith and
Lester Bangs. Paul’s post-Beatle career stands as an example of an
artist that reviewers struggled to get a handle on, resulting in
sometimes unfair assessments.
Leading this exploration is PhD candidate (with an M.A. in
Beatles, Popular Music, and Society) Allison Bumsted,
currently studying in England at Liverpool Hope
University. For ease of listening, the conversation has been split
into two 90 minute parts.
