Critics and fans use the music of their youth as reference points. For years, people seriously wondered who "the next Beatles" were going to be, and classic rock bands were the de facto yardstick for rock quality. — Michael Azerrad Copy Share Image
People didn't get to see how other towns interpreted the underground ethos, and so they developed their own unique versions of it. — Michael Azerrad Copy Share Image
I would roll out of bed and immediately start working, and keep working until it was so late at night that I couldn't stay… — Michael Azerrad Copy Share Image
I'm not sure I ever try to make a case for the music. I mean, sometimes the music isn't even that good. I just… — Michael Azerrad Copy Share Image
Back in the day, in '91 or so, I tried to interview Fugazi for Rolling Stone, which the band felt stood for everything they… — Michael Azerrad Copy Share Image
A lot of music fans are still interested in insightful perspectives on music - maybe even more interested than ever, since everyone needs help… — Michael Azerrad Copy Share Image
Just as not all popular albums are wonderful, not all wonderful albums are popular. — Michael Azerrad Copy Share Image
You didn't have to be a huge rock star; you just had to do well enough to continue doing what you wanted to do.… — Michael Azerrad Copy Share Image
Now that the generation that grew up on '80s indie-rock has attained influential positions in the culture, that music is the new yardstick. And… — Michael Azerrad Copy Share Image
People shared everything: information, equipment, their floors, whatever. There was strength in unity. — Michael Azerrad Copy Share Image
The American indie underground made music for like-minded people who thought for themselves. Thinking for yourself is intrinsically subversive. — Michael Azerrad Copy Share Image
I'm always very careful to make the distinction between music criticism and music journalism. A lot of people don't. But criticism doesn't require reporting.… — Michael Azerrad Copy Share Image
When you're writing, you're only a brain and some fingers, but drumming, you're involving all four limbs, and you're hearing stuff and you're converting… — Michael Azerrad Copy Share Image
