In eras past, mainstream culture was blandly, blindly complacent, so underground music was angry and dissatisfied. But now, mainstream culture isn’t complacent, it’s stupid and angry; underground culture reacts by becoming smarter, more serene. That’s not wimpy—it’s powerful and productive. — 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
