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i think the reference points in the wire are pretty easy to pick up once you read it for a bit, my problem with it is that it's a bit predictable, they have a core group of artists that you can rely on them coming back to over and over again (sonic youth, the fall, neubauten, fahey, coltrane, minimalism, derek bailey, haino...) plus a smattering of a newish thing or two that they happen to be fixated on (quiet improv, new weird america, dubstep). the mostly humourless writing is a drag, and the way the magazine looks is i think intended to convey seriousness. it's like they forget the reason that they like music in the first place (because it is fun and exciting to listen to).
it's very obviously written by guys who came of age in the early 80s.
having said that the historical pieces are usually pretty good. but when they do a special list issue (best riffs, best gigs etc) it's usually rubbish.
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