Informational, Light-hearted, Simple
I have listened to All Songs Considered for years. I find its simplicity and modularity its strengths. Having produced music reviews for All Things Considered, in some ways I prefer ASC's approach: no more than a handful of details about the artist, then on with the music. That way, I actually remember the details rather than get lost in the reviewer's own desire to turn a cute or slick phrase. And I hear the music, rather than get stymied by the producer's (yes, me too) tendency to forget to let the music breathe.
It depends on what you're looking for. If you want in-depth essays about the artist, you won't find them here. If you want to learn about a wide range of new music from trusted curators (Bob Boilen was All Things Considered director for many years, and Robin has worked with him for several of those years and I'm sure has other credentials that I don't know about), this is perfect. I like the show's wide range of genres, too.
As for the production quality and format, to me Bob sounds simply like a real enthusiast. (That may be colored by the fact that I know him.) His read works fine for me. Amusing things sometimes happen when he brings other reviewers on board, and he lets those air, too. The simple intro-music structure works well for online streaming and for podcasting, and they archive well on ASC's site. I have never heard the show broadcast, and I imagine that would need a more thorough intro. But otherwise, I highly recommend this series.
Rekha Murthy
Cambridge, MA
May 19, 2008
All Songs Considered is NPR's guide to discovering new music below the top 40 radar.
