Exploring the profound impact of John Coltrane, this book delves into the essence of his musical achievements and the influences that shaped his artistry. It raises thought-provoking questions about his legacy and challenges readers to consider what a contemporary Coltrane might embody in today’s world. The narrative invites reflection on the signs and markers of genius, suggesting that our understanding of Coltrane's brilliance continues to evolve long after his passing.
The most significant revolution in the recent history of music has to do with listening: it is now possible to listen to nearly anything at any time, to ignore albums, and to instantly flit across genres and generations, from 1980s Detroit techno to 1890s Viennese neo-romanticism. Yet music criticism has historically focused on the musician's intent, not the listener's experience. Every Song Ever is therefore the definitive field guide to listening in an age of glorious, overwhelming abundance. By revealing the essential similarities between wildly different kinds of music, Ben Ratliff shows how we listen to music now, and suggests how we can listen better.