Music Downtown: Writings From the Village Voice

by Kyle Gann
Music Downtown: Writings From the Village Voice cover
Good Books rating 3.92
Essays / Essay Collections
Buy online
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 9600
  • Added: 2026-01-01
  • Updated: 2026-01-01
  • ISBN: 9780520935938
  • Publisher: Univ of California Press
  • Published: 2006-02-13
  • Reviews: 3

Music Downtown is a collection of over five hundred articles written by Kyle Gann for the Village Voice, offering a deep dive into the cutting-edge music scene of New York City during the 1980s and '90s. Gann's articles cover a wide range of topics, from computer music and multiculturalism to the AIDS crisis and the legal implications of electronic sampling. He interviews prominent figures like Yoko Ono, Philip Glass, and Glenn Branca, providing a comprehensive portrait of a dynamic era in music history. This book is not just about the music but also about the cultural and social context that shaped it, making it a valuable resource for anyone interested in the evolution of American music./n/nThe book is a testament to Gann's expertise and his ability to capture the essence of the Downtown music scene. His articles are not only informative but also engaging, offering a unique perspective on the music and the artists who created it. Whether you're a music enthusiast or a casual reader, Music Downtown offers a fascinating look into a pivotal period in American music history.

Reviews
The Storygraph · 2026-01-01
insightful 4.25

The essays provide a deep dive into the tensions and innovations of Downtown classical music, stimulating the reader's mind with insightful descriptions. The book is both educational and exciting, offering a comprehensive look at the music scene of the 1980s and '90s in New York.

This collection of essays is a treasure trove for anyone interested in the classical music scene of the 1980s and '90s in New York. The author's descriptions of the tensions and innovations within the Downtown music community are both educational and exciting. They provide a deep dive into the complexities and nuances of the era, making the book a stimulating read. The essays are not just informative but also thought-provoking, offering a comprehensive look at the music scene that will keep the reader engaged from start to finish.

Quick quotes

    Besides learning a ton about 'Downtown' classical music from them, Gann's essays also kept my mind stimulated and excited by his description of the tensions and innovations.

    The book is both educational and exciting, offering a comprehensive look at the music scene of the 1980s and '90s in New York.

    Gann's essays provide a deep dive into the complexities and nuances of the era, making the book a stimulating read.

Good Music Guide · 2014-03-08
mixed 3.50

The book provides a comprehensive look at the cutting-edge music coming out of New York City in the 1980s and '90s. The author's insights are valuable, but the book has some bad reviews.

Charged with exploring every facet of cutting-edge music coming out of New York City in the 1980s and '90s, the author writes about a wide array of timely issues. The book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the music of this era. However, it is important to note that even this book has some bad reviews, indicating that it may not be universally appreciated. Overall, the author's insights are valuable, but readers should be aware of the mixed reception.

Quick quotes

    Charged with exploring every facet of cutting-edge music coming out of New York City in the 1980s and '90s, Gann writes about a wide array of timely issues.

    The book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the music of this era.

    But even this book has some bad reviews.

Goodreads · 2006-01-14
compelling 4.00

The book is a must-read for anyone looking to understand the new music scene of the 1980s and '90s. The author's aesthetic and philosophical positions are compelling and thought-provoking.

This book is a compilation of articles that represent the best of the more than five hundred articles written by the author for the Village Voice. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the new music scene of the 1980s and '90s. The author's aesthetic and philosophical positions are compelling and thought-provoking, offering a unique perspective on the music of the time. The book is not just informative but also engaging, making it a valuable resource for both music enthusiasts and scholars.

Quick quotes

    Excellent. I very much agree with Gann's aesthetic and philosophical positions.

    Required reading for making sense of the new music scene of the 1980s and '90s.

    This collection represents the cream of the more than five hundred articles written for the Village Voice by Kyle Gann.

Appears in Lists