The Enduring Legacy of Robert Christgau: A Deep Dive into "The Last Critic"

"The Last Critic" is a documentary that explores the life and work of Robert Christgau, a pivotal figure in the evolution of rock criticism. Born in 1942, Christgau emerged as a defining voice in music journalism, particularly through his influential column, "Christgau's Consumer Guide," which began in 1969. This monthly series featured capsule reviews of rock albums, each accompanied by a letter grade, a format that became his signature. The film presents Christgau not only as a critic but as a cultural icon who shaped the landscape of music writing alongside contemporaries like Greil Marcus and Ellen Willis.

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Christgau's style is characterized by its playful yet incisive judgments. He famously described Prince’s "Dirty Mind" as a complex interplay of songwriting and persona, while his critique of Bryan Adams’ "Reckless" showcased his distinctive voice and humor. At 83, Christgau continues to produce the Consumer Guide, now hosted on Substack, reflecting his lifelong commitment to music criticism. The documentary captures his daily routine, where he immerses himself in music, surrounded by an extensive collection of vinyl records and CDs, emphasizing his dedication to the craft.

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The film highlights Christgau's role in promoting diverse voices in music criticism during the 1970s, aligning with the Village Voice's mission. His friendships with other critics, such as Greil Marcus, are explored, revealing both camaraderie and intellectual disagreements. Christgau's advocacy for various music genres, including funk and rap, contrasts with his more ambivalent stance toward pop music, which he has historically viewed with skepticism. This nuanced perspective reflects a broader tension within rock criticism, where pop is often dismissed as superficial.

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While Christgau's contributions are celebrated, the documentary also addresses the inherent biases of early rock critics, who often held a dismissive view of pop music. This sentiment is illustrated through a comparison of album ratings, raising questions about the criteria used to evaluate music. Critics like Christgau have been accused of a puritanical approach to music, which may overlook the artistic merit found in pop.

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"The Last Critic" serves as both a tribute to Robert Christgau and a commentary on the evolution of music criticism. It encapsulates the essence of what makes a great critic: a passionate advocate, a discerning judge, and a voice that resonates through the ages. The film not only chronicles Christgau's legacy but also invites viewers to reflect on the changing landscape of music and the role of criticism in shaping cultural discourse.

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• “To the eternal ‘Opinions are like assholes — everyone’s got one,’ I just say, but not everybody’s got ten thousand of them.” — Robert Christgau

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• “And I think that’s a function of whether you feel James Brown. And that’s a real gap.” — Robert Christgau on Greil Marcus

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The documentary, directed by Matty Wishnow, features testimonials from various writers who underscore Christgau's impact on music criticism. Critics like Kit Rachlis and Ann Powers highlight his role in fostering a diverse music review section at the Village Voice, reinforcing the importance of varied perspectives in the field.

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While the documentary presents a cohesive narrative of Christgau's influence, it also raises questions about the biases inherent in rock criticism, particularly regarding pop music. The differing opinions on album ratings suggest a need for a more inclusive understanding of musical value across genres.

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