33 1/3: The B-sides

I have a chapter in a new collection entitled, The 33 1/3 B-sides: New Essays by 33 1/3 Authors on Beloved and Underrated Albums.

From the book’s editors, D. Gilson and Will Stockton: “Simply put, we asked past 33 1/3 contributors: If given another chance to write for the series, which albums would you take on the second time around? What would be your B-side? Questions central to the essays include: How has this album influenced your worldview? How does this album intersect with your other creative and critical pursuits? How does this album index a particular moment in cultural history? In your own personal history? Why is the album perhaps under-the-radar, or a buried treasure? Why can’t you stop listening to it? Bringing together 33 1/3’s rich array of writers, critics, and scholars, this collection probes our taste in albums, our longing for certain tunes, and our desire to hit repeat — all while creating an expansive “must-listen” list for readers in search of unexplored musical territories.”

I responded to the personal history prompt. It certainly intersects a particular moment in cultural history as well. As much as I admire Bob Mould’s Workbook, The Weakerthans’ Left and Leaving is seared into me completely. I carry it with me everywhere I go. Hopefully that comes through.

There’s a contest underway where readers can vote for their favorite essay. The winner will be awarded a contract to write a full 33 1/3 volume on the album. This PopMatters review highlights Sean Taylor’s powerful essay on De La Soul Is Dead. It would be a great choice, but if I can stump for another essay, take some time with the contribution from my co-author on the Bob Mould book, Walter Biggins. He wrote about Digable Planets and I, for one, would love to see what he’d do with more than 2,000 words. Pick up a copy — maybe here, maybe a record store.