Robert's Journal

Liked this alot. Particularly wonderful opening sentence that sets the scene and character perfectally. I wasn't entirely convinced that the music selection played by the boys siginified a cynical attempt at acclaim plus popularity. The tunes were a bit too ancient for that. I found myself empathising with the young men - shock (I am a young man...). They chose music that I consider to be good but not especially hip or popular. Elvis Costello strikes me as being rather uncool "middle aged" music despite the fact that he is awesome. What a weird tangent of the story to have focussed on. Sorry, Robert. I really enjoyed this.

You've made me focus on it now as well! "...a selection apparently diverse but which all hit the same spot on the graph, where x is acclaim and y popularity. It’s a graph that measures respect and approval." It seems to me that although this sounds like a pointed description, all it's really saying is that their choices are popular (but not too popular) and well regarded (but not too well regarded). Which really accounts for most of the pop spectrum, and certainly most of what you'll find in a jukebox. I love Roxy Music, but as Joe said with regards to Elvis Costello, I don't think it really comes under 'Respect' music. It is well written though, and I enjoyed reading the other entries as well. They're rich in detail, but quite spare in style, and a nice length - leaves you wanting to read the next one.