Entertainment For Lively Minds
Word Up
Many, many moons ago I used to consume a vast amount of music press each month (NME, Select, Melody Maker, Sounds, Record Mirror, Vox, Q etc etc etc) but as the years went on, and admittedly some of the titles perished,I found myself buying less and less whilst also being more and more selective about what publications I stuck with. I still wanted to have a taste of all genres but the internet had made it easier, and often more fun, to discover new bands and I eventually found myself pretty much sticking solely with The Word, it covered everything I wanted to read about and whilst leading me to lots of new music, books, films etc it also managed to consistently approach the things I was already familiar with from different angles, it still does and thats why Im writing this I suppose...
On the odd occasion when waiting for the new edition of Word to hit the shelves, yep Im old school but I will sort a subscription soon!, I sometimes find myself, as I did this evening, picking up a copy of Uncut or Mojo if the cover 'jumps out' at me...tonight one such publications cover did just that with the promise of The Stones Roses, The Specials/Jerry Dammers and a John Martyn retrospective but Ive got to be honest, as I walked home with it in my bag I had none of the anticipation I get from having just purchased the new edition of The Word, sure there'll be a few articles in it that make it worth the purchase but theyre not my gang are they? I havent spent the last month chatting on forums and reading blogs and listening to cracking podcasts by the writers and I guess what Im trying to say is when I read the other music press its a bit like being at a party youve agreed to go to to please the other half or a friend but where you dont really care for anyone there where as The Words like meeting up with good friends down the local for a proper chin wag about stuff that really matters, even if it only really matters to us.
There, I feel better now!
Keep up the good work and long may you reign...
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Music coverage isn't the main reason I love The Word...
it's the quality of the writing and the fact that there have always been articles that stray from the mainstream into less familiar territory in areas other than music. I find it genuinely thought-provoking and has often made me think about things in a new way. That is why I value it so highly.
The Word Club
I agree, it's like being in a club.....the mag, the website, the radio, the blogs and especially the podcasts. I find that the podcasts continue on where the mag has left off. So even though you've finished reading there's still more to find out or enjoy about the hard copy by listening to the podcasts. You're kept constantly up to date and interested........keep up the good work guys!
Agree with Patrick
i've never bought the Word for its music coverage, fine as though it is. Mojo and Uncut music coverage is more in depth than the Word.
I buy the Word purely and simply for the quality of writing, and also that it makes me laugh, none of the other mags ever do that, and for that it will alawys remain a favourite
Yes
Slightly cheesy, but you are completely right, and I agree with the lot of you. It is the excellent writing I enjoy, as well as the parts of the magazine which feel like an idea someone liked and put in because they thought it would be good, rather than out of necessity to fill a feature or plug something.
Seriously, the whole Word-o-Sphere (have we used that one before?) is great, and I would be most displeased if it were to stop. So keep up the good work!
Writing and music
It is about the writing but I also get it for the music. It's predominantly about music after all and is sufficient reading, for me, on the subject, without feeling the need for other publications. I got an Uncut recently but haven't really bothered to read much of it. For one the print is too small and for another it's all rather earnest and worthy. The Word gets the balance right mostly between light and heavy, but always smart. Word world is a fine place to be! (what a creep)
I would still buy The Word...
if there was no music coverage at all, as long as the writing was as sharp and insightful.
I probably would too
but I prefer it not to change. The pop/rock world has much comic absurdity to offer, among other things, and as such has much left to offer with which to entertain us. As an organ Word would surely be poorer without it. For to live without my music would be impossible to do. In this world of troubles my music pulls me through.