In a candid conversation at the iconic Abbey Road Studios, YouTube's multi-instrumentalist and music commentator, Andy Edwards, joined host Rick Beato for a deep dive into his unique approach to music criticism, the evolving landscape of the music industry, and the power of passionate, albeit sometimes controversial, opinions. Known for his serious musical chops as a drummer and guitarist, Edwards has carved out a niche with what he dubs "esoteric YouTubing," attracting a dedicated following of 60,000 subscribers who appreciate his sophisticated, humor-infused take on the art form.

The Philosophy of "Esoteric YouTubing"

Edwards' channel, which has grown significantly since its inception, isn't for everyone. He targets "a special sort of person" – those with a deep appreciation for music who "get the jokes." His content is a deliberate blend of genuine love for music and an equally strong, unvarnished dislike for certain artists. While he believes in spreading "love and joy" for the music he adores, Edwards found that constant praise could dilute credibility. His solution? To openly express his disdain for artists he genuinely "despises," stating that "people aren't going to trust me" if he loves everything.

He approaches critique with a self-aware, almost theatrical confidence, asserting his "superior knowledge" gained from studying jazz and prog. This allows him to deliver unfiltered opinions, often with a wink, acknowledging that while he might call some artists "rubbish," it's all part of his persona.

The Art of Musical Dislike: From Van Morrison to Neil Young

Edwards doesn't shy away from naming names. His "arch nemesis" is none other than Van Morrison, particularly the seminal album Astral Weeks. Despite its critical acclaim, Edwards finds it "awful," citing Morrison's "yelps" as jarring to his "nervous person" sensibility. This long-standing aversion, rooted in a past tour experience with a "grumpy" Morrison, was even solidified after a mature re-listen to Astral Weeks, a suggestion from Robert Plant that backfired.

Beyond Morrison, Edwards also includes Neil Young and Velvet Underground in his roster of dislikes. However, he acknowledges the importance of these musicians, often channeling collective, unspoken opinions of people his age, providing a voice to widely held, yet rarely articulated, critiques.

Challenging the Canon: AC/DC, Pat Metheny, and Lulu

Edwards isn't afraid to go against the grain. While many older fans might dismiss AC/DC's later work, he surprisingly found Stiff Upper Lip, often cited as their "worst" album, to be "a great record." He argues that AC/DC excels at what they do, and expecting a jazz-funk album from them is unreasonable.

His discussions with Rick Beato often highlight differing perspectives, such as on Pat Metheny's discography. Edwards admits to initially overlooking Metheny's early, foundational albums like Watercolors and The White Album, a point Beato strongly emphasized. However, he praises Travels for its "hotter" solos and improved versions of Offramp songs, showing a willingness to learn and adapt his views.

Perhaps his most surprising revelation is his deep admiration for Lulu, the controversial collaboration between Metallica and Lou Reed. Initially expecting it to be "bloody awful" due to his disdain for Lou Reed, Edwards found himself "deeply moved" by the album, now calling it his "favorite Metallica album." This demonstrates his openness to unexpected musical experiences, even when contradicting his established biases.

The Unfiltered YouTube Approach

Edwards' channel thrives on authenticity. He embraces a raw, unedited style, inspired by Rick Beato's "do whatever you want" philosophy. He likens his unpolished delivery to his past as a teacher, where a touch of unpredictability kept his teenage students engaged. This "in-camera" approach fosters a sense of realness, making viewers feel like they're witnessing a genuine, unscripted moment. His viral "rant" about music listeners having color-coordinated underwear and alphabetically ordered records perfectly encapsulates this spontaneous, engaging style.

The Industry's Disconnect from the Digital Age

A significant portion of the discussion centered on the music industry's struggle to adapt to the YouTube and social media era. Edwards, having played in the progressive rock band IQ and experienced the diminishing returns of album sales, observes that many established artists and labels still view platforms like YouTube as mere "marketing" tools rather than the primary "place where they need to be."

He highlights the disconnect: artists and labels cling to traditional album cycles and promotional windows, failing to grasp the "do stuff whenever" immediacy of online content. The anecdote of a jazz musician wanting to schedule an interview around an album release, rather than seizing an immediate opportunity, perfectly illustrates this outdated mindset.

The Power of Anecdote and Deeper Connections

Edwards emphasizes that music is more than just notes and chords; it's about real people and their stories. He shares a fascinating anecdote about legendary guitarist Django Reinhardt, learned from his friend and fellow musician Martin Taylor. Taylor revealed that Django based his style on George Chisholm, a jazz trombonist who later became a comedy figure on a 70s UK children's TV show. This unexpected lineage highlights the interconnectedness of musical history, suggesting a "tiny bit of that DNA in every single guitar player that plays." Such insights, Edwards believes, reveal profound truths about music and its human element.

The Alan Holdsworth Lament and the "Work" of Music

The conversation takes a somber turn when discussing the Spotify listenership of guitar virtuoso Alan Holdsworth. With a mere 42,800 monthly listeners, Edwards and Beato express outrage at the low numbers for such an influential artist. This leads to a critique of contemporary music culture, where listeners are often unwilling to "work at" music that might not be immediately accessible.

Edwards argues that understanding complex musicians like Holdsworth requires effort – discerning chord changes, appreciating intervallic choices, and engaging with subtlety. He also criticizes music critics who, often coming from a literary background, prioritize lyrics (like Neil Young or Lou Reed) over musical complexity (like Genesis with Peter Gabriel or Return to Forever).

"Hate" as Passion: A Journalist's Take

Despite his often "negative" and "hate" filled commentary, Edwards insists it's all "passion." This theatrical approach, he notes, is fun and engaging, even if "libelous." He concludes that music, at its core, is made out of love and connects people, even when expressing strong dislikes.

Rick Beato, from a producer's perspective, adds another layer, admitting to "hate listening" to records where he dislikes the music but loves the sound (e.g., Billy Cobham's bass drum). This highlights the technical appreciation that often underlies a music professional's critical ear. The discussion touches on the evolution of recording, from the "band in a room" organic approach of the 60s to the "ultra perfection" of acts like Steely Dan in the late 70s, acknowledging that every technological shift brings both gains and losses.

Key Takeaways

* Authenticity Sells: Andy Edwards' unedited, passionate, and sometimes "ranting" style resonates with an audience seeking genuine, unfiltered music commentary. * Critique as Credibility: Openly disliking certain artists, alongside expressing love, builds trust and engagement with an audience. * Challenging the Canon: Don't be afraid to re-evaluate critically acclaimed works or find value in often-maligned albums. * Industry Lag: The traditional music industry struggles to adapt to YouTube and social media as the primary platforms for music discovery and engagement, clinging to outdated promotional models. * The Human Element of Music: Historical anecdotes and personal connections reveal deeper truths about music's evolution and impact. * The "Work" of Listening: Complex music often requires effort and active listening, a concept that can be overlooked in a culture prioritizing immediate gratification. * Passion Over Purity: Strong opinions, even if framed as "hate," are often expressions of deep passion and can foster vibrant discussions around music.

# andy edwards # rick beato # music criticism # youtube music commentary # esoteric youtubing # van morrison # astral weeks # neil young # ac/dc # pat metheny

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