[b:Rock Critic Law: 101 Unbreakable Rules for Writing Badly About Music|34605649|Rock Critic Law 101 Unbreakable Rules for Writing Badly About Music|Michael Azerrad|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1531943923s/34605649.jpg|55753963] is a fun, short read by the author of [b:Our Band Could Be Your Life: Scenes from the American Indie Underground, 1981-1991|29393|Our Band Could Be Your Life Scenes from the American Indie Underground, 1981-1991|Michael Azerrad|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1543095533s/29393.jpg|522136]. It is filled with many, perhaps most, of the cliches music writers use as a crutch. You've seen these laws in action in every magazine, website, or book containing music reviews, interviews or profiles of rockers.

Two examples: Do you know why no critic ever has described an artist's third collection of songs as a "junior" album? I guess it's because of this law:

Second albums are a "sophomore effort," NEVER a "sophomore album." And an effort can never be freshman, junior or senior.

Also:

If a new group includes at least two former members of a now-defunct band, then it is "formed from the ashes" of that band.

If you want reasons behind these laws, or the history of how they've evolved, you're in the wrong place. Just enjoy both the "laws" and the accompanying illustrations.

If you write about rock, you may want to keep this near your writing place. Try to be a little more creative, huh? Thank you!