Can't really go into detail about all the points everyone's made
about the bit of Simon Reynolds' writing (there are too many), but I
do think you're all being a bit harsh:
1. I don't think it's right to say that he's inarticulate - I
devoured this reasonably long bit of writing very quickly. Despite
the fact that I don't agree with parts of what he syas, it's an
enjoyable read at the very least.
2. I don't think that he writes in a drug-addled manner. He clearly
thinks that drugs are a very important factor in the music we like,
which they are. I don't agree with the extent that he thinks music
should be subservient to the expecations of users of certain drugs
such as ecstasy, but the drugs members of an audience have taken
certainly play a part, what;s more a good part on many occasions.
3. Some of his points about the 'guarding' of Detroit music certainly
strike a chord, even if his targets are somewhat indiscriminate.
4. His take on minimalism is spot on in many ways. I like minimalism,
whereas he doesn't really seem to, but his observations seem quite
acute to me nonetheless.
Just my two farthings...
