When it comes to bad albums, once an artist I like puts out a bad album I quickly lose interest. I might still sample later output, but I rarely buy any more music from that artist.

I will not stand for any running down of Countryman!

That is a great record.

Listeners, though, have no obligation to be aware of anything unless they want to. It’s hard enough to convince some potential listeners to check out things people from the advice business recommend paying attention to; I doubt it helps much (or hasANY impact) to suggest they take time with music said to be not worth the bother..

In another sense, though, how important would you say it is to explore all parts of an artist’s career? I’m guessing that there are many rockabilly fans who couldn’t care less about Jerry Lee Lewis’s country period and, likewise, country fans who can do without Conway Twitty and Charlie Rich’s early material. But I think to fully judge the artist we need to hear all of it or at least a good sample of everything. That includes Willie’s reggae album.

But listening to music you consider bad does seem like a waste of time–unless it gives you some amusement or masochistic pleasure–presumably what Heller means by listening “ironically.”

And yes, congratulations to Jon!

As for the bad music thing, I can see the argument but I’ll usually give a bad album a maximum of five listens or so and if it doesn’t grow on me by then, it probably won’t. Although there are exceptions that I’ve pulled out after a few years and ended up loving.

But, yes, if it’s an artist you love, you should hear it at least once to truly “get” them.