The LRB Podcast

The Close Readings series with Mark Ford & Seamus Perry, discussing the work of one poet each time is outstandingly good & insightful. I have learned so much. A huge resource. Other episodes are generally good too, but the Close Readings are outstanding.

The David Foster Wallace episode is disappointingly poor. I don’t say that from a position of reverence — I’m an abuse survivor myself — but because it’s lacking any real content or serious critical analysis and largely consists of unintelligent waffle and silly giggling. The final straw is the hideous vocal fry affected by the American contributor. This ugly U.S. trend cannot die soon enough for me — it renders those who adopt it unlistenable.

Most of the discussions professionally recorded (post Covid) are good but the app doesn’t update. I’ve tried everything.

I love the LRB so much. I read it each week and every time I see an interesting interview or discussion on the podcast I get excited and download it. But I hate to say that the host Tom has a voice not made for radio; he always sounds tired and bored and unfortunately this is infectious when listening to an audio piece. I am certain he’s a fiercely intelligent and great man but I think maybe he should pass on the baton of radio host to another colleague.