NICK OF AGES

Writer Nick Hornby, who is most famous for writing the book that was made into the movie High Fidelty just published a wonderful, must-read essay on the state of rock 'n' roll. He even talks about the need of us older folk (he's 47. I'm 50) for the "exhilaration and a sense of invincibility" that good rock 'n' roll brings us -- and why so much contemporary popular music is failing.

Plus he frames the whole piece with a discussion of a recent performance of Marah, which was one of my favorite acts I saw at South by Southwest this year. (Check back in this blog's March Archives.)

Hornby's piece is in the New York Times, so if you're not registered for their online edition, you'll have to register. (Do it.)