Wikipedia

It seems that any true measure of success has a gatekeeper that is mainly edited by that guy who lives down the hall and stays in his apartment—which smells disconcertingly like sardines—363 days a year. Yes, I'm talking about Wikipedia.

I was pleased a few years ago when I noticed that my interview with Panda Bear from Shoutmouth had been quoted on Animal Collective's Strawberry Jam Wiki page. But, just yesterday—here in New York City, visiting—I was Googling around for some past work and happened upon this:

Time Out New York featured the album on its list of the Best and Worst Albums of 2008. The magazine's writer Colin St. John cited 808s & Heartbreak as one of the worst of 2008, and editor Steve Smith named it third on his best-of list, while calling the album "the year's most misunderstood triumph."

Better check yo'self, Smith! The above is from the Wikipedia page of 808s & Heartbreak; I am honored to be found under its "Accolades" section. And, yes, for the record, that record is just plain bad. Here's what I had to say in the aforementioned list:

Kanye West 808s & Heartbreak (Roc-A-Fella). It wasn’t a terrible record, but it could have been great if West hadn’t stepped on his own toes with ridiculous electronic overproduction.

(Oh, and here's my full review.)

You did it again, Internet.