For the most part, I trust Pitchfork. Bands and albums that they recommend are usually good. I don’t, however, like their pretension, negative reviews, and abstract ways of writing about music (see David Cross’s feature for a more hilarious and insightful example). Most of the time I don’t read the reviews unless it’s an album I’ve already listened to and developed my own opinion first, but I don’t go to the site for reviews as much as I go for news about the indie music world. Pitchfork is the main place where I get my indie music news and they are pretty reliable for keeping up with tours, albums releases, etc. Their newest addition to their site, Pitchfork TV, is something great; it’s the music channel that MTV used to be many, many years ago except it appeals even more to my taste.

What is Pitchfork TV, you ask?

As a visual extension of the music coverage Pitchfork has provided for more than a decade, and a means of updating and advancing the music television format, the online channel will bring you closer to the artists you love, through original mini-documentaries, secret rooftop and basement sessions, full concerts, exclusive interviews, and the most carefully curated selection of music videos online.

In addition, Pitchfork.tv will become the first online video channel to screen full-length feature films, vintage concerts, and music DVDs free of charge. From the Pixies’ 2004 reunion tour film LoudQuietLoud and Todd Phillips’ notorious GG Allin documentary Hated, to Jimmy Joe Roche & Dan Deacon’s acid-drenched visual art piece Ultimate Reality, Pitchfork.tv will highlight a different film each week in its entirety.

This sounds pretty awesome to me and from what I’ve seen so far, I’m pretty excited for what PTV will have to offer. Whether you like Pitchfork or not, this idea is (for my demographic) great. It’s everything a music channel should be, and so far it seems to have been executed well. Take a look at the schedule right here.
pitchforkmedia.com | pitchfork.tv