Ned Raggett
@nedraggett.bsky.social
Hi! I write about music at various spots (@thequietus.com, @thewiremagazine.bsky.social, Shfl and my Patreon, also in the past @allmusic.com, @pitchfork.com, @bandcamp.com etc. etc.). Plus podcasting about #Tolkien with friends at @bythebywater.bsky.social
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Ned Raggett
@nedraggett.bsky.social
· Nov 14
Given the very specific circumstances, I'd either check to see if I'm on drugs or if the baby is on drugs and if the latter find out where I could get some because clearly those are some gooooood drugs.
Well, it's time for some honest to god Bluesky lore.
A year ago, the site was still invite only, and one morning I posted something random and didn't think much about it beyond my own amusement.
This is the story about the #ChristianSkydivingBaby and how it completely took over @bsky.app (1/x)
A year ago, the site was still invite only, and one morning I posted something random and didn't think much about it beyond my own amusement.
This is the story about the #ChristianSkydivingBaby and how it completely took over @bsky.app (1/x)
Reposted by Ned Raggett
Imagine having a bunch of money and using it for genuine good and not just tax write-offs www.architecturaldigest.com/story/kriste...
Kristen Stewart’s Bold Plan to Bring a Beloved Los Angeles Theater Back to Life
How the actor-director is restoring the historic Highland Theatre as a community-centered home for adventurous cinema in LA
www.architecturaldigest.com
February 4, 2026 at 7:48 PM
Imagine having a bunch of money and using it for genuine good and not just tax write-offs www.architecturaldigest.com/story/kriste...
Dang, and after talking about _Grayfolded_ briefly the other week in my Patreon post on the Dead. I kinda assume notable Deadhead Lee Ranaldo was the person who went for this idea.
"32 live performances of Sonic Youth’s 'The Diamond Sea' plunderphoniclly orchestrated by John Oswald (of Grateful Dead 'Grayfolded' fame) – providing two distinctly new experiences of the classic track from Washing Machine."
February 4, 2026 at 8:46 PM
Dang, and after talking about _Grayfolded_ briefly the other week in my Patreon post on the Dead. I kinda assume notable Deadhead Lee Ranaldo was the person who went for this idea.
Reposted by Ned Raggett
"32 live performances of Sonic Youth’s 'The Diamond Sea' plunderphoniclly orchestrated by John Oswald (of Grateful Dead 'Grayfolded' fame) – providing two distinctly new experiences of the classic track from Washing Machine."
February 4, 2026 at 8:41 PM
"32 live performances of Sonic Youth’s 'The Diamond Sea' plunderphoniclly orchestrated by John Oswald (of Grateful Dead 'Grayfolded' fame) – providing two distinctly new experiences of the classic track from Washing Machine."
Reposted by Ned Raggett
If you weren't around for "magazines on the iPad". Ooof.
Take every quality that made print magazines pleasurable (quick & casual reading, moving through the content with ease, serendipity, sharability, etc.) and invert it.
Take every quality that made print magazines pleasurable (quick & casual reading, moving through the content with ease, serendipity, sharability, etc.) and invert it.
February 4, 2026 at 8:39 PM
If you weren't around for "magazines on the iPad". Ooof.
Take every quality that made print magazines pleasurable (quick & casual reading, moving through the content with ease, serendipity, sharability, etc.) and invert it.
Take every quality that made print magazines pleasurable (quick & casual reading, moving through the content with ease, serendipity, sharability, etc.) and invert it.
Reposted by Ned Raggett
Many of the people responsible for designing how newspapers and magazines showed up online when foundational decisions were being made — that is to say the business people with approval power — had a real lack of vision. The page metaphor kicked their asses. That's how we got banner ads (👎).
February 4, 2026 at 8:35 PM
Many of the people responsible for designing how newspapers and magazines showed up online when foundational decisions were being made — that is to say the business people with approval power — had a real lack of vision. The page metaphor kicked their asses. That's how we got banner ads (👎).
Reposted by Ned Raggett
This is a really good podcast episode on a huge flawed bestseller, excellent on the ways IT works and the ways it very much doesn’t, has a really strong bit on the uh climactic scene that’s become the flashpoint for most modern discussion of the novel
Finally started the 4 1/2 hour Just King Things episode on IT and was entertained that both the hosts read it at 12/13, same age I did, it struck me he really was the perfect author for “I’m pretty edgy reading this shit” feelings when in fact you were squarely the target market
February 4, 2026 at 8:28 PM
This is a really good podcast episode on a huge flawed bestseller, excellent on the ways IT works and the ways it very much doesn’t, has a really strong bit on the uh climactic scene that’s become the flashpoint for most modern discussion of the novel
Reposted by Ned Raggett
No matter the breed, every dog has one of three default dispositions:
1. Dipshit
2. Has a Job
3. Trying to Pick a Fight with God
1. Dipshit
2. Has a Job
3. Trying to Pick a Fight with God
February 4, 2026 at 3:35 AM
No matter the breed, every dog has one of three default dispositions:
1. Dipshit
2. Has a Job
3. Trying to Pick a Fight with God
1. Dipshit
2. Has a Job
3. Trying to Pick a Fight with God
Anyway with another #Fallout season over (bring on season 3), I was deeply delighted with their ancillary _Fallout Fake Talkshow_: Jon Daly as the snake oil guy turned host plus others in the cast as themselves. Hard to do intentionally awkward well but they got it. www.youtube.com/results?sear...
February 4, 2026 at 8:11 PM
Anyway with another #Fallout season over (bring on season 3), I was deeply delighted with their ancillary _Fallout Fake Talkshow_: Jon Daly as the snake oil guy turned host plus others in the cast as themselves. Hard to do intentionally awkward well but they got it. www.youtube.com/results?sear...
Reposted by Ned Raggett
UPDATE: four minutes into the first event of the Winter Olympics, there has been a power outage
February 4, 2026 at 6:15 PM
UPDATE: four minutes into the first event of the Winter Olympics, there has been a power outage
This will, of course, rule.
Some great news. My hybrid memoir IN OPEN COUNTRY will now be published by Little, Brown. It’s about freedom of movement and stillness in the US, and the ways capitalism & settler colonialism have shaped (and continue to shape) the answer to who has either across time. I also do a lot of walking.
February 4, 2026 at 7:25 PM
This will, of course, rule.
Reposted by Ned Raggett
Some great news. My hybrid memoir IN OPEN COUNTRY will now be published by Little, Brown. It’s about freedom of movement and stillness in the US, and the ways capitalism & settler colonialism have shaped (and continue to shape) the answer to who has either across time. I also do a lot of walking.
February 4, 2026 at 7:18 PM
Some great news. My hybrid memoir IN OPEN COUNTRY will now be published by Little, Brown. It’s about freedom of movement and stillness in the US, and the ways capitalism & settler colonialism have shaped (and continue to shape) the answer to who has either across time. I also do a lot of walking.
Reposted by Ned Raggett
Minnesota is still under seige at the moment and various orgs could use some support. Anne’s matching donations, and any little bit helps.
Today, I am matching donations to any org in this list, up to $1000. Reply here or DM me with receipt. www.standwithminnesota.com
Stand With Minnesota
Stand With Minnesota is a hub for supporting, learning, and taking action to support Minnesotans impacted by ICE and federal enforcement.
www.standwithminnesota.com
February 4, 2026 at 6:07 PM
Minnesota is still under seige at the moment and various orgs could use some support. Anne’s matching donations, and any little bit helps.
Reposted by Ned Raggett
For the first time ever, a state AG has filed a lawsuit to force a hospital back into providing gender affirming care for transgender youth.
Our writer, S. Baum, dove deep and spoke with families that helped make this happen.
You're going to want to read our latest, incredible story.
Our writer, S. Baum, dove deep and spoke with families that helped make this happen.
You're going to want to read our latest, incredible story.
California AG Bonta Files Groundbreaking Lawsuit Against Rady Children’s Hospital for Dropping Trans Youth GAC
“If my child had a different diagnosis, they would likely have a surgery date tomorrow. But because of who my child is, the door was closed.”
www.erininthemorning.com
February 4, 2026 at 7:14 PM
For the first time ever, a state AG has filed a lawsuit to force a hospital back into providing gender affirming care for transgender youth.
Our writer, S. Baum, dove deep and spoke with families that helped make this happen.
You're going to want to read our latest, incredible story.
Our writer, S. Baum, dove deep and spoke with families that helped make this happen.
You're going to want to read our latest, incredible story.
Reposted by Ned Raggett
Accuse Noam Chomsky all you want, but nothing will ever diminish his enduring legacy as a trusted advisor to a child rapist and valued consigliere to a sex trafficking ring.
February 4, 2026 at 7:16 PM
Accuse Noam Chomsky all you want, but nothing will ever diminish his enduring legacy as a trusted advisor to a child rapist and valued consigliere to a sex trafficking ring.
Reposted by Ned Raggett
I'm still processing the news. I loved this gig so much. Getting to shout about great books by especially newer authors has been one of the most uncomplicated sources of joy in my life, and I'm gonna be sad about this for a long time.
the Post news is gutting for many reasons, but I can’t help focusing on the books section—how great it was, and how essential. So many worthy books barely get reviewed. I’ve had authors reach out to thank me because mine was the only post-pub coverage they got. Just awful for readers & for writers.
February 4, 2026 at 7:13 PM
I'm still processing the news. I loved this gig so much. Getting to shout about great books by especially newer authors has been one of the most uncomplicated sources of joy in my life, and I'm gonna be sad about this for a long time.
Reposted by Ned Raggett
They have achieved 10 to 1 force superority over ICE
A manager for the Immigrant Defense Network told MPR News that back in November, 2,500 people were trained as constitutional observers. Now, the total is nearly 30,000 trained observers in 77 of Minnesota's 87 counties.
Nearly 30,000 Minnesotans trained as constitutional observers
The Immigrant Defense Network works with more than 100 organizations to help train constitutional observers. At the end of November, there were 2,500 trained observers. That number has soared as more ...
www.mprnews.org
February 4, 2026 at 3:44 PM
They have achieved 10 to 1 force superority over ICE
Reposted by Ned Raggett
This week on the COYOTE Calendar... queer chess! A hangout for typeface nerds! A Bad Bunny halftime show watch party! And lots more fun as hell events to liven up your life in the Bay Area, hand-picked by the COYOTE team. To see our full listings, check out coyotemedia.org 🌱
February 4, 2026 at 6:08 PM
This week on the COYOTE Calendar... queer chess! A hangout for typeface nerds! A Bad Bunny halftime show watch party! And lots more fun as hell events to liven up your life in the Bay Area, hand-picked by the COYOTE team. To see our full listings, check out coyotemedia.org 🌱
Reposted by Ned Raggett
COYOTE's featured alongside a handful of our fellow worker-owned outlets in @niemanlab.org today, talking about the reality of doing democratically managed journalism. Summary: It's a lot of fucking meetings! www.niemanlab.org/2026/02/jour...
Journalism coops seem utopian. What’s it like working in one?
"If I was less self-directed, I'd probably be freaking out."
www.niemanlab.org
February 4, 2026 at 6:21 PM
COYOTE's featured alongside a handful of our fellow worker-owned outlets in @niemanlab.org today, talking about the reality of doing democratically managed journalism. Summary: It's a lot of fucking meetings! www.niemanlab.org/2026/02/jour...
Reposted by Ned Raggett
There are no atheists in foxholes.
SOUTH CAROLINA MEASLES VACCINATIONS UP OVER 7,000 DOSES IN JAN 2026 Y/Y, LED BY 72% SURGE IN SPARTANBURG COUNTY SOUTH CAROLINA REPORTS ONE CASE OF MEASLES-RELATED ENCEPHALITIS AMID OUTBREAK
February 4, 2026 at 6:14 PM
There are no atheists in foxholes.
Reposted by Ned Raggett
When I saw the Melvins (so loud that I couldn't hear for a week), they closed with their Pop O Pies cover, with each member of the trio progressively leaving the stage until the drummer was just going at it by himself, then he slipped away and that was it
February 4, 2026 at 6:42 PM
When I saw the Melvins (so loud that I couldn't hear for a week), they closed with their Pop O Pies cover, with each member of the trio progressively leaving the stage until the drummer was just going at it by himself, then he slipped away and that was it
Reposted by Ned Raggett
What seems like more of an ignored cul de sac (save for jam bands and jam-adjacent bands like Yo La Tengo) is the late 60s ballroom model - two to three acts, two hour long minimum sets each, with most or all of the same audience
February 4, 2026 at 6:36 PM
What seems like more of an ignored cul de sac (save for jam bands and jam-adjacent bands like Yo La Tengo) is the late 60s ballroom model - two to three acts, two hour long minimum sets each, with most or all of the same audience
Reposted by Ned Raggett
Steve Waksman's "Live Music in America" is really good on this
February 4, 2026 at 6:17 PM
Steve Waksman's "Live Music in America" is really good on this
A corollary I’ve long thought on but have had a hard time putting into words is how the big rock/pop etc show experience seemingly formalized pretty rapidly in those years — even more quickly, I’d guess — and has remained essentially static since. Trappings change, the core does not.
one constant of audience gripes is that DB playing a 90 minute show is considered to be way too short. it's fascinating that less than 8? 9? years before, you were lucky if an act played a half-hour as part of a rock revue. the concert experience changed so much from '69 to '76.
This tour anniversary series from Chris has already been delightful/telling for the recorded observations of normie fans/attendees. Most of us now would kill to be transported to even at an off night in this era. At the time? Well, to quote from the _Oregon Journal_'s reporter on the scene:
February 4, 2026 at 6:15 PM
A corollary I’ve long thought on but have had a hard time putting into words is how the big rock/pop etc show experience seemingly formalized pretty rapidly in those years — even more quickly, I’d guess — and has remained essentially static since. Trappings change, the core does not.
Reposted by Ned Raggett
one constant of audience gripes is that DB playing a 90 minute show is considered to be way too short. it's fascinating that less than 8? 9? years before, you were lucky if an act played a half-hour as part of a rock revue. the concert experience changed so much from '69 to '76.
This tour anniversary series from Chris has already been delightful/telling for the recorded observations of normie fans/attendees. Most of us now would kill to be transported to even at an off night in this era. At the time? Well, to quote from the _Oregon Journal_'s reporter on the scene:
February 4, 2026 at 6:08 PM
one constant of audience gripes is that DB playing a 90 minute show is considered to be way too short. it's fascinating that less than 8? 9? years before, you were lucky if an act played a half-hour as part of a rock revue. the concert experience changed so much from '69 to '76.
Reposted by Ned Raggett
I think a *lot* about CS Lewis’s The Great Divorce
Hell not as demonic torture but as a blandly miserable place full of petty miserable people who can’t stand each other
Hell not as demonic torture but as a blandly miserable place full of petty miserable people who can’t stand each other
February 4, 2026 at 5:45 PM
I think a *lot* about CS Lewis’s The Great Divorce
Hell not as demonic torture but as a blandly miserable place full of petty miserable people who can’t stand each other
Hell not as demonic torture but as a blandly miserable place full of petty miserable people who can’t stand each other