Robert Christgau Word of the Day

poetaster n. A writer of insignificant, meretricious, or shoddy poetry. (dictionary.reference.com)

Guess Who American Woman [RCA Victor, 1970]

As a Canadian, Burton Cummings is no doubt aiming his "symbolic" rage more at the "American" than at the "woman," but his choice of "symbol" is no less despicable for its putative naivete. I like the riff that goes with it, though, and except for the poetasting "Talisman" can find it in me to enjoy every cut on this record. The beat is unyielding as well as wooden, Randy Bachman's square yet jazzy guitar style is one of a kind, and the lyrics usually give up a phrase or two worth humming. AM fans should be proud. B (www.robertchristgau.com)