Friends, I think it’s time to close up shop here at Hypnagogue Reviews. This decision has been a while in coming as I’ve watched my urge to write reviews go from a flame to a flicker. On top of that, the Shanahan family is about to uproot and move. This interruption of normalcy seems like the perfect cue to close this chapter.
I apologize with all possible sincerity to the many artists who were kind enough to send me music that I will not get around to writing about. Given the choice between not writing about you at all or writing about you half-heartedly, I choose to not write. Luckily, I am far from the only person out here writing about this music.
I am undecided on the future of the Hypnagogue Podcast. At the very least, the next episode will come out as planned (it’s almost done). Beyond that, we shall see.
This is a wonderful community, one that has been nice enough to accept and support this One Listener’s Opinion since 2003. I may still contribute to the greater conversation here and there, but for now it’s time to put away the reviewer hat, turn my creative efforts elsewhere, and see what the next idea will be. I thank you all and I bid you all peace & power.
Hypnagogue Music Reviews 
Sad to see you go. Best of luck. I hope the site stays up so people can peruse the archives.
Absolutley.
John, what can I say? I have respected and admired your perseverance for years now. Your talents as a reviewer and a writer (and yes, they are different skill sets) are the equal (if not the better, to be honest) of any of us out here doing the same thing. You have served the music community, especially the ambient community, with honesty, integrity, wit, and uncommon commitment. You deserve a ton of thanks and I hope you and I can stay in touch. May the road rise up to meet you and may the wind stay ever on your back, friend. Happy trails to you and yours as you transition to the next chapter of your life. And good luck on the move, too, of course!
Thank you, friend. Your writing about the music always inspired me to rise to that level. Hope I hit it. We’ll be in touch.
John: So sorry to hear, but I totally understand how family and life changes over time. You have introduced me to lots of great music. Thanks so very much for all the thoughtful insight, sharing and musical passion!
Many thanks, Bill.
Thanks for the titanic efforts…they were and are appreciated…. from the artist side and the listener side!
My pleasure. I look forward to getting down to Philly again to chat with you.
Sorry to see you go, but completely understand. Your reviews were a great addition to the community and they will be missed!
Much appreciated.
Thank you man for the guidance in ambient music. I don’t konoe you but it doesn’t matter. I hope you and your family the best wishes.
Hope I helped you find some good stuff!
Aaw, honey, I hope you’re okay with this. I understand completely how life gets in the way, but I’ll miss seeing your writing about something you’re so passionate about. PM me where you’re moving to! Bugging out of Whitman again? Can’t blame you. I’m so proud of everything you do, as well you know. I hope that once you settle in, you’ll have the opportunity to start writing again.
Love to you and the Shanahan clan,
Roxy
Thank you for all of your thoughtful, well written reviews. You have helped me discover many artists I was unaware of, and have broadened my ambient listening pool.
Best of luck to you and your family in the future!
Jeff from Wisconsin
We’ll miss you, John, and so many trips of discovery and new light. Go well!
Mike, Dorset, UK
Thank you, Mike. As I mentioned, the podcast will continue to bring new music, so I do hope you’re listening. hypnagoguepodcast.com
John, I can’t thank you enough for your well-expressed insights into so many releases, including (lucky me!) several of mine. Your writing will be missed. All the best going forward! Come to Philly for the Oct. 7 Gatherings Concert if you can…
Thank you, Greg. I was originally planning to get down there, but a family wedding took over the date!
I got an automated reply about submissions to the podcast, which mentioned links to other sites that review electronic music on your site, but I am not finding it. Thanks, John. dg
Top of the page. Says “Links.” (The list of review sites is only on hypnagogue.net, where you posted this comment.)
Best of luck in all your future pursuits John — I really appreciated the reviews over the years and you stretching my musical interests. Thanks for sending me the Anawaty/Russell “Monjour” CD years ago.