Jon Hersey's Articles
Arts & Culture, Philosophy
The Triumph of Defeat: Lust, Wine, and Rock ‘n’ Roll
Jon Hersey March 7, 2024
The success of many of today's popular musical artists evinces a broad cultural trend: the triumph of defeat—that is, the near-universal acceptance that we are but confused and helpless creatures.
Announcements
From the Editor, Spring 2024
Jon Hersey February 22, 2024
Welcome to the Spring 2024 issue of The Objective Standard. This begins the journal’s nineteenth year in publication, and I’d like to thank everyone who subscribes and supports our work. It’s because of you that all of us at TOS get to do what we love doing, supporting reason, egoism, and capitalism.
Arts & Culture, Noteworthy, Reviews
Here’s What Dreaming Louder Sounds Like
Jon Hersey January 12, 2024
Dream Louder drips with talent, but it is not mere “musician’s music”—technical pyrotechnics without soul. In fact, it is one of those rare jazz albums that even non-jazz fans can deeply enjoy.
Arts & Culture, Noteworthy
Christmas Music Masterpieces You Probably Haven’t Heard
Jon Hersey December 19, 2023
Many could stand to expand their holiday soundtrack palette. Toward that end, here are two suggestions, one old and underappreciated, one contemporary but not exactly mainstream, both of which were re-released in new editions this year.
History, Politics & Rights
What Is ‘Israeli Occupation’?
Jon Hersey December 19, 2023
“Israeli occupation” is on the lips of everyone from Hamas militants to Harvard students, European protestors to American politicians. But what does it actually mean?
Arts & Culture, Noteworthy
Dolly Parton Was Always a Rockstar
Jon Hersey December 9, 2023
Dolly Parton has always been a rockstar. Nonetheless, we can count our lucky stars that she decided to record a rock album. The genre is better for it.
Announcements
From the Editor: Winter 2023
Jon Hersey November 23, 2023
Welcome to the Winter 2023 issue of The Objective Standard, which caps the journal’s eighteenth year in print, providing clarity on all manner of important issues.
Education & Parenting
Hannah Frankman: Rebel Educator
Jon Hersey November 23, 2023
In one way or another, Hannah Frankman has spent most of her life in the alternative education sphere: She was homeschooled, then worked for the college-alternative bootstrapping program Praxis before starting her own alternative education company, Rebel Educator. Here’s how and why she’s helping parents take their children out of government schools.
Ayn Rand & Objectivism, Economics
Who Is John Galt Mortgage Company?
Jon Hersey November 23, 2023
When I heard that two friends and highly successful businessmen—Tim Chermak and Mitchell Broderick—had launched a new venture called John Galt Mortgage Company, I immediately thought, Brilliant! But I didn’t realize then how brilliant their idea really is.
Arts & Culture, Noteworthy
The Musical Time Machine of Julian Lage
Jon Hersey November 16, 2023
Much jazz revels in the obscure, eschewing the pleasing consonances of more popular music. But in Lage’s hands, the genre’s extended harmonic palette is instead used to milk maximum expressiveness from more familiar sonic territory.
Arts & Culture, Noteworthy
A Parting Message from The Beatles, and More
Jon Hersey November 8, 2023
Hear the Beatles' last song, Tom Bukovac's Plexi Soul (now on vinyl), a new Van Morrison record that makes sitting still impossible, and more.
Arts & Culture, Noteworthy
New Music from Alice Sara Ott, Duran Duran, Carter Faith, and More
Jon Hersey October 31, 2023
Alice Sara Ott releases a deluxe edition of her Echoes of Life, Duran Duran unearths a Halloween-themed dance-party soundtrack perfect for zombies, werewolves, and witches—and more.
Arts & Culture, Noteworthy
New Music From The Rolling Stones, Robbie Robertson, Glen Hansard, and More
Jon Hersey October 27, 2023
Robbie Robertson comes around full circle, The Rolling Stones show some new colors, Glen Hansard stares melancholy firmly in the face, and Dave Barnes wields old tricks for new delights.
Arts & Culture, Noteworthy
The Dueling Philosophies of Two New Guitar Albums
Jon Hersey October 19, 2023
Two widely celebrated guitarists recently released new records. They represent not merely different musical approaches appropriate to their different genres, but two divergent worldviews.
Arts & Culture, Noteworthy
Noteworthy: New Music from Joe Bonamassa, Vikingur Ólafsson, and More
Jon Hersey October 13, 2023
Welcome to “Noteworthy,” a periodic update on new music and related news. This week’s noteworthy picks span the musical universe.