Robert Christgau, whose own website uses the descriptor Dean of American rock critics, was fired in a putsch of Village Voice staffers. He has covered the music scene since 1967 and tells Gawker (via Romenesko) that he thought he would survive into the New Times regime, but was told he was being letting go on "taste" grounds. "Bless the union, my severance is substantial enough to give me time to figure out what I'm doing next," he writes, which should be of some solace to LA Weekly staffers nervous about New Times/Village Voice Media honcho Michael Lacey being in town this week for off-campus meetings.

* Also noted: Elizabeth Zimmer, former Herald Examiner dance critic.

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