Yeah, there are writers I always check out in, say, the LRB/New Yorker - John Lancaster, Clive James, James Woods, Tad Friend, David Remnick. Writers who I can read WHATEVER they write about. But I don't really know of any writers on music who are like that. Apart from Reynolds and Finney.
Oh, and the Martorialist (Marty Macready)
http://uk.complex.com/music/2013/07/max-b-25-best-songs/ He writes from a very knowledgeable/geeky perspective, but is also very entertaining.
Actually I like reading Byron Crawford's stuff, as distasteful as some of it is, because he's so no nonsense and loves to take the piss/get a rise. Reading somebody who writes like that, in a completely no-bullshit way, makes me ashamed for trying to write about rap music like I'm in the New Yorker or something.
See his recent review of 'The Silent Partner' by Havoc:
http://www.byroncrawford.com/2016/06/havoc-x-the-alchemist-the-silent-partner-album-review.html Which I reviewed, more ponderously, in Crack magazine recently.
One compliment I received from someone I know is that they enjoyed reading my Rick Ross review without having really heard any of his music. But I wonder if that's a good thing?
RE: Luka praise, I agree with Crowley. Another guy who dispenses with over-considerate analysis and 'fairness' and cuts straight to the point. I LOVE U LUKA