Forum Home Forum Home > Progressive Music Lounges > Prog Music Lounge
  New Posts New Posts RSS Feed - What are you looking for in an album review?
  FAQ FAQ  Forum Search   Events   Register Register  Login Login

Topic ClosedWhat are you looking for in an album review?
 Post Reply Post Reply Page  <12345>
Author
Message Reverse Sort Order
  Topic Search Topic Search  Topic Options Topic Options
Kati View Drop Down
Forum Senior Member
Forum Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: September 10 2010
Location: Earth
Status: Offline
Points: 6253 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: October 31 2014 at 07:22
Originally posted by Guldbamsen Guldbamsen wrote:

Right on SoniaApprove

Anyway I know what you mean with regards to some negative reviews. For me it's mostly the ones that frequently use the word 'boring' that does it for me. YikesDead


Oh that kills it for me too, Guldbamsen, I still cannot comprehend why anyone would use the word bored, why would one put themselves in a position to feel boredConfused! When boredom is mentioned in a review I discredit that immediately and perceive this as lacking sufficient articulate skills to write a review and/ or describe music.
Also if one has to critique a band at least they should have the decency to describe why, don't you think?
It's very rude and inconsiderate to say you are bored really! Bah. Constructive and or honest criticism is good, however bored is none of those, it's not even silly, it's banal.    
huge hug to you, Guldbamsen  SmileHug
Back to Top
Angelo View Drop Down
Special Collaborator
Special Collaborator
Avatar
Honorary Collaborator / Retired Admin

Joined: May 07 2006
Location: Italy
Status: Offline
Points: 13244 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: October 31 2014 at 07:19
Originally posted by micky micky wrote:

hahahhah.  NO sh*t... at least I was ugly to start with

Wahaha, you haven't change a bit on the inside though. ;-)
ISKC Rock Radio
I stopped blogging and reviewing - so won't be handling requests. Promo's for ariplay can be sent to [email protected]
Back to Top
Guldbamsen View Drop Down
Special Collaborator
Special Collaborator
Avatar
Retired Admin

Joined: January 22 2009
Location: Magic Theatre
Status: Offline
Points: 23104 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: October 31 2014 at 06:48
Right on SoniaApprove

Anyway I know what you mean with regards to some negative reviews. For me it's mostly the ones that frequently use the word 'boring' that does it for me. YikesDead
“The Guide says there is an art to flying or rather a knack. The knack lies in learning how to throw yourself at the ground and miss.”

- Douglas Adams
Back to Top
Kati View Drop Down
Forum Senior Member
Forum Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: September 10 2010
Location: Earth
Status: Offline
Points: 6253 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: October 31 2014 at 06:29
Originally posted by Guldbamsen Guldbamsen wrote:

Some negative reviews I love, and I happen to think we need that side of the story just as much as we need the positive. It's all down to how the reviewer conveys this. Explained another way: I have some fave writers on PA who's tastes reflect the exact opposite of what I go for. When one of these awards an album 1 or 2 stars, I'm almost instantly sold. 
I know the musicians responsible for all this music work their arses off and for little if any pay, but if we only had positive reviews on PA we'd rule out any room for tastes, other people's opinion, the "truth" about an actual release, etc etc the list goes on. 
If the following review of Tangerine Dream's Zeit had been posted yesterday - only it was written about a new upcoming band, we'd been flooded with reports about the disrespectful, harmful intentions of Greenback. Just so happens that I bought this album on his "recommendation" and find his review absolutely hilarious + he does actually describe the sound of the album perfectly well:

1 stars What a shame! The music consists in 2-3 humming refrigerators at the same time, plus a portative fan that turns back and forth to make the anyway inexistent rhythm, and finally a coming cluster of threatening killer bees!

There are tons of albums better than this one to describe the desolation once you go alone on Mars! The album is even not minimalist!

Rating: 0.5 star

 
hahaha!!! So true Guldbamsen, I feel the same hahaha sometimes I don't know if I should cry or laugh because although I might disagree with one's taste, that review make me laugh and brought another perspective view to light even making me agree in terms of understanding their point of view hahaha!!! LOL big hug to you Hug 
Back to Top
Argonaught View Drop Down
Forum Senior Member
Forum Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: June 04 2012
Location: Virginia
Status: Offline
Points: 1413 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: October 31 2014 at 06:17
Now, on a more serious note: a review is, first and foremost, a piece of creative writing. I don't think one should expect them to re written in a certain prescribed format or tone. Some reviews will be more ________ (fill the blank: verbose, emotional, analytical, lopsided, cerebral, personal, to-the-point etc) than others .. takes all kinds, I suppose. 

Irrationally angry and purposefully vindictive reviews are a form of abuse and contribute nothing to the discussion: "I can't believe how terrible this CD is! I am sending it back to Amazon! This band sucks! This album is so much worse than ______.  I will never buy a CD from this band again!  (is it 100 characters yet?)"
Back to Top
Guldbamsen View Drop Down
Special Collaborator
Special Collaborator
Avatar
Retired Admin

Joined: January 22 2009
Location: Magic Theatre
Status: Offline
Points: 23104 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: October 31 2014 at 06:12
Some negative reviews I love, and I happen to think we need that side of the story just as much as we need the positive. It's all down to how the reviewer conveys this. Explained another way: I have some fave writers on PA who's tastes reflect the exact opposite of what I go for. When one of these awards an album 1 or 2 stars, I'm almost instantly sold. 
I know the musicians responsible for all this music work their arses off and for little if any pay, but if we only had positive reviews on PA we'd rule out any room for tastes, other people's opinion, the "truth" about an actual release, etc etc the list goes on. 
If the following review of Tangerine Dream's Zeit had been posted yesterday - only it was written about a new upcoming band, we'd been flooded with reports about the disrespectful, harmful intentions of Greenback. Just so happens that I bought this album on his "recommendation" and find his review absolutely hilarious + he does actually describe the sound of the album perfectly well:

1 stars What a shame! The music consists in 2-3 humming refrigerators at the same time, plus a portative fan that turns back and forth to make the anyway inexistent rhythm, and finally a coming cluster of threatening killer bees!

There are tons of albums better than this one to describe the desolation once you go alone on Mars! The album is even not minimalist!

Rating: 0.5 star
“The Guide says there is an art to flying or rather a knack. The knack lies in learning how to throw yourself at the ground and miss.”

- Douglas Adams
Back to Top
Kati View Drop Down
Forum Senior Member
Forum Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: September 10 2010
Location: Earth
Status: Offline
Points: 6253 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: October 31 2014 at 05:59
Originally posted by Argonaught Argonaught wrote:

Originally posted by Kati Kati wrote:

Originally posted by BarryGlibb BarryGlibb wrote:

In a word.......brevity.
Confused as in short and brief?

Shorts and briefs
That's ok by me as long as it's not about speedos Big smile coz they look very funny Smile hugs Hug
Back to Top
Kati View Drop Down
Forum Senior Member
Forum Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: September 10 2010
Location: Earth
Status: Offline
Points: 6253 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: October 31 2014 at 05:55
haughty reviews, kill it for me, they are pompous and very silly really. Some reviewers forget the purpose of a review thus instead want to impress their fellow reviewers with their sententious writing. Anyway luckily there are so many more brilliant and funny reviewers who actually do care about the prospect listener and or buyer. hugs Hug
Back to Top
BarryGlibb View Drop Down
Forum Senior Member
Forum Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: August 28 2010
Location: Melbourne, Oz
Status: Offline
Points: 1781 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: October 31 2014 at 05:53
Originally posted by Kati Kati wrote:

Originally posted by BarryGlibb BarryGlibb wrote:

In a word.......brevity.
Confused as in short and brief?


Zachary
Back to Top
Argonaught View Drop Down
Forum Senior Member
Forum Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: June 04 2012
Location: Virginia
Status: Offline
Points: 1413 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: October 31 2014 at 05:44
Originally posted by Kati Kati wrote:

Originally posted by BarryGlibb BarryGlibb wrote:

In a word.......brevity.
Confused as in short and brief?

Shorts and briefs
Back to Top
Kati View Drop Down
Forum Senior Member
Forum Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: September 10 2010
Location: Earth
Status: Offline
Points: 6253 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: October 31 2014 at 05:18
Originally posted by friso friso wrote:

Your personal history, bluh!
 
Friso hello Big smile Personal history? Surely you don't mean the background of a musician as in if they were trained and obtained their skills due to the effort they put in many hours at some prestigious music institute or i.e. invested a considerate number of hours being taught the piano/ private lessons etc since the age of 10? Stern Smile
hugs Hug
Back to Top
Guldbamsen View Drop Down
Special Collaborator
Special Collaborator
Avatar
Retired Admin

Joined: January 22 2009
Location: Magic Theatre
Status: Offline
Points: 23104 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: October 31 2014 at 05:01
Stuff I'm not expecting.
“The Guide says there is an art to flying or rather a knack. The knack lies in learning how to throw yourself at the ground and miss.”

- Douglas Adams
Back to Top
friso View Drop Down
Prog Reviewer
Prog Reviewer
Avatar

Joined: October 24 2007
Location: Netherlands
Status: Offline
Points: 2506 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: October 31 2014 at 05:00
Your personal history, bluh!
Back to Top
Kati View Drop Down
Forum Senior Member
Forum Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: September 10 2010
Location: Earth
Status: Offline
Points: 6253 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: October 31 2014 at 04:42
Originally posted by BarryGlibb BarryGlibb wrote:

In a word.......brevity.
Confused as in short and brief?
Back to Top
BarryGlibb View Drop Down
Forum Senior Member
Forum Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: August 28 2010
Location: Melbourne, Oz
Status: Offline
Points: 1781 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: October 31 2014 at 04:39
In a word.......brevity.
Back to Top
Kati View Drop Down
Forum Senior Member
Forum Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: September 10 2010
Location: Earth
Status: Offline
Points: 6253 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: October 31 2014 at 01:57
Originally posted by lazland lazland wrote:

Originally posted by Kati Kati wrote:

Originally posted by SteveG SteveG wrote:

^Carly says Hi, kati. (I told her you were Laz's wife so she doesn't get jealous!)



Just kidding! I just switched threads! Gotta go, see you soon! Hug

 
hahahaha!!! Thanks, SteveG Hug
I guess Lazlo is stuck with me now Big smile more Hug


I will ask the wife if I am able to take furlough in Mozambique for a couple of years
hahahaha!!!! hahaha!!!!! LOL xxxx hahaha... Hug
Back to Top
lazland View Drop Down
Prog Reviewer
Prog Reviewer
Avatar

Joined: October 28 2008
Location: Wales
Status: Offline
Points: 13766 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: October 31 2014 at 01:48
Originally posted by Kati Kati wrote:

Originally posted by SteveG SteveG wrote:

^Carly says Hi, kati. (I told her you were Laz's wife so she doesn't get jealous!)



Just kidding! I just switched threads! Gotta go, see you soon! Hug

 
hahahaha!!! Thanks, SteveG Hug
I guess Lazlo is stuck with me now Big smile more Hug


I will ask the wife if I am able to take furlough in Mozambique for a couple of years
Enhance your life. Get down to www.lazland.org

Now also broadcasting on www.progzilla.com Every Saturday, 4.00 p.m. UK time!
Back to Top
Raff View Drop Down
Special Collaborator
Special Collaborator
Avatar
Honorary Collaborator

Joined: July 29 2005
Location: None
Status: Offline
Points: 24429 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: October 30 2014 at 19:15
Originally posted by Luna Luna wrote:

When I read a review, I expect to have 1 question answered: Should I buy this album?

The reviewer's job is to come up with an answer to this question then back up their claim with evidence from the album. Even if they don't like it, perhaps my taste differs from the reviewer and they can explain the things they dislike and I can find that those things are actually appealing to me. 

I'd really love a "You should/shouldn't buy this album if..." sentence at the end of each review.


Though I don't use exactly the same phrasing in my reviews, I do almost always make a point of recommending it to people who may enjoy it. As far as I know, most of my readers have been happy when they have bought albums after reading one of my reviews.
Back to Top
Kati View Drop Down
Forum Senior Member
Forum Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: September 10 2010
Location: Earth
Status: Offline
Points: 6253 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: October 30 2014 at 18:50
Originally posted by SteveG SteveG wrote:

^Carly says Hi, kati. (I told her you were Laz's wife so she doesn't get jealous!)



Just kidding! I just switched threads! Gotta go, see you soon! Hug
 
hahahaha!!! Thanks, SteveG Hug
I guess Lazlo is stuck with me now Big smile more Hug
Back to Top
Luna View Drop Down
Forum Senior Member
Forum Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: July 28 2010
Location: Funky Town
Status: Offline
Points: 12794 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: October 30 2014 at 18:46
When I read a review, I expect to have 1 question answered: Should I buy this album?

The reviewer's job is to come up with an answer to this question then back up their claim with evidence from the album. Even if they don't like it, perhaps my taste differs from the reviewer and they can explain the things they dislike and I can find that those things are actually appealing to me. 

I'd really love a "You should/shouldn't buy this album if..." sentence at the end of each review.
Back to Top
 Post Reply Post Reply Page  <12345>

Forum Jump Forum Permissions View Drop Down



This page was generated in 0.141 seconds.
Donate monthly and keep PA fast-loading and ad-free forever.