Reviews discussion

Yes - Big Generator CD (album) cover      
Big Generator
by YES
From Progarchives.com, the ultimate progressive rock music website

Review
stewe      
5 stars These negative reviews I think are mostly predjudices of yes-purists. Forget it and listen to Big Generator carefully! I'm Running is one of the best, fantastic pieces of music in all Yes catalogue IMO. (even beside the very best music of them in the 70s) It requires a few listens, but it's insanely arranged, technically amazing, though very emotional. Adrenaline rush will come with the grand finale. Final Eyes is wonderful lenghtly ballad, with different parts, great changes and climax. It has the same intensity like And You And I or To Be Over. Shoot High aim Low is very deep and atmospheric somewhat heavy piece, with excellent vocals and soloing. Rest of the music here is more straightforward but always very well crafted music. So open your ears!:)

Yes - Talk CD (album) cover      
Talk
by YES
Review
stewe      
5 stars This is one of the most controversial and underrated of Yes albums. (similar case as Big Generator) This album is amazing by all means. It uses innovative techniques, shows one of the greatest skills of musicianship that was ever seen even in Yes standards. But most important are the ideas. This is extremely creative album, truly progressive (unlike regressive prog studio tracks of Keys of Ascension). Beautifully melodic, epic, psychedelic, poppy, heavy, mellow, unconventional.. every single moment has its place. It is truly emotional journey. Extremely varied, colourful yet tight and cohesive musical experience. Most of credit is of course Rabin's. But his team work with Anderson is the greatest essence, both creative minds enjoyed great time making this and it is clearly visible on the result! Recommened in the highest possible way to open-minded fans of progressive and rock music in general, as well as to musicians.


Come on dude, isn't this strange, that for 2 low yes albums, he puted 5 star, okay you may consider personal taste, but he's saying that these are the most prog albums from Yes... Well okay, I don't know if he sohuld be reported, let's see what C ans SC say..

Here's the deal, thx to Andrea's reviews, I noticed he wrote some reviews that surprised of the 5 star, but I read to the reviews and I was really convinced...
But with the reviews that I reported I really haven't been convinced not even by a hair, not saying that my reviews are great or good but still is something really annoying or something similar hehe..
Understand?

Edited by cacho - March 23 2008 at 15:58

micky wrote: hahhaha.. Andrea is a he....not a she..

oh sorry!!! Don't know italian names... Andrea in argentina is for women... I was going to put he but I thought again and thought 'she' would be offensed being called a boy but it happened the other way round

oh, thx for the info... so about the subject have you read it, what do you think? (talking about the discussion EL wanted)

micky wrote: yes.... have posted MANY times on it....there is no set guidelines on it... do I wish there was.. damn right I do. For some of us.. we rate them as prog rock works. Some people think that is bullsh*t.. so be it. For those, like me that rate them that way, we recognize that our tastes ..our preferences are NOT supreme and try to judge the work against the whole of prog rock and recognize when the album is groundbreaking or significant within a particular sub-genre. See my Dream Theater review for example. other can.. and do rate them on whether they liked them or not. Personally.. i think the ratings on them, as you pointed out above are completely worthless. The site allows them, though I think of course that it shouldn't. But how the hell do you tell people how to rate an album. My solution.. which went down like a Led Balloon.. was to elminate the ratings altogether. They are inaccurate and misleading for all the personal standards attached to them. Not to mention.. to be frank.. I don't care if you or this person or that LIKES the album.. .I want to KNOW about the album. That is what an album review should be about.my two cents.

Ah I understand you very much indeed, hehe, now that tomorrow I'll be 14 perhaps I'll understand more and more things from you, won't I, haha..
Seriously, I really understand you, and what is important is the info about the album not about the like or not, in that case the ratings are rather worthless, they're just a matter of fun, for some..

micky wrote: or manipulation for others.... it is the review that counts.. not how many stars an album has. .that is a guide... my one or two star reviews are albums I like.. even love. But would never recommend them but to specific prog fans.

Exactly, a pitty I've done what you hate , for the albums you like but don't recomend for me are most of the 3 star, but for example Stormbringer I just did how the guy did, just wanted people to check it out with putting it a 4 star... Even though for it's a 4 star, but wouldn't recomend for any hard rock fan.
....Well this is rather confusing, cause perhaps I'm ...mm. how to say it...well doesn't matter..does it?

The Word is: Contradictorio in spanish...

Edited by cacho - March 23 2008 at 16:28

hahhahah.. .exactly.... it is confusing as hell.  The best bet..  your only bet.. find a reviewer that matches your tastes and interests and stay in their hip pocket.  Most reviews are simply worthless for just that fact they are expressions of preference.. and unless you know that person... knows their tastes.... how is that review honestly going to mean a damn thing to you.  

exactly....  that comes from hanging around here a bit.. surely you have noticed those already with similar tastes as you.

I dunno, I've wlays looked at reviews as a fun way to see an album from another's point of view. I have never relied on someone else's opinion of an album to warp my original thoughts on it (Hence why I find albums like CttE and DSotM to be overrated, resulting in many people taking me for a fool, )

to answer your question Mike, for me, it's your second option and though there are a few here who's personal opinion I may trust in a certain genre, I've learned to read between the lines and try to pick-up on musical aspects I tend to like, even if the writer ultimately gives a poor review/rating   ..I understand why some prefer to simply read reviewers who seem to match their tastes, but I've found that ultimately unsatisfying