I think that a good CD review should:
- provide some context for the music, even for someone that doesn't follow
the genre. Good examples are similar artists, other works in the same vein,
that sort of thing
- give some insight as to the palette of sounds used, and some idea as to
the techniques of the composer(s)
- tell where the music fits - is it good driving music? sea shanties to
sing at the pub over a pint? psychedelia best suited for use while under
the influence? a good CD to put on before bed? music for getting into a
college girl's panties?
- provide a little history of the artist, perhaps with some insight as to
where the current work fits within their catalog
- track by track breakdowns can be excessive, but pick out a song or two and
talk about them specifically
- if it's on an interesting label, that should be mentioned.
- personally, I like a little bit of subjectivity - I want to know if the
reviewer enjoyed it, if it's made it onto their iPod, if they filed it in
the trash, whatever. Broad strokes here.
just some thoughts from a person that is occassionally called upon to review
CD's for a paper with a 100,000+ weekly readership...
-ian
On 5/11/06, Max & Mark at madico <expe@madicoinc.com> wrote:
quoted 71 lines Word !
>
> Word !
> I second that
>
>
>
> -----Message d'origine-----
> De: nat hawks [mailto:natbot@hotmail.com]
> Envoyé: 11 mai 2006 07:22
> À: idm@hyperreal.org
> Objet: RE: [idm] Disc reviews
>
> an obvious problem with setting up a small music review system is that, if
> you are getting promo cds, you will feel obligated to give good reviews.
> this then happens in print when folks start to get money for
> advertisements.
> rolling stone seems to be the extreme, where reviews appear to be bought
> and sold, but even Vice magazine looks to be falling prey as well.
>
> if i don't see some 'not perfect' reviews, i don't trust the source. you
> don't have to crush anyone, you just can't praise everyone, and give some
> 'constructive criticism' once in a while...
>
> old Vice would never give the new MatesOfState a 7. they are sworn
> enemies.
>
>
> >From: "==>" <cduneau@yahoo.com>
> >To: idm@hyperreal.org, IDM-making@ampfea.org
> >Subject: [idm] Disc reviews
> >Date: Wed, 10 May 2006 17:48:01 -0700 (PDT)
> >
> >Hey guys,
> >
> >I am thinking about starting a blog made of cd reviews. I'd like to
> >know what kind of reviews you prefer? rather analytic, boldly
> >describing what happens track by track, or more synthetic and with a
> >subjective opinion?
> >what makes a review worth being read to your eyes? what do you expect
> >from someone else when they talk about a cd you might be interested in?
> >
> >thanx,
> >
> >cyrill
> >
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