![]() |
|
Post Reply ![]() |
Page 12> |
Author | |
Vibrationbaby ![]() Forum Senior Member ![]() Joined: February 13 2004 Status: Offline Points: 6898 |
![]() Posted: March 04 2004 at 14:46 |
I've been a frequent visitor to this web-site for almost a month now, participating in the forums and submitting the odd review. I find the site insightful, informative and even humourous at times. I've checked out other prog sites and find this one to be the best. Well designed, easy to navigate & somewhat more laid back than the others. The only other site I visit on a regular basis right now is the official KK site for "Fripp's Diary".( I don't know about you but i've just gotta know what Bob is up to on a day-to-day basis or else my life just wouldn't be complete.) The first thing I do when I log into this site is head for the reviews. I think that it is universally agreed amongst "prog" afficianados that certain bands and recordings are quintessentials of the genre. eg. Court Of The Crimson King by King Crimson, Close To The Edge by Yes, Thick As A Brick by Jethro Tull etc. But I think that while there is no question that these bands are undisputed "monsters of prog" there are many lesser known bands whose bios appear in the archives which are neglected when it comes to the reviews. I don't submit reviews that often, but when I do I try to pick an album which has only a few or no reviews at all and try to keep the commentary short & sweet. And I also try to review recordings which are lesser known today, particularily to the younger users of this site who weren't around during prog's glory days back in the early 70's. Check out the review (it wasn't mine) which recently appeared on the first Greenslade album. Excellent review. Full marks. It made me dig out my old Greenslade albums which I haven't listened to for over 15 years, but when you look in the archives, no reviews! This was a classic prog band if there ever was one complete with Roger Dean artwork and heavy keyboards! My point here is that there are certain albums which have been as "over-reviewed as Stairway to Heaven has been overplayed on "classic rock" radio stations. Many lesser known prog bands have material which is just as good or even better than the heavy hitters. I've submitted a few such bands for inclusion in the archives and it's good to see Eiliff ( one of my favourite bands ever) and Octopus from Germany now represented. Anyone have any comments about this comment? Edited by Vibrationbaby |
|
![]() |
|
Peter ![]() Special Collaborator ![]() ![]() Honorary Collaborator Joined: January 31 2004 Location: Canada Status: Offline Points: 9669 |
![]() |
We "Prog Reviewers" are reviewing more of the newer/obscure stuff these days (as we get to hear it) and anyway, sooner or later we'll run out of classics to review. We don't have infinite CD collections (nor, as a family man, can I afford to buy many new discs, alas) and can only write about discs that we've actually heard. We are not paid for our work, nor are we professional music critics, so when most of us review, say, CLOSE TO THE EDGE, it's for the first time (for us). I still have to review that particular masterpiece, and have been mentally composing a review of it for a few days now.... In any case, just read the reviews that interest you, and feel free to review any discs that you feel are neglected and worthy of notice. |
|
"And, has thou slain the Jabberwock?
Come to my arms, my beamish boy! O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!' He chortled in his joy. |
|
![]() |
|
Peter ![]() Special Collaborator ![]() ![]() Honorary Collaborator Joined: January 31 2004 Location: Canada Status: Offline Points: 9669 |
![]() |
And guess what? I don't own any Greenslade albums! |
|
"And, has thou slain the Jabberwock?
Come to my arms, my beamish boy! O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!' He chortled in his joy. |
|
![]() |
|
Vibrationbaby ![]() Forum Senior Member ![]() Joined: February 13 2004 Status: Offline Points: 6898 |
![]() |
Whoa! I think I struck a nerve with somebody here! I wasn`t attacking anybody personally here just making an observation, a comment! I was just pointing out that certain albums have had the crap reviewed out of them (not only on this site but ever since they were released). I was only using Greenslade as an example of the many great prog bands whose work has been overlooked in the reviews section of this site. That`s all. I fail to see how what I wrote insults anyone`s writing. I guess if people start taking this TOO seriously we should just stick to the basic " best prog this and best prog that" polls.
|
|
![]() |
|
Dan Bobrowski ![]() Special Collaborator ![]() Honorary Collaborator Joined: February 02 2004 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 5243 |
![]() |
Yes, Vibe, you are right. Some music gets all the attention. Short and Sweet? it's all in the message. I've read some LONG reviews I found interesting, which swayed my reason to actually purchase a disc from a band I was unfamiliar with. If this website recieved a pitiance from the record companies for successful reviews, I'd have something here named after me. Anyway....What really irks me is those who POP in to give a recording a |
|
![]() |
|
maani ![]() Special Collaborator ![]() ![]() Founding Moderator Joined: January 30 2004 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 2632 |
![]() |
My two cents worth: I generally agree with VB (hope I can call you that!). I would, however, support Peter's comment that I (and he, and probably others) would like to review many of the more "obscure" bands/albums, but have no access to them unless Max is able to provide downloads (which he graciously does whenever he can). When Max is able to do so, Peter and I (and other "official" reviewers) do tend to try to review them. For example, Max learned of my fondness for Italian symphonic prog (e.g., Deus ex Machina) and provided quite a number of downloads of both slightly lesser-known Italian and lesser-known European prog bands, all of which I reviewed - happily - and will continue to do so. Indeed, I have tried to review every downloadable album that "caught my fancy" for any reason, which most of them do. That said, I also support Peter's comment that - although it is true, as VB says, that many "canon" albums are "reviewed to death" - it is nevertheless important that "newbies" get a sense of the "history" of prog vis-a-vis the classic bands and albums. And as "official" reviewers, Peter and I (and others) have something of a "moral obligation" to provide insightful, cogent reviews - lengthy if required - of these albums. Because, hopefully, "official" reviewers are "official" because they have a greater sense of history (most of us are a bit "older"...), a greater command of the language, and (again hopefully) write insightful, cogent reviews. Like Peter, while I would certainly like to be able to, I have neither the time nor the finances to buy lots of new (i.e., old) CDs of prog bands so I can review them. In this regard, I (and I'm sure Peter, and maybe others, will join me) will ask Max that the next time he updates the download list, all of the bands he adds are lesser-known, or downright obscure. This way, at least the "official" reviewers will have a chance to review some of them. VB: can you provide us with a "wish list" of bands/albums in this regard? At least it will be a start. All of that said, anyone else reading this thread should take VB's general comment to heart: if you have access to albums of some of the more obscure (or at least lesser-reviewed) bands on this site, please try to see your way clear to providing reviews (as insightful and cogent as possible...) of them. Peace to all. |
|
![]() |
|
Peter ![]() Special Collaborator ![]() ![]() Honorary Collaborator Joined: January 31 2004 Location: Canada Status: Offline Points: 9669 |
![]() |
Vibrationbaby, I may have adopted too heavy a tone in my last post to you, and "gone in with both barrels blazing," but that is because I am so passionate about my reviews (I put a lot of effort into writing them well) and my music. (Writing is also an imperfect means of human discourse, and certainly inferior to face-to-face conversation. Tone of voice and facial expression are missing, and sincerity can sound like sarcasm (& vice-versa). It's easy for two people who don't know each other to "get their wires crossed" via this medium!) As I implied in my first post, I want to review both classic and other, newer discs, in the proportion and manner that I see fit. The archives administrators in their wisdom have imposed no restrictions on what discs I (or anyone) can review (if they did, I'd be out of here). I have never gotten to write record reviews for the masses before, and as I expect to have only one life, I want to use the opportunity to "testify" as to the (prog) recordings that I know and LOVE (and even sometimes loathe). (As it stands, I've already covered many of them.) I, as with all who write reviews for this site, am a music fan first and foremost. Like all fans, I have favourite discs, and in a world where an album like CLOSE TO THE EDGE is very popular, it is understandable that many of us will choose to write about that CD -- many of us own a copy. I for one still enjoy reading others' opinions of these discs, just as I enjoy discussing Dickens or Shakespeare (both have been analyzed rather a bit, I think you'll concede) with others who enjoy their works. Surely there is room for all sorts of reviews and (prog) tastes here, yours, mine, and everyone else's. I don't read many reviews of bands that I've never heard of (maybe because I can't afford to buy many new CDs), while others, especially those with more disposable income, may be always on the lookout for something new. I think that both types of fans (I don't think that my listening/buying pattern is unique!) can be easily accommodated here. Again, we only need to read what we choose to read (or find interesting), and we may write in the style that comes naturally to us. Often, it is very poor or incoherent writing that makes me stop reading a review mid-way, but I don't think that I should give grammar/spelling/vocabulary lessons to the writers of those reviews. I know that they, like me, are doing ther best, and I respect that. That being said, as Maani indicated, we "Archive Reviewers" (volunteers all) do get to hear some "new" music (not all chronologically new) via this site (a fairly new feature), so I and others have been reviewing these discs lately. A visit to my list of reviews will show that I have reviewed several discs by bands whose work was unknown to me just a few short weeks ago, including Garden Wall, Anglagard, Haggard, Pineapple Thief, Van Der Graaf Generator, etc. Assimilating these discs, while working and raising a young family, takes time. During the past week or so, I have been "absorbing" recordings by 4-5 more new artists, in preparatin for reviewing them. In the meantime, sometimes I am tired, and just want to write about (or listen to) a disc that I already know (and often, love). Sometimes a brief review of a favourite album -- favourable, or otherwise -- will prompt me to revisit that recording, and add my more in-depth input on it. In closing, I just want to stress that I realize that your thoughtful comments were not meant as a personal attack. However, as a perhaps somewhat more prominent -- I don't mean better, or important -- reviewer for this site, I felt like I was particularly among those being addressed. I really enjoy doing this, and I put a lot of work and feeling into what I write. Even merely perceived criticism of something that I invest so much of my energy in can be hard to take. No hard feelings -- back to the wonderful genre we both enjoy! PS: Take it easy, and review another more obscure album that we should all save our "shekels" for soon! PPS: I promise you (and all others -- are you listening, recording labels? PPPS: Most of the stuff that prolific "Special Collaborator" Greger Ronqvist reviews is new to me, if not "more obscure." Check out his fine work! Edited by Peter Rideout |
|
"And, has thou slain the Jabberwock?
Come to my arms, my beamish boy! O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!' He chortled in his joy. |
|
![]() |
|
richardh ![]() Prog Reviewer ![]() ![]() Joined: February 18 2004 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 18333 |
![]() |
I picked Kayak's 'Royal Bed Bouncer' as the first album I reviewed as it's not so well known.I could review all ELP,Yes and Genesis albums but then ''what's the point?'' as most visitors here would be familiar with them I suspect.
|
|
![]() |
|
Vibrationbaby ![]() Forum Senior Member ![]() Joined: February 13 2004 Status: Offline Points: 6898 |
![]() |
(For Peter Rideout) Now that peace is restored Let peace and love flow throughout the universe. |
|
![]() |
|
dude ![]() Forum Senior Member ![]() ![]() Joined: January 30 2004 Location: Australia Status: Offline Points: 1338 |
![]() |
GENTLEMEN: if i my add my humble opinion MAY I APPLAUD THE INTELLIGENT CONFLICT RESOLUTION HERE!!!
![]() ![]() Edited by dude |
|
![]() |
|
Jim Garten ![]() Special Collaborator ![]() ![]() Retired Admin & Razor Guru Joined: February 02 2004 Location: South England Status: Offline Points: 14683 |
![]() |
Well said Dude
![]() |
|
![]() Jon Lord 1941 - 2012 |
|
![]() |
|
Marcelo ![]() Prog Reviewer ![]() ![]() Joined: February 15 2004 Location: Argentina Status: Offline Points: 310 |
![]() |
I believe most well known or most "popular" bands reviews gives to the reader a vision about musical taste of the reviewer. So, when somebody read another review, already have an idea about the reviewer. In the case of the less known bands, I wonder if very different points of view about an album can help to make a choice. Few days ago, appeared two Aufklärung band reviews (one from Maani, one from myself), and both opinions disagree. I think different points of view adding richness, but can they help to decide an album purchase or just help to confuse?
|
|
![]() |
|
Peter ![]() Special Collaborator ![]() ![]() Honorary Collaborator Joined: January 31 2004 Location: Canada Status: Offline Points: 9669 |
![]() |
The "Rideout2001," on the other hand..... (Ha! More on that wacky thread later! (It's my turn.) Jim & Dude, your installments are HILARIOUS! Very well done! Thanks for the input, Marcelo. I think that we each have to decide which critic to trust (this can be based upon reading their reviews of albums that you already have: "OK, he hates CLOSE TO THE EDGE, but I love it. I won't listen to this guy!" (etc.) Sometimes, the overall "tone" of a review from an unknown reviewer can lead to your decision, as can "sounds like" comparisions to better-known acts: "They sound 'sort of like a cross between early Jethro Tull and Menudo?' Cool! I am crazy about both those bands!" Edited by Peter Rideout |
|
"And, has thou slain the Jabberwock?
Come to my arms, my beamish boy! O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!' He chortled in his joy. |
|
![]() |
|
richardh ![]() Prog Reviewer ![]() ![]() Joined: February 18 2004 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 18333 |
![]() |
Good point Marcelo and one I hadn't thought of. |
|
![]() |
|
maani ![]() Special Collaborator ![]() ![]() Founding Moderator Joined: January 30 2004 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 2632 |
![]() |
Marcelo: As they say, opinions are like noses: everyone has one. However, I do see your point: do opposing (or seemingly opposing) opinions help, or just confuse? It depends. If I found two opposing reviews of the same album, I might search for other reviews by each reviewer, to see what other music they like (or don't like) and how they approach their reviewing. This might give me a better understanding of why they reviewed the initial album the way they did. In addition, opposing reviews might be a positive thing if they add to the person's curiosity about the album: "Gee, these guys totally disagree on this album. Maybe I should hear it and decide for myself." Just a thought... Peace. |
|
![]() |
|
Peter ![]() Special Collaborator ![]() ![]() Honorary Collaborator Joined: January 31 2004 Location: Canada Status: Offline Points: 9669 |
![]() |
You could also add up the stars awarded, divide by the number of reviews, and decide that the "truth" lies somewhere in the middle! |
|
"And, has thou slain the Jabberwock?
Come to my arms, my beamish boy! O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!' He chortled in his joy. |
|
![]() |
|
maani ![]() Special Collaborator ![]() ![]() Founding Moderator Joined: January 30 2004 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 2632 |
![]() |
Peter: Has anyone ever told you you're weird? Peace. |
|
![]() |
|
Alexander ![]() Forum Senior Member ![]() ![]() Joined: February 02 2004 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 237 |
![]() |
Peter is not WEIRD! |
|
On A Dilemmia Between What I Need & What I Just Want
![]() |
|
![]() |
|
[email protected] ![]() Forum & Site Admin Group ![]() ![]() Co-founder, Admin & Webmaster Joined: January 29 2004 Location: Canada Status: Offline Points: 3983 |
![]() |
Can you give the programming code lines for this ALGORITHM ? |
|
Prog On !
|
|
![]() |
|
Vibrationbaby ![]() Forum Senior Member ![]() Joined: February 13 2004 Status: Offline Points: 6898 |
![]() |
We`all weird this music we listen to is weird, my friends think I`m weird, my dogs think I`m weird and sometimes my wife even wonders about me and tell me Bob Fripp isn`t WEIRD just go to the Official KK website and read "Fripp`s Diary"!
|
|
![]() |
Post Reply ![]() |
Page 12> |
Forum Jump | Forum Permissions ![]() You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot create polls in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum |