I can see what you mean in your first paragraph until you said "other times, they simply have a poor vocal quality" - that quality is something you can't really determine. Other than that I can agree.

I know you get a lot of requests for your take on different albums. But on the topic of vocals, I'd like to hear what you think about Antony and the Johnsons - "Hope There's Someone". It's probably what I would consider the most beautiful vocal performance I've heard (in pop music).

early 20th century composers > 19th century composers

it's close though

You can analyze, scrutinize, and form as much of a substantiated opinion on them as you like, but vocals will still be a subjective aspect of music.

"...voice can be viewed as another instrument. As with any other instrument, an individual can refine his skill at that instrument through practice, though he might run up against natural limitations"

Yes, it a fair criticism. Some people like Billy Corgan, whom you referred to in your review, take away with its mediocre vocal abilities and poor voice, because he could back them very often with great music and give the music a very distinct personality and intention that defined the Pumpkins overall sound. Arguably, the songs could have reached a higher lever of impact and realization, on a pure technical and stylistical aspect, but we would be talking of a complete different band altogether. Some people took it for the better, others thought the opposite. Personally, I think he has ruined a lot of songs, but most of the time he does good enough, specially on some acoustics ones (hard to believe, eh?)

However, sometimes the singer's limitations can get in the way of artistic expression and realization, and then you think " is it not possible for he/she to hand vocal duties to someone who can actually sing and let the song blossom, without sacrificing its soul/message?" It must be hard for a songwriter to realize he may not be best vehicle to express his own vision, and that probably it would be for the best to take a back seat, and simply enjoy creating. The songwriter concept allows for many abuses, and autorizes many people to think, that, whatever bad/mediocre their vocal abilites may be, they still should sing, all for the sake of "genuineness". No doubt, there will be people who prefer it this way.

The criticism is fair, stated clearly and reasonably. Very nice read.

@robertsona - I was just saying a creative work can be objectively analyzed since it utilizes some sort of composition and a thought process to produce. Whereas, vocals are just the sound the vocalists vocal chords produce - hence not a creative piece of the overall work, and the appreciation of them being mostly subjective. (I know this isn't true 100% of the time)

vocals can be called objectively bad as much as music can be called objectively bad

Well only pitch, you can't really objectively argue timbre

lol alex what are you babbling about, you're always siding with me on the whole 'music is subjective' debate

Digging: Bibio - Silver Wilkinson

is that really a debate? I mean, c'mon

Am I the only one who finds Joanna Newsom strangely attractive?

No i'm pretty sure you're not the only one

personally i don't, although in the picture that was posted earlier in the thread she does look cute

The picture's in the Chan inspiration for reviews Plan are nice.

she is really cute/hot

lol alex what are you babbling about, you're always siding with me on the whole 'music is subjective' debate

Haha, she's way too in touch with nature to have a phone. She'd probably give you her animal soul call!

Album Rating: 4.5

You are literally the most narcissistic person of all time

who is she and who does she sound like

Digging: Anamanaguchi - Endless Fantasy (??????)

yeah she's pretty tough on the eyes

On the "annoying voices" thing, I fucking love Dylans voice on his 60's and 70's albums

it's annoying now though

This is a good album 8)

Brilliant review, man - very entertaining. Kinda wanna check this out just to see the crapness first hand.