is a jat like an indian sat

Album Rating: 1.5

I have no idea what you are requesting. I'll just assume you are being evil again and ask for clarity.

Album Rating: 2.0

its the johnny aptitude test

This might be the fastest I've ever seen an argument start up on a Sput thread

Album Rating: 2.0

"I have no idea what you are requesting. I'll just assume you are being evil again and ask for clarity."



when is contrasting the artist in question against a faceless mass of dubiously relevant music for the sake of equally dubious relative superiority in any scenario a strong way to open a critical review? this is a really strange hill to die on

Album Rating: 1.5

Hmm, not surprised Gonzo reviewing HEALTH has resulted in hyperbolic praise (apparently), yet am mildly intrigued by how provoked the masses have become after being subjected to it



Cool. Maybe I’ll actually read the review?!

Album Rating: 1.5

That's helpful thanks.



I never claimed that is was a strong way to open a review. Idk why you think I have chosen to die on that hill when that isn't my view here. I said that I don't think it's that objectionable of a way to open a review. Objectionable to the extent that it got the reaction it did. It's fine, harmless.

Album Rating: 3.5

Johnny you are the god damn Henry James of music reviews and shit posting. Holy moly.

Album Rating: 1.5

The summary / opening paragraph is just like. his. opinion. or something, no? HEALTH may not have been doing anything revolutionary for a good while, but clearly Gonzo thinks otherwise. I guess it’s an attention grabbing start, but otherwise I don’t see the issue here.



I did stop reading when AC/DC were mentioned and only read idk every third word anyway, but still.

Album Rating: 2.5

Reviews do be full of opinions

Album Rating: 2.2

if gonzo can find it in his heart to allow me a bit of speculation I think the excerpt in question was tossed off and certainly not meant with any malice to anyone, just a bit of very general "these guys sure have made their mark" to set the table. At least, that's my trying-really-hard-to-justify-it read of things.



But the way you phrase things matters. The way music critics frame artists against their contemporaries matters. You don't have to care about it, but I do, and it does bother me to see it done carelessly, and I think it was done carelessly here.

Album Rating: 1.5

Ah that's fair.



In what way do you think that the phrasing matters?



Is it because an artist you view as being unadventurous has been promoted as an example of someone pushing the envelope? And/Or is saying that most music is regurgitation/unoriginal damaging to the fostering of healthy music scenes/communities? Or something else (more clarity, qualifiers for potentially harmful statements etc)

Album Rating: 2.2

Bit of both, primarily the latter. I think saying health is more adventurous / singular than other modern industrial artists is demonstrably incorrect, or at the very least gives a misleading picture of the genre for potential newcomers (let's not forget how many of those health gets), and saying they're more adventurous / singular than (idk prestige indie acts in general?) borders on purely meaningless

Album Rating: 2.5

I didn’t read past the first sentence of the review tbh. That bold statement got me like bruh

Album Rating: 4.9

Was quoting that trash P4K review supposed to be a gotcha moment, Johnny? lol



Kompy, I love you man, but I’m still failing to understand where you are coming from here. The opening statement is not to disparage smaller acts, it merely points out that there is an over saturation of artists in every field, and yes, in there are more types clinging on to trends than innovators. I didn’t think it would be such a controversial affirmation. Clearly my opinion diverges from yours, because yes, Health are one of my favourite bands active today, I do think their music is innovate, and I do believe they do their own thing. Music is subjective so it’s absolutely futile trying to exert more energy than is necessary for this, but honestly that’s all there is to it from my end, frankly. The opening paragraph was intentionally written with hyperbolic flavour in it, but it doesn’t distinguish the fact that indeed the industry is oversaturated with derivative bands. Is it a broad statement? Absolutely. Doesn’t make it any less true though. And Johnny, where in my 1400 word review would you like me to elaborate on it? From what I can see, it’s not that statement that’s in question here, it’s that you don’t agree with health being an innovator. And that’s fine. I think they are.



Like I say kompy, I respect you and hold no ill will, but you definitely read into it wrong.

Album Rating: 2.2

Clearly!



I actually also don't agree at all that the industry is "oversaturated with derivative artists" in any appreciable way it hasn't already been for decades js. And if you don't see how calling a majority of recording artists trend-chasers is disparaging anyone then um. Idk what to tell you dude

Album Rating: 3.5

YOU WILL LOVE EACH OTHER!

review is too long, didnt read

agree with the criticiscms because i want to look knowledgeable tho

Album Rating: 1.5

Hmm, okay I have now listened to this and it does make the review seem at least 10x less accurate



I'm still unsure that it can't also be a valid opinion piece (however emphatically incorrect it may be), although admittedly it's a tad ridiculous to see the entire legitimacy of the music industry called out in a bloody HEALTH review, lol

Album Rating: 1.5

The review does read like it's putting HEALTH on a pedestal, which from a subjective (obvs) quality standpoint is questionable (but easily justifiable), yet calling the legitimacy of other artists in question (albeit 'generally'), is unnecessary (if nothing else). I wasn't overly bothered by the opening paragraph initially, but there are continual nods to how genuine, organic and artistically forward-thinking these guys are, which coupled with the opening gambit is mildly perturbing I must say.



'If Rat Wars has one objective in mind, it’s to overwhelm the senses with as much abrasive noise as possible'



lol, well if that was their aim then I think they failed spectacularly. This also conflicts with any notion they could be revolutionary, for me. I mean infusing their sound with a limp metal 'edge' using the most tired and retrograde artistic / aesthetic choices imaginable, is seriously damaging to this supposed ethos