Album Rating: 3.5

I don't really get all the hate for this album. It's pretty solid. The pitchfork review and this one to an extent seem to be focusing on this not pushing any boundaries so to speak, which is silly because that doesn't automatically mean the music is bad. Damn enjoyable album if you ask me.

In other words, be edgy with all your scores and everyone will help you out!!!

i feel like omaha directed that at me...prolly not.

I was being silly, Sea, don't worry. And why would that be directed at you, Calc?

Album Rating: 2.0

I think I addressed why I think the album is below average. Poor lyrics, annoying vocals, dragging songs and structure. It's more than just unoriginal

I love the way these guys write their music. 'Fitzpleasure,' for instance, is so full of variety, and all of it's so gooooood.

Album Rating: 4.0

I actually had to try and read the review to finish it, and that's not a good sign. The writing was just fine, but it all seemed like tasteless, spiteful opinion towards the album and demographic you seem to think it was produced for.

I mean, the album is far from being a masterpiece or spectacular work of art, but "below average"? Your first entire paragraph just seems like barely on-topic ranting towards the "hipster" demographic. Most of the review you just seem to be grasping at the most verbose sentences you can to form why you dislike the album. I'm all for hearing multiple and differentiating opinions, but cmon man. A review just shouldn't be "gah I hate this fookin album they're so bad and unimaginative gah bla bla." You can't just be a negative nancy in the entirety of the review, then give it such a blatantly undeserving score and expect to be taken too seriously.

LowStandards gonna be changing that avatar to a thumbs down for this one

Album Rating: 4.0

Funny you post that now. I was actually just in the process of changing my avatar

Album Rating: 2.0

I see what you're saying, but I actually think it deserves this score. I didn't give it a .5, I gave it a 2, because I find it to be below average. I definitely got a little spiteful in places, and it's fair to say that I wont go to these levels again, but I said what I meant, and, in re-reading, I feel like at least 80% was legitimate criticism as opposed to mindless ranting. Mind you, that number should be 100%. Thanks for the feedback though seriously. Really helps me

You handle constructive criticism remarkably well, derho. =] makes me a little jealous.

Album Rating: 2.0

Hahah thanks. I'd feel like a hypocrite not accepting criticism of my own criticism.

That's a good way to look at it.

One thing I strive for, when I write a negative review, is to explain why the music didn't work for me, without denouncing the group themselves. A lot of times I just don't enjoy an album, and that doesn't mean it isn't done well - it's just not my cup of tea.

Check out my Fair to Midland review, if you want to see an example:

http://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/50672/Fair-to-Midland-Arrows-and-Anchors/

Album Rating: 2.0

That review is actually a pretty great illustration of what you described. Thanks. I think there were two big things that weighed this review down:

1. I read other reviews of this album, mostly the really glowing ones that called it exciting and what not, several months ago. Since I've started writing reviews I've made a point not to read other people's opinions first, as tempting as it is. To a certain extent I feel like I was subconsciously jousting with other critics, which is something that annoys the hell out of me in professional reviews.

2. I was having a bad day and I took some of my anger out on poor ∆

Well, there's nothing wrong with reading other peoples' opinions. A lot of times, it illuminates your own opinions on the subject. It can also provide a proper context for the album, and let you see why some deem it a success.

However, it's all too easy to fall into the trap of letting others influence you too much. I was especially guilty of this when I first started reviewing. Over time, though, it becomes easier for your writing to stand on its own. Your review was a really good one. It was too bitter, but overall I'd consider it a success on your end. You've learned a lot from this, too, so I'd consider that to be more valuable than anything.

Album Rating: 2.0

That's fair. It's also pretty difficult to avoid published opinions, because they're usually reflected in conversations I have with music-loving friends. I definitely feel myself developing more of a personal voice, which is really my main reason for shying away from other reviews. Once I'm more confident, I won't be as worried about outside influences. I've spent the past year or so slowly trying to get over what I'll call pitchforkitis, so I'm still a delicate specimen.

Album Rating: 4.0

"I see what you're saying, but I actually think it deserves this score. I didn't give it a .5, I gave it a 2, because I find it to be below average. I definitely got a little spiteful in places, and it's fair to say that I wont go to these levels again, but I said what I meant, and, in re-reading, I feel like at least 80% was legitimate criticism as opposed to mindless ranting. Mind you, that number should be 100%. Thanks for the feedback though seriously. Really helps me"



If you really think it deserves that score, then yea, that's up to you. I would be fine with the score if the review really told me why. Is it because the album isn't original or you don't like the premise? I kinda felt like I was reading one of those Amazon reviews where some guy just clearly didn't like a product and had to vehemently express his disdain for it in a 1/5 review. Granted, this wasn't anywhere near as bad as one of those. The only really fair criticism I got from this was from the third paragraph, mostly about the album starting off with an Intro then immediately going to the first interlude of three, which I'll definitely agree is a bad move. The rest of that paragraph was fine, though.



With all that said, you take the feedback pretty well. Most wouldn't be inclined to take it very calmly, so good on you there.



"One thing I strive for, when I write a negative review, is to explain why the music didn't work for me, without denouncing the group themselves. A lot of times I just don't enjoy an album, and that doesn't mean it isn't done well - it's just not my cup of tea."



That's perfect. I see a lot of people not being able to differentiate subjectivity and objectivity like that, so it's good than you can and do.

Album Rating: 2.0

I feel like I did voice some legitimate concerns in paragraph 2, but my poor word choice made it seem a little more hateful than helpful. for example, gurgling and schizophrenic is kind of a rough way to describe someone's voice.

Schizophrenic is actually a positive description of a voice for me - I love crazy vocalists.

Album Rating: 3.5 | Sound Off

Damn enjoyable album if you ask me.









agreed