The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #123141   Message #2709750
Posted By: Howard Jones
27-Aug-09 - 08:19 AM
Thread Name: music critics,do we need them?
Subject: RE: music critics,do we need them?
Dick, if you're going to quote a favourable review in full then you should also quote the other in full, rather than just pick on one line which you disagree with, so that we can judge both.

You may disagree that Lennon/McCartney on concertina is incongruous, but that's a matter of opinion, and one which was probably held more strongly back in 1987 when the concertina was still regarded by many as primarily a folk instrument. You are of course correct about the history, but the "popular music of the day" was somewhat different. I suspect you were aware when you recorded it that you were stepping outside the normal expectations for the instrument, especially at that date - perhaps that's even why you did it (and why not?)

It is still open to the reader to form their own opinion on whether or not it is incongruous - there are probably many who would think, "Actually, I'd rather like to hear that".

I agree it might have been better if the reviewer had concentrated on whether he felt that the arrangement actually worked, but even if he didn't like it, that is still his valid opinion. As long as he explains why he doesn't like it, that is what I would expect to see in a review.

Getting the serial number wrong is unfortunate, but typos happen in the most professional publications, and this is the sort of thing which the artist is entitled to ask to be corrected.