The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #137418 Message #3143677
Posted By: GloriaJ
27-Apr-11 - 06:01 PM
Thread Name: The role of the CD Reviewer?
Subject: RE: The role of the CD Reviewer?
The most important thing surely, is that they should be well-written.Entertaining, first of all, and informative if you insist.I picked up the last issue of Stirrings, the sheffield -based folk mag, and I found the reviews there quite stimulating - partly because they didnt follow the party-line, as you might say (there was a hilarious account of the Folk Awards ceremony,for instance) - but they were interesting and unusual - like a swedish Incredible String Band covers band.Now, to be honest, I'm never ever going to buy this - but it was amusing to read about.
A lot of reviews are too bland - not surprising in a way, as they are covering the professionally produced stuff that is churned out by the industry.You get the impression sometimes that the biggest challenge for a reviewer is staying awake.They also usually helpfully send out bumff to make sure the reviewer knows what to write.
I know how much heartache goes into producing a cd, and I wouldnt want reviewers to be malicious, but compared to book reviews, they are sometimes so inoffensive and dull.
I must admit I quite enjoy reading a damning review - as long as it's not of anything of mine!