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Ann Powers writes, "On this shifting ground, critics feel as insecure as everyone else. But we can -- we must -- view the Web's interactivity as a boon. Musical samples can help illustrate critical points. Dialogue with readers can illuminate our interpretations and make for interesting reassessments. (Speaking of which, dear readers, how do you think a critic should behave now? No epithets or epitaphs, please.):"
Your thoughts?
Your thoughts?
1.
Ann- your observations (as per usual) are spot on here. In fact, 24 hours before your article was posted/printed-I received an mp3 of the track, "Solute Your Solution" by The Raconteurs-from the new album, via email from a "friend". Whether labels want to call it "file sharing" or "viral marketing"-it's the sharing of the music (files) that creates WOM (word of mouth) and buzz. Especially with bands along the lines of Raconteurs, you've got passionate, dedicated fans who are engaged to share the music with other fans.
g.Lee
2. It works for me... I will buy anything Jack White or NIN put together -site unseen-. I don't read music reviews anymore... and I really don't even listen to the radio anymore (with the exception of Central Florida talk radio). The industry gave up on me and I gave up on them.
3. You are always going to have critics and "taste-makers" whether they are professional writers with their own newspaper or magazine columns or one of your friends whose opinion you value. Fact is most people are followers. If you state something enough times or create a well-written article, even garbage with become acceptable. What else would explain the continuing success of "American Idol" or Madonna being inducted into the "Rock and Roll" Hall of Fame?
4. Good timing. My CD "Altered States" was released last week. After panel after panel at SXSW about other aspects of how people are trying to adjust to changes in the music business, it was interesting to hear how reviewers are affected. I forwarded a link to my label (Shanachie). I'm lucky.....they pay attention to things like this.
5. There's just too much music--period and EXCLAMATION POINT! M Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but getting the facts straight in matters related to ephemeral pop culture is a Herculean task best left to professionals, or whoever one feels to be knowledgeable, reliable, fair. Whether self-appointed or established, I feel all critics should aspire to separate and explain that which is truly original and influential in its virtuosity from the majority of creators in all fields who are either good or bad imitators. To be or not to be--that is the question, along with if you should waste or spend your time and money on it.
6. I would much rather wait a week to read an informed, well-considered review than a slapped-together knee-jerk reaction based on a single listen. Anyone determined to buy a CD the moment it drops is obviously a hard-core fan (or a hard-core trendie) and is not likely to be swayed by a review. Listeners on a budget, as so many of us are these days, would prefer that critics consider their opinions as carefully as we must consider our buying decisions. I have wasted too much money on highly-praised duds to take the word of someone more concerned with getting it out than getting it right.
7. Music is by its very nature these days a global phenomenon the millisecond it reaches the World Wide Web. By not denying this, artists like White can make art that might have some meaning, and record companies might have a chance to market and distribute art that generates revenue for them and the artist over a long period of time.
8. control is the paradigm of the past... facilitation is the paradigm of the Internet... welcome to the music evolution!
9. All I can say it that RocknRoll is Dead. Dead....or almost. This world is spoiled and so is your ears. What is Real? Can you answer that? I sure hope so. The Rolling Stones have a few more years --Just like the world. After that it will all be over. BOOM
10. I like getting albums at the same time as everyone else. I have ears. I know what I like and dislike. Why keep the release hierarchy? I hope to see more and more bands do exactly what the Raconteurs did - release great albums directly to listeners. I've already told all my friends this album is great. Word of mouth is sometimes better than press. No offense, I appreciate great writing, but honestly I don't need critics to tell me what I like and don't like. I do like to read a great review that I agree with.
Submitted by: Greg Lee/Imagine Nation
2. It works for me... I will buy anything Jack White or NIN put together -site unseen-. I don't read music reviews anymore... and I really don't even listen to the radio anymore (with the exception of Central Florida talk radio). The industry gave up on me and I gave up on them.
Submitted by: Aaron
3. You are always going to have critics and "taste-makers" whether they are professional writers with their own newspaper or magazine columns or one of your friends whose opinion you value. Fact is most people are followers. If you state something enough times or create a well-written article, even garbage with become acceptable. What else would explain the continuing success of "American Idol" or Madonna being inducted into the "Rock and Roll" Hall of Fame?
Submitted by: G
4. Good timing. My CD "Altered States" was released last week. After panel after panel at SXSW about other aspects of how people are trying to adjust to changes in the music business, it was interesting to hear how reviewers are affected. I forwarded a link to my label (Shanachie). I'm lucky.....they pay attention to things like this.
Submitted by: rdsquid@aol.com
5. There's just too much music--period and EXCLAMATION POINT! M Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but getting the facts straight in matters related to ephemeral pop culture is a Herculean task best left to professionals, or whoever one feels to be knowledgeable, reliable, fair. Whether self-appointed or established, I feel all critics should aspire to separate and explain that which is truly original and influential in its virtuosity from the majority of creators in all fields who are either good or bad imitators. To be or not to be--that is the question, along with if you should waste or spend your time and money on it.
Submitted by: maghit@yahoo.com
6. I would much rather wait a week to read an informed, well-considered review than a slapped-together knee-jerk reaction based on a single listen. Anyone determined to buy a CD the moment it drops is obviously a hard-core fan (or a hard-core trendie) and is not likely to be swayed by a review. Listeners on a budget, as so many of us are these days, would prefer that critics consider their opinions as carefully as we must consider our buying decisions. I have wasted too much money on highly-praised duds to take the word of someone more concerned with getting it out than getting it right.
Submitted by: abaum
7. Music is by its very nature these days a global phenomenon the millisecond it reaches the World Wide Web. By not denying this, artists like White can make art that might have some meaning, and record companies might have a chance to market and distribute art that generates revenue for them and the artist over a long period of time.
Submitted by: seriousfun
8. control is the paradigm of the past... facilitation is the paradigm of the Internet... welcome to the music evolution!
Submitted by: muzlink
9. All I can say it that RocknRoll is Dead. Dead....or almost. This world is spoiled and so is your ears. What is Real? Can you answer that? I sure hope so. The Rolling Stones have a few more years --Just like the world. After that it will all be over. BOOM
Submitted by: This Is MR>StoneJONES
10. I like getting albums at the same time as everyone else. I have ears. I know what I like and dislike. Why keep the release hierarchy? I hope to see more and more bands do exactly what the Raconteurs did - release great albums directly to listeners. I've already told all my friends this album is great. Word of mouth is sometimes better than press. No offense, I appreciate great writing, but honestly I don't need critics to tell me what I like and don't like. I do like to read a great review that I agree with.
Submitted by: Craig