Music reviews

WHY DO WE WRITE THEM? 1. As a service to readers 2. To call attention to things that deserve it

WHAT SHOULD BE INCLUDED? 1. The most important thing is to tell your readers whether or not its good and why?

WHAT SHOULD BE INCLUDED? 2. Some issues to explore: a. What does it sound like A. using words describing brightness (dark, light, shiny, murky) B. terms that describe weight (light, heavy, etc) C. Onomatopoeia (jangly, thumping, etc)

WHAT SHOULD BE INCLUDED? b. What genre? c. Does it sound a lot like anybody else? (rock critics even have their own special set of adjectives (“Beatlesque” “Byrdsian”) The Rock ‘n Roll Dictionary is up next

WHAT SHOULD BE INCLUDED? d. Artist description/history/how does this hold up next to their other work. e. How does it affect the listener? f. Lyrics--often good to quote from songs .

WHAT TO AVOID 1. Don’t rely on trite comparisons a. sometimes unavoidable and there are even some terms for these A. “Beatleesque” B. Stonesy 2. Don’t be too obscure--remember you’re writing for a general audience 3. Unfair bias--don’t say something is crummy because its rap-metal (and you hate rap-metal). Say its crummy because its not original, intelligent etc.

Other suggestions 1. Package reviews with “If you like this, try this” sidebars. 2. Also could package with “Also by this artist sidebars/infoboxes”

PLACES TO LOOK FOR INSPIRATION and INFORMATION 1. Any music mags--Rolling Stone, Spin, Harp, Magnet, Paste, Blender, etc) 2. Web sites (www.allmusic.com is a good start)

ISSUES How important are album reviews?? Is it more important to review single songs now, since that’s the way much of your audience gets its music? How can you incorporate more small, quick reads?

Dave Matthews Band: Big Whiskey and the Groo Grux King:  Even the death of a beloved band member can't excuse the subpar songwriting and playing so sterile it could be used as birth control. From Newsweek Magazine

Spin Magazine 125 albums of the last 25 years http://www. spin

A collection of words that speak to music. The Rock ‘n Roll Dictionary A collection of words that speak to music.

Your turn: In brief review two new tracks Your turn: In brief review two new tracks. They can be from any band Coldplay The Ben Daniels Band or anything you like right now.

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