I've realized something in recent months - I am not very good at reviewing music. Sure, I can give you my opinion on what I like, but when asked to review something that is not something I would typically listen to, I am at a loss for words.
Writing this blog has allowed me the privilege of receiving CDs and DVDs on a weekly basis to review. I turn down most offers but curiosity gets the best of me and I agree to review about half of them.
Right now, I have fallen way behind. Sitting here on my desk is:
The Traveling Wilbury's Collection (CD)
Richard Thompson "Sweet Warrior" (CD)
Bryan Ferry "Dylanesque" (CD)
Pearl Jam "Live at the Gorge" (CD) (Becky - want it?)
and
Sammy and the Wabos "Livin it up in St. Louis" (DVD)
I don't want to shirk my duties as a reviewer....but I sure could use some help. If any of you would like one of these items to review on your blog please email me with your address and I will mail it to you!
For now, I will put in Pearl Jam. AND I won't accept any more offers to review music until I am caught up!
UPDATE!
Ok, I could NOT handle Pearl Jam but I am finding Bryan Ferry's covers on Bob Dylan very interesting. If you like him and like Dylan - you will like this CD! Its so different hearing the lyrics in such a smooth, slow voice. "Along the Watchtower" was very especially intriguing.
9 comments:
The Richard Thompson and Bryan Ferry could be interesting. The Travelling Wilburys might also be interesting, because I always thought of them as a light version of the artists as individuals, as if they were lesser together than as individuals. Maybe Jeff Lynne's slickness was just too much for everyone! I don't know if I'd still feel that way though.
I saw Ferry on the Diana concert show ... he still sonds pretty smooth!
-- david
Ferry doing Dylan might be interesting indeed....
Bob, you'll be hearing them both soon.
David, I didn't see much of it.
Bond, Yeah it was. Want me to send you some MP3s?
I asked to review the Pearl Jam CD but am yet to receive it. I'm hoping I will soon.
So have you ever liked Pearl Jam...or was it just this CD? I've been anxious to hear this...now I wonder if I will like it!!
I don't think you make a fair assessment of the band Pearl Jam based on this live CD, unless you know what songs to skip. There is a big mixture of covers and newer songs, which don't compare to the hits and lesser-known but amazing songs, and which would dilute your opinion of the band.
Especially considering the first set on the first CD ain't so hot (the second set, however, has got to be one of the best I've seen). You probably didn't even get to track 7 or 8. Track 7, "Crazy Mary" (although a cover) is one of the greatest cover songs of all time. Right up with "All Along the Watchtower" by Jimi Hendrix. It's an epic rendition that completely blows the original out of the water. And Track 8, "Black" is considered by many as their best song.
So if you didn't even get to those, then you really can't say anything at all. This CD is really intended for the hardcore fans, anyway. So it makes no sense for someone like you to even attempt to review it. But at least you gave them some consideration.
*I don't think you can
Anon, thank you for writing this! You are so right, I was not qualified and not the right person to review that CD. I sent it to a friend who is a fan of theirs and he is going to do it justice. If I knew who you were I would have sent it to you, you did a great job.
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