"I have written very few negative reviews in my career as a critic, which I think may be somewhat atypical."
Is that atypical? I've been a blogger for a long time, but I'm fairly green as a reviewer. (I don't have the hubris to call myself a critic -- yet.) From what I've seen, most music bloggers use their blogs as platforms to promote the bands and artists they love, especially those artists who aren't being promoted elsewhere. Maybe I read too many "nice" blogs.
Here's where I contradict myself: I find it much easier to describe why I don't like something then why I do. That doesn't mean I relish tearing into a record that some band put a lot of hard work into. In fact, there are times it's just the opposite: I refuse to say anything negative, especially about a band who doesn't get much press. (And because, you know, people google themselves.) But for whatever reason, I have a greater vocabulary for the negative. A good review from me reads something like, "This rocks," because usually that's all I need. And to be honest, I like the vast majority of the music I hear: I either love it, or I'm indifferent to it. There really isn't much that I hate. But the "hate" gives me better material.
I know a lot of reviews will use the positive, but use it dismissively: "XX is a great live band and their singing ability serves them well on these 12 tracks BUT" and the rest of it is just snark.
ReplyDeleteReviews that are snarky "just 'cause" I don't condone. I was a big fan of a certain entertainment/gossip site that continually snarked on things besides the work: women's bodies, who's had what done to her face, etc. And most of the writing at that site was penned by women. Not that I necessarily think women are above that, but there are enough sites out there that hate on women: we don't need to add to it.
ReplyDeleteBack to the original post: there's a big difference between being nasty and being critical. Unfortunately, a lot of people can't tell the difference, and treat all criticism as negative. I'm a little suspicious of a site that praises everything.