Danyel Smith: What's a Music Critic's Relationship to Music?
Hey Kim,
thanks for the thoughtful response.
Changing the subject to music, I wonder how your relationship to it has evolved.
I got into this business because I loved to write. I would have written about anything, and was writing about everything from mayors'
conventions to olive oil when I was was starting out in the Bay Area.
But then Too Short and Hammer and the three Tonys started blowing up, and I wanted to write about them. HAD to write about them, like life depended on it. One thing led to another, and I end up as music editor of Vibe, then editor in chief ... hm. My story's old and been told. ;)
All's to say, I loved music, the sound of it, the histories of it, the art and science of it, the lyric sheets in LP covers, all that. There's a part in BLISS, wherein Eva is young and taping songs off the radio with a GE Cassette Recorder. That's the kind of girl I was. And in my twenties (hey now! quite some time ago!), when it was all about the excitement of reviewing live shows, I felt like the luckiest chick in the world -- going to the Bud SuperFest, or the Frankie Beverly concert, for free, and getting to write, and have published, my opinion about the shows. It was a dream come true. A dream I didn't even know I had until I was in the middle of it.
So then I got serious. Slaved. Plugged. You know the drill.
Enter Vibe. And even San Francisco Weekly before that, where I was music editor. I was in some crazy wild version of heaven, or a sweet hell -- one or the other. I learned a lot and did good work at those jobs, but they changed my relationship to music. I would listen to new stuff in the office and old stuff at home. In other words: Puff and B.I.G. and Master P and the Fugees and Mary J at work -- then Earth Wind & Fire and Angela Bofill at the crib. At work, I had to think about music in terms of what would be a good cover, what I thought would have a gold first week, what the magazines in my competitive set were doing --- like that. I know you know.
So I'm wondering how you feel about music right now. As for me, I'm way back into it. BLISS, especially, had me listening and re-listening to EVERYthing. I listen to old and new all the time now ... especially as I work from home. Has your taste changed? Me? I'm liking Cassidy and Jeezy, but I've got a lot of Barry White and Guy and Mariah in my life, too.
cheers,
Danyel
Comments
What's a Music Critic's Relationship to Music?
It all started with getting a few free CD's for me. I also operate a site called imissthe80s.com in addition to thabiz and the sections I write for at Bella.
I find that I write reviews best when it's a genre of music I enjoy or an artist I enjoy. On the 80's side anything Duran, 80's British new wave (just reviewed the best of culture club CD & DVD), I'm really happy. But send me something I have never heard of and it's a toss up. I was pleasantly suprised by Sinead O'Connor's latest CD Duets, and I had never heard of the artist Esthero until I received a review copy.
Back to just getting a few free CD's. In the beginning around 2001, I couldn't say no. When labels or publicists or new artists would ask me if I was interested in reviewing something I would just say sure. Now I am more selective but that doesn't stop the flow of CD's that arrive.
I guess I am rambling huh?
"What's a Music Critic's Relationship to Music?"
I think the critic has to enjoy the music and sometimes it helps if they know a little background on the artist and the music. I recently reviewed Slim Thugs "Already Platinum" and was able to incorporate a little background information into my review.
The critic also has to be not burnt out. Sometimes if I have a laundry basket of CD's and DVD's and books I am supposed to be reviewing I will get burnt out and just say anything. Not in a bad way but just a lot of that filler and prose just enough to please the person anticipating the review. I put a lot of extra thought and effort into reviews I know are for someone elses publication or site.
Anyway, just my 2 cents. I feel like such a music writer newbie compared to you and Kim who are hanging out here at SOHH. I never wanted to be a reviewer or critic, it just kinda happened and now i am hooked trying to tastefully become a Top 500 reviewer at Amazon (im currently like #688 took me 4-ever to break top 1000)
Passion helps. Sometimes I hear something and can't wait to write the review.
These are the CD's I'm rocking right now, Missy's latest, the Culture Club Greatest Hits, Pet Shop Boys Pop Art, Cam'Ron Purple Haze, Mariah, Punk Goes the 80s, Billy Idol Devil's Playground, Esthero, Tears for Fears The Hurting, Adam Ant -Manners and Physique, DJ Quik-Quik is the Name, NWA-Efilfzaggin, I'm in a real early 90's kind of mood. I grew a bit tired of my Cassidy rather quik but really like "6 Minutes." I also have been rocking the singles "Pon De Replay" and Lil Kims "Shut Up Chick." That song makes me mad happy and I am waiting for Kim's new album. I would like to listen to some Tribe Called Quest but am too lazy to look in the closet for it.
I will admit I am a bit of a soft critic at times. This is because I am an artist too so I am just real indifferent about saying anything really bad about something because I look at everything as art and there was a time I let bad reviews bother me but I found a solution that works quite well-I dont even read my book reviews anymore, I just know I sell books so I don't even worry. I mean you can't change a bad review, trust me I have tried to get reviewers to change there review, but luckily I have had more good than bad.
Just my take on things.
Dorrie Williams-Wheeler
www.sparkledoll.com
www.thabiz.com
Posted by: Dorrie Williams-Wheeler | July 21, 2005 11:13 PM
I guess that sounded bad. I do read my reviews like my one book is going to be in Seventeen and I think Pregnancy Today and I will check that out, I gues the reviews I mean I don't read is the Amazon reviews. I have nothing to be scared of there was just a time I let reviews upset me and stress me and I'm not ashamed to admit I have wrote a few reviewers like "Why?" but that was a long time ago. I'm better now. Everyone isn't gonna like your stuff. I'm enjoying this little blog, I am supposed to be doing something else and have found an entertaining distraction.
Dorrie Williams-Wheeler
www.sparkledoll.com
Posted by: Dorrie Williams-Wheeler | July 21, 2005 11:19 PM
"I'm liking Cassidy and Jeezy"
I guess you like 'authenticity'.
Posted by: Some Guy | July 22, 2005 07:09 AM
You're liking Cassidy and Jeezy Just like the MACHINE wants you too.
ALL THAT MUSIC out there and you feeling two people being promoted to death, interesting
Posted by: Diggiti | July 27, 2005 10:12 PM
Trust me Dorrie, it's lonely at the top.
Posted by: critic #1 at amazon | July 29, 2005 05:13 PM
yeah Diggiti and Guy..is this chic for real? I'm likin Jeezy??? WTF? What in the world is there to like about Jeezy? What about some critics who don't fellatiate over the music industry please?
Posted by: skeptic | September 22, 2005 03:46 AM
yes.this is my site http://zenegra.idletomozg.dyndns.us/generic_sildenafil_citrate_work.html Thanks.
Posted by: online sildenafil citrate | September 26, 2005 07:32 AM
yes.this is my site http://zenegra.idletomozg.dyndns.us/sildenafil_citrate_process_ingrediants_cherry_fruit_patent.html Thanks.
Posted by: mail order sildenafil citrate | September 26, 2005 01:15 PM
yes.this is my site http://zenegra.vzhopebananukarla.comip.us/comparison_between_vardenafil_sildenafil.html Thanks.
Posted by: sildenafil citrate tablet | September 28, 2005 11:04 AM
yes.this is my site http://zenegra.vzhopebananukarla.comip.us/generic_sildenafil_citrate_overnight.html Thanks.
Posted by: more pill sperm zenegra | September 28, 2005 11:14 AM
yes.this is my site http://zenegra.vzhopebananukarla.comip.us/cheap__sildenafil_citrate.html Thanks.
Posted by: sildenafil 3mg kg | September 28, 2005 11:22 AM
yes.this is my site http://zenegra.vzhopebananukarla.comip.us/sildenafil_citrate_soft_tabs.html Thanks.
Posted by: reputable pharmacy on line for sildenafil | September 28, 2005 11:30 AM
directly sildenafil citrate sevenseas http://zenegra.vzhopebananukarla.comip.us/sildenafil_women.html where to buy sildenafil on line bulk sildenafil http://zenegra.vzhopebananukarla.comip.us/sildenafil_free_shopping_mall.html and .... sildenafil side effects women grapefruit & sildenafil http://zenegra.vzhopebananukarla.comip.us/cheapest_citrate_sildenafil.html sildenafil research sildenafil citrate process cherry fruit patent http://zenegra.vzhopebananukarla.comip.us/directly.html over night sildenafil citrate mail order sildenafil citrate http://zenegra.vzhopebananukarla.comip.us/cheapest_sildenafil_citrate.html .Thanks.
Posted by: bulk sildenafil | September 28, 2005 01:06 PM
zyban advantage plan zyban and information and wellbutrin http://zyban.sukivikrug.sysopworld.com/zyban_prices.html side effects of alcohol zyban gain i taking weight will zyban http://zyban.sukivikrug.sysopworld.com/zyban_pill.html and .... zyban and wellbutrin same ingredients free sample zyban http://zyban.sukivikrug.sysopworld.com/information_on__zyban.html effectiveness effects side smoking zyban zyban works http://zyban.sukivikrug.sysopworld.com/zyban_wellbutrin_prozac_sarafem_errors.html bupropion hci zyban online question zyban http://zyban.sukivikrug.sysopworld.com/zyban_feedback.html .Thanks.
Posted by: online question zyban | September 29, 2005 03:23 AM
zyban efectos secundarios zyban vs wellbutrin http://zyban.sukivikrug.sysopworld.com/use_zyban.html abd death zyban zyban price http://zyban.sukivikrug.sysopworld.com/non_prescription_zyban.html and .... zyban price short term side effect of zyban http://zyban.sukivikrug.sysopworld.com/bipolar_zyban.html zyban cost free zyban http://zyban.sukivikrug.sysopworld.com/effects_side_tmj_zyban.html cheapest zyban bipolar zyban http://zyban.sukivikrug.sysopworld.com/abd_death_zyban.html .Thanks.
Posted by: buy zyban online | September 29, 2005 03:29 AM
how long should i take zyban zyban and weight http://zyban.sukivikrug.sysopworld.com/order_zyban.html info on zyban zyban interaction http://zyban.sukivikrug.sysopworld.com/zyban_cost.html and .... pill prescription zyban picture zyban http://zyban.sukivikrug.sysopworld.com/zyban_wellbutrin_prozac_sarafem_errors.html taking zyban zyban recommended dosage http://zyban.sukivikrug.sysopworld.com/zyban_drug.html zyban medication zyban and paxil http://zyban.sukivikrug.sysopworld.com/zyban_price.html .Thanks.
Posted by: side effects to zyban | September 29, 2005 03:34 AM
buspar zyban zyban work http://zyban.sukivikrug.sysopworld.com/zyban_short_term_side_effects.html buspar zyban wellbutrin zyban http://zyban.sukivikrug.sysopworld.com/zyban_and_wellbutrin_same_ingredients.html and .... picture zyban effects rash side zyban http://zyban.sukivikrug.sysopworld.com/generic_zyban.html by canada in mail zyban how long should i take zyban http://zyban.sukivikrug.sysopworld.com/zyban_cost.html nicotine-free pill zyban smoking prescription quit overdose zyban http://zyban.sukivikrug.sysopworld.com/zyban_work.html .Thanks.
Posted by: instructions for zyban | September 29, 2005 03:39 AM
zyban social stigma buy zyban online canada http://zyban.sukivikrug.sysopworld.com/zyban_directions_quitting_smoking.html zyban anleitung deutsch download effectiveness zyban http://zyban.sukivikrug.sysopworld.com/zyban_side_affect.html and .... how does zyban work zyban really work http://zyban.sukivikrug.sysopworld.com/zyban_faq.html info on zyban zyban interaction http://zyban.sukivikrug.sysopworld.com/about_zyban.html short term side effect of zyban bupropion zyban http://zyban.sukivikrug.sysopworld.com/foreign_zyban_no_prescription.html .Thanks.
Posted by: web site zyban | September 29, 2005 03:44 AM
propecia success rates propecia success http://propecia.sukivikrug.sysopworld.com/propecia_danger.html propecia for hair loss propecia review http://propecia.sukivikrug.sysopworld.com/propecia_effects_permanent.html and .... propecia pharmacy propecia and results http://propecia.sukivikrug.sysopworld.com/propecia_sale.html propecia ireland effects of propecia http://propecia.sukivikrug.sysopworld.com/propecia_danger.html propecia online prescription propecia effects permanent http://propecia.sukivikrug.sysopworld.com/canadian_propecia.html .Thanks.
Posted by: propecia side effect body hair | September 29, 2005 05:25 AM
propecia discussion propecia picture http://propecia.sukivikrug.sysopworld.com/propecia_and_hair_growth.html do generic propecia work propecia zinc http://propecia.sukivikrug.sysopworld.com/propecia_canada.html and .... cheapest propecia propecia test http://propecia.sukivikrug.sysopworld.com/generic_drugs_no_prescription_propecia.html propecia rogaine retin birth defects caused by propecia http://propecia.sukivikrug.sysopworld.com/propecia_review.html propecia effects propecia efectos secundarios http://propecia.sukivikrug.sysopworld.com/propecia_review.html .Thanks.
Posted by: propecia effects permanent | September 29, 2005 05:31 AM
propecia pills propecia warnings http://propecia.sukivikrug.sysopworld.com/propecia_supplement.html lowest price propecia is propecia safe http://propecia.sukivikrug.sysopworld.com/generic_propecia_effective.html and .... effects of propecia propecia and sperm mutation http://propecia.sukivikrug.sysopworld.com/propecia_sale.html propecia supplement opinions on propecia http://propecia.sukivikrug.sysopworld.com/propecia_for_sale.html propecia uk propecia without a prescription http://propecia.sukivikrug.sysopworld.com/discount_propecia.html .Thanks.
Posted by: winny winstrol hair loss propecia | September 29, 2005 05:36 AM
propecia side-effects propecia irritability http://propecia.sukivikrug.sysopworld.com/is_propecia_safe.html propecia effects propecia vs_ proscar http://propecia.sukivikrug.sysopworld.com/topical_propecia.html and .... proscar or propecia purchase propecia http://propecia.sukivikrug.sysopworld.com/propecia_active_ingredients.html finasteride propecia scientific studies get propecia http://propecia.sukivikrug.sysopworld.com/cheapest_propecia.html propecia propak effects propecia sexual side http://propecia.sukivikrug.sysopworld.com/how_propecia_works.html .Thanks.
Posted by: prescription drug patent expiration propecia | September 29, 2005 05:42 AM
yes.this is my site http://propecia.pipiska.ourbox.net/cheap_propecia_online.html Thanks.
Posted by: generic propecia alternative | October 1, 2005 01:30 PM
yes.this is my site http://proscar.pipiska.ourbox.net/side_effects_of_taking_proscar.html Thanks.
Posted by: drug proscar | October 1, 2005 01:35 PM
yes.this is my site http://zenegra.pipiska.ourbox.net/more_pill_sperm_zenegra.html Thanks.
Posted by: natural source of sildenafil citrate | October 1, 2005 01:40 PM
yes.this is my site http://zenegra.pipiska.ourbox.net/sildenafil_nasal_congestion.html Thanks.
Posted by: mexican sildenafil citrate | October 1, 2005 01:46 PM
yes.this is my site http://zenegra.pipiska.ourbox.net/cialis_generico_sildenafil.html Thanks.
Posted by: sildenafil citrate prices | October 1, 2005 01:53 PM
yes.this is my site http://propecia.pipiska.ourbox.net/propecia_sperm_count.html Thanks.
Posted by: rogaine vs propecia | October 1, 2005 01:54 PM
yes.this is my site http://proscar.pipiska.ourbox.net/buy_proscar.html Thanks.
Posted by: non rx proscar | October 1, 2005 01:57 PM
yes.this is my site http://zenegra.pipiska.ourbox.net/cialis_generico_sildenafil.html Thanks.
Posted by: online sildenafil citrate | October 1, 2005 02:05 PM
yes.this is my site http://zyban.pipiska.ourbox.net/zyban_directions_quitting_smoking.html Thanks.
Posted by: side effects of alcohol zyban | October 1, 2005 02:13 PM
yes.this is my site http://proscar.pipiska.ourbox.net/proscar_effectiveness.html Thanks.
Posted by: proscar canine medication | October 1, 2005 02:14 PM
yes.this is my site http://zyban.pipiska.ourbox.net/zyban_weight_loss.html Thanks.
Posted by: zyban mpg | October 1, 2005 02:19 PM
yes.this is my site http://zenegra.pipiska.ourbox.net/sildenafil_research.html Thanks.
Posted by: where to order sildenafil without a doctor | October 1, 2005 02:21 PM
yes.this is my site http://proscar.pipiska.ourbox.net/proscar__manufacturer.html Thanks.
Posted by: non rx proscar | October 1, 2005 02:27 PM
yes.this is my site http://propecia.pipiska.ourbox.net/propecia_drug.html Thanks.
Posted by: propecia patent expiration | October 1, 2005 02:35 PM
yes.this is my site http://zyban.pipiska.ourbox.net/nicorette_zyban.html Thanks.
Posted by: zyban without prescription | October 1, 2005 02:44 PM
yes.this is my site http://zyban.pipiska.ourbox.net/zyban_efectos_secundarios.html Thanks.
Posted by: zyban instructions | October 1, 2005 02:48 PM
yes.this is my site http://proscar.pipiska.ourbox.net/index.html Thanks.
Posted by: proscar 15mg | October 1, 2005 02:57 PM
yes.this is my site http://propecia.pipiska.ourbox.net/propecia_generic_brand_$270.html Thanks.
Posted by: propecia proscar | October 1, 2005 03:02 PM
yes.this is my site http://proscar.pipiska.ourbox.net/proscar_side_effects.html Thanks.
Posted by: proscar drug | October 1, 2005 03:11 PM
yes.this is my site http://propecia.pipiska.ourbox.net/will_propecia_1mg_work.html Thanks.
Posted by: propecia dosage | October 1, 2005 03:13 PM
yes.this is my site http://proscar.pipiska.ourbox.net/buy_proscar.html Thanks.
Posted by: drug proscar | October 1, 2005 03:20 PM
yes.this is my site http://zyban.pipiska.ourbox.net/zyban_quit_smoking.html Thanks.
Posted by: zyban drinking | October 1, 2005 03:26 PM
yes.this is my site http://propecia.pipiska.ourbox.net/propecia_patent_expiration.html Thanks.
Posted by: propecia for male baldness | October 1, 2005 03:28 PM
yes.this is my site http://zenegra.chempionblya.thebbs.org/cheapest_sildenafil_citrate.html Thanks.
Posted by: sildenafil women | October 5, 2005 12:23 AM
yes.this is my site http://pushkinsasha.latinowebs.com/zenegra/buy_sildenafil_citrate.html Thanks.
Posted by: money order sildenafil citrate | October 6, 2005 04:29 AM
yes.this is my site http://eblomobstol.pcadsl.com.tw/zenegra/mail_order_sildenafil_citrate.html Thanks.
Posted by: citrate over sea sildenafil | October 6, 2005 04:53 AM
yes.this is my site http://1-blog.d2g.biz/zenegra/sildenafil_alternative.html Thanks.
Posted by: sildenafil for impotence | October 7, 2005 03:49 PM
yes.this is my site http://banshi.linux-site.net/zenegra/sildenafil_in_24_hours.html Thanks.
Posted by: sildenafil citrate canada | October 7, 2005 03:57 PM
yes.this is my site http://inkognito.mygamesite.net/zenegra/viagra_levitra_cialis_apcalis_regalis_zenegra.html Thanks.
Posted by: sildenafil citrate 100mg | October 7, 2005 04:07 PM
yes.this is my site http://bablanalexusnehvatilo.idlegames.net/zenegra/sildenafil_citrate_100mg.html Thanks.
Posted by: wholesale sildenafil | October 7, 2005 04:09 PM
yes.this is my site http://metainfa.slave.ca/zenegra/sildenafil_no_prescription.html Thanks.
Posted by: sildenafil side effects | October 10, 2005 01:31 AM
yes.this is my site http://zoloft.gorlum.thebbs.org/zoloft__picture.html Thanks.
Posted by: does zoloft effect the kidneys | October 11, 2005 02:27 AM
yes.this is my site http://soma.kakashechka.bbs.us/soma_sleep.html Thanks.
Posted by: soma overdose | October 11, 2005 07:27 AM
yes.this is my site http://opaopavottakzhopa.islandmix.com/flomax/better_flomax_sex.html Thanks.
Posted by: by flomax march posted | October 13, 2005 12:15 PM
I agree with you the way you view the issue. I remember Jack London once said everything positive has a negative side; everything negative has positive side. It is also interesting to see different viewpoints & learn useful things in the discussion.
Posted by: penis enlargement | October 21, 2005 10:04 AM
yes.this is my site http://chpoer.nerdcamp.net/5/print_sildenafil_citrate_order_form.html Thanks.
Posted by: cheapest viagra substitute sildenafil | October 25, 2005 09:18 AM
yes.this is my site http://pupsik.mp4.com.tw/5/sildenafil_citrate_lithium.html Thanks.
Posted by: india sildenafil | October 25, 2005 09:20 AM