Gannon wrote:

Hello! I think I might know the route that took you here

No doubt... I had the site bookmarked for a while but never thought to re-check the forum until the other day. Just on a side-note, I assume it's cool to share the link to the forum? In all reality my doing so (via say Facebook) isn't likely to generate many - if any - new members, but I thought I ask first, just in case.

Gannon wrote:

... and as for your point about us not arguing about who's best, I'm sure it'll only be time, but like to think then when it arise it'll all be done constructively!

I usually find either "it's a shame you can't appreciate XXXX on the same level as I do" or "I'm sorry, I lack the capacity to appreciate XXXX in the same way you do" is a nifty, multi-purpose argument ender -  which also have the option of being accompanied by some appropriate qualifiers, if desired or necessary.

Welcome, friend of Rob. Actually it's Rob we have to thank for clearing a good deal of that spam. The web guy also catches some very weird stuff. Like the Russian that wanted to blackmail me, such was the ease by which he could infiltrate. Erm....see ya!

As to the arguments - give us time. We'll get there. I think it's healthy enough. It's a good way of dredging up your innermost reasons for liking/disliking certain bands. Plus I'm really not convinced by the 'personal taste' thing. I think there is an objective level to musical critique, I really do. I mean The Beatles just ARE better than Take That. You can't say it's just a matter of taste. They are.

Gone Wishing - be most welcome

Gone Wishing wrote:

^ Thanks. .. I personally have little capacity to be objective when it comes to music, lol. For me, music has to be a completely subjective experience because it’s a sensory experience that is ultimately solitary, and thus relates directly to what it invokes on that level - i.e. see, think, feel, just as much as what I hear - when I listen to it. By that reasoning I have to consider everyone's experience with music unique and therefore impossible to judge :

Guess I'll never be a reviewer.

I have a lot of thoughts and theories regarding reviewing and music writing generally. Personally I think that there are a lot of generic reviews. By this I mean technically fine, well written pieces that to my mind are unsatisfying. Part of the reason why [sic] even exists was a pipe-dream I had of bringing all manner of passionate people together. I value a love of music over and above an ability to be verbose. The tricky part, if music makes you feel something – is explaining those feelings in words. When I started, I always strived for poetic, feeling-based writing. But with all the time pressures I still find myself sucked back into formulaic stuff.

The point being – if you love music, and want to express it, but you feel you “can’t review” – you’re probably exactly what we’re looking for.

I will leave any 'tapping up' in the capable hands of Rob