I tried to think of an example of my loving a critically unappreciated album, sure there would be many. But all I could think of was Earthspan by the Incredible String Band. The critics loved their early stuff for its weird, whimsical, pysch-folk, but rejected Earthspan as too conventional. Which it wasn't, except in comparison to their earlier works. What they failed to notice was the solid songs, the superior vocals, the tasteful arrangements. A lack of painfully cute lyrics and grating vocals (by Robin mostly) were all plusses in my book. I still occasionally play it and enjoy it, but have given up waiting for a critical re-assessment.
I'm not sure it's a matter of preferring lofi to well-produced. some bands/labels don't have the juice for well-produced albums, which usually involve lots more studio time than indies can afford. it doesn't mean listeners don't have valid reasons for liking those indies (saw them live, songs spoke to them, etc). most listeners can like both. As for the Shaggs, that's just a clear preference for outsider art.
"some bands/labels don't have the juice for well-produced albums"
That is true and I do take that into consideration. My love of early reggae records has little to do with the primitive recording techniques. I guess my point re: GBV and fans, has more to do with the deliberate choice. You know, the ol' "Stones haven't made a good record since 'Aftermath" crowd.
And I think this comment and the one prior were meant for the other post.
Sal- I know I've recommended Tuk Smith a few times on this board over the past year. I love 'em. Until I read this, I never really caught the Bon Jovi similarity. Now you spoiled them for me (kidding!).
8 comments:
That's great! I never heard of them before, YouTube has a lot to check out.
I tried to think of an example of my loving a critically unappreciated album, sure there would be many. But all I could think of was Earthspan by the Incredible String Band.
The critics loved their early stuff for its weird, whimsical, pysch-folk, but rejected Earthspan as too conventional.
Which it wasn't, except in comparison to their earlier works. What they failed to notice was the solid songs, the superior vocals, the tasteful arrangements.
A lack of painfully cute lyrics and grating vocals (by Robin mostly) were all plusses in my book.
I still occasionally play it and enjoy it, but have given up waiting for a critical re-assessment.
I'm not sure it's a matter of preferring lofi to well-produced. some bands/labels don't have the juice for well-produced albums, which usually involve lots more studio time than indies can afford. it doesn't mean listeners don't have valid reasons for liking those indies (saw them live, songs spoke to them, etc). most listeners can like both. As for the Shaggs, that's just a clear preference for outsider art.
"some bands/labels don't have the juice for well-produced albums"
That is true and I do take that into consideration. My love of early reggae records has little to do with the primitive recording techniques. I guess my point re: GBV and fans, has more to do with the deliberate choice. You know, the ol' "Stones haven't made a good record since 'Aftermath" crowd.
And I think this comment and the one prior were meant for the other post.
Classic Nederbeat from the Low Countries!
That Q65 track is awesome. Thanks - another eye opener.
Sal- I know I've recommended Tuk Smith a few times on this board over the past year. I love 'em. Until I read this, I never really caught the Bon Jovi similarity. Now you spoiled them for me (kidding!).
And I just realized I posted this under the wrong topic
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