Blogcritics: Comments on Nothing spells "hard rock" more than Ron Wood in a fuchsia outfit.

Comment by Alan Kellog

Fri, 5 Dec 2003 04:45:02 EST

Going back in time, we have that "Journey to the Center of the Earth" atrocity by that keyboardist from Yes. The Kevin Costner of the Moog. BTW, google "Dark Dungeons" sometime. lots of parodies, diatribes, and "tributes" to enjoy.

Comment by Eric Olsen

Thu, 4 Dec 2003 13:00:40 EST

or drum for the Ramones

Comment by Mark Saleski

Thu, 4 Dec 2003 12:51:04 EST

i just may have to kill both of you.

Comment by Tom Johnson

Thu, 4 Dec 2003 12:47:18 EST

I think "Marky" can only be used if he has a Funky Bunch.

Comment by Eric Olsen

Thu, 4 Dec 2003 12:25:26 EST

I'd say Tom did an exceptional job of explaining my vague discomfort with things like this, even when I agree with much of the assessment. And "Marky" is only a term of purest endearment.

Comment by Tom Johnson

Thu, 4 Dec 2003 11:22:51 EST

I hate lists like this. This is the kind of thing that gives critics a bad name, showing their elitist snobbery as if it's something to be proud of. I disagree strongly with a large amount of this list. ELP's Tarkus is, if not a great album (the filler is forgettable,) a great half-album. Pearl Jam's Vitalogy? That is a great album, period. If you're going to pick on a PJ album, it should be No Code. I like it, but I can see how people wouldn't. There's not a damn thing wrong with Vitalogy save for maybe "Bugs" and that "Heysexymophandle .. . whatever" song - complete wastes of space. And I like Townshend's Psychoderelict. Ignore the "story" and just listen to the music, it's good stuff (or just buy the version without the distracting narrative.) Genesis' Calling All Stations was okay, not great, but the best thing the band had done since Abacab, that's for sure. And Ray Wilson has a gorgeous voice. People didn't like it more because it was proggy than anything else. The list is basically pure BS. He doesn't give any real reasons for why these albums are the "worst," he just makes fun of them. This is what small-minded people do for fun. If he'd justify his claims by backing them up with actual analysis of what makes the music bad, I'd have no problem with his views. Good criticism informs the reader, regardless of whether the critic winds up giving a thumbs-up or thumbs-down. Bad criticism just makes a mockery of its subject matter. This is bad criticism (regardless of the humor intended in the piece.)

Comment by Mark Saleski

Thu, 4 Dec 2003 11:03:03 EST

Any of you guys call me Marky and I'll kill ya

Comment by Eric Olsen

Thu, 4 Dec 2003 10:52:46 EST

ah, now I see it in the dishonorable mention, nevermind

Comment by Eric Olsen

Thu, 4 Dec 2003 10:51:09 EST

I agree "Vitalogy" has merit, but Marky, "St. Anger" isn't on the list. Is this somehow Freudian?

Comment by JR

Thu, 4 Dec 2003 10:27:16 EST

Damn, I've only got nine of them. I'm definitely glad "Stormbringer" was recorded. It's got at least four great songs and some fine guitar work, even if Blackmore was phoning it in.

Comment by Mark Saleski

Thu, 4 Dec 2003 10:02:04 EST

oh no....well, i guess is Tom Johnson can admit to watching Average Joe, than i can admit to owning and liking: Psychoderelict Dirty Work Vitalogy (which has "Spin The Black Circle"...which rocks) Tarkus St. Anger The Pro and Cons of Hitchhiking (ok...i really just like the cover...Waters sounds to me like he keeps re-recording The Wall)

Comment by Eric Olsen

Thu, 4 Dec 2003 08:32:03 EST

Those are all pretty much bad, and I'm happy to say I no longer own very many of them. I would distinguish between great artists experimenting - like the Young and Reed and even the Garth Brooks - and just plain pointless crap like most of the rest.

Comment by Tim Hall

Thu, 4 Dec 2003 08:23:12 EST

Eeek! I've actually got three of those!