How important are rock critics?

[MCFCTrick]

Back in the day there were several in Sounds, NME, Melody Maker and even Kerrang! that I would take note of their reviews. Mainly those I knew shared similar likes.

As the OP pointed out though, that was pre internet days, and I couldn't name you a single critic out there.

 

[Magic]

Back in the day there were several in Sounds, NME, Melody Maker and even Kerrang! that I would take note of their reviews. Mainly those I knew shared similar likes.

As the OP pointed out though, that was pre internet days, and I couldn't name you a single critic out there.

I Also struggle to name any critics. My old gray cells won’t retain important names, let alone try to remember useless names.

 

[Nai Noswad]

Reading these great past posts, kinda confirms to me how I miss sourcing hearing and purchasing music. I used to frequent 12 or so shops back in the day... and order import stuff - of all genres. Through that you struck up conversation and friendships.. and gained knowledge.
.... And I'm not a dinasour who will only accept things one way..... but with all these 'advancements'... It's your fingers and thumbs talking.... not yer' mouth!

 

[MCFCTrick]

Reading these great past posts, kinda confirms to me how I miss sourcing hearing and purchasing music. I used to frequent 12 or so shops back in the day... and order import stuff - of all genres. Through that you struck up conversation and friendships.. and gained knowledge.
.... And I'm not a dinasour who will only accept things one way..... but with all these 'advancements'... It's your fingers and thumbs talking.... not yer' mouth!

Oh for the old record shops uh? We were lucky to have so many in Manchester back in the day. (Yanks/Powercuts) was a favourite for Rock fans.) And often you would get to know the guys and girls selling stuff to you, and could get lots of advice and often a 'if you like that, have a listen to this' moments. Priceless.

I guess some of that occurs online in forums like this too though, so not totally lost, but the excitement of going into town on a Saturday to browse them is forever lost generally.

 

[Old Nick]

I had to sell or gave away my collection years ago before leaving...So I guess I'm lucky to revisit them from Youtube and some music sources. But I miss my LP records. And have sour and regretful feelings sometimes. I can't do anything about that but it's fine.
I think it's important to listen to music conosseurs and critics in order to earn knowledge and perspective,not focus only on my own music background.
There are great people with tons of music and experiences in this forum,and it's always something new,something old to check and enjoy. Rock n' Roll!!

 

[Rhett Oracle]

I can't remember ever having bought a record because a critic said it was good. "Those who can rock, do. The rest write about it in rock magazines."

 

[TageRyche]

I like rock critics AT TIMES. And I say this since I kind of sort of am one myself, writing reviews for KNAC (dot) COM and Limelight Magazine (dot) com.


Do other critics definitely determine what I definitely will buy? Not always but a well written review can certainly pique my interest and can help me decide if I will buy something.

I was at a book signing on September 8th and during the Q&A with the mystery/thriller author, I asked a question. Before answering, she turned to the crowd and introduced me by saying, "This is (my name), a rock star music critic who's been with me since my first book." Certainly not necessary but it was definitely cool.

 

[dr wu]

BeatleMatt and Saiyan mentioned meaningful discussions so I wanted to weigh in on critics.
While I don't use them usually to persuade me to buy or not buy music from artists I like ,I do enjoy a well written article on bands and artists and their music.
Someone earlier in this thread said that critics were useless saying that those who can do and the rest write about it. I dont think that's fair. Many people if they are starting out on their musical journey really dont know much so the writing can be helpful at times ,but I do agree that if a critic is just panning or being mean then its not helpful. So as always it depends on the words and is subjective.

 

[dr wu]

Not a critic but a post by Ian Anderson on what AI is doing to music.

Jethro Tull's Ian Anderson warns fans about AI content of him

Jethro Tull frontman Ian Anderson has warned fans about "insidious" AI content of him circulating on social media, which he has instructed them to ignore.

faroutmagazine.co.uk