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Biography & why I write reviews:: I'm a composer, recording studio owner, guitarist/upright bassist who has studied theory / harmony for 2 decades, spent years practicing with a metronome, and have played everything from Finnish tangos to jazz fusion. I write 21st century chamber music, and perform regularly with a tango group and a progressive metal band. My 'day job' (I'm a VP with a large financial institution) finances my addiction to recording and my CD habit. I own CD's ranging from ABBA to Zoetrope. I have wasted inordinately large amounts of money buying CD's recommended by 'reviewers' who base their 'reviews' on narrow fields of reference, couched in 'sounds like (insert band)' references, or, worse, blanket statements exhorting me to 'buy it' based on their recommendation alone. My EARS:
2: Mediocre: competently executed but doesn't deliver as promised or meet expectations; derivative or generic musically/lyrically 3: Average: offers solid production values; demonstrates ability to be original and/or musically/lyrically competent; makes appropriate choices 4: Excellent: original compositions and pristine production values; musically mature and/or sophisticated; achieves balance between musical and lyrical intent versus stated goals 5: Superb: unique concept married expertly with high level of musicianship and lyrical skill; encourages adherence to their viewpoint/philosophy; demands attention and or repeated listens to appreciate fully Summary: DISCLAIMER: |