@The Grim I don't think that P4k needs to, should be, or frankly, can be ignored. In fact, I don't have the bone to pick with P4k that many writers and music fans feel. I don't always agree with their reviews, but I admire them and think they have some very good writers in their midst.
I understand Sarah's frustration here, however. As someone who enthusiastically champions local bands, it's super exciting to see one that you've followed start gaining broader attention. But when a bigger publication like P4k moves in and slams a band like that -- well, that can be devastating. Night Canopy is a good example: that record and Cave Singers were both Pretty Girls Make Graves offshoot bands, and both released records last year. Night Canopy got a 5, Cave Singers got a 6.8. Guess which band is flourishing? I'm not saying P4k is entirely to blame, but I would bet that Night Canopy would have sparked a lot more national interest if they'd gotten a strong review. {Incidentally, I liked that record quite a bit.}
So -- it's not P4k's fault that they're so influential, but it IS frustrating as a fan to see a performer you're cheering for get potentially squashed.
Which is entirely relevant, whether you want it to be or not, ya know?
Reviews
imaginary dana said on June 30, 2008:
@The Grim I don't think that P4k needs to, should be, or frankly, can be ignored. In fact, I don't have the bone to pick with P4k that many writers and music fans feel. I don't always agree with their reviews, but I admire them and think they have some very good writers in their midst.
I understand Sarah's frustration here, however. As someone who enthusiastically champions local bands, it's super exciting to see one that you've followed start gaining broader attention. But when a bigger publication like P4k moves in and slams a band like that -- well, that can be devastating. Night Canopy is a good example: that record and Cave Singers were both Pretty Girls Make Graves offshoot bands, and both released records last year. Night Canopy got a 5, Cave Singers got a 6.8. Guess which band is flourishing? I'm not saying P4k is entirely to blame, but I would bet that Night Canopy would have sparked a lot more national interest if they'd gotten a strong review. {Incidentally, I liked that record quite a bit.}
So -- it's not P4k's fault that they're so influential, but it IS frustrating as a fan to see a performer you're cheering for get potentially squashed.
Which is entirely relevant, whether you want it to be or not, ya know?