When Good Reviews Go Bad
Very, very bad
Reviewing the arts, whether theatre production or concert, is an artform in itself. If the reviewer is interested in getting people to see, purchase, or participate in something they must always consider the audience when writing. Will the reader stick with them through the review or wander off? The reviewer can often singlehandedly turn someone on or off to an artistic experience prior to the reader actually experiencing the art.
Some reviewers (such as myself, for example) prattle on and on and could use a good editor. Some reviewers keep it short and sweet short, and often viciously cutting. ie… “This show sucks.” Other reviewers have the best of intentions and just never quite get there.
The review I’m about to show you exemplifies the final kind. Incredibly lovely sentiment all tied up in terrible writing and weirdo imagery.
To read the review I’m talking about click here.
Seriously, Fabulous Reader:
He has gentle, all-knowing eyes, eyes that would strike fear in a Stallone festooned with firearms. What dreams is he evoking with his variety of reeds?
It’s not nice to giggle, but you just can’t make this shit up.
If you’d like to read a well-written review of the Ted Hogarth Collective album Misconception as an example of what a review should be, click here and scroll down.
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