d. bash wrote:

<<I guess what I try when I write reviews is to use reference points as a 
platform from which to draw upon, but expand upon these with some nuggets that 
help paint a clearer picture of the actual essence of this disc, and
what might define it as being different from the band(s) which have been 
referenced.>>

In my opinion, some discs lend themselves to direct artist comparisons more 
than others (ie, just try to write a review of the Spongetones' BEAT MUSIC 
without mentioning the Beatles, or Jeff Foskett without referencing the Beach 
Boys). 

 Honestly, I don't hear a lot of current bands that sound EXACTLY like 
Raspberries or Badfinger or Big Star (except for maybe a song here or there), so I 
try to avoid those tried-and-true power pop comparisons as much as possible.  
But I think that *some* reference points are good, and can be helpful for the 
reader.  Otherwise, it's back to the oh-so-tired "chiming guitars, sweet 
harmonies and more hooks than a tackle box" descriptions.  Yuck.

I guess what I'm saying (I think) is that it's good for writers to try to 
find some sort of balance between reference points and sound.  To wit: I just 
reviewed the upcoming Ed James CD for my column in AMPLIFIER.  (I think the disc 
is absolutely dreadful, by the way, a major disappointment after James' first 
two fine efforts.)

There is one song that is very obviously a Cars ripoff, so not to mention 
Ocasek and company in my review seemed disingenuous.  There's another where poor 
Ed (who sings like Dennis DeYoung's wimpy 'lil bro anyway) steals MAJOR bits 
from Styx's "The Best of Times."  Again, how can you NOT mention it?  But when 
Ed broke out the big riffing guitars on a Southern-type boogie number called 
"Swimsuit Body and a Catfish Head" (it's as bad as it sounds, yes), I didn't 
necessarily feel the need to run to my extensive Southern rock LP 
collection---OK, I don't *have* a Southern rock LP collection, but you know what I'm 
saying---to find a song or an act that Ed's song sounded like.  I think I just called 
it "dreadfully hamfisted boogie rock" and left it at that.

JB
np: Eugene Edwards - "My Favorite Revolution"....Album of the Year, thus 
far...