NWB - Community Blog

yeh thats what reviews should be like, factual!
This isn't NME
I find venue reviews really valuable, so if we play somewhere for first time we have an idea of what to expect, where we can park, where power points, start/finish times etc etc...however some of the gushing reviews of venues on here are, quite frankly, embarrasing.
Dunno about band reviews...music is very subjective, but if people stick to music, gear, presentation etc dont suppose there's any harm and a positive review is always nice.
I'd like to see more bands putting 'live' videos on here then we can judge for ourselves. Doesn't take much these days. I rarely see a band these days, cos we're out gigging on the main nights, but would be nice to see em on here. I put a few of ours on, some good, some bad...not asking for compliments or criticism...just for interest's sake.

it depends really doesn't it.
In ICE's case we welcome all reviews good or bad as we want to improve our songs and performance.

Others who are just doing it as a bit of a hobby might not be that bothered.

Go get that bucket of water Al, I always read and enjoy reviews and think they are essential to the site ;-)

alyer,we have had a few reviews on here all positive(think you even gave us one actually ooer missus)but i would be gutted if anyone ever said anything negative about us.Anyway,I think reviews are a great source of information when youre going to watch a band.If they've had good reviews then i'll go watch them.I hate going to watch a band that's shite.So keep them going and tell it how it is.Regards Jim S.F.

A good, truly constructive review on here can only be welcomed.

You can spot various the 'cliques' who tear bands new arseholes on Facebook and the like. Not our secene and we know who these people are.

I have always reviewed venues honestly - but have deleted all our old blogs now.

always read 'em.. then again i read everything on here!!! Keep doing them, especially about venues, cos we're just starting out gigging as a general covers band and its good to know what to expect, have a rough idea etc, although i do tend to check out venues myself in advance (is that sad?!)

I know what you mean though when you say 'does anyone read them' I posted one on the 28th and because no-one commented you tend to think no-ones read it but I dont think that is the case, I often read a review but dont usually feel the need to comment on someones opinion....Tex

should stick a counter on there Tex... once they get PMs sorted out!!!.. only joking mr NWB, keep up the good work!

Keep them coming Al.
I think reviews can be good, must admit i am always nervous if someone has seen us and they say they are going to put something up.
Must admit also not had a bad review and i dont know how i would react to one but i suppose honesty is the best policy....Sometimes...lol.
The venue reviews are a mustin my opinion too.

Aiden

I will continue to put up what I see of gigs and the plus/minuses as and if I see them. I really don't give a shit if anyone thinks I'm sucking up. If they think that they know fuck all about me.

Here Here Mick...i like the plusses myself better....lol


Aiden

think I would be kindly critical and just pick out the main issue if I saw a band with a lot of issues, wouldn't wanna dishearten any band that are out there having a go....Tex

what do you mean -"a punter"?-i'll have you know i've never been near oxford or cambridge in my life!! ;-/

buggerrrrr-too late!! mind you-you would mention "piss" and "bucket of beer " in the same blog to me,wouldn't you?? ;-/
(left me "punter" joke on though?-i liked that one!!)

WTF ???????

@THE OUTLAWS-it's a bit complicated, tex-involves falling into large buckets of beer and university types on their "punts"!! -don't ask!! lol!!

Lets hope no-one writes a review on this blog !! lol

okayyy- "reviews"are, methinks, a vital tool for promoting,apreciating and acknowledging the hard work and effort-not to mention the enthusiasm-bands put into their music and the venues put into laying out a platform for such. all my reviews are positive-purely due to the fact that,in my experience, i have yet to see a band that didn't tick sufficient "boxes" to merit positive feedback. when i write a review i take into account my observations of audience reaction, band dynamics, general atmosphere(after talking to audience members at the gig) and my own perception of how it went. personally,i (and others i know) do not care about "glitches", gremlins or technical problems-they happen-in most cases they tend not to impact heavily on the overall performance., in my view. i will not write a negative,critical review of ANY band i see-all bands who have the courage to stand before strangers (in most cases) and play their music-at whatever skill level- deserves respect,methinks.
i read all reviews on here and am, i feel, better informed about the nwb scene, for it.

fookin hell Norseman, take a breath lad....lol....well said tho

@THE OUTLAWS-i firmly believe there are somethings that cannot be coherently expressed in "soundbytes"? is, in my view, an affliction of these modern times-some people are starting to speak in "text speak",as it were-shame when we have one of the most expressive languages in the world? ;-D

tha's reet thee're Mucker!!! ;-)

@the OUTLAWS-sithee-ah knewed y'd catch on reet quick,like!!! ;-P

It depends on what's said, bound to upset somebody.

Venue reviews are probably a good thing, as they can be very imformative.
Band reviews can be hit or miss.

Rob

I'm sick of your reviews Al. They're never accurate and you're always reviewing your "pals". It's all about you at the end of the day. Do you not get sick of hearing your own erm...typing.

People only read them so they can get a feel for the venue before slagging it off in public and then sucking off the landlord in PMs for a gig.

Socialalisnolongermypaltornado

hee hee hee ......ITS STARTED !!!! stands well back....lol

i liked the vuvuzelas....!! i'll get my coat

@armed n ready-there is medication you can take for that, y'know!! ;-P

yep.....Guiness lol

"# Posted by SuicidalTomato - 01/07/2010, 21:21 (GMT)

I'm sick of your reviews Al. They're never accurate and you're always reviewing your "pals". It's all about you at the end of the day. Do you not get sick of hearing your own erm...typing.

People only read them so they can get a feel for the venue before slagging it off in public and then sucking off the landlord in PMs for a gig.

Socialalisnolongermypaltornado"

How DARE you be so......so......so......YOU!!!

I dare. No more Mr Nice Guy!!

Alice Cooper Tribute band? Didn't see that coming. :oO

@ Al, venue reviews for other bands are useful. Band reviews are useful for venues. If you saw a band off here that were below par, would you still review them?,

Ricardo Gazelle.

Al, what are Starngers????

Whilst venue reviews have their uses, surely band reviews are more important? If a band review is worded well enough (and surely just by being present on this site any band review would have a little more substance than a chat with a pissed up punter in a pub?) then there are surely positives that can be taken? If it's downright nasty or offensive then it has no place. But if it's a valid piece of constructive criticism, surely that isn't a bad thing?

When I was in Slipstream (and I know I hark on about 'when I was in...' but that's all I can do seeing as though I'm not in a band at the moment) I used to go out of my way to ask the opinion of quite a few people in the hope that there was something there to help me or the band improve, be it song choices, overall sound or my guitar playing. Though I do appreciate that people are different and some may just want positive comments or nothing at all.

I always like to remember the shit sandwich rule though. If anyone does feel a need to state something that may not be completely complimentary (or may be perceived as such), sandwich it between 2 positive comments...

Fuck me you guys (some of you ) want it all!!
OK ..... I've had a beer and I've not read everything on here but I think I've got the gist .....
few points ......
I've NEVER seen a bad "review" on here ... which makes me think they're pretty useless overall!! (I'm including you Al - and I know u review us regularly ........ i'm not saying you don't tell it like it is ,,, but if it's shite do you say nothing????)!!

Look at the following blog :
Brass Routes at Stockport County Fun Day last weekend
Not one comment ...... how soul destroying is that?? I rememmber putting some Clapton project videos up ages ago and no-one commented ... until I commented something like - come on guys even a slating off would be good..... !!! - cue a few positive comments

If someone tells me I'm shit and should pack up ... of course I'm not going to believe them and carry on ... if someone says you're BRILLIANT..... then same again ... I'd like to think I know how "good" or "bad" we are ...

p.s. I'm as guilty as anyone of all the above!!


p.p.s. what was the question???

Willow

@ AL, I used to go into detail with my reviews but now I really only review the attendance, the Venue then lastly the band because all the bands I have seen off this site are different and very good at what they do. When I REPORT on the 45's, it's thank you to the venue for havin' us and thanks to the NWBers who have made the effort to come and support us.

More important for me, is that, if I'm at a gig and the sound and balance is'nt right, I can offer my advice and if I'm told to fekk off, I will.

Likewise, I appreciate feedback on our sound, earlier the better, so we can sound the best as we can then the tightness is up to us.

Keep reviewing mypal - I'm lookin' for a goodun on Sunday and yes, you can get up with the band if you wish - lol,

Rick.

@ Willow, I think you know what I'm gonna say next ..... lol,

G. Zelle.

@Almepal.......yup, now isn't the time for brutal honesty in reviews......who are we watchin again this weekend??.....PMSL.......tEX pISS.....

YUP and the Fantastic, nay, Fabulous, nay Stupendous, dare I say Incredible 45's at The Fingers Bar in Hindley later on......shudda been a compere ;-)

Ah, the old 'review' chestnut! A few points if I may:-

- The "only submit a review if the band was okay/good" policy is a fair one. You don't want to give an amateur band a slagging based on 1 [possibly unrepresentative] viewing. Could be a bad night or tech problems causing out of tune vocals for example [monitors not working?]. That slagging-off could ruin a band.

- Bands reviewing venues is a good thing in my book. It can be very useful to find out about restricted viewing, lack of power points, difficult load-ins, tiny stage areas etc. Bands are probably better off avoiding saying how well/badly they played but concentrate on what it's like to play a venue, or if the crowd go for new or old songs.

- Mates constantly reviewing the same few bands should generally be avoided. Different bands reviewed at the same venue is better but can be biased towards those lucky enough to get gigs there [eg a venue in Morley, Leeds that will usually only book local bands, but the local reviewer nearly always gives favourable reviews]. All reviews should be taken in context, and factual type comments are always more reliable eg "I didn't know the lead singer played keys", or "band X played lots of modern / classic songs" [delete as appropriate].

- I think venues that I play DO read reviews. This is mainly in Yorkshire so things might be different in t'NW.

JON

I am not a professional music journalist....
I am not a professional reviewer.....
Hell, my typing is crap and my spelling is worse.....
I find if I've had a good night watching one of the bands on here I like to share the experience with you lot.....there is too much negativity in this world and always lots of people to jump on you when you're down....so why not give credit where it's due.....
However, I don't think I would like to slag someone off on this forum, after all it's only MY opinion and we're all in the same boat....
So if I've seen you and given you a good review, it's because you earned it.....if I've seen you and not even mentioned it on here then it's because I thought you were shit.....
Thank you

"Professional" is not a word I would associate with music journalism. lol.

Haha ... hmmmm what did I go and post that for!!?? Ttwo days before the Royal Oak!! What a tosser! No, wait a minute ,,, 00:05 this morning ... aah, it all becomes clear now!!

and Gary ... spot on!!

Willowpissedasafishlastnight

@LGIT-well said, bro. :-D

No Worries Willow, we'll be in the same state on Sunday as you were last night, anyway would I say owt bad about yer mate?........No!!!about you Yes but not about yer mate..... lol

@ Tex, last time we saw the BigFeeesh at the Royal Oak, Willow admitted one of the songs they had just finished was played Shite and we shouted " It wasn't THAT good " - pmsl.

oh yeah! LOL ... forgot about that Rick!
gsoh you have there!!
LOL
Willow

hahahaha !