Also how can you possibly defend being ‘wrong’ with a claim of being subjective and opinionated? If I was to publish an editorial explaining my views on how smoking prevents cancer, the fact that it is only an opinion does not mean that being incorrect is any more ‘acceptable’ or ‘valid’. “Silverchair have as much chance of regaining the popularity they once enjoyed as England have of retaining the Rugby World Cup” – but of course, I have the benefit of hindsight do I not?

Finally, all this talk about opinions etc. does not remove the fact that this review is just plain badly written. The only actual mention of any aspect of the music in Young Modern is the complaint about the rhyming of ‘day, way, say and grey’ – as much as I would be impressed by the rhyming of daytime, path. speak, and grey – alas that is not how ‘rhyming’ works.

Really, Shawn Murtough isn’t providing his opinions, he is just complaining. Too bad having to read through it isn’t much fun.

In regards to this comment “So either you have not critically examined Shawn’s review, or you accept and/or share his views. Do you mean to say that the merit of a site such as this should be judged by ignoring its worst examples?”

Well – it’s really irrelevant whether anyone agrees with Shawn’s review or not. It’s Shawn’s opinion, and if he wants to talk about the Rugby instead of the music then thats fine by me – that in itself speaks a million words about how bad the music is..

It’s not even about being wrong or right, though. It’s an opinion, a subjective thing. Whether you agree or disagree with the way the reviewer thinks about music is what makes a criticism “valid”. There is very little science about it. (This is all my opinion, by the way. Also, sorry if it seems I am being a little aggressive towards you, it’s just something I feel strongly about.)

I accept that Shawn Murtough has this point of view, I can understand someone may feel this way about an album, any album.

(In retrospect it’s quite funny how close England DID come to retaining the rugby world cup.)

Please don’t go down the same path as Pitchfork Media…

One review does not a site make – whether that review is good or bad.

Of course in the highly improbable chance that I am incorrect, and that your reviews ARE meant to constitute meaningful criticism – everyone is entitled to their own opinions, and clearly you enjoy being wrong.

silverchair wouldn’t want your 1%.

TLOBF is always on the look out for new writers so by all means if you fancy writing a few reviews then get in Touch. Its not as easy as you might think. Great when you get a decent album that gives you something to write about, but not so good when you are sent something that in every sense is a load of old cack.
Of course to form an opinion you have to actually listen to it in the first place, but lets face it if everyone enjoyed the same things life would be pretty forward.