Thoughts On The Art of Music Criticism

Music criticism is a peculiar thing. Check out most reviews and they'll usually reference similar sounding bands. In fact RIYL is now almost as well known an acronym as LMAO or LOL. What is it about music criticism that constantly harks back to artists that have gone before? When reviewing the launch of a new food product critics don't mention other products that it reminds them of. Wine critics have a whole vocabulary to describe wine but never reference wines that have gone before.

Imagine Marmite reviewed by a music critic. It's probably go something like this:

'It tastes like the shit of a mountain yak with a yeast infection. It's like the progeny of a one night stand between Vegemite and Bovril!'

It's as if music critics are victims of Amazon disease, a wierd compulsion to highlight similar products. Maybe it's because historically music has been tribal, mods -v- rocker, punks -v- hippies, indie -v- cock rock, maybe it's because it's a neat way to help unknown bands to attract a wider audience, or maybe it's because it's easier for music journos to get the point across.

Whatever the reason it ain't gonna change and you can guarantee that the Devil's next post will have multiple reference to similar sounding bands.