He hate Mich.
So I'm really not trying to sound all OMG I CAN'T BELIEVE THIS WTF with post, but …
OMG I CAN'T BELIEVE THIS WTF?
And the worst thing is this is the second time this year the same critic has written a review like this about a Michigan band.
I don't mean to sound like a Great Lakes State isolationist or start any sort of war between the states, but I don't think a writer from Chicago can fully get either of these bands at this point. He wasn't introduced to Canada in the backyard of the Madison House. His first taste of the "Hanasakajijii" suite didn't come from a friend's iPod. All he's got to work from are the CDs and press materials. But it is really disheartening to see a writer for something as big as Pitchfork take a massive critical shit on a copule of the best thing Michigan has going right now.
But you know he's wrong, so balance out the negativity by continuing your support of these bands. And give them a hug next time you see them. They deserve it.
Canada
Website
MySpace
Upcoming Michigan shows:
Saturday, Oct. 7 — The Barking Tuna Fest, The State Theater in Kalamazoo w/ Spank Rock and RJD2.
Anathallo
Website
MySpace
Upcoming Michigan Shows:
Dec. 9 — The Magic Stick in Detroit, w/ Page France, Javelins and Those Transatlantics
OMG I CAN'T BELIEVE THIS WTF?
And the worst thing is this is the second time this year the same critic has written a review like this about a Michigan band.
I don't mean to sound like a Great Lakes State isolationist or start any sort of war between the states, but I don't think a writer from Chicago can fully get either of these bands at this point. He wasn't introduced to Canada in the backyard of the Madison House. His first taste of the "Hanasakajijii" suite didn't come from a friend's iPod. All he's got to work from are the CDs and press materials. But it is really disheartening to see a writer for something as big as Pitchfork take a massive critical shit on a copule of the best thing Michigan has going right now.
But you know he's wrong, so balance out the negativity by continuing your support of these bands. And give them a hug next time you see them. They deserve it.
Canada
Website
MySpace
Upcoming Michigan shows:
Saturday, Oct. 7 — The Barking Tuna Fest, The State Theater in Kalamazoo w/ Spank Rock and RJD2.
Anathallo
Website
MySpace
Upcoming Michigan Shows:
Dec. 9 — The Magic Stick in Detroit, w/ Page France, Javelins and Those Transatlantics
posted by Just Haircuts and Jackets at 6:20 PM
6 Comments:
but they're not reviewing their shows at the madison house or at arbour fest or wherever. i always enjoy canada when i see them live, but i agree that their recorded material is lacking something. it's the age-old frustration of trying to capture a live show (with everyone dancing, playing instruments, singing and banging on things) in digital format. you may disagree with the review, but don't get all defensive and suggest he has some vendetta against MI.
oh, and one more thing. pitchfork has consistently had terrible reviews for years and years. read their "nyc ghosts & flowers" or "kid a" review to see just how objective they can be.
I don't have any photographic support for this one, so I'll use some words instead:
Part of the reason Erik and I wanted to start this blog was to share the experiences we have with Michigan indie music outside of listening to an album. I’m frustrated by this review, not merely because I disagree with it (although I will admit that I’m not sure I can review “This Cursed House” as an album objectively because I have all these exterior experiences associated with the music), but I’m disappointed that the Pitchfork audience (which is unfortunately very large) will be getting a review of only 53% of what makes this band so amazing. In my opinion.
Also: I’ve never been a big fan of Pitchfork. And I love Canada.
~Annie Moss~
Unfortch, Pitchfork is still highly influential. However, I don't feel this negative review will hurt Canada as much as a positive review would have helped them. A seal-of-approval, followed by continuing press coverage, of the band, would have done powerful things. Maybe they'll knock 'em dead next round. That band surely has many more albums in its future (we all hope).
Re: the live experiences vs. the record... live music is so important. I don't listen to recordings that much, myself, anymore... immersing oneself in a place and a moment and a community in a room or loft or backyard is something that just can't be captured on a disc, alas.
That guy may have Michigan issues... but not sure if Pitchfork does. No particular pattern:
See:
-Saturday Looks Good to Me: 7.7, 7.5, 8.6
-The Original Brothers and Sisters of Love (Great Lakes Myth Society predecessor... why didn't they review that album?): 7.3, 7.5
-Dykehouse: 2.5 (ouch)
-Dabrye: 5.2, 7.9
-Thunderbirds are Now!: 8.0, 5.9
-Detroit Cobras: 7.5, 5.3
-Dirtbombs: 8.2, 8.2
-Midwest Product: 6.9, 7.4
-Nomo: 8.4, 7.8
...zzz... I could go on. Way more positive than negative reviews of Michigan bands, it seems. Hell, even getting reviewed by Pitchfork is half the battle... let's hope the next GLMS record and Johnny Headband's debut (and Chris Bathgate's first non-self-released record???)...
Glad you guys are keepin' this blog goin'. It's comforting in a way to see how things are in the "scene" back home. Saw the Hard Lessons last night (twice!)... will post video and photos soon.
brandon,
to be fair, most places had lousy reviews of that last dykehouse record.
travis
The Hard Lessons in NYC, for your pleasure:
Photos and video
Pitch who?
You can only play the "it's hip to be bad" card for so long, and then everyone gets bored. It's the critical equivalent of WCBN.
"Right, I get it, you're hip - can I have fun now?"
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