I went to see Ben Kweller last night. He was excellent. But I'm not going to write about it because I've realised, I don't like concert reviews. There's nothing a review can convey, that comes close to being at the concert; you might get an idea of the set list and you can read about the vibe, but you can't experience it. Unlike a movie or album review, you can't read a review of a concert and then decide to go and see it (you sort of can if it's on two nights, but it's not the same concert is it?).
What do people think of concert reviews?
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8 comments:
I like them. In fact, I like reviews of just about anything. I'm omnivorous (so to speak).
I've never heard of this Ben Kweller fellow. But I'm interested. If you were to write a review on him then I would learn more about him and more about you which would be great.
Concert reviews, like album reviews, intimidate me because they're always written with such authority. Does that make sense?
Regardless, I loved the Kweller. He was charming and energetic and fun and has a very sweet voice and a cool band (not that I could see them too well). I also liked the fact that the tall people I was standing behind didn't do that drunk, arm-wavey dance that makes me fear for my life. There's a lot to be said for height segregation at gigs...
Al, I reckon you might like Ben Kweller. His most recent album 'Changing Horses' is flat out country. I recommend you check it out. I might write some more about it later.
Kate, that does make sense, and it helps pin down another reason why I don't like concert reviews.
The crowd was good; an absence of drunk idiots ruining things for other people.
Cabernet, that was Pablo talking. Hence the worries about the tall people in front of him - easy for a cat to get squished at a concert! Although I imagine it's also easy to sneak in for free.
I am ambivalent about concert reviews. While they don't capture 'being there', I can see a point to them - they could have historical value (like accounts of early Beatles or Who concerts), or tip you over the edge (or back) if you're thinking of going to see a band.
Leigh wrote a very snide and funny concert review for Togatus once.
A good point about the historical value. I guess it's thanks to concert reviews that we can read about the whole "Judas!" incident. Or the Altamont stabbing disaster.
But, if nothing *happens*, besides the music, then I reckon it's pretty boring to read about it.
Cabernet, you should invent gonzo concert reviews for your blog. Try to crash backstage. See what happens.
Kate, you're exactly right about "authority."
I can't write dispassionately about shows -- I like 'em, I don't like 'em, they have a good vibe or they don't. Now I'm as lowbrow and populist as the next guy but I think a review ought to be something more than "I thought it was cool and had a good (neo-hippie protest music/ mellow classical fusion/ funky electronica/ jam-band stoner) vibe." You know?
Yes Laura, but, IMO, if there's nothing more than that to say, a review need not be written!
(talking specifically about concerts)
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