[suzieq]

Originally Posted by Julie in the rv mirror

So, just for the sake of discussion, are you saying that you would be more critical toward Bon Jovi's albums? (I don't get that from your post) Don't you think that they (and other artists) work very hard as well? For the record, I'm also in the "consumer" category as far as Bon Jovi goes, but I know they also have many passionate fans.

Ok good, now we're getting to the nuts and bolts of it. You pose a good question, I could be more critical toward Bon Jovi albums because I'm not emotionally attached to it. I like a majority of their stuff, I'm sure they work hard for their fans, but I don't follow their career like some of their passionate fans. The main thing here is, I've followed Meat's career over the years, I see the years of dedication, and I see the criticism (not just by fans, but by media). I can only speak for myself but because of my emotional connections, I cannot criticize Meat. It would be easier to pick a demo by someone else (but don't tell me Meat recorded it), and have me listen objectively to the demo. I would have to do it blindly because my mind is already going to put a positive spin to it if I know Meat did it. So I'd be listing to the +.

Originally Posted by Julie in the rv mirror

I agree that it's very difficult to be impartial, or even "critical", if you will, when we feel an emotional attachment to a particular artist. I'm guilty of it myself, although my posts in this thread may seem to indicate otherwise. It may also be, as someone else posted, because someone feels an emotional attachment to an artist's work, that they react strongly, positively or negatively, particularly if that work is something different than what they are used to. I'm OK with different, and choose to look at each piece for what it is, on it's own. I admittedly used to lean somewhat toward the other side, and missed out on some good music as a result. I've since learned my lesson.

I'm okay with different too. I'm open minded and willing to go on different paths with my favorite artist. They say life is like a box of chocolates....

Originally Posted by Julie in the rv mirror

What I don't get is people who say "I will play that song whether I like it or not." Why? Is there some sense of disloyalty if you don't? And this is not a dig at those people- I'm just curious. Even on some of my very favorite albums there are a track or two that I skip.

I honestly don't know why people say they would play the song whether they like it or not. I can't answer that, I'm not one of those. The skip button is handy for me but completely situational.

Originally Posted by Julie in the rv mirror

I too have seen this kind of discussion on another artist's fan board, and yes, it could go on endlessly. There are also some people there who can be extremely critical, yet still consider themselves to be big fans. I don't necessarily agree with that position, either, but I think it can make for some interesting discussions- that is, when it doesn't escalate to fighting.

exactly

Originally Posted by Julie in the rv mirror

I do agree, too, that it is easy to say some things sitting behind a keyboard that one might not be so bold as to say in person. I've sometimes wondered how some people on the other fan board would react if the artist responded to their comments (as I've sometimes wished he would do).

Amen!

Originally Posted by Julie in the rv mirror

Also, in case anyone thinks I'm avoiding giving my opinion of the new album, I can only comment on the single so far, and I like it. It's catchy. Now, I'm down with the "concept album" concept, so I'm very interested to see how it fits in with the other songs. And for that, I'll have to wait.

I like the single too....and I really like the album reviews thread from the fans that had the opportunity to sit and listen to the album. I'm ready to treasure works of past and welcome HCTB with open arms.

Suzieq