MC5

fair to say Primal Scream's new record is up there for Turkey of the Year.

Reckon they should have called it a day after XTMNTR; what a fine legacy they'd have left then.

everyone's a little harsh here aren't they?

You realise that:
a) pretty much all music reviewers get a free ticket, that is how the industry works,
b) saying he "has no interest in the bands" is clearly rubbish otherwise he wouldn't say "It’s hugely frustrating, for when they push themselves into more exotic directions, Primal Scream are undeniably one of the most visceral bands this country has produced in the past two decades"

&
c: posting an bitchy expletive strewn comment on an article on a website you call 'pokey' by an author you say is 'try(ing) to look cool' is fairly ironic yes?

This is a fairly balanced review IMO, he says he likes the bands but finds it blody irritating when Primal Scream cut the electronics from their songs which he feels robs them of their interest and element of 'danger' and instead just fanny amount soloing aimlessly away pretending to be the Stones.

we do allow users to post their own reviews, give it a shot and drop me a line, we're always looking for fresh blood http://drownedinsound.com/event/view/36917?type=user

And using this awesome a, b, c method :-)

a) Yes, of course music hacks get free tickets/cd's etc. Otherwise they'd have to pay for every review they did. And sites like this would go bankrupt very quickly. And also if they had to pay its odds on they'd only pay to go see bands they liked, so every review would be positive and the whole notion of being a 'critic' would be largely irrelevant.

b) Yup, you're right, I've used the word 'ironic' wrongly.

c) Moaning that critics are not as worthy as musicians is an odd one. If this was the case and we are all not as worthy as them then surely we shouldn't be allowed to review them at all? Why do you read the reviews then?

It's a shame (yes, I realise this sounds massively condescending) that you've had to dress up what are the odd legitimate point (albeit one's I disagree with) with repeated abuse towards the writer ('prick' 3 times, 'cunt' twice, the odd 'fucker' etc etc). No-one's gonna take you seriosuyl if you launch in all blue in the face screaming.

Ok. Slightly calmer response now from me, after some fairly well written responses from others. Sean, I love this web-site, I love the freedom of speech and debates that it creates. However, by allowing reviews from anyone, you start to water down the quality of the site. I’ve never read a review from Mike or Sean that made me angry, they’re always well written and present the case for, and against.

This review by Luke Turner does not do this. As others have pointed out he suggests he prefers Primal Scream with more of an electric sound. Fair enough, however, Shoot Speed, Swastika Eyes and Miss Lucifer were played at the festival hall with exactly the same amount of ‘sinister electronics’ that they’re always played live with, and sounded as great as they did during the XTRMNTR era (ok minus Kevin Shields, but you always had to concentrate hard to hear him anyway). This reviewer is not a fan, fair enough, neither is this one:

http://music.guardian.co.uk/pop/livereviews/story/0,,2287325,00.html

But at least they actually watch the show and report on the atmosphere. Swiping at MC5 for their age is unforgiveable, especially when comparing it to Grinderman/Suicide (noted as the reviewer’s favourite acts). The Guardian review suggests the encore was more of a pleasure for the bands than the audience and over indulgence. I can accept that, as a massive fan of both bands it was the greatest gig I’ve ever been to.

Just for the record, Jason Pierce played guitar during this encore, Andy Weatherall was mixing it up, John Sinclair gave a speech like he hasn’t done since the 70’s, some Jazz legend saxed it up and the Don Letts played some awesome reggae at the end. Just thought it might be nice for something that actually happened to be reported. As this gig ended 99% of the audience were stood hands held high, the atmosphere walking out of the venue was electric. I have honestly never seen anything that good. You blame for getting a bit upset when I read a review of that quality??

heartily agree with that MC5 love fest! But the comment about Primal Scream being a blank canvass......is that a bad thing??? Sometimes a great thing when the outcome is Screamadelica/Vanishing Point/XTRMNTR, surely. Never underestimate the creative force that is Andrew Innes though! Just coz Bob is the face of the band doesn't mean it's all his work.
Rev - once again, feeling the passion brother!

Says they're a producers band. Screamadelica being Weatherall not Scream. I tell him to shut up and give him a chinese burn ;) They just know the right people to get on board at the right time. Pretty savvy I'd say.

NOTE TO LUKE TURNER - was you at the right gig? Royal Festival Hall wasn't it? Why were you at the Albert Hall? (see top of review)

make my life worth living.

I was there... apart from the long queues at the bar, it was amazing. A scream set (being stood about 4 rows from the incredibly beautiful bobby) then a MC5 set, then a set with all of 'em, together, really enjoying themselves. It was fantastic.

You lot just aren't used to enjoying yourselves. You should go stroke your beards at the back of a bad local folk gig. Leave us to have fun without having to endure your moany little faces. :)