I have no idea if anyone is reading this blog any more, but if you are, here's an important update. I am seriously contemplating re-launching Wind and Wire, in its original format, i.e. all sorts of reviews, not just ambient and electronica. Yeah, that means "new age" so if that makes you upset, well, bite me. I like reviewing new age too.
This blog would no longer serve as a "mirror" of the review site, but as a "signpost" allowing folks who want to subscribe for updates to find out when reviews upload, which I anticipate will be monthly. This blog would also feature all kinds of fun rants, op-ed pieces, and other commentary by you know who, which makes it more like a blog. Some of the entries will be about the music I review, e.g. what's with all the sucky cover art?, and other posts might be film reviews, political or social culture musings, or who knows what the hell I might be inclined to throw up on the WWW.
Why, against all sanity and logic am I doing such a foolhardy thing? Because, I need to write a lot of reviews for all the older releases I haven't gotten around to, and I think if I resurrect W and W, and tell myself, once and for all, that I have permission to write SHORTER and more concise reviews, and more importantly, CRITICAL reviews, I can handle this. I will not be leaving my review posts at either Zone Music Reporter or New Age Retailer but merely supplementing those venues with shorter, and more critically-angled reviews.
For too many years, I was afraid of pissing folks off. It's time I realized that it's just my opinion and if the artist or you fans can't handle my saying "What the fuck is up with this release?" well, tough for you. I have been at this for 13 years. If I don't have the street cred to be negative about an album by now, what does a poor Joe like me HAVE to do, fer Crissakes?
And, hell, if nothing else, just consider that I am doing it for the lulz!
Wish me luck - whenever the hell I launch the sumbitch!
Bill,
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to reading real reviews. As far as I'm concerned if you give an album a bad review, and then give another album a good review, I know that you truly enjoyed it and can trust your word.
Best of luck in getting everything up and running again!
- Mike (Altus)
Hi Bill,
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to let you know that I read your blog. Glad to hear you're going to write reviews again! I was a subscriber to the paper version of Wind & Wire (back in the days, huh?) and have always enjoyed your writing.
Kevin
Go for it, Bill! I didn't realize you had this blog but I'll be watching for news on the resurrection of Wind & Wire. I could use some recommendations on what's good these days.
ReplyDeleteI hope all is well with you sir! Merry Christmas!
Your former cohort in crime,
Judy Markworth
I'm reading your blog. Thanks! -Kevin Keller
ReplyDeleteHi Bill,
ReplyDeleteSo good to find your website and blog. It's been quite some time since you reviewed my album "Gentle Rainstorm". I am just resurrecting a new blog at svpworld.com and midinotes.com and aiming to re-release my cd's, including Transicity. I've still got your reviews of both cd's and hope you don't mind if I use them.
Take care,
Simon