Allmusic.com AIGT review

[TequilaMockingbird]

http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:jzfqxz9sldje

This isn't too horrible of a review, but it mentions something that's been bugging me about how music critics continue to view BNL. This review is basically saying that, although the album is good, it's basically music for settled down parents who are raising their kids since that's the stage in life the guys are in right now. On top of that, I remember reading in Rolling Stone that they considered most of BLAM "dad rock."

So I'm led to believe that most of us BNL faithful are gawky WASP parents in their thirties and forties who prefer quiet Sundays congregating around their breakfast nooks rather than people in their early-mid twenties who still like to go out on Friday and Saturday nights. Guess I should convert by trading in my Civic and Red Stripe t-shirts for a mini-van and Gap polos.

Just thought I'd share. :D

[Amicustoall]

They tequila be careful there some of us are older then the members of the band by a few or more than a few years! When I read your post, I had the image of Waldo pop into my head! :)

[TequilaMockingbird]

Apologies, Amicus; I do respect my elders after all. I'm just not ready to attend tupperware parties and little league games just yet. ;)

[Amicustoall]

Hey they usually have good food at Tupperware parties! :) And elder I certainly am. But I have to say that age does not automatically bring the stereotypical things we associate with age. I mean my hubby and I still attend 20 or more concerts a years, have traveled internationally for BNL shows, with sometimes less than 20 hours on the ground.

[Lacey]

Well, I kind of agree with the review. But I don't think that's necessarily a bad thing, and it's not a bad review, either. I think the album is relatively mellow, and serious. What's wrong with making music that won't be played at every college kegger?

[Ellen from Saint Louis]

For those playing along, that would be two "mature" shots

[TequilaMockingbird]

Hokay, a little clarification on my part.

I agree that AIGT is a very mellow, introspective album that wouldn't exactly fit next to MGMT or Lady GaGa on a party mix - nor should it. I like the album's tone as a whole, and if this is a sign of future music from the band, I'm certainly on board. I also don't think that just because you happen to be a settled down, middle-aged parent that you absolutely live up to the stereotypes associated with that demographic.

What I was and still am trying to comment on is how most reviewers play up that stereotype and think that's the primary (if not only) audience BNL is playing to. I'm all for the band having a diverse audience of everyone from kids in elementary school to grandparents, but I find it funny how most professional critics/reviewers don't acknowledge that diversity in BNL fandom. Coming from what I can gather at least, a lot of reviewers wouldn't think of mentioning BNL in the same breath as, say, Dave Matthews Band, in the sense that both bands have a fan base within the young adult bracket. That's all.

"Come on now, come on now. Enjoy the humour of the situation."

[garyrulez]

As Ed has said many times, every single album they put out is reviewed as a "newly mature BNL".

[Amicustoall]

Don't you think that is just an easy out on the critics' side? I do have to say that I have heard that of other bands in reviews as well. I think critics really do not "listen" to much music, and after a quick listen they have to say something, so go to the standards!

[TequilaMockingbird]

Don't you think that is just an easy out on the critics' side? I do have to say that I have heard that of other bands in reviews as well. I think critics really do not "listen" to much music, and after a quick listen they have to say something, so go to the standards!

Pretty much. Some critics are even called out on always favoring certain artists (example: we'll probably never see RollingStone bad-mouth a Bob Dylan album or anything Jack White appears on). For all my snark, allmusic is probably the best "official" review site I've found so far.