The Great Demo Review of 2008
Compassionately waterboarding kittens or, in other words, reviewing local demo albums
It’s baaaaaaaaaack. But don’t get too excited, fledgling musicians, because so is Seth Combs and a slew of other acerbic music writers entrusted with rendering judgment on 118 local demos, EPs and albums. This, the fifth edition of the Great Demo Review, is a critical gauntlet (or, in some cases, firing squad), intended to weigh and measure the best (and worst) music created by San Diegites, uh, San Diegones, er, local musicians.
We promised to give each and every CD a fair listen and an honest appraisal. We did not, however, mention anything about always playing nice. To be sure, not every album survived our analytical maelstrom intact. But those that did—and earned praise, if not coveted “Extraspecialgood” status, in the process—can hold their heads high now that the dust has settled.
We sincerely hope that those who received a less-than-favorable response will use our criticisms as motivation to wow us with their next project. In lieu of that, we at least implore them to refrain from firebombing our offices. For your part, we simply hope you enjoy reading about the following triumphs and tragedies of local music.
(“MS” = myspace.com)
Click here to read the demo reviews.
Click here to read the ExtraSpecialGood ones.
Published: 03/25/2008
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Comments
Maybe City Beat should have people who actually enjoy reggae music review demos by local reggae bands, instead of indie fans who write it off as "white boy" reggae or "sublime" knockoffs. Please . . .
Dude, no one enjoys reggae.
Anyone ever notice that everyone that's "indie" is really just ugly?
Message to SecretAdam ... go back to your Meth Lab ... stupid tweaker!
Down here in chill SD we love our reggae music! I go to many reggae shows around town and see many packed clubs. No reason to dog our style of music ... I ain't doggin yours ... jerk.
It would be great if there were MP3s or other downloadable sound files that went along with these demo reviews. Music reviews are so subjective -- so it would be great if the public could hear for themselves. There could be a few nuggets of genius even in some of those demos that received poor reviews.