I definitely think it makes sense to give a review to a writer that is familiar with the artist/genre, but his implication that the assessment and overall rating of any given record isn't necessarily that of the writer based on his or her impressions of the work, but is instead guided by some consensus from high-level staff as to what an "appropriate" Pitchfork review would look like for any given work, based on any number of factors, and then asking a writer to put his or her name on that review as though the writing and score are his or hers alone -- I dunno, to me that is a blow to the credibility of the writing, regardless of how common a practice it is. I have written for several lower-tier publications (Pop Matters, Alternative Press, All About Jazz), and while for these publications you are required to pitch and prove that you will have some frame of reference for writing the article, there was definitely no point where I felt like my thoughts were being led by the magazine's agenda; to the contrary, I've had editors multiple times go to the mat for me when I wrote things that were unpopular with PR folks. It's just disappointing -- I've often defended Pitchfork against people who argued that there was some default "Pitchfork stance" on certain artists/records, saying that ultimately the writing is the work of the critics and that this "Pitchfork stance" is just some imagined thing. Turns out maybe it isn't.
It's easy to imagine the overproduced grind of "The Wretched" blaring through a TV screen as Nightman kicks a henchman off a roof.
Re: Let's All Laugh at Pitchfork
Posted: Thu June 08, 2017 12:53 am
by verb_to_trust
What a fucking idiot
Re: Let's All Laugh at Pitchfork
Posted: Thu June 08, 2017 12:55 am
by BurtReynolds
Wait is that not a compliment?
Re: Let's All Laugh at Pitchfork
Posted: Thu June 08, 2017 1:47 pm
by LoathedVermin72
This is from a movie review published by IndieWire, probably the worst film site on the internet. I thought it would be appropriate to post here.
"It Comes at Night is a stealthy, ravenous beast, but the menacing picture doesn't pounce until it means to feast. Its teeth are sharp and its bite will scar, but the light is scarce and you'll only see its bloodshot eyes the very moment you're devoured by its all-consuming, wholly frightening lunge."
Re: Let's All Laugh at Pitchfork
Posted: Thu June 08, 2017 2:23 pm
by tragabigzanda
Re: Let's All Laugh at Pitchfork
Posted: Wed June 14, 2017 4:50 am
by bodysnatcher
Top headline: "Arcade Fire's Fashion Evolution"
Jesus Christ.
Re: Let's All Laugh at Pitchfork
Posted: Wed June 14, 2017 3:02 pm
by tragabigzanda
Re: Let's All Laugh at Pitchfork
Posted: Fri June 16, 2017 2:01 pm
by tragabigzanda
Re: Let's All Laugh at Pitchfork
Posted: Fri June 16, 2017 2:37 pm
by LoathedVermin72
Like none other?
Re: Let's All Laugh at Pitchfork
Posted: Fri June 16, 2017 2:45 pm
by bodysnatcher
I have a hard time connecting the word "wisdom" to a 20 year old pop star.
Re: Let's All Laugh at Pitchfork
Posted: Fri June 16, 2017 2:47 pm
by LoathedVermin72
I have no idea what "humid" could possibly indicate sonically.