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I'm confused. Why is RFT giving these misogynists the time of day? I haven't listened to the song, but they don't sound like they are up to the standards the RFT should uphold.

i've seen Chapters live several times and didn't hear the lyrics as such. in fact, i didn't realize the misogyny in the lyrics until after i had assigned the EP out for review. because no, this is not something i personally endorse.

I have also seen Chapters, and I have heard their lyrics on myspace. Claiming this band supports, or embodies "misogyny" is like a redneck walking up to a painting by Mondrian and saying, "My kid coulda done that." It is a simpleton's take on complex art. Shame on RFT for publicly bashing one of our most promising local acts.

lyrics aside -- and i've told this to the band personally and in print -- Chapters does have a solid, cool sound, but needs to work on crafting more memorable songs. the EP didn't change my opinion in that regard either.

Apart from being a very poor review, there seem to be some ulterior motives behind this review (or the writer just has a bug up his ass). The writer focuses in on the lyrics and doesn't actually talk about the music (apart from saying who he thinks they sound like).

Annie you say "Chapters does have a solid, cool sound" the writer doesn't talk about the sound at all.

I saw Chapters play a show at the Bluebird and thought they were very good. It is a shame when a local paper that claims to support local music focuses on shooting down a new band that is getting some good buzz. He could have made his point without making it seem so personal.

Hopefully, people go out and check out this band and make a judgment for themselves.

Being a supporter is not the same as being a cheerleader.

To get reviewed in Homespun you have to submit your material, no? I am not sure. If so, you better be willing to take the good with the bad.

And, hey, they got their show promoted, right?

what i printed on the blog is only a portion of the review; the rest of it is at the link. chris talks a lot about what the music sounds like there. just fyi.

i blogged about the band after seeing 'em at a bluebird show, and i really don't have anything to add.

how much you wanna bet Jason and Jonathan are in or are friends of Chapters?

those who can, do.

those who can't become critics.

I don't see the fault of a bad review, I'm just tired of constantly seeing writers (everywhere, not just here) comparing bands to other bands rather than writing original thoughts about their sound.

I wasn't impressed with the mp3 posted, I was not offended either. But it's not my style, I'm more a southern rock/cheesy arena rock kind of person, so my opinion is probably pretty moot.

I do like the album artwork, though.

pretty sweet.

I should add, while those who can do, and those who can't become critics, the rest of us sit in smug judgment over everything, but save it for blog posts.

Have you ever tried writing a review, jafo? It can help readers if you provide them with some touchstones for comparison.

And music can't exist in a vacuum, especially when a lyrics are an integral part of whatever you're hearing. There are plenty of bands who have lyrics so clunky that I can't listen to them, regardless of how "cool" they may sound.

No, I'd be the smug blog poster mentioned in my previous comment. I can barely write my own name, let alone a record review.

But one doesn't have to be a writer to have an opinion on writing, much like one doesn't have to be a musician to critique music.

An occasional reference to a sound or band is one thing, but many writers, including some here, rely on such a practice far too often.

just saying.

@Alissa : I take it you're not a Black Kids fan, then?

@jafo : reviewing music is a tightrope - do you talk in detail about the sound, to the exclusion of the reader? or do you give them something to compare it to - something they like have heard already, so they have an idea of what you're talking about?

just sayin'

Jason Grimsley is a journeyman MLB relief pitcher who ruined a ton of games for the Indians back in the day by blowing leads from the bullpen. just saying.

as for reviewing: you walk a fine line when writing about music, in terms of describing the music and just naming bands' influences. the best reviews give adjectives for context, while also naming other bands, to give a more complete picture, depending on what sort of descriptions people relate to. naming genres (emo, pop, punk, metal, etc.) is pretty much redundant at this point, since those terms are meaningless. and there is so much copycatting and derivative music out there, that as a writer, i run out of ways to say "synthpop" or "post-punk" or whatever. esp. when writing reviews and things quickly for a blog.

I guess it's up to the bands to make sure they're original enough to ascend above the comparisons, and force a different type of write-up...

rise above...it's early, only 3 cups of coffee...it takes at least 6 before I'm the angry preacher some of you love, most of you hate...

I've written many reviews over the years...some good, some bad, and I've always worked very hard to keep the comparisons at a minimum, but sometimes, the band doesn't have a sound of its own, and there are no alternatives but to compare it to whatever band they're emulating...I do believe this type of comparison can be and often is overused...

Sometimes it's necessary, other times, it's just an instance of laziness, or lack of creativity...

Writing, like art or music, is a creative form of expression, and often considered an art, if done properly, which means it's subjective...

Being a writer, musician and designer I've had my fair share of critiques...

I think it's best for the writers and editors of the world to rise above the petty squabbles of blog posts and keep an air of professionalism, rather than sinking to our level, constantly defending themselves...

and what I mean by that is this:

I remember the first bad review Strawfoot got...it ruffled my feathers and I made the mistake of arguing and taking a defensive stance, which ultimately made me (and my unknowing band) look petty and small...

The longer I'm in a creative profession, the more I understand the importance of a thick skin, and rising above that kind of back and forth...

as a random joe blow on the blog street, however, I love getting under defensive writers and musicians' skin, because it's just so easy sometimes...and so much fun to watch them go from consummate professional to ape shit...it's fun to watch a sensitive artist unravel sometimes...

but I pride myself in being a shit disturber, now and/or again...

Right on, JRo.

My completely uninformed 2 cents:

1) Seems strange to bash yr boys in Chapters (who I've admittedly never seen or heard) for singin' about bitchez, while I'm sure y'all dig the latest banger (it's hip to dig the hyphy these days) and put serious jamz on it.

2) Doesn't yr boy Greg Dulli get a li'l, o, woman-hate-y from time to time? Course, he's already a fairly successful musician, so it's easier to view it as art instead of some pudgy dude trying to be all bad to get laid.

-jw

Chapters seemed to like the review well enough to use part of it on their myspace page. Strangley they left out the next line, "But that gives Chapters too much credit." It is clear that no other publications are paying attention to Chapters because that is the only review on their page.

I had never heard of this band before, but I concur with Mr. Schaeffer's statement that their musicianship is predictable, and he could have even gone further and call it generic as well. Just because you are a St. Louis band who sends in their work to be reviewed by the local weekly does not give you a garaunteed shinning review.

Well, I'm glad people seem to agree with me that bands like this shouldn't be supported just cause they're local. I listened to the song on their myspace and had to turn it off about 15 seconds in. It's weird they put Christian's quote on their page, leaving out the full line. Isn't that disingenuous. Can the RFT tell them to take down the quote, as I think it misrepresents his opinion entirely!

Please come see my new band:

"The Garaunteed Shinnings".