first critical review of ITD

[BombaySapphire3]

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album review, stevie nicks

ALBUM REVIEW — STEVIE NICKSIn album review on 04/20/2011 at 10:08 am
Stevie Nicks
In Your Dreams
(Reprise)
Despite her long career and legend status, Stevie Nicks is only as good as her collaborators. Think Lindsey Buckingham, who guided her through her prime Fleetwood Mac years, or Prince’s royal synths on “Stand Back.” On her first album in a decade, Nicks teams up with Eurythmics’ Dave Stewart and Glen Ballard (best known for his work with Alanis Morissette) for an album that embraces both Nicks’ witchy-woman persona (“Moonlight”) and ’70s-era FM-radio rock (“For What It’s Worth”). That combo does little to lift Nicks or In Your Dreams out of their soggy pasts. Which is probably the point. Still, “Secret Love” is her best single since “Talk to Me,” and “Italian Summer” shows some spark. Too bad so much of Dreams is such a snooze-

[BombaySapphire3]

I found this from some guy in Cleveland that writes reviews .Not sure how legit he is ..hopefully not too.

[Artemis]

Eh, he doesn't explain WHY it's such a "snooze" so, I don't think it's too bad.

I'm waiting for the allmusic review; they've already updated her biography with this;

but it wasn't until 2011 -- almost a decade to the day after Trouble in Shangri-La's release -- that Nicks returned with a new solo album. Produced by Dave Stewart and Glen Ballard, In Your Dreams found her singing a mix of Bob Dylan-inspired folk songs, Italian love ballads, and rock anthems.

So I'm assuming the review will be out soon. Allmusic has pretty much been spot on with their reviews for all of Stevie's albums, imo.

[louielouie2000]

Stevie's in her 60s and has stayed true to her style for 4 decades... what exactly was he expecting? :shrug:

[Jondalar]

that's a critical look at In Your Dreams, I don't think so. Anyone ever hear of objectivity.

[louielouie2000]

that's a critical look at In Your Dreams, I don't think so. Anyone ever hear of objectivity.

It sounds plenty objective... but it's wholly lacking in specific details to back up his claims. There is no "this track is lackluster because of this" or "this track is promising because of that" etc.

[Phoenix]

So he is saying that she's made songs reminiscent of seventy's rock and stayed true to her witchy persona? SOUNDS GOOD TO ME!:laugh::]

[BombaySapphire3]

Yeah ..this guy's reviews are all short and even the good ones he wrties like for Emmylou's new album aren't very specific.

[Jondalar]

It sounds plenty objective... but it's wholly lacking in specific details to back up his claims. There is no "this track is lackluster because of this" or "this track is promising because of that" etc.

no it doesn't sound plenty objective, he's already had it in his head that she doesn't have any talent, he's on twitter, and he is a total dork, sounds very immature from twitter.

[Jondalar]

So he is saying that she's made songs reminiscent of seventy's rock and stayed true to her witchy persona? SOUNDS GOOD TO ME!:laugh::]

I twittered him and told him to blow it out his ass. Douche bag.

[louielouie2000]

I twittered him and told him to blow it out his ass. Douche bag.

That's probably not the best way to endear a music critic to Stevie... :wavey:

[Jondalar]

That's probably not the best way to endear a music critic to Stevie... :wavey:

Well, he is a douche bag, another indie critic nerd. Stevie's too successful for him you know. And the Cleveland Scene is nothing. This isn't really a real review.

[Silylily]

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album review, stevie nicks

ALBUM REVIEW — STEVIE NICKSIn album review on 04/20/2011 at 10:08 am
Stevie Nicks
In Your Dreams
(Reprise)
Despite her long career and legend status, Stevie Nicks is only as good as her collaborators. Think Lindsey Buckingham, who guided her through her prime Fleetwood Mac years, or Prince’s royal synths on “Stand Back.” On her first album in a decade, Nicks teams up with Eurythmics’ Dave Stewart and Glen Ballard (best known for his work with Alanis Morissette) for an album that embraces both Nicks’ witchy-woman persona (“Moonlight”) and ’70s-era FM-radio rock (“For What It’s Worth”). That combo does little to lift Nicks or In Your Dreams out of their soggy pasts. Which is probably the point. Still, “Secret Love” is her best single since “Talk to Me,” and “Italian Summer” shows some spark. Too bad so much of Dreams is such a snooze-

I'm gonna cry.:(

[Silylily]

Well, he is a douche bag, another indie critic nerd. Stevie's too successful for him you know. And the Cleveland Scene is nothing. This isn't really a real review.

At least you had the guts to tell him exactly what I was thinking, too... This review doesn't seem very fair to me.:(

[bluefox4000]

I never listen to "Critics" anyway. If I did, I'd have about 5 albums:lol:

Mick

[Josh2003]

no it doesn't sound plenty objective, he's already had it in his head that she doesn't have any talent, he's on twitter, and he is a total dork, sounds very immature from twitter.

Glad to see you know a thing or two about being objective.

[louielouie2000]

no it doesn't sound plenty objective, he's already had it in his head that she doesn't have any talent, he's on twitter, and he is a total dork, sounds very immature from twitter.

I don't see anywhere where he says he hates Stevie Nicks or he thinks she has no talent. He just points out that the success of Stevie's music highly depends on who her collaborators are. That's something us Stevie fans have discussed for decades. The reviewer even compliments Stevie by saying Secret Love is her best single in 26 years. Not just that, he describes her new songs as witchy and evocative of '70s rock. Those should be ultimate compliments to a Stevie fan! I really just wish you guys would slow down and not react immediately and highly emotionally to everything you read. I don't find this to be a negative review at all. It's actually just pretty noncommittal.

[PenguinHead]

I'm gonna cry.:(

Why? Don't cry! It's just one random opinion. Great works usually evoke disparate and varied reviews and reactions. Look it that way. Grab a tissue!

[UndoingTheLaces]

I'm gonna cry.:(

Don't. Any asshat with a computer and a smidge of writing talent can get a job as a reviewer. Just because someone calls himself a king, does it give him the right to rule a kingdom? No. What clout does he have to shape ours or anyone elses' opinions. He can bite me.

[Christopher]

At least you had the guts to tell him exactly what I was thinking, too... This review doesn't seem very fair to me.:(

It's not fair at all! He bases the whole review of IYD, upon Stevie's impressive roster of former collaborator's during her astonishing 4+ decades career and says nothing concrete about the current material at all. In short, it's total bullSh*T!! and a lazy critique from someone who obviously has a pre-concieved biased opinion about Stevie, and probably gave the record 1 spin, if that. He gives away his prejudice immediately in the 1st sentence of the review. Total crap, not insightful or believable in the least.

Jondalar, good 4 you for calling him out:thumbsup:. I just hope this is not the new norm again regarding Stevie. From "The Dance" through TISL, it was extremely hard for critics to turn a blind eye away from Stevie's influence and she finally started to recieve her due credit that was long long overdue. This record better be great, and if so, critics in general hopefully still have a wellspring of good intention towards Stevie. I mean HELL, for perspective, even RS gave Britney Spears' new album 4 bloody stars. It's all so subjective.:cool:

[WildHearted]

I don't really think that he seemed all that biased...

However, it was rather annoying that he 'reviewed' the album without actually even saying much about the album at all. It was kind of bizarre.

[MacwoodFleet]

I don't see anywhere where he says he hates Stevie Nicks or he thinks she has no talent. He just points out that the success of Stevie's music highly depends on who her collaborators are. That's something us Stevie fans have discussed for decades. The reviewer even compliments Stevie by saying Secret Love is her best single in 26 years. Not just that, he describes her new songs as witchy and evocative of '70s rock. Those should be ultimate compliments to a Stevie fan! I really just wish you guys would slow down and not react immediately and highly emotionally to everything you read. I don't find this to be a negative review at all. It's actually just pretty noncommittal.

You have a clear, rational mind. Mature and sensible. You know that review actually made my wife cry!

[bluefox4000]

Gezz, we all need to calm down.....if we all like the album that's all that matters:thumbsup:

Mick

[fumidesigns]

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album review, stevie nicks

ALBUM REVIEW — STEVIE NICKSIn album review on 04/20/2011 at 10:08 am
Stevie Nicks
In Your Dreams
(Reprise)
Despite her long career and legend status, Stevie Nicks is only as good as her collaborators. Think Lindsey Buckingham, who guided her through her prime Fleetwood Mac years, or Prince’s royal synths on “Stand Back.” On her first album in a decade, Nicks teams up with Eurythmics’ Dave Stewart and Glen Ballard (best known for his work with Alanis Morissette) for an album that embraces both Nicks’ witchy-woman persona (“Moonlight”) and ’70s-era FM-radio rock (“For What It’s Worth”). That combo does little to lift Nicks or In Your Dreams out of their soggy pasts. Which is probably the point. Still, “Secret Love” is her best single since “Talk to Me,” and “Italian Summer” shows some spark. Too bad so much of Dreams is such a snooze-

tell him i said "ya mama"

[J.Miller]

On twitter he said that T. Bone Burnett's production style gets on his nerves. That says it all to me.-ass

[tabruns]

Kind of a strange review. First he says that Stevie is only as good as her collaborators segueway-ing into how her current collaborators apparently aren't up to snuff. But then he says "Moonlight" maintains her witchy persona, "For What Its Worth" reflects 70s radio rock, and "Secret Love" is her best single since "Talk To Me"?

So basically this album is "soggy" because it plays to Stevie's strengths and doesn't do something totally out of left field, which is apparently what he wanted.

[WildHearted]

Kind of a strange review. First he says that Stevie is only as good as her collaborators segueway-ing into how her current collaborators apparently aren't up to snuff. But then he says "Moonlight" maintains her witchy persona, "For What Its Worth" reflects 70s radio rock, and "Secret Love" is her best single since "Talk To Me"?

So basically this album is "soggy" because it plays to Stevie's strengths and doesn't do something totally out of left field, which is apparently what he wanted.

You pretty much hit the nail on the head.

Bring on the witchy 70's rock.

[Josh2003]

People:

It's the guy's opinions. To call him an idiot, lazy, biased, etc, just because you do not agree with his opinions comes off just about as juvenile as you are accusing him of being.

Calm down. This is the first negative review we've heard. Remember all the good comments? David Wild? Florence Welch? Others whose names I'm blanking on?

Again...calm down. You're getting your collective panties in a knot and it's really quite unbecoming.

Thanks,
Josh

[jkmaletic]

I'm gonna cry.:(

That's probably what he's hoping you'll do- don't.

Stevie is only as good as her collaborators? Really??? Anyone that starts off saying that seems to already have made up his mind that he was going to do a negative review.

I will be truly shocked if most of the upcoming reviews for IYD are negative. It's just too epic and well-produced.

Jamie

[gypsy4life]

I never listen to "Critics" anyway. If I did, I'd have about 5 albums:lol:

Mick

I agree! The music that gets stellar reviews, imo, is crap!

I will be the one to form my OWN opinion of In Your Dreams.

I have albums that I absolutely adore, that are not Stevie/MAC rleated, and they have received not so shiny reviews. I could give a rip...I still play them....

[bluefox4000]

People:

It's the guy's opinions. To call him an idiot, lazy, biased, etc, just because you do not agree with his opinions comes off just about as juvenile as you are accusing him of being.

Calm down. This is the first negative review we've heard. Remember all the good comments? David Wild? Florence Welch? Others whose names I'm blanking on?

Again...calm down. You're getting your collective panties in a knot and it's really quite unbecoming.

Thanks,
Josh

That it is. Don't wanna paint a bad picture of Stevie fans.

Mick

[mikephxaz]

I love stevie...I've loved her for 25 years...I hope the album sells a million copies in the first two weeks but "Cheaper Than Free" is beyond weak and Secret Love and Annabel Lee have been floating around forever....I'm crossing my fingers...:shrug:

[louielouie2000]

I love stevie...I've loved her for 25 years...I hope the album sells a million copies in the first two weeks but "Cheaper Than Free" is beyond weak and Secret Love and Annabel Lee have been floating around forever....I'm crossing my fingers...:shrug:

This is pretty much how I feel. But the only opinion that matters to me regarding this album is my own. Just remember, Rumours and Bella Donna were panned by some critics too. You can please some of the people some of the time... ;)

[BombaySapphire3]

I love stevie...I've loved her for 25 years...I hope the album sells a million copies in the first two weeks but "Cheaper Than Free" is beyond weak and Secret Love and Annabel Lee have been floating around forever....I'm crossing my fingers...:shrug:

The reason I posted the review is that it is the first impression of a disinterested party of IYD..All the others that have heard it and have offered oponions are for the most part either friends or fans of Stevie or have an investment in the album .This guy is a critic for a local publication in a rust belt city far from the pulse of pop culture still he is not being unduly malicious IMO and does seem to have a decent knowledge of Stevie's past work.I do hope that the album recieves a better reception when the big league critics begin to chime in .

[louielouie2000]

The reason I posted the review is that it is the first impression of a disinterested party of IYD..All the others that have heard it and have offered oponions are for the most part either friends or fans of Stevie or have an investment in the album .This guy is a critic for a local publication in a rust belt city far from the pulse of pop culture still he is not being unduly malicious IMO and does seem to have a decent knowledge of Stevie's past work.I do hope that the album recieves a better reception when the big league critics began to chime in .

I'm very glad you shared this review! I like to hear all opinions and honestly get pretty annoyed when people can't handle the negative ones without feeling like someone just insulted their religion. I just wish this review were more substantive and specific. Give me a detailed analysis of what sucked! :lol:

[seanthompson]

Don't believe everything you read, folks. :angel:

[Heartboy]

I never listen to "Critics" anyway.

Mick

Exactly, if this is a sign of things to come in the next few weeks..... scary!:rolleyes:

[Dodfather]

Give me a detailed analysis of what sucked! :lol:


Shouldn't that information be reserved for the TMI thread?! :laugh:

[YoungAmericans]

I don't see why anyone would take a 'review' that short and vague seriously :confused:
even if it was positive, I would think that.

[louielouie2000]

I don't see why anyone would take a 'review' that short and vague seriously :confused:
even if it was positive, I would think that.

I wholeheartedly agree. If it stinks, I want some specifics as to why the reviewer feels that way. If it's a triumph, I want to know how that summation is reached as well. I just tend to brush this review off because it's so short and utterly vague.

[markolas]

I never listen to "Critics" anyway. If I did, I'd have about 5 albums:lol:

Mick

Same here. And I probably wouldn't like any of them. :laugh:

[Jondalar]

On twitter he said that T. Bone Burnett's production style gets on his nerves. That says it all to me.-ass

Exactly, saw that too yesterday and does he say the Emmy Lou Harris success depends on the songs or songwriters she chooses. I hate reviews like his, because you already know after the first line, he's just not going to like it. It's not exactly true about collobarations, Fleetwood Mac would be missing it's only two gold songs, if Stevie would not have collaborated with Lindsey. The chain would be missing some awesome lyrics. There would be no Stand Back without Stevie Nicks.

[Bandon]

I have always hated the whole "she is only as good as her collaborator" thing. That is totally minimizing her talent. It first showed up in a Rolling Stone review I think it was. Of course she depends on producers; what artist doesn't unless the music is self produced?

[CreepingDeath]

Well, he is a douche bag, another indie critic nerd. Stevie's too successful for him you know. And the Cleveland Scene is nothing. This isn't really a real review.

I was recently in Zia records, and wanted to stab all the indie kids in the spine. Just because you don't wash and listen to musicians that can't tune their guitar, doesn't make you badass.

It wasn't total waste of time though. I found a mint copy of Buckingham Nicks as well as Law & Order and Go Insane on vinyl. I also found a "used" copy of Dio's Strange Highways for $5.00. It said used, but I swear whomever owned it listened to it once and then sold it. It looks and smells brand new. :cool:

[olive]

I love stevie...I've loved her for 25 years...I hope the album sells a million copies in the first two weeks but "Cheaper Than Free" is beyond weak and Secret Love and Annabel Lee have been floating around forever....I'm crossing my fingers...:shrug:

and do you think the casual fan or record buyer has heard these ?

[greendaze5]

I say just ignore the critics and make up your own minds on May 3. :nod:

If we all went by the bad reviews 'Rolling Stone', for example, gave to Stevie's first three albums, none of us would be listening to her records or be in this forum. :lol:

[saintvox]

I say just ignore the critics and make up your own minds on May 3. :nod:

If we all went by the bad reviews 'Rolling Stone', for example, gave to Stevie's first three albums, none of us would be listening to her records or be in this forum. :lol:

And I wouldn't be listening to any of the artists I enjoy either for that matter. I gave up on their reviews once they started praising Gaga (who I have no problem with) after trashing other artists who have been doing the same thing for years. Oh yeah, and all those Jonas Brothers cover. I was like "This magazine does not represent my interests anymore and I'm not paying for it".:blob2:

[henryscutter]

You can't trust the opinion of a clevelander, we spent years thinking Lebron James was NOT a total a-hole and look how that turned out :rolleyes:

[STEVEHEDRICK]

I don't think its been given out to anyone they don't care about reviews.

[saintvox]

I don't think its been given out to anyone they don't care about reviews.

I'm sure they're going to care about reviews.

I just don't this review is real.

[BombaySapphire3]

I don't think its been given out to anyone they don't care about reviews.

So you think that this local yokel critic has not even heard the album and is making the review up by reading the tracklist and maybe watching the sizzle reel?That would be nice actually but highly unlikely.

[MacwoodFleet]

I say just ignore the critics and make up your own minds on May 3. :nod:

If we all went by the bad reviews 'Rolling Stone', for example, gave to Stevie's first three albums, none of us would be listening to her records or be in this forum. :lol:

That is right on.

[Jondalar]

yeah, that review makes someone on the fence say no, because its boring

[saintvox]

So you think that this local yokel critic has not even heard the album and is making the review up by reading the tracklist and maybe watching the sizzle reel?That would be nice actually but highly unlikely.

It's highly likely, because if a major critic hasn't got access to the album why would a local critic? Also the album hasn't leaked as far as we seem to be aware, so why would they send some local "critic" an album they sent no one else.

He's going on the two released tracks and the sizzle reel. That's what seems likely to me.

[STEVEHEDRICK]

you hit the nail on the head, just because you read it dosen't make it legit!

[greatdarkwing]

Seems to be one common agreement about this album: "...and 'Italian Summer' shows some spark."

[BombaySapphire3]

It's highly likely, because if a major critic hasn't got access to the album why would a local critic? Also the album hasn't leaked as far as we seem to be aware, so why would they send some local "critic" an album they sent no one else.

He's going on the two released tracks and the sizzle reel. That's what seems likely to me.
In my initial post I questioned this guys cred of which he has none if it is a bogus review but outside hardcore Stevieland I can't fathom most people in 2011 caring enough to invent one:shrug:So maybe that is a good sign.:lol:He did however give a cursory description of "For What it's Worth" which has not been relased or leaked and doesn't appear in the sizzle reel.

[Christopher]

Yes indeed, it looks like copies of In Your Dreams are beginning to make the rounds to music critics. The reviews editor for NME Magazine just tweeted 4 hours ago: YES just opened new Stevie Nicks album. Or Steve Nicks, as the press release has it.
NME is obviously a high profile music magazine, and their reviews are generally highly regarded. The horses are on the track.

[saintvox]

Yes indeed, it looks like copies of In Your Dreams are beginning to make the rounds to music critics. The reviews editor for NME Magazine just tweeted 4 hours ago: YES just opened new Stevie Nicks album. Or Steve Nicks, as the press release has it.
NME is obviously a high profile music magazine, and their reviews are generally highly regarded. The horses are on the track.

Oh oh this means not long until a leak.

Let's hope they choose to share. I pray! I can't wait any longer. It's making me so antsy that I have to sleep most of the day! :blob2:

[-Lillith-]

even if it leaks i ll wait for the album to come out...

[saintvox]

I thought I found a leak,

But then I clicked it and was another survey thing disguised as a torrent.
And it was new. But it's gotta get out there soon.

[Jondalar]

Man, this album is under wraps.

[saintvox]

Man, this album is under wraps.

I know. There's no way it's not gonna leak. Every album leaks.

It's got to. :shrug:

[used karma]

I know. There's no way it's not gonna leak. Every album leaks.

It's got to. :shrug:
Jennifer Lopez has an album coming out on the same day, and hers hasn't leaked either. I think we'll have it by the middle of next week.

[saintvox]

Jennifer Lopez has an album coming out on the same day, and hers hasn't leaked either. I think we'll have it by the middle of next week.

Yeah but it's out next week in Europe. :]

We should have it by now!

[used karma]

Yeah but it's out next week in Europe. :]

We should have it by now!

Whens it out in Europe? What date?

[saintvox]

Whens it out in Europe? What date?

I thought April 29th is what people were saying but now I'm seeing other dates.

Did it get pushed back? I'll cry. D:

[jrpjr]

i read this persons review and i pray to god its not true...BUT "secret love" ...i bet will fall off the charts very soon...i think its a crappy first single for a "first album in 10 years" "comeback"..and "cheaper than free"..really like but it lacks staying power..and the order of track list??? opens w/"secret love" and closes w/"cheaper than free????" thats just weird..I LOVE THE THE 4 TRACKS ON THE ALBUM PREVIEW...why they didnt open the album w/"Moonlight" and THAT not the first single is BEYOOOOND me....sounds like "italian summer" would b a beautiful and typical stevie nicks record closer..I hope this is a good album...but i wont b surprised if its not

[tabruns]

i read this persons review and i pray to god its not true...BUT "secret love" ...i bet will fall off the charts very soon...i think its a crappy first single for a "first album in 10 years" "comeback"..and "cheaper than free"..really like but it lacks staying power..and the order of track list??? opens w/"secret love" and closes w/"cheaper than free????" thats just weird..I LOVE THE THE 4 TRACKS ON THE ALBUM PREVIEW...why they didnt open the album w/"Moonlight" and THAT not the first single is BEYOOOOND me....sounds like "italian summer" would b a beautiful and typical stevie nicks record closer..I hope this is a good album...but i wont b surprised if its not

This is stupid. You say that you love the 4 tracks on the album preview, you "really like" "Cheaper Than Free", but you apparently dislike "Secret Love" (since its a "crappy first single"). So that's 5 songs out of 6 that you've heard which you LIKE, but you "won't be surprised if its not [a good album]"? That just doesn't make any sense.

[jrpjr]

This is stupid. You say that you love the 4 tracks on the album preview, you "really like" "Cheaper Than Free", but you apparently dislike "Secret Love" (since its a "crappy first single"). So that's 5 songs out of 6 that you've heard which you LIKE, but you "won't be surprised if its not [a good album]"? That just doesn't make any sense.

no...i like "secret love"..just not a catchy song for a big comeback...im just writing as im thinking..if it dont make sense and its stupid..wat i wrote..its just an unrehearsed discussion...dont take word for word literally..but agrred..i am contridicting myself a lil...bottom line..i just HOPE its a great record..for her and for the fans...thats all

[tabruns]

no...i like "secret love"..just not a catchy song for a big comeback...im just writing as im thinking..if it dont make sense and its stupid..wat i wrote..its just an unrehearsed discussion...dont take word for word literally..but agrred..i am contridicting myself a lil...bottom line..i just HOPE its a great record..for her and for the fans...thats all

Well have faith.....lots of people that have heard it have been calling it a career best. As for this reviewer, keep in mind that he seems to be critical of what Stevie Nicks *is normally like*....in other words, he panned the album (insofar as he actually panned it) cuz she didn't do something new and different.

So if you like Stevie Nicks, you'll likely love this album.