Method to the Madness

I'm so sorry you've been waiting this whole time, please have a seat. May I offer you something? Latte or espresso? Whichever you want, just be sure to use a coaster. Now the topic of discussion, namely two things. Firstly, my sincerest apologies for my absence in the past few weeks. I've had dinner plans, juice stains all over my linens, and work has just been hectic. The good news is that in this hiatus I have been preparing some great reviews for you all, including Modest Mouse, Brian Eno, Nas and many others. Certainly each will get their just deserves...

Secondly, I would like to address an issue with my grading system. I've heard many comments similar to, "Well, I didn't check it out because it wasn't an A." The system isn't designed so that only excellent grades are listen-able; it is just like back at Harvard so perhaps I should explain for all of you crack-head yuppies from Yale:

F = Absolutely do not waste your time on this piece of trash. Your time would be better suited burning all the pant-suits in the history of feminism.

D = only listen if you are feeling adventurous. Some of you readers might enjoy aspects of this album, or there might be a few good songs surrounded by terrible ones. Either way, most likely not worth a listen.

C = worth a listen. Perhaps don't spoil any dinner plans going to buy it immediately but if you can borrow it or listen to it in its entirety sometime, give it a chance.

B = worth buying. Though not genius, these albums are worth listening to multiple times. They have a few flaws but overall they are definitely worth the investigation.

A = a masterpiece. Though often not perfect, damn near close. Buy it and listen to it over and over again until its intricacies sink into you.

Clearly the usage of - and + indicate more specific levels of grading, but the sentiment of the above is still pertinent. So, a B+ would be a great album but just short of a masterpiece. An A- is a masterpiece, but still flawed in some way, keeping it from the perfection of an A+.

My advice is simple: C- and above deserves a listen. D+ and lower are only for the adventurous who are quite possibly looking for laughs. I'll never understand that Yale crowd, but hopefully they will understand the beauty of this grading system. If not, I might need to send a few on vacation to Europe. Ciao.