We are often are asked how we go about
our reviews of recorded material and what equipment we use. Hopefully, this
will shed some light on the matter.
Reviewers will have their own
methodology, but at HHH HQ recorded material (CD, tape, Video, DVD etc.) is
generally played at least three times before the writing process is begun.
This, we feel, is particularly important to avoid rash judgements being made.
Some albums require a number of listens to fully appreciate (or not as the case
may be). We all have our favourite styles and it is often difficult to disguise
enthusiasm for a particular style in a review. However, we at HHH have an
appreciation of music in general and understand that if a particular style does
not ring our bell, it will hit the mark for other listeners. Consequently, we
attempt to provide an unbiased review taking into account musical structure,
arrangement, creativity, lyrics and performance to help you, the reader, decide
if it may be something you would enjoy. Long established bands that have a
well-known back catalogue can be open to greater criticism, which we feel is
fair if a new release is not up to the standard expected.
We also try to listen to
recordings on different types of equipment (CD Walkman, HI FI, Headphones, PC
and I.C.E [car]) as some albums can sound great through, say, HI FI/headphones
but maybe not so good on a Walkman (CD production may lean towards HI FI
reproduction).
So what equipment is used (for the techies)?
Jem uses the following:
