Katy Corner - Banal Reviews

Record reviews by their very nature generate criticism because they are the views of one individual and do not necessarily reflect those of a majority. However, a reading public does have the right to expect that a reviewer give a clear account of his/her subject and substantiate any likely contentious points, and nobody can ask anymore than this.

A series of reviews penned by Katy Corner in recent issues of Salient has clearly shown that this fundamental point has been disregarded. Her reviews read as rather egotistical and banal statements of indulgence revolving around an ongoing rhetorical question "am I not cool?". If the criterion for being cool is having Burrito Brothers, Dead, and Patti Smith albums and smoking American Camels down at the Royal Tiger, then no doubt, she excells at this.

A reviewer is given ample licence in drafting his/her pieces to digress and relate as the fancy takes them but when this borders on the desultory then the licence is rescinded and the review is seen for what it is, sheer fraud.

This is meant in good spirit, Katy Corner, but "we are very hungry for a sweeter fare."