Andrew's Rounded Up

Ian Andrews, writer of but weeks "local Rock Round Up", speaks through the hole he sits on.

He claims that he is endeavouring to spark interest in the local rock scene, yet critisizes and pulls down most of the bands he speaks about. And, apart from molesting his own aims, he generally speaketh a load of shit.

Just because he himself, and only himself, does not like the blues, that does not automatically make all blues-rock "boring" and "repititious." Music is not to be judged by its class, rather, it's merits within its class, or classes. Contrary to what he claims, Rough Justice are a good band. They are talented and play their R & B better than most New Zealand groups. It's unfortunate that they have not attained the recognition they deserve. What's more, if you don't like them don't go and see them! Only a right cretin would go and see something half a dozen times when the didn't like it the first time. I also find that the clothes a group wears have little influence on the quality of the music.

Another group you seem to dislike is Street Talk. How can a group receive "consistently larger audiences than they deserve."? This obviously shows their talent and popularity even if they don't have the almighty Ian Andrews Seal Of Approval. Street Talk are, in a word brilliant.

In general, the write up in last weeks Salient appeared to me to be an account of the bands you've heard over the last six months, and said little of the actual places. I wasn't allowed into the Last Resort with a can of coke (which they don't sell) and that in itself says enough of the management of that place. The Rock Theatre has a decent management but is more like a concert hall than a personal night spot. The band-audience relationship there is zilch. Sure the music's good (in case anyone got the opposite impression) but a little more could be expected of the actual place.

Which brings up another point. The music, generally, is good. The musicians work hard for a few scummy bucks and they don't need any fuckwits showing off their almighty ignorance by writing them off with a few worthless words. Smashed Executive, Johnny Mono, and the Steroids show a lot of promise, while bands like Medusa (for whom I did not see a mention of a word about) and Rough Justice have shown their promise with consistent performances.

One night at the Last Resort ( a few weeks ago) Medusa played before an audience of 20 like it was playing before 2000. This shows the typical Wellington bands dedication. No pulling out because of inadequate P.A. systems from this lot. So much for the "shit from Wellington."

So, Ian Andrews, just remember who you are You are in no position to rubbish bands like these, As much as you'd like to think you are, you aren't the world's leading music critic — just an assholes.

SPiKE AmINal