Gathering opinions on this topic.

Sometimes, folks will say that namedropping is annoying (example: This cd is a must for fans of golden power pop like THE UNDERTONES and maybe some early CHEAP TRICK). I'm sure in excess, it can be that way, but I think it's often necessary to establish an idea of the sound of the band.

Some folks say "just describe how the music makes you feel".

Opinions?

k will do

Damn. I thought this was going to be a thread about not writing "...Nevermind is an average grunge album, as I was saying to David Bowie the other night..."

i think some name dropping can be pretty valid. especially if you're reviewing something that strays from the norm. but it depends on how it's used. there's a whole lot of difference between saying something like 'fans of my bloody valentine would probably enjoy sianspheric' and 'sianspheric is the next my bloody valentine'

Yeah, agreed. I think a little name dropping is almost like seasoning....a little adds to the flavor, but too much kills it.

Ever read a garage rock or punk review that is nothing but a SLEW of band names that you've never heard of? That can get kinda annoying. I mean, you have to name drop bands that people outside of your home town may have heard of, otherwise it's pointless.