Gramophone

[iain rutherford]

Didums -Grammy-whammy isn't the same as it was in 1974, so let's all throw our toys out the pram and demean a magazine that, yes, has its faults but still contains many excellent articles and reviews. Amateur indeed.

[Biffo]

I started reading Gramophone in 1969 and stuck it with right up to earlier this year despite its obvious deterioration. I didn't throw any toys out of my pram, I just missed buying an issue because I went on holiday, then another for other reasons; then I realised I didn't care any more and haven't bought it since, or missed it. The Gramophone archive is available on-line and is an excellent reference source. It also shows that not all the reviews were brilliant, comprehensive and penetrating, even 40 years ago.

[amateur51]

Didums -Grammy-whammy isn't the same as it was in 1974, so let's all throw our toys out the pram and demean a magazine that, yes, has its faults but still contains many excellent articles and reviews. Amateur indeed.

You're easily pleased - fairy nuff, iain rutherford. Calm down dear, it's only a difference of opinion

[iain rutherford]

I sent an email to Fanfare, asking if it was possible to get a sample copy and received this very generous reply:

Thank you for writing today about your potential subscription. Because Fanfare is sold by subscription only, my advice is to take out a one-year subscription for $75. The first issue (May/June) will be mailed promptly, and you'll soon know if the magazine is for you. If for any reason you're not satisfied, keep the issue and I'll send you a full refund.

Sincerely,
Joel Flegler
Editor

I did not return it!

I wonder if reading this might make you return it?

http://www.artsjournal.com/slippeddisc/2011/10/how-to-buy-a-record-review.html

Soliciting funds in exchange for guaranteed reviews is corrupt and I know how highly members of this board value journalistic standards, because they're the first to point it out when Gramophone is perceived to have fallen below spec.

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

Soliciting funds in exchange for guaranteed reviews is corrupt

Quite so, not so overtly corrupt as guaranteeing a good review, but sufficiently open to abuse as to make one skeptical of the openness of Fanfare writing. However, Mr Lebrecht is more renowned for colourful stirring than for the accuracy of his facts, and it would be unwise to use one of his articles as the sole source of evidence. As it is, I know somebody who used to write for Fanfare but who stopped doing so with considerable regret about five years ago because of his misgivings about the direction in which the magazine was headed. I shall save my $75.

But because I don't buy Gramophone nowadays, believing it isn't a patch on its former self (yes, 1974 was a good year: it was when I first discovered the magazine and became hooked for the next twenty years) I prefer to think that I am keeping my money in my pocket rather than "throwing my toys out of my pram". Yes there are still good things in it but, for my money, these get fewer and fewer: I always check each issue in my local library, and it takes less and less of my time it takes to read these "good" bits.

IRR anyone?

[Ferretfancy]

fernehoughgeliebte

In fairness to Fanfare, I would say that its readers are not shy in coming forward when a particular review upsets them, which is quite refreshing compared to British magazines. Indeed, the letters page sometimes makes fascinating reading, and there is usually room in the last few pages for reviewers to own up to their mistakes. I do find those interminable interviews with relative unknowns a bit heavy going, but they are not obligatory reading.

[amateur51]

fernehoughgeliebte

In fairness to Fanfare, I would say that its readers are not shy in coming forward when a particular review upsets them, which is quite refreshing compared to British magazines. Indeed, the letters page sometimes makes fascinating reading, and there is usually room in the last few pages for reviewers to own up to their mistakes. I do find those interminable interviews with relative unknowns a bit heavy going, but they are not obligatory reading.

You're not trying to say that you're a grown-up and quite capable of coming to your own judgements, are you Ferret?

Whatever next!

[PaulT]

I wonder if reading this might make you return it?

http://www.artsjournal.com/slippeddisc/2011/10/how-to-buy-a-record-review.html

I smell a rat in this press release announcing Inverne's departure. He must have been shown the door. No-one redesigns a magazine and then leaves before the redesign is published. I have some sympathy for his replacement having to inherit a has-been`s brand new design. How long will it be before he gets his own chance to stamp his own authority on the magazine.

I would feel even happier about this announcement if his next position was as non-contributing editor.

[Barbirollians]

Well if Norman Lebrecht recommends Gramophone - can there be more persuasive evidence that it is in a spiral of decline.

[MickyD]

Can anyone hazard a guess as to who might be in the running for the job?

[VodkaDilc]

Can anyone hazard a guess as to who might be in the running for the job?

I would suggest MickyD.
Otherwise, perhaps Martin Cullingford or someone from another Haymarket magazine - perhaps the current Assistant Editor from a completely unrelated magazine like Practical Caravan.

[Barbirollians]

I would suggest MickyD.
Otherwise, perhaps Martin Cullingford or someone from another Haymarket magazine - perhaps the current Assistant Editor from a completely unrelated magazine like Practical Caravan.

[Don Petter]

All those reviews of Beni Mora.

[MickyD]

I would suggest MickyD.
Otherwise, perhaps Martin Cullingford or someone from another Haymarket magazine - perhaps the current Assistant Editor from a completely unrelated magazine like Practical Caravan.

I'll take that as a compliment, VodkaDilc.

[VodkaDilc]

I'll take that as a compliment, VodkaDilc.

Of course! Having read your views over a lengthy period, I am sure you would make a better job of it than the present incumbent. (And I'm sure you could direct operations from your continental paradise, without needing to go to Haymarket Towers!)