Reviewing My Reviews

Guess what? It's my 10th anniversary on blogger!!!

And since I've been talking about reviving a review feature, I thought it would be apropos to review the eclectic collection of reviews I've written over the past 10 years.

I will be critiquing my own previous writings in three areas. Information, Entertainment & General Interest. For the most part, these are all blog posts that have had little to no attention on my blog, so links to the original posts will be provided. And no; I don't for a minute expect anyone to click and read all the links. However, I do hope each reader will find at least one link that interests them enough to check out and leave a thought. Maybe you want to read the review I rated the highest? Or the one I gave the lowest score to. Perhaps you'd like to see how well I reviewed music CD's or check out an odd 'talk show' type entry I made which included a review. Whatever your reason, perhaps you will look into at least one. I'd consider it a 10th anniversary present.


After each review, I have assigned a "Rant Rating". The lower the score, the more I should rant about how awful the review actually was. And now, without further ado...
Did I say this was an eclectic collection? Hoo Boy!

TV: Commercial Review
Superb Owl 50 Review
02/08/16 R.a.n.t. of month February, 2016
This was more a collection of funny TV commercials featured in the popular televised game, and less an actual review of each commercial. Still, this post featured the one and only appearance of Horace the official Jeffrey Scott blog mascot. Perhaps I should bring him back at some point.
Information: 2/10 (None provided by myself personally).
Entertainment: 4/10 (The Superb Owl joke never gets old).
General Interest: 4/10 (Most of the ads are still relevant today).
Rant Rating - 33%

Super Bowl 48 Review
02/02/14 R.a.n.t. of week 02/02/14
My first collection of choice commercials. Personally, I found these more entertaining than the ones from the Superb Owl 50 review. However, I still didn't really 'review' them per se. I did however give a quick cynical recap of the game, but not much more.
Information: 4/10 (A higher rating since I DID recap the game).
Entertainment: 4/10 (Nothing unique was really added beyond the ads).
General Interest: 5/10 (Slightly higher since I added the game scores).
Rant Rating - 43%

Order Now, Operators Are Standing By
05/18/08  After being told I should watch commercials, I decided to review a block of them. You know, just to see what I was missing. Turns out, I wasn't missing a lot. The article was written rather tongue in cheek, though did try to be honest.
Information: 6/10 (Went into detail describing each commercial).
Entertainment: 2/10 (Think watching commercials is boring)?
General Interest: 6/10 (I think almost everyone hates commercials. So we should all relate).
Rant Rating - 46%

TV: Program Review
The Coffee Klatch - Episode I
02/04/11 - I had an interesting idea for a new blog feature in 2011. A sort of "talk-show" blog post. My hopes was to have interviews, reviews, music, cartoons and general sort of chit chat. In my debut (of only two episodes) I review a few of my favourite TV shows for the week.I've often considered retooling this idea and bringing it back.
Information: 5/10 (I give information about myself and a few shows I watch).
Entertaiment: 6/10 (A cartoon is provided, a music video and a self interview).
General Interest: 5/10 (Not everyone is into what I'm into. Still, I tried).
Rant Rating - 53%

Music: CD Review
CD Review: Thisbe Vos - "Shophistication"
03/27/12 I discovered Thisbe Vos and promptly wrote a review of her (then) new CD. I think my writing style had vastly improved by the time I wrote this. I review more of the songs on a personal level and keep the additional information abridged.
Information: 7/10 (Information about the CD is great, but I don't have links to her social media).
Entertainment: 8/10 (I personally think it's one of my most well written reviews).
General Interest: 7/10 (If you like jazz of any sort, you should like this.
Rant Rating - 73%

CD Review: Jessy J - "Hot Sauce"
02/16/12 Not to be confused with Jessie J, this CD review was an interesting read. Lots of person opinions about the CD, but then again who wouldn't in a review? I highlight my track favourites and give much information on where to find Jessy J, and who have contributed to the album.
Information: 8/10 (Lots of contributing artist information).
Entertainment: 7/10 (If you like jazz CD reviews, I think you'll like this one).
General Interest: 7/10 (A versatile CD and a versatile review).
Rant Rating - 73%

CD Review: Martha Berner - "Fools Fantasy"
01/22/12 Once upon a time a local radio DJ appreciated my photography enough to invite me to a live recording she was doing for a local cable access program. After the photo shoot and interview was completed, I received a free demo of the CD. So I decided to review it. Upon rereading the review, I was impressed with how well I tried to give the flavour of the CD to all my readers. I also included a few of the photos I took during the photo shoot. I was very proud of this review.
Information: 9/10 (Links to all her social media were included. Along with some background and a link to the photo shoot I did).
Entertainment: 8/10 (An endearing description of the music, if a bit long winded).
General Interest: 8/10 (I think this is a CD everyone can find at least one song to their liking).
Rant Rating - 83%

CD Review: Diana Krall - "Steppin Out"
12/16/11 A year after my first music review, I decided I needed to review the first album from my favourite jazz artist. Is my review somewhat biased? Perhaps, but I highlight the songs, give credit to the songs inspirations and original artists. Still no numeric rating system, though I do describe which I like, and which I feel others may enjoy.
Information: 10/10 (I also give credit to those who perform with her).
Entertainment: 9/10 (The honest review and photos make it worth reading).
General Interest: 8/10 (Not everyone enjoys jazz. But give it a try).
Rant Rating - 90%

CD Revew: Fuse - Debut Album
06/23/10 I consider this my first proper music review. Though I don't give a numerical rating, I do, however, rave about the artists and the music.
Information: 9/10 (Most people, I think, are unfamiliar with all the info provided).
Entertainment: 7/10 (For an older post, I think it's very well written).
General Interest: 6/10 (Who doesn't like music)?
Rant Rating - 73%

Music: DVD Review
Bond Live at the Royal Albert Hall
05/28/11 This quartet is my favourite electric string group. So, I had a lot of fun re-watching and writing about this DVD. Not only do I let everyone know exactly what I love about the DVD, I try to be fair and give some critical thoughts as well. Certainly a well-rounded review.
Information: 7/10 (Once again identify group members, but leave no social media links).
Entertainment: 8/10 (I think it's entertaining to read both positive and negative points).
General Interest: 7/10 (Concert DVD's are not for everyone, but I think you would like it).
Rant Rating - 73%

Gaming: Online Game Review
The Coffee Klatch - Episode 2
12/11/11 This review was on the second episode of a failed 'blog talk show' format I tried to use. Ignoring the rest of the post, you'll find a short couple of paragraphs of a recent game I was playing on my Playstation 3. A nice short review, if you are into this kind of thing.
Information: 3/10 (Basic general information).
Entertainment: 4/10 (Describe how I best like to play the game).
General Interest: 3/10 (I think most people will not be interested).
Rant Rating - 33%

Pictures: Funny Picture
Elephantiasis of the Mouth
06/02/08 I called this entry a review, though really it's a fake story based on a funny picture. The story is thankfully, very short. All data has been faked, but that shouldn't surprise you considering it's a fake story.
Information: 1/10 (Hard to say anything is informative if it's make believe).
Entertainment: 5/10 (There is a 50/50 chance you may find this funny).
General Interest: 2/10 (Possibly funny, possibly offensive if someone suffers from elephantiases).
Rant Raiting - 26%

The Beer Store
05/13/08 The first of (mercifully) only two picture reviews. Perhaps something more could be done with a fake picture review, though I'm not exactly sure what.
Information: 1/10 (Make fictitious places and people).
Entertainment: 4/10 (There is a 50/50 chance you may find this offensive).
General Interest: 1/10 (Not that funny and the photo is not very clear).
Rant Rating - 20%

Locations: Super Markets
Metro Market
05/22/08 I wrote a lot of weird stuff when I first started blogging. Case in point, my review of a local grocery store. Like most of my early blog posts, it was fairly brief.
Information: 2/10 (I didn't really describe much about the store).
Entertainment: 1/10 (I can't see how anyone would have found this entertaining).
General Interest: 2/10 (If you are local, you might be interested. If not, probably not).
Rant Rating - 16%

Locations: Restaurants
Highland Park Pies and Café
05/16/08 This was the first serious review that started it all. I tried to be informative and brief. I also strived to give readers a small demonstration of what it was like through my description and included photo.
Information: 6/10
Entertainment: 4/10 (If you like restaurant reviews, this might work for you).
General Interest: 5/10 (I think most people like to check out places others have reviewed. Whether they plan to visit it or not).
Rant Rating - 50%

The Listing Hop - Top Five Favourite Songs

I was recently with a group of friends when the topic of top five favourite songs came up. A few had a hard time deciding what to put on their top five, one had songs they liked, but couldn't remember the names of the artists. The interesting thing is, it doesn't matter if you remember the names of the artists, or if you can fill out your top five favourite songs on a moments notice. It doesn't even matter what the top five songs are. The thing is essentially a Kobayashi Maru test. (A no-win test that judges a persons internal character) There is no right way to answer the question correctly. But in this case, it's a test of determining what sort of music you listen to. A lot can be told about a person by the music they listen to. However, the question never got around to me. So you can say I got off "Scott" free. But I started wondering and created my top five list. So when I agreed to do this listing hop, I thought it would be a good time to explore my top five favourite songs. The list may surprise a few people (for what is or is not included), but there are specific reasons I have chosen the songs I have chosen and I shall explain.

Top Five Favourite Songs
5. Bond - 1812 Overture - I love this song as performed by Bond because it's always motivating and inspiring. Even when I'm in a lazy mood, when I play this song, I'm suddenly energized and raring to go. It's my go-to song for when I jog.

4. Beatles - Hard Days Night - I would be remiss if I didn't throw in a Beatles song. The Beatles were an amazing band and help revolutionize the music industry. As a Beatles fan, this is my favourite. Though if you ask me, it could use more cowbell.

3. Blondie - The Tide is High - "Wow! That is an odd choice", I hear you say. Though I do love the group Blondie, there is a specific reason I have this included in my list. It was the early 80s and I was sitting in my living room when suddenly a guy across the street walked past with his ghetto blaster blairing. The song at the time was this one. It was so catchy, I ran to see if I could find it on a radio station. Side note, till I heard this song, I never listed to music on the radio. So this is the song that got me interested in listening to music on the radio. I was probably 15 at the time.

2. Huey Lewis - The Power of Love - Unsurprisingly, another of my favourite 80s. Unlike the other selections, this song is chosen because for me, it typifies 80s music which I have come to love so dearly. There is no coincidence this is also the signature song from one of my favourite films as well. Can you guess it?

1. Michael Bublé - Haven't Met You Yet - One of only a few songs where I absolutely love the video as well as the song. As a single guy, I'm still looking for that one special lady. There has to be at least one special person for everyone. Shouldn't there be? But the problem is I've broken my hear so many times I've stopped keeping track. But I believe she is out there. Wherever she is and whenever it's right, she'll come out of nowhere and into my life. And I know we are going to be so amazing, and her love is going to change me. But I just haven't met her yet. One day I shall.

Top Five Questions:
5. What song really motivates you?
4. What song do you feel revolutionized music?
3. Do you remember a song that got you into music?
2. What is your favourite genre of music?
1. Which song best fits your life?
Bonus Question: Who did you think you would see on this list that you didn't see?

Perhaps I shall do a follow-up post indicating who my top five favourite artists are and why.
Hint: My top artists will not ALL be in that list.

Thanks for stopping by and visiting me on this Listing Hop.
For other cool and fantastic lists, visit the hosts of this blog hop.
Host - Bish Denham
Co-Host - Alex J. Cavanaugh

Battle of the Bands Results - Wallflower

Photo Credit: Jeffrey Scott

 

In case anyone missed the memo, one of my favourite singers of all time is Diana Krall. So I have been anxious to feature her. However, I also thought it would be devastating if I were to feature her in a battle, only to find out no one else liked her, or preferred someone else. This is the one rare occasion where I was probably more vocal from the get-go, who I was going to vote for. I hoped that would help sway other votes. I little devious? Perhaps. But then again, the battle had it's own problems. Problems? What problems? Did my sweetheart lose? Is that the problem I'm talking about? Let's find out.

In the first round, six votes were cast. However, one of the voters could not see the competition. Reluctantly they went online and found another version of the song I featured from Doug Sahm and listened to that to cast their vote. All in all, six votes for cast for Diana this round. And yet, we have a little asterisk next to one of the votes.

The second round was asterisk free, but was also not a clean and clear vote for Diana all around. One vote cast, the final one, was finally for Doug Sahm But the rest went to Diana Krall. She was now leading 10* - 1. Was it even possible for Doug Sahm to catch up at this time? The third round would likely help answer this question.

Another six votes were cast in the third round. Another six votes for Diana Krall. My babe my be winning, but this battle has not been very exciting. 16*- 1 in favour of my favourite pianist an musician.

Some may have accused me of stacking the deck for this battle, but it was not the case. Id always thought people who liked jazz, didn't care for country. And those who liked country were not big fans of jazz. So say what you will about me, I was genuine when I paired Doug Sahm with Diana Krall. I'm not a country enthusiast, so I figured this country song was as good as another. But it seemed not to be the case. Even other country fans went against their genre. Our fourth and final battle had four more voters. But again, another asterisk was placed for Diana Krall, two more full votes for Diana, and one more vote for Doug. The current tally? 19** - 2. Still having my vote, should I even bother placing it? It wouldn't really make a difference, would it? But it IS DIANA KRALL. I could NOT not vote for her. So I'm casting my vote for Diana Krall as well. (Yes Shady, we finally vote the same).
Final Total - Diana Krall 20** (18 or 19 without the asterisks) - 2. Either way, our winner is Diana Krall



Top Comments

*Debbie D. - Not sure I'm eligible to vote on this one Jeffrey. The first video isn't available in Canada and all I could find is a live version.

Holli - I love country music and Doug's version has a touch of twang to it to keep me interested. Then I listened to Diana's version. She has such a gorgeous soothing voice. It was so pretty!! My vote goes to her.

CowgirlKate - Well once again you make this ever so difficult, Jeffrey. The version by Doug Sahm appeals to my very deep rooted love of bluegrass and old country. I could listen to it all day.
Then there is the lovely miss Diana Krall (yes... We know you're completely smitten with her).... Silky smooth voice. Beautiful tonal quality. And very real emotion in her voice that any wallflower would recognize. I was ready to cast my vote after the first version. But you'll be pleased that your leading lady , Miss Krall, has stolen my vote from Mr Sahm

Janie Junebug - I'm a wallflower. Doug Sahm is too twangy for me. I vote for Diana Krall. Her voice is sweet, but a little smoky. I ran into Diana the other day while I was grocery shopping. She told me she has a crush on you and to please wait for her. She's falling in love with you.

Robin – I really like country music but Doug Sahm was actually too twangy for me (those are words I never thought would leave my mouth). I think it might be that he's so twangy I couldn't understand a thing he was saying aside from Wallflower. I call that mouthful of marbles singing. And then there was Diana. Her version was sweet and delicious and delivered in just the way every wallflower wants to hear it. So a vote for Diana please.

Alex J. Cavanaugh – If I was with friends, I was outgoing. By myself, I was in that corner as well.
Afraid I don't like country music so Diana's version wins for me.

Dixie@dcrelief – Shucks, Jeffrey, why make it so tough on a country girl? I'd rather hang out with Doug and buddies. Sounds like some true drinking music... and is that an accordion I hear? Nothing beats a squeezebox. You know I'm part Polka, right? I'm voting for Doug! Silly, shy guy!

Cherdo - Polarizing versions, I'll wager! This will separate the men from the boys from the girls from the women from the cat lovers and dog petters and ....
I vote for KRALL, brother.

Yolanda Renee - Diana Krall, so much easier to listen too. The other one had too much twang! As one wallflower speaking to another, it never does leave, does it, that awkwardness in conversation. Guess that's why I write!

Stephen T. McCarthy - I don't like a lot of Country music, but that which I do, I generally love.
Nope! Doug was too twangy for me, too.
'Nother vote for Diana Krall.

Mary Burris –I knew you would try to get your girlfriend in the battles somehow! And i'm going to stack the ballots and do my part to help her win!

Sergio E. Benìtez –ESTIMADO, TANTO TIEMPO! DIANA KRALL ESTA EN MI PIEL! UN GRAN ABRAZO!

Cathy Kennedy – Jeffrey, Doug is too twangy to suit me, but even if he wasn't it would be hard to out do Diana Krall. I love her vocals! Give my vote to Diana Krall, please. Have a tunetastic evening and thanks for stopping by!

A GAL NEEDS – I'm going to go with Doug Sahm because I love the bluegrass feel to it. Bluegrass is a piece of Americana and lends itself to that simpler time, before things got crazy!



Winners Circle
Congratulations to Diana Krall for winning this battle.
To all you who voted for her, enjoy my favourite video of hers.
Does anyone know where I can find this wallpaper?



Thanks to everyone who stopped by and placed a vote.
Come back again for a new battle 15 September.
Who will you vote for?
What song will I choose?
Which artists will battle it out?
Stay tuned.

Don't forget to visit the other participants in the Battle of the Band to see who won their battles.

STMcC PRESENTS 'BATTLE OF THE BANDS'
TOSSING IT OUT
JINGLE JANGLE JUNGLE
WOMEN: WE SHALL OVERCOME
YOUR DAILY DOSE
BOOK LOVER
MIKE'S RAMBLINGS
CURIOUS AS A CATHY
THE SOUND OF ONE HAND TYPING
DCRELIEF - BATTLE OF THE BANDS
THE DOGLADY'S DEN
CHERDO ON THE FLIPSIDE
ANGELS BARK
FAR AWAY SERIES
NOVEL BREWS
QUIET LAUGHTER
HOLLI'S HOOTS AND HOLLERS

Are you currently in the BOTB and don't see your name in the list above? Let me know in comments and I'll include it.

Battle of the Bands - Wallflower

As a youth, I was the shy and quiet type. If I were to attend a party, I'd be the wallflower, the one sitting by myself while others were off having a good time. If I had any companion next to me it was most likely another wallflower. We'd have nothing in common except our shyness and little to no conversations.
"Having a good time?"
"No, not really."
"Me either."
(An awkward minute would transpire).
"Well.... See you later."
"Bye, nice talking to you."

Oh, who am I kidding? I'm still that person. Which is what makes the following song battle strike a bit too close to home. And yet, I've been on both sides of the coin. I've been both the wallflower, and the person enamoured with the wallflower. So both versions of this weeks battle song have meaning for me.

The first contender is Doug Sahm. As he sings, I imagine myself singing the very same thing to the wallflower I'm fond of. Will she notice me? Probably not. Anyway, what do you think of the song?



Our second contender, Diana Krall, is one of my personal favourite singers of all time. As she sings, I imagine her coming to my rescue as I hold up the back wall at the dance. She's falling in love with me as she sees me sitting off alone. Geez, I think I need to get out more.



So those are the two contenders. Ignoring the actual videos, who do you think performs the song best? I collected the two bands to battle it out, now it's your job. Time to vote on your favourite. Please vote for your preferred song choice and let me know in the comments. Also, please let me know why you feel the way you do. Voting ends on the 8th when I'll cast my own vote and announce the winner in a separate posting.

Did you enjoy the Battle of the Bands feature? Come back on the 15th of September when I'll have a new battle. Also, be sure to check out my friends below who have banded together to offer up their own musical battles.

FAR AWAY SERIES
STMcC PRESENTS 'BATTLE OF THE BANDS'
TOSSING IT OUT
JINGLE JANGLE JUNGLE
WOMEN: WE SHALL OVERCOME
YOUR DAILY DOSE
BOOK LOVER
MIKE'S RAMBLINGS
CURIOUS AS A CATHY
THE SOUND OF ONE HAND TYPING
DCRELIEF - BATTLE OF THE BANDS
THE DOGLADY'S DEN
CHERDO ON THE FLIPSIDE
ANGELS BARK
NOVEL BREWS
QUIET LAUGHTER
HOLLI'S HOOTS AND HOLLERS

Are you currently in the BOTB and don't see your name in the list above? Let me know in comments and I'll include it.

♫ Do You Hear What I Hear ♪

R.a.n.t. of week 12/08/13

♫ It's beginning to sound a lot like Christmas. Every where you go ♫

Yes, no matter where one goes this time of year, we are inundated with the 'sounds of the season'. It doesn't matter where, every gas station, residence, warehouse, farmhouse, hen-house, outhouse and dog house in the area is playing the music non-stop.

Grocery stores are playing Michael Buble's, "I'll Be Home For Christmas", waiting rooms are piping in Bruce Springsteen's, "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" and malls subject every shopper to Diana Krall's "White Christmas". It's great if you love Christmas and Christmas music. But not everyone celebrates, or cares to listen to this same music over and over again. So much so that you unconsciously find yourself humming along.

Additionally, why are these songs so prevalent, especially in stores? To put everyone in the 'holiday spirit', i.e. mood to spend, spend, spend. So there's another reason to dislike it. I know what you are saying, "But Jeffrey, you don't celebrate Christmas or you would love the music". Not necessarily, I know plenty of people who celebrate the holidays and are also tired of hearing these few festive favourites.

At least if you are going to play Christmas music, play something like 'Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer' from Da Yoopers, Bob and Doug's "12 Days of Christmas" or Weird Al's "Christmas at Ground Zero". I still may not like it, but at least I'll have a laugh.


Next Week: How To Get Free Gas

Diana Krall - Milwaukee: 16, July 2012

An evening with Diana Krall. What could be finer?

Sitting quietly in the dark, pondering her next song as we are entertained by the rest of the band.

The evening commences.

Diana is a great entertainer all alone...

... or when accompanied.

Diana Krall is very personable and always entertains, even when just talking of home life or playing to the audience.

The evening is over, but Diana graciously performs an encore.

Krall

Some have told me
I'm not very smart.
But I think you should
only trust your heart.

You would love me
if you only knew,
My love is only
all for you.

There's no other
that I prize,
and you could tell
if I looked in your eyes.

But you ignore me,
my eternal gloom.
As if you discovered
the girl in the other room.

Truthfully I tell you,
this is no con.
there is no other
from this moment on.

Cancel the restraining order,
especially tonight's.
Or must I endure
more quiet nights.

J.A.Scott

CD Review: Diana Krall - "Steppin Out"

I really only discovered jazz in the late 80's. At the time, it was a new genre for me and I didn't immediately take to it. Oh, I liked it, though initially I was introduced to Spyro Gyra and that was all I had to go on. But my musical tastes were just beginning to mature. I found a local jazz station, listened for a while and loved what I heard. It wasn't long before I was looking for CD's from some of the artists I heard. Diana Krall was one such artist. How could I go wrong? She's beautiful and I loved her music. Though 'Steppin Out' was not my first Krall CD, I imagine I would have fallen in love with her music just as much with this CD as any other. Starting off, the first track is 'This Can't Be Love'. The song is fast paced enough to pull you right in and her piano is excellent. As an additional bonus, the bass is awesome and drums can't be beat. (That was a drumming joke for you).

The second track is 'Straighten Up and Fly Right', a Nat King Cole song. Of course I didn't know that at first, you see my jazz knowledge was, is - still growing. In fact, to be honest, there are probably a lot of songs I'm unfamiliar with. But as I continue to grow in my jazz exposure, I'm sure to identify more and more. But I digress, I apologize.

'I'm Just A Lucky So and So' is another great song if you are into the faster paced songs. But if you are not, you'll appreciate the much slower 'Body and Soul'. A perfect song to sit back in a relaxing chair, drink in hand, and just meditate on the music. '42nd Street' starts off slowly as well, but picks up nicely. Mind you, I'm not saying there is anything wrong with slower songs, I just have to be in the right mood for it. Towards the end of the song, it mellows out once more which leads nicely into 'Do Nothin Till You Hear From Me', another great sassy song Diana performs well.

Other great instrumental songs are 'Big Foot' and 'Jimmie'. As we approach the end of the CD, we are treated to 'Frim Fram Sauce', another great playful song. Anyone familiar with Nat King Cole will surely recognize it. The CD is rounded out at the end with 'As Long As I Live'. A great song, and one that will only leaving you wanting more of Diana Krall. Never fear, she has many CD's to choose from.

Conclusion: If you like jazz, be it vocal or instrumental, this is the CD for you. Maybe not the best of her CD's, but then again who am I to judge? It's Diana's first CD and as such, a very rewarding listen. I highly encourage you to pick this up.


Other CD Notes:
Vocals, Piano: Diana Krall
Bass: John Clayton
Drums: Jeff Hamilton

Recording Dates: October 18, 19 1992