Kyle posted the following Constructive Criticism: I believe Tim is correct in that if there are any “rules” in criticism, the only one that is worth following is that the reviewer should attempt to provide an unbiased account of the work being reviewed, based on its own merits. I’m certain that if I had compared this album to Mr. Rouse’s previous work there would be comments from people saying that I should criticize only the work at hand. As a reader of reviews, I often find it annoying when a reviewer makes a comment akin to “this is not as good as the artist’s previous work.” But if that is what you want, then here you go: this album pales in comparison to Rouse’s previous album, Nashville (which I did listen to, by the way.) As for this website being skewed towards metal, you should reference my previous reviews of albums by singer-songwriters (e.g.: Tom Brosseau, Cat Power, Rocky Votolato, etc.) and the many other reviews of singer-songwriters that appear every week. Criticizing this review by saying that the website is more for metal does not address the merits of the review at all, but rather asserts that because there are reviews of metal bands on this website the reader should simply disregard any reviews that do not fall into that category, which is absurd. I do understand and respect Stuart’s comment about the “creation of a false stereotype around the artist’s music.” I can see where the review could come across in that way and that is a shortcoming on my part that I am able to acknowledge. But I would like to note that I have a decent number of friends who could easily be categorized as “upwardly-mobile effete young adults” and I still manage to maintain friendships with them and respect who they are, so I suppose that would indicate that I don’t necessarily dislike that “section of society” in general. What I do dislike is what I refer to as “lifestyle music”, which is a category into which I believe this album falls. That is what I was trying to get across by creating an image of where an album like Subtitulo is often heard. It is music that creates a general impression of a location or lifestyle without bringing much more to the table. It’s like background music for a specific background. I find it bland and unmoving and as a reviewer I have to express that. Otherwise the review would have been, “I don’t really like this album.” That wouldn’t have been helpful to anyone.

Tim posted the following Constructive Criticism: E Chambers, you are completely incorrect in stating that the "first rule of criticism" is to familiarize yourself with an artist's past. The first rule of criticism should be an unbiased analysis of the work AT HAND – the present – what it is, how it presents itself, its own merits, etc. It doesn't matter where it CAME FROM: The Rolling Stones made "Their Satanic Majesties Request." Is it still a shit album? Yes. If capable hands and minds made a pile of dung, it doesn't make the fecal matter smell any better. PS: How can one individual's judgment be "false" when it's true to his beliefs?

E Chambers posted the following Constructive Criticism: Pleeeeeeeeeeese, I am a 42 part time UK worker so hardly upwordly mobile & young!! Also what is restoration hardware? not as familiar with it as the pompous self important reviewer who is obviously unfamiliar with Rouse's previous work. First rule of criticism talk from a knowledge base. Plus Rouse is great live, if he had heard more of Josh's work he wouldn't make such pseudo jazz comments. Glad I had never heard of this reviewer before! He has nothing to say except ill informed false judgements on a fan base!!!!!!!!!

Tim posted the following Constructive Criticism: Jamesm, although we do cover metal, a glance at our reviews / articles section will show that we also cover plenty – if not more – singer/songwriter types. Recently: Hanalei, Danielson, Isobel Campbell & Mark Lanegan, Sing-Sing, the Ian Love feature... as opposed to the TWO metal reviews (Sepultura and Dismember) out of the last 20.

Jamesm posted the following Constructive Criticism: This review does appear to be trying a bit too hard. There appears to be little 'constructive criticism' and generally a misunderstanding of Rouse's music, and ethos. He is doing his own thing. Funnily enough, this website does seem to be more into the metal scene than laid back bossa nova acoustic music.

Stuart posted the following Constructive Criticism: I don't object to Kyle's dislike of this record, what i do object to is his creation of a false sterotype around the artist's music. I have enjoyed Josh Rouse's progression as an artist over 6 full length records. This review has little to do with Josh's music, and more to do with Kyle's dislike of a section of society in general.