Dehlia Low’s great music speaks for itself and doesn’t need my two cents [”Summer Playlist,” Aug. 10 Xpress]. After his perfunctory bone thrown acknowledging the quality of their newly released third full-length CD, Ravens & Crows, Joseph Chapman (“editorial intern”) wastes ink twisting in semantic contortions over a marketing phrase (bluegrass vs. Americana vs. pop vs. whatever). Memo to a wannabe music critic: it’s the music, stupid!
Dehlia Low has terrific lyrics, music, harmony and musicianship, and that’s all that matters to me when I pick my live or at-home music listening.
— Sam Speciale
Asheville
Editor’s response: For readers who may have missed the review, here is the first sentence: "If you appreciate anything about bluegrass, Ravens & Crows and its topnotch musicianship and intricate vocal harmonies will soon become a part of your most-played collection."
Sam, you wouldn’t happen to be their booking agent, would you? Just checking.
Don’t worry, I left a comment about Joseph Chapman’s rather broad stroked (and incorrect) label of ‘bluegrass’ for the album a few weeks ago saying it was good stuff despite being mis-labled. Please refer to Dehlia Low’s interview featured here on the Xpress from about a year or so ago if you think I’m just stirring the pot.
Just for the record, however, if D.L.’s music speaks for itself and doesn’t need your 2 cents, why write a letter to the editor here? Methinks he doth protest too much.
Or if it makes you happy to believe it’s all good and just about the music (good luck surviving in the music biz if you believe that), please frequent a local Thai restaurant, don’t pay attention to the style of food they serve and then complain that you didn’t find any Italian items on the menu. It’s the food, stupid!
“Editor’s response: For readers who may have missed the review, here is the first sentence . . .”
Why not provide a link to the original article?