I'd like more shit personally, bad reviews are much more fun to write and read, even if the records aren't fun to listen to.

It's a long, long time since I read a really scathing review of an album. Writers these days are just too kind/diplomatic.

I remember when Kerrang was decent they gave an awful review to Melvin's "Prick" album. I miss albums that really upset people and divide opinion.

I always preferred critical reviews. I read one in a fanzine once that consisted entirely of "ahahahahahahaha" for about five lines, and then a mark of 0.

There was some magazine where the interviewer thought Bryan Ferry was such a prick that the entire interview was printed in an unreadable font.

Agreed on the too much kindness.

But you have done some good scathers I've noticed, Ed. Keep it up.

NME used to get serious abuse "back in the day" apparently. Heavies calling over to get journos outside following bad reviews an' all. That kind of thing. Metallers'd be too soft for that kind of thing of course.

Varg would hunt them down with his new crossbow and his fetching military wear.

Oh, apart from him of course. He's well hard.

He has a soft side too. That Dodi Balders album is all emotional and shit.