I just saw this on Allmusic.com. I"m not sure if its a new review, but its a really good review that's worth a read even if its old:

http://wc06.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&...10:gifyxzthldhe

Thanks for posting the review, overall it was a good one but there were some backhanded little slaps in there. I would like to know the ways this reviewer finds "Trumpet Child" to be so "flawed" as he or she put it ??????

I don't know about music reviewers---they must be much smarter than I in order to find the "flaws" they speak of --the thing is about music--I don't get too analytical about it--I just kind of let the music carry me and look for the overall emotional effects of it. I like music not so much for the intellectual or technical aspects of the music--don't get me wrong---I don't much care for the kinds of music that I consider "light and fluffy" as a rule because I do like "intelligent" music such as that produced by groups like OtR.

I wonder if people like this reviewer creates music or any other kind of art and ever really gets it totally nailed with perfection when they do it??? Maybe we should have reviewers of the music (or reviewers of anything else like movies or books).

"Man that was some great alliteration you did in that third paragraph guy, but the metaphor you used in the fourth paragraph really sucked!!"

Since we are imperfect human beings---we can never create something totally perfect but the inablilty to reach total perfection is no reason to not continue trying---it is the process of striving to create something wonderful that is the most important---

Maybe Karin and Linford do have their limitations in terms of some vocal abilities and piano playing---but I honor them that they have always done music in their own way-music that is far and above about 95 percent of the stuff that is put out there by the most of what passes as modern music.

To me--I find it an insult of sorts, and shows the misplaced values in the way we do things these days, that a non-talent like Brittiny Spears (I think I have her first name spelled incorrectly, so forgive me--and I really don't care) is allowed inside a studio to record music and put out "product"--and that she is paid so much that she can own Beverly Hills mansions, Bentley GT convertibles and fly from show to show in a G5 jet--while artists with real talent like Karin and Linford toil in relative obscurity compared to a Spears, Jessica Simpson, etc.

Karin, Linford and the band rely on a well worn Ford Econoline van pulling a used trailer to haul their gear to shows ----no million dollar mansion on wheels, Prevost Motor Coach for them I am afraid--even though they so deserve that sort of treatment too.

Well enough of this rant---it just bugs me that reviewers do things like that and if that person is apparently capable of producing infallible music---why in the Sam Hill isn't he or she out there busting their ass on tour and such-- making "perfect" albums and filling stadiums with screaming fans???????

I do thank Karin and Linford for the way they have chosen to do music their way--I love it--imperfections and blemishes all!!!!!!

It's sorta like ----wow------what a concept-------"REAL LIFE!!!" (as opposed to REEL Life)

And this info "Darkest Night of the Year, a recording of a live performance done in a public theater in Cincinnati in 1997" is just plain wrong.

And again with his swipes at Linford's liner notes...

Same reviewer: Trumpet Child review.

Seems like he had issues with "Don't Wait For Tom" & "If A Song Could Be President."

Thanks Jeanne for posting the link to the Trumpet Child review too--man--talk about using language to weave some kind of web---and talk about over thinking something--I guess he has to show just how much smarter he is than the rest of us---

I will have to remember this guy's name and make sure---that if he sorta likes some artist and their work while seeming to be praising the work but is really slamming it--I will be sure to go out and buy that music---it has to be good.

Jeez Louise--what a bunch of hogwash!!!!

Thom Jurek is active on the Arts and Faith board. I've wondered before if he's maybe a bigger OtR fan than he's comfortable letting on as a professional critic, and feeds his credibility by slipping in a few obligatory digs.

Thom Jurek also reviewed Ohio and Drunkard's Prayer for allmusicguide.

The only times I've had issues with his reviews are when the information is wrong. Like what Jeanne mentioned w/ DNotY, and getting song titles wrong.
I don't agree that the liner notes are pretentious at all. With every OtR release I look forward to reading the liner notes as much as getting the cd. It's a whole package deal.
Those puppies get repeat readings more than rarely too.

Perhaps you are correct in your assessment of Mr. Jurek---if you have to always nitpik an album to death--I guess I will never get an assignment writing an album review though--especially when I cannot make music myself!! I would have no place telling a musican what they did or did not do properly--especially when it comes down to it--something like music is a highly subjective matter and rotten, good or great music is in the ear, mind and spirit of the beholder.