Criteria for Review

I would like to standardize the album review process. There are a number of reasons for this. First, I would like to categorize the albums according to my preference. Second, I would use these categorizations to modify my iTunes collection. With luck, and a little bit of dedication, this process will pay off as I refine my iTunes library according to my own personal preferences. The proposed review criteria are listed below. As usual, comments on revisions are welcome.

1. 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die, is my guide.
2. I will attempt to advance though the book in chronological order, album by album.
3. If I am unable to locate an album, I will select the next album listed in the book.
4. I will categorize the album’s official genre using: http://www.allmusic.com/.
5. I will listen to the album at least three times.
6. After first listen, I decide if I “like,” “don’t like,” or “indifferent.”
7. I will explain the context in which the album was listened (my mood, in car).
8. After listening to the album, I identify what I like about it (vocal, horns, drums).
9. After listening to the album, I recommend whether it should be purchased.
10. After listening to the album, I identify the “best three” songs.
11. After listening to the album, I identify the “worst three” songs.
12. I will then add notes, for example, do I want to explore other work by this artist?
13. After completing the review of the album, I will score it on a scale of 1 to 100.
    Score 1 – 20: Really Did Not Enjoy the Album
    Score 21-40: Did Not Enjoy the Album
    Score 41-60: Neutral on the Album
    Score 61-80: Enjoyed the Album
    Score 81-100: Really Enjoyed the Album