Let's get this over with!

A little intro into what I intend to accomplish with this blog: I would like to put aside all the self-absorbed, condescending "critic" websites out there who think that they're doing the world a favor by gracing us with their opinion, when in reality we, as readers, are merely voyeurs, allowed to occasionally visit their realm of intellectual masturbation.
I'll admit that many of them have become successful in what they do, but there's no denying how frustrating it can be when agendas and elitism trump honest opinions. I understand that we all have our prejudices; but the quest for who can "out-indie" everyone else takes the place of "listening" and actually "reviewing" music/movies/design (which is what I intend to accomplish with this blog,) Readers no longer feel welcome.
I think this concept never really hit me until I read Pitchfork's (www.pitchforkmedia.com) review of Vampire Weekend: Vampire Weekend. The album got an 8.8, and it's probably one of the lamest pieces of garbage I've ever listened to. Granted I only listened to it once, and I know that sometimes you have to give things another listen, but seriously trying to make it through that entire album would be almost as difficult as trying not to gouge my eyes out while I was watching Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. Seriously - Vampire Weekend? Is it just because they pander to the "these guys are so awesome because of how weird they are" mentality that has become much of the independent music scene? Do I have to like Panda Bear: Person Pitch in order to be revered as an indie music critic? Because I still try to listen to that album from time to time, and the clutter of ambient noise mixed with Beatles-esque jingles is too much for my brain to process. If you're looking for creepy, noisey, minimalistic and incoherent "music" that you'll never forget, try giving Scott Walker's albums Drift or Tilt a listen.

Obviously I have an opinion as well, and by no means am I going to try to be objective. And trust me, I realize that, while I am quasi-talented artistically and maybe even musically, I'm not trying to tell anyone that I could do it better; I'm only telling you whether or not I like it, and if you choose to keep reading, then my job here is done. I'll begin reviewing things soon, and I would like to add that if anyone wants me to review something along the lines of music/movies/tv/art/design, send me an email at darrinpmartin@gmail.com.