Preamble : SiR HendRix Rating System
SiR HendRix Rating System employs a 50–100 point quality scale for individual musical tracks. the common 5-star rating points — [* to *****] — are not sufficient for rating the complexity of music and results in very subjective measures and inflated ratings. there is not so much 5-star [*****] music around as is rated in this world.
this rating is very serious. it’s not about “best rock song ever. period” or “my personal top 10” or something similar.
SiR HendRix takes a hard, very critical listen at tracks in order to underestimate and not overestimate the musical quality. if possible, in a peer group setting, i.e. comparing the track to be assessed with other representatives of the genre or style or with different covers resp. the original version.
my own personal subjective 5-star rating goes into the whole rating with 10-20 percent only. 80 percent of the rating process is in-depth assessment of musical motif, arrangement and structure, variety and dynamics, development and depth/breadth of the theme, expression and feel, uniqueness and/or innovativity, and performance. last but not least, i rate overall quality and lasting impression. this is not done by one autition only. up to 5 malus or bonus points may be subtracted or added according to two lists of 10 criteria each (including sound quality, metrics, virtuosity, instrumentation, interplay, expression of heart, genius work, simplicity/pureness, overdo, etc.). don’t ask for the specific point ratings for a track, i won’t reveal them, only the end result.
please note carefully : the ratings reflect a critical *listen at the music* and not just my personal opinion or taste. neither reputation nor being a fan nor the latest hip genre affect the rating in any manner. i don’t care. on the other hand, if a mainstream artist outside my listening habits performs well, he/she will get my points, no matter what. possible high ratings do not necessarily go with my love for the particular piece of music or the artist. i even could nearly object giving points and might be surprised or angried by my own rating results for artists i normally don’t care much about. my loved tracks would yield a different list, and i admit, i even do love mediocre music, we all do. but it simply won’t get my high ratings. i hope this clarifies the difference between love and assessment, it’s two different worlds.
once again : SiR HendRix Excellence Rating is not about “music i like”. it’s about a deeper understanding, appreciation, acknowledgement (and objection) of music performances beyond personal tastes. otherwise we wouldn’t need the Rating System.
the scoring of music is a professional task with applying a numerical system to it on a consistent basis. the advantage is rapid precise communication of quality to experts and amateurs alike, nothing more, nothing less.
music rated over 85 points is very good to excellent. please mind that the majority of quality music usually doesn’t cost more to listen to than to mediocre music. we don’t need to settle for less.
[*****]
98-100 points
unbelievable (AAA)
the top of the crop. music in this range is jaw-dropping, heart-stopping, really more than we could reasonably expect ...
95-97 points
extraordinary, profound (AA)
the very best, a rare level of greatness and elegance. music in this range has very high caliber, is overwhelming and might blow you away (or knock your socks off) ...
90-94 points
outstanding, high quality (A)
this is where special effort begins. music in this range is exceptional and terrific, but only few will make it into this category ...
[****]
85-89 points
flawless, very very good (BB)
great value for the price. music in this range is very satisfactory and hardly objectionable ...
80-84 points
slightly above average (B)
better than the bulk. music in this range has some redeeming features and is worth to be collected ...
[***]
75-79 points
very average, straightforward, mediocre and unremarkable (CC)
music in this range is generally pleasant but lacks complexity, character, or depth. this is where most of the mainstream music resides. just switch on the radio or TV. if you want to become somewhat famous and rich as an artist, go here.
70-74 points
slightly below average (C)
music in this range is imbalanced and should be less expensive to pay for ...
[**]
60-69 points
definitely below average (D)
music in this range is flawed, amateurish and to be avoided at all costs ...
[ * ]
50-59 points
poor, unacceptable, terribly dull (E)
words are insufficient to describe the inadequacy of this music ...
➤
List of Quality [****] published in the
House of Quality
➤
List of Excellence [*****] published in the
_ Center of Excellence _
i never ever will rate music upon request. so please don’t ask.
if you told me this reminds you of Robert Parker’s wine rating system, i would respond: exactly.
**** The List of Quality Music ****
this list is ever evolving and so are the rating points.
**** BB : very good ****
89 points
89 -
Aretha Franklin -
People - a bit schmaltzy but her great voice wins over
89 -
De-Phazz - It Will Turn Out Right
89 -
Dinu Lipatti - Piano Sonata No.8 in A minor K310 II. Andante cantabile con espressione - by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
89 -
Enigma -
Mea Culpa
89 -
Grover Washington - Just Enough
89 -
Jan Garbarek & The Hilliard Ensemble - Credo
89 -
Jazztronik - Someday (Etude for the Right)
89 -
Jean Boguet - Le Vent Dans La Plaine - by Claude Debussy
89 -
Joan Armatrading -
Cool Blue Stole My Heart (Live) - Joan’s studio tracks mostly don’t compare to a vibrant and emotional live version with a particular band to be found on her album
Performance Classics: Steppin' Out Live
89 -
Omar Sosa -
Mis tres Notas - this cuban pianist is amazing, more to expect ...
89 -
坂本龍一 Ryuichi Sakamoto - Lorenz And Watson
89 -
Trần Thu Hà -
Without
88 points
88 -
John Abercrombie - Carol's Carol
88 -
Mark Isham -
Barcelona
87 points
87 -
Angélique Kidjo -
Summertime
87 -
Pink Floyd - Interstellar Overdrive
87 -
Rosalyn Tureck - Bach: The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 1 - Fugue #13 In F Sharp, BWV 858
86 points
86 -
Omara Portuondo - Killing me Softly - nice cover version by a charming cuban lady
85 points
85 -
Mo' Horizons -
Bosshannover
**** B : slightly above average ****
84 points
84 -
Rhythms Del Mundo feat. Chris Martin - Clocks - sweet & groovy cuban cover version which balances Chris Martin’s poor singing performance. truly alternative.
83 points
83 -
La Capella Reial de Catalunya & Hesperion XXI - Mille Regretz (Chanson) - by Josquin Desprez (1450-1521)
82 points
82 -
Rhythms del Mundo feat. Sting - Fragilidad - Sting’s own cuban cover version seems to be better than the original
81 points
81 -
Caetano Veloso - Haiti
81 -
Cesária Évora - Miss Perfumado (4 Hero remix)
81 -
Cesária Évora - Petit pays (Chateau Flight remix)
81 -
Doruk Somunkiran -
Strange Company
81 -
El Lele De Los Van Van & Radiohead - High and Dry - Radiohead’s cuban cover version, happily doing without Thom Yorke’s falsetto
the purpose of the
House of Quality is to collect and document above-average music performances. don’t settle for less.
for outstanding performances [90 and above = *****] refer to the
List of Excellence, documented at the
_ Center of Excellence _.
SiR HendRix
//