I am a freelance music reviewer for a few local papers. I have seen several of Laura Minor's sets with the intent of writing an article, and I must say that this is a band with potential. I am impressed with the talent of the band, but not with Laura Minor herself. The musicians that she has playing with her appear to be some of the most talented musicians I have heard in a long time. As for Laura, her voice is good, but not unique. The lyrics are vapid and she has no stage presence. If the band would play on their strengths, namely the talented musicians, they would have the potential to take their record contract all the way. I would like to hear more songs where the music is allowed to shine, instead of all these songs where it is quite apparent that Laura is a struggling writer at heart who thought she would sing some of her poetry. As it is I think consumers will be more likely to sleep through the release of Salesman's Girl, but that wouldn't necessarily be a bad thing. Maybe her band would be better off without her!

It is really troubling to read something like this by a supposed music reviewer. Maybe you even think you?re helping out the Gainesville music scene with your harsh criticism. Since I?m not a music critic I will leave it up to people to decide for themselves whether they like Laura Minor?s music and lyrics. Obviously someone does or they wouldn?t have a record deal. However,this kind of shit-talk is what leads artists to leave Gainesville and go to a community where the local media is supportive. Are you as passionate about your writing as Laura Minor is about her songs? Then maybe you can get past the negativity and actually contribute something to the Gainesville music scene. Otherwise you can move to Orlando where there are bands that just might deserve your crankiness. But at least have enough respect for your own critical reviews to sign them.

It's really troubling that this "freelance music critic" is too whimpy to submit his or her name. Laura Minor is no more struggling a writer than any poet. She's got an MFA from Sarah Lawrence in Brooklyn. Just to get into that program, taught by some of the most esteemed poets in the country, including poet laureate Billy Collins, you've got to be pretty damn good. She's got a beautiful voice and her lyrics aren't anything remotely close to vapid. Britney Spears is vapid. Just because she's a kick-ass writer doesn't mean she's not worth her salt as a singer. A music critic should see the world through bigger eyes than yours. Should see art in everything. Should spend their time on something more worthwhile than weakly tearing someone down. There's no reason Though the band is incredibly talented, so is Laura herself. This is her first band, and I don't think the band would've gotten the record contract if it wasn't for her voice. She's worth her salt.

I have ony ever heard of Laura Minor from this website but I happened to being listening to BBC Radio 2 just now and they just played a song from her new album. I thought those who read these postings would be interested. The DJ ("presenter"), Bob Harris(?) described her as a Flora-Dee-in, but watcha' gonna do.

Good luck, Laura.

I have ony ever heard of Laura Minor from this website but I happened to being listening to BBC Radio 2 just now and they just played a song from her new album. I thought those who read these postings would be interested. The DJ ("presenter"), Bob Harris(?) described her as a Flora-Dee-in, but watcha' gonna do. Good luck, Laura.

I have no problem with Anonymous' criticism of Laura Minor. What good are reviews if everything in them has to be positive. I do disagree with Ano though. I think her voice is recognizable, sort of like Kasey Chambers'. If anything, I don't like the overdriven guitars on Salesman Girl.

I heard the whole story and all I can say is "Laura blew the opportunity of a lifetime !!!!!! "