This is kind of a top ten list but it's done Jeopardy Style...so please answer the following ten questions.  (How many Eminem fans would get the Jeopardy reference anyway?)

1. How many of us go buy a record based on the writings of a record reviewer?

2. How many times have you changed your mind about an artist based on the writings of a reviewer?

3. Musicians? Have you ever changed anything based on the writings of a reviewer?

4. Have you ever read a bad review of a record and then heard the recording and wondered what kind of drug-induced-language-vomit-jag the person was on and went ahead and enjoyed the record anyway?

5. Have you ever enjoyed a band when all your friends hated them?

6. Were you aware that a music reviewer does not need any specialized training aside from the ability to turn on a CD Player or a cassette player?  Also, did you know that they often do not show up on time for shows or do not stay for the entire show?

7. Did you know that just like a 13 year old, record reviewers are succeptible to influence by the media and tend to ride bandwagons just like the rest of us?

8. Did you know that music reviewers are often victim to temptation and will take payment for a good review and provide a poor review to a record they have not listened to?

9. Have you ever noticed that music reviewers are often musicians who have not ever recorded a record or have never played in a band?

10. What's the similarity between a record reviewer's brain and my garage? Neither one can truly serve it's intended function until someone get's all the junk out. 

I've written lots of reviews and I'm sure at least three of those questions can be pointed directly at me.  Remember, the Grateful Dead got where they are (no, not addicted and passed on...I was referring to their position in music history) by their fans and not the industry. 

Keep this in mind...the first record review I ever wrote was for my High School News Paper and it was on U2's The Joshua Tree.  I hated it when I first heard it. Too organic! Sounded way too American!  What the hell are they doing playing Gospel tunes anyway?  I still listen to that record regularly! 

Fret not, weary music soldiers!  This is just the beginning.  Now that the MTV VMA's are over and all that prattle is dying down, let's get back to work on our radio stations again.  I'll head back to my stations next week with my discs in hand (again) and keep trying! 

Ok...gotta go! Talk to y'all later!

PRH