I could not disagree more with noddy. There is nothing more self indulgent than a less than enthusiastic review for an independantly produced CD. Who, pray tell, is the critic writing for? If the artist is unknown to the readership, the critic can scarcely be warning folks about a product that they were never going to buy, anyway. Hell, they would never have even known of its existance. Integrety is a fine thing but it is, so easily, mistaken for self rightiousness.
I am not suggesting that a critic should reccomend a recording that he doesn't like. I am just wondering who he thinks he is serving with so qualified a report.
I know something about this little conundrum. I write the CD reviews for TUNE UP, a publication of the Philadelphia Folksong Society and the Philadelphia Folk Festival. I recieve many more submissions than I can include in the column so I have the luxury of reviewing, only, the best CDs I hear. I NEVER write an unfavorable review. Why should I? My purpose is to offer promotion, publicity and potential market to those wonderful independants who, so often, are ignored by the media. My policy is, if I like it, I say so and, if I don't, my lips are sealed like my juvenile record.
So, good luck to you, Mary. If you'd like to submit the CD for TUNE UP, you can send it to the office.

TUNE UP
Phila. Folksong Society
7113 Emlen St.
Phila PA   19119