A publicist works for an artist and is paid by the artist. His opinions are purchased and are as objective as those of a criminal defense lawyer.
A critic is an anylist who disects, interprets, rates, berates and, occasionally, parses. A critic holds himself to be the guardian of the muse and the final arbitor of taste.
I am neither. I am a reviewer and I reccomend the very best recordings I receive. My loyalty is to the reader who may never have heard of the artist, and to the artist, whose work needs publicity.
The poets (i.e. most singer/songwriters) should send their CDs to a real critic, if they crave serious discusssion of their masterpieces.
If their aim is to sell product through name recognition, thy should hire a publicist.
The rest of you should send me a copy. Don't forget to include where and how to buy your little pride and joy.