I usually take the contents of the review with a pinch of salt, but have certainly been pleased to be alerted to the existence of a particular CD on occasions, and also used the review to a degree when choosing presents to buy on line. All publicity is good publicity, as they say, and even if all the review does is remind you that so-and-so has a new release out, it is definately a positive thing.

It's also quite entertaining to read how someone else has found a CD that you either love or hate. You may find new insight from seeing a different perspective - or perhaps stimulate a conversation with your mates about a product. Reviewers are a bit like crossword compilers - you get to know their quirks after a bit and learn to interpret what they say in the context of your own tastes.

AW