1. I'm very influenced by magazine (and online magazine) reviews. But not in a "good review=good album; bad review=bad album" way. I read between the lines a lot. For instance, if a reviewer describes a folk album as quite heavy going, a difficult listen or a bit weird, chances are I'll like it, even if the reviewer doesn't. (In fact probably *especially* if the reviewer doesn't - I find the majority of the folk albums that tend to get really good reviews in print media a bit middle of the road to be honest)

2. Youtube and websites are the biggest decider for me. I will frequently buy an album on the strength of just one track on myspace. Especially the album's a tenner or under. These days it's very rare I hear any music that doesn't come to me via the internet in one way or other. I can't remember the last time I heard anything on the radio that I wanted to own.

It's now really easy for anyone to stick some of their music up online. But this creates its own problem of knowing where to look. Most people don't have time to follow Myspace and Youtube leads and links. (Unless you have a deskbound job and a pair of headphones, like I do). You need an index, a guide, a map, some helpful suggestions. That's what reviews provide.

So, to answer your question, folk magazine reviews won't become redundant in time.