Again, several of these comments seem to think that the musicians and albums that have caught their eye did so because they happened to be strolling past, as it were. In the case of myspace and youtube that's sort of true, in that you follow links that pique your curiosity.

But those albums *might* not even be there were it not for the groudswell of supportive (even when it's dismissive) publicity/hearsay/word of mouth, critical analysis which helps to sustain them.

Jon Boden's latest solo album has been mentioned several times in this thread. Now JB is a tenacious, focussed and committed chap who probably would be on his second solo album whether or not he'd received good/rave reviews for his previous work, whether solo, duo or with Bellowhead. But would he be on his second solo album if none of his albums or gigs had ever been reviewed? Debatable. Would it have sounded how it does? Would it have had the same production values? The same level of confidence and assurance? Would there be a context for a large band such as Bellowhead to be able to go on tour (money money money)?

Funnily enough, some musicians aren't just interested in review coverage because it might sell a CD or two. They actually like receiving some kind of recognition, whatever it might be. "It can be cold in a vacuum" was a phrase used by one small label/musician who sent in a bunch of CDs for review once. Nobody likes to feel like they're just pissing in the wind.

The fact is that print magazine puts its money where its mouth is. The stakes are higher because it's choosing to actually risk something (money money money), That doesn't mean the writing's de facto better. (It's frequently lazy and awful, frankly.) Similarly and significantly, you tend to read a better level of commentary and analysis on blogs that have clearly invested a bit more time in them. Stands to reason really: it's the old adage "if something's worth doing, it's worth doing well" . Reviews and analysis beyond the "AWESO ME", "I loved it!!!!!!!" are an important part of the infrastructure that makes putting music out possible and worthwhile.