Explanation of Ratings

5.0: Essential. The record is either: (a) groundbreaking in some way (in my eyes) or (b) for its genre, perfectly executed.

4.5: Near perfect. No obvious flaws, but there may be one or two average songs or moments.

4.0: Very good. Overall, better than the vast majority working within the genre or just a very enjoyable record with only two or three average songs or moments.

***Paying full price for records rated below 4.0 stars is not recommended***

3.5: Good. More than half the record is good or better than average. The album, as a whole, left a decent enough of an impression that I am willing to come back to it determine whether I should move the rating up or down.

3.0: Competent. I see what these guys or gals are trying to do, they do it competently, but there's nothing to bring you back to the record. Usually contains two or three good songs. These are the albums (and anything related below) I hardly ever revisit.

2.5: Below average. Usually held for records that are rather obvious in nature, and the band or artist couldn't execute within those well-mapped confines.

2.0: Poor. Either it seems like the band didn't try at all or their basic idea for the record is poor.

1.5: Bad. You will see ambitious, but complete failures here or terrible records that are saved by one song or moment.

1.0: Completely inadequate. Moreover, one star means that there is something about it that has made me angry, as in "I can't believe the band sold this shit?" Or "Who the hell buys this?"

0.5: Completely depressing. Reserved for records and songs that leave me sad, I can't even muster anger. They didn't even try. Probably a product prompted solely by commerce. Off the top of my head, I can't think of only a single song I would award 0.5 stars, though I gave Tonic's song, "You Wanted More," this worst possible rating. Then, there is Coh Plays Cosey, which I think is an album emblematic of what is wrong with music today.