Now that's what I call Shit by Jack Potts 8/12/03

For those of us who value the album format -- and we mean a full-length release whether in download, cd or, gasp, vinyl format -- as an important artistic expression, the current trend of chart-topping "Now That's What I Call Music . . ." series is further proof of the lowering of American taste. We are not criticizing the value of a good mixed album. It's just that letting the record company pick your mix is capitulation of the worst kind. And don't think we are criticizing laziness either. Hell, we listen to some of the best music when we are lazy. We are just taking a stand against letting the album format be reduced to a list of whatever crap singles and accidentally good music has been played the most on bogus radio and similar formats.

In his shite book, "The Closing of The American Mind" (1986), turgid author Allan Bloom made one important point: being judgmental is not always a bad thing. There ARE certain concepts which are not good and pointing out their lousiness does not mean that you are an insufferable know-it-all.

People, explore, listen to music beyond the first single off a record and make judgments about artists. It may take a little more time -- think about the repeated listens -- but in the end it will be worth it. And while you are at it, turn off your cell phone for a couple hours per day and read. We are not trying to improve your life, but we hate interacting with people whose idea of a meaningful conversation is, "I'll be there in five minutes." Now sod off