Satoko Fujii Sextet - PAST LIFE: We have reviewed a lot of this player’s work (over the last year or so), & been impressed by each & every CD. "PAST LIFE" is no exception! Not "strictly jazz", more like "semi-composed pandemonium! Natsuki Tamura’s splendid trumpet is a standout, & there is some SMASHING brass work all around! There is a lot of tension/release in the movements, but it’s quite fluid & will be most attractive to those who enjoy piano improvisations! Bassist Toshiki Nagata’s playing on "Yami" (track 2) forms strong underpinnings for some nice movements. I think that’s what’s really striking me as different about this excursion by Satoko... a real sense of movements, almost as though it were an improvisational orchestra. Not for the weak-minded, because you must be intent, but I liked it (a LOT), & it gets a HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for improv jazz fans everywhere! Another KEEPER! Contact at B&K Communications, 411A Highland Ave., Suite 353, Somerville, MA 02144, or via e-mail to bandkcomm@aol.com Rotcod Zzaj

Ken Rubenstein - IS THIS MY WORLD THAT HOVERS?: Last time we heard from Ken (my gourd, how LONG ago was that), he was onna’ cover o’ Rollin’ Stone (or wuz that git-ar player?). Well, he’s back in FULL FORCE, with his amazing guitars (& other wizard instruments). This (truly) is the best I’ve ever heard him play, & if you enjoy highly creative music, you’ll HAVE to get this one! There is real movement here, even on the slower pieces... seems (somehow) influenced by middle-eastern rhythms (in places), but it’s still pure original, with no compromise. Ken even performs the vocal work, another aspect of his playing I hadn’t fully realized before. All th’ way from smooth to sad to strange (& stranger), you get thee whole BALL o’ wax on these 18 (often mystifying) tracks! I particularly enjoyed track 8, a rompin’/stompin’ fusion of melded rhythmic guitar that feels like a pissed off bee on stilts (if yer’ can grok that). Only criticism is on th’ track lists/liner notes... get that typeface in a lil’ bigger FONT next time, Ken! YOU need to BUY this one, if you’ve even the slightest interest in creativity and spirit, folks! Gets our MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED and the PICK of this issue for "hardest hitting creative guitar album"! Contact at Wild Turkeyneck Records, 45 Belmont Ave., Suite 4C, Garfield, NJ 07026, or via e-mail to Tellyrubes@aol.com Rotcod Zzaj

Kevin Locke – THE FIRST FLUTE: We have been enchanted by this Native American’s beautiful flute for several years now, as will you! Traditional Lakota (Sioux) melodies for the flute... & (aside from the nature sounds), strictly flute. This is not music for the background of your next party... it’s music you should be prepared to LISTEN to! If you’re looking for "crossover", or "orchestral integration", you’ll not find it here. That’s not a bad thing, either... his playing is so concentrated and focused that you’ll be transported (via the music) back to a time/land where life and the living of it were not complicated by ruthless and scheming politicians. Simply the man and his flute! Gets a HIGHLY RECOMMENDED from us! Contact at 208 N. 4^th Street, POB 2756, Bismarck, ND 58502-2756, on the website at http://www.makoche.com or via e-mail to makoche@aol.com Rotcod Zzaj

Anthony Wilson – ADULT THEMES: Only 31 years old (or thereabouts), Anthony is far ahead of his contemporaries (& many of his seniors) in th’ jazz world. Straight-ahead jazz with totally interesting & invigorating rhythms & intermixing of different instruments, this is WAY COOL! What’s really exciting is th’ big band sound he manages to get, without it turning into some ‘30’s "ballroom scene"; I mean, the energy is (like, TOTALLY, man) THERE! We reviewed his release last year (Goat Hill Junket) very favorably, & are even more impressed with this one! Anthony lets himself stand out (on selected pieces) this time ‘round, & his guitar is SUPREME (kazoo’s not bad either)! If you love jazz rooted in traditional form, but with a tasty dose of "edge", you’ll agree wholeheartedly with me when I declare this MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! The PICK of this issue for "best jazz"! Contact at B&K Communications, 411A Highland Ave., Suite 353, Somerville, MA 02144, or via e-mail to bandkcomm@aol.com Rotcod Zzaj

Aliya – FREE SPIRIT: Improvisation of a different flavor. A sort of "new age" improv, if you will. Despite what some purists say, there CAN be synth improv, & it doesn’t have to be all-out pandemonium (tho’ as my own playing will attest to, that IS fun, too) to achieve energy levels that reach towards greatness. These pieces (according to the liner notes) were all captured direct, as Aliya played them to the recording... with that in mind, what we have here is a (sort of) spiritually ascending improvisation. You must be in a certain frame of mind to appreciate this, as it tends to be somewhat slow... but, I found it extremely relaxing and with a depth that many players of such music (can) only aspire towards. The beauty of her music is that it feels sincere... no posturing, no phoniness. For any who enjoy music with substance and an appreciation for things outside our realm(s), this is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! Contact at Sound Temple Publishing, POB 490863, College Park, GA 30349, or on the WWW site at http://www.soundtemple.com Rotcod Zzaj

Belladonna Bouquet – THE SCARLET CEREMONIES: So, we’re back to music from thee bedrooms/livingrooms of America (& that’s a GOOD thing, since music belongs to the people, anyway)! 4-track progressed to CD, this female duo (Jenne & Sarada) takes you on a (sorta’) homespun journey through their dreams with story vox against handclaps, electric guitars & various wind instruments. I particularly liked "Broken Skies", with it’s flavor of majestic doom, tho’ it’s a bit too short. This label (Orange Entropy Records) is in New Jersey, kinda’ makes me wonder if Don Campau hasn’t been out there stirring the pot for home-production of homemade CD’s. For a home production, THE SCARLET CEREMONIES is very interesting. Very interesting balance between vocals that come off almost like folk and ambient space tunes. Contact at POB 1198, Hightstown, NJ 08520, or via e-mail to smalllabel@aol.com Also on the WWW at http://www.orangeentropy.com Rotcod Zzaj

Hagner – A TON OF ROCK: Demo CD in from Nils Hagner (in Sweden). Accomplished rocker, without doubt, this has clean lyrical style, fine vocals & some SCORCHING guitars. It’s just th’ kind of music I’d want spinnin’ in my CD player as I drove into Y2K (if ya’ know what I mean). Sections where it approaches metal, but stays back enough to keep it comfortably in rock territory. This is a one-man-band demo, & it’s amazing how smoothly he integrates the sounds together, particularly the drums (are some of those live, Nils?). While the rock influences are clear, he also has a flair for orchestral phrasings that is far above average for musicians in this genre. Guitars sound downright dangerous, make for some great high-energy pieces! This gets an immediate MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED from us. Surprised there isn’t a full-blown CD out yet, & hope we get a review copy of it when it IS released. Contact at Karlsrogatan 85A S-752-39 Uppsala Sweden, via e-mail to nils.hagner@qitel.com or on his WWW site at http://hem.passagen.se/hagner Rotcod Zzaj

Myra Melford - THE SAME RIVER, TWICE: I’ve had the good (aural) fortune of listening to Myra’s music since the late ‘70’s (both live and on recordings), but this CD is a truly novel experience for me (& will be for you too). Her piano chops are astounding (as ever), but this particular grouping will be the supreme treat for any serious listener of improvised music. She’s surrounded herself with players that genuinely understand how to play... with freedom, with energy & with (here’s th’ keyword) TALENT. Chris Speed (sax & clarinet), Michael Sarin (drums), Erik Friedlander (cello) and Dave Douglas (trumpet) contribute totally to an overwhelming array of sound that takes you through some emotional curves that are better than the best psychedelic experience you could imagine. The stuff you hear in those dreams that feature the best improvised music YOU will ever hear. Brought to LIFE, people. Though Myra’s piano is emphasised, ALL the other instruments are (an integral) part of this joyous dance. The music isn’t "simple", it’s complex, but still firmly rooted in jazz that will get your blood UP! It gets our MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, as well as the PICK of this issue for "best improvised music"! GET this one! The album is available in all good records stores, or contact via e-mail to Arabesque Records, at arabesqrec@aol.com Rotcod Zzaj

Tony Marsh/Steve Franklin/Tim Crowther – SHELL OF CERTAINTY: Electronic improv after MY own heart, without doubt! The first cut, Gravity Issue grabbed my ears IMMEDIATELY. I believe it was Crowther’s guitar synth, but it was hard to tell, so supremely blended was it with Steve’s keyboards... of course Mr. Marsh’s drums were identifiable, but this is one of the MOST tightly integrated groups for electronic improvisations (journey style) I’ve heard in YEARS! Sheer & raw POWER of spirit forges a pathway through even the insurmountable obstacles & lets you charge on ahead to new heights! The recording is flawless, but more importantly, the musicians are completely aware of where they are leading you! There are some similarities to forays I’ve taken with my group, "The Imaginary Band", but this is at warp speed (something our trio hasn’t quite accomplished yet). Jazz flavorings, but only tinges... better described as original, methinks! Gets our MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with a plea to ANY player (or listener) who aspires to learn how to go "out" to BUY this CD! You can do all that through Wayside (the distributor in the U.S.), or Harmonia Mundi (in the U.K.). Some samples, bios, etc., are on the artist website (http://www.visonlogic.demon.co.uk ), & you can purchase it there as well! VERY powerful stuph! You can (also) e-mail them at tim@visionlogic.demon.co.uk Rotcod Zzaj

Jim Matheos - AWAY WITH WORDS: Some wonderfully energetic acoustic guitar compositions from a progger who wanted to demonstrate his talents in other areas. Well, Jim’s done it, in TRIPLICATE! All original compz (except for one piece) on this 10 track CD. Mr. Matheos is not only an accomplished player, he has a unique sense of how to arrange music that will be appealing to many listeners – without making it trite! If you’re looking for POWER PROG, you’ll have to delve into th’ shelves again. This is clearly an acoustic album; in fact, it’s the most pleasant one I’ve listened to this year (& believe me, I’ve listened to a LOT this year). It gets our MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED rating, as an all-round enjoyable listening experience. Contact at METALBLADE Records, 2828 Cochran St., Suite 302, Sun Valley, CA 93065, or check the album out online at http://www.ivorygate.com/fw/a_aww.htm Rotcod Zzaj

Steve Haun – MUSIC WITH NATURE: IMPRESSIONS OF THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS: This is our first listening... we are favorably impressed. The appeal here (it’s certainly not freeform) is Haun’s ability to compose majestic music with full orchestral integration. It’s music you might hear as inspirational background for theater or a high-end dramatic cinema presentation. Some nature sounds (birds, streams, flutes; as you might imagine from the title) woven in as introductions, but not really as a part of the main pieces. Not that I didn’t like the nature sounds, but the I’ve heard better integrations. In the overall, though, if you enjoy music that can lift you UP, you’ll agree with me when I declare Steve’s work as HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. As much of a fan of improvised & freeform music as I am, I still believe that we (all) need to hear the beauty that can be painted aurally, & this album is a fine representation of that. Contact at Musik International, 154 Botasso Rd., Boulder, CO 80302 (e-mail is musikintl@aol.com ) Rotcod Zzaj

Burton Paul - BURTON PAUL: From the (rather) sketchy CD liner notes, it would seem Burton wrote & performed this entirely on his own. It’s top-40 format (he said that, in fact, in the bio that accompanied the package). As (most of) you know, this is not my favorite type of music. The saving grace is that 3^rd track (only 3, this is a demo CD)... not just thee high energy, it also uses some nicely placed sound to take it (ever so slightly) out of the "norm". In fact, I’d like to hear a bit MORE of that "out" stuph, Mr. Paul. Those who read this rag also know that I respect any musician who does the performing/production on their own, & this has that quality in spades. Will it succeed in the top-40 market? Probably, but I’d rather hear some of that song-writing skill (& that great acoustic guitar) focused on describing a bit meatier topics. This is still good enough to merit a RECOMMENDED - & that’s a departure for me, as music self-labelled as "top-40" would usually be rated much lower. Contact at burton1@compuserve.com Rotcod Zzaj

The Skin Ego – MUSIC FOR THE CLEANSING: Totally indie, this is (as Charlie Looker, the guitar player in this guitar/drum (Keith Abrams) improv duo, described it) truly wierd shit! Which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Nicely balanced drums on cut # 2, titled "Improvisation # 2"... Charlie’s guitar steps OUT on this track, certainly to MY satisfaction! "Music for Alien Abduction Waiting Room" definitely sounds like a

back-track for the X-files. Looker has some nice chord phrasings, with a clear bent towards jazz flavorings. My favorite track was # 5, "Swamp". A most interesting listen, & not what you’re "used" to hearing, probably because (along with all that jazz) there are little tastes of RAWK gi-tar thrown in there. For those into somethin’ different in their improv, this gets a HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Not overly challenging, but not "easy", either. Contact via e-mail to clocker@worldnet.att.net Rotcod Zzaj

The Great Glass Elevator – HAVING BEEN SWIMMING: 16 tracks on this "Orange Entropy" CD release. The trio is self-described psych-rock, & (surprisingly enough) had (just) a tinge of that early psychedelic energy that we used to feel when our joints set the woods on fire (out behind the Army barracks, while stationed in Germany). The recording suffers a bit from slightly sloppy intros, not quite precise enough for my tastes, but the main body of (most of) the songs could almost take one back (or izzat forward) to bananna peel frenzy. I really dug on track # 4, "Outback"... not sure why, just felt good I guess. For the retro-psych fan, this clocks in with a RECOMMENDED. Contact at POB 1198, Highstown, NJ 08520, via e-mail to krautsalad@aol.com or on the WWW at http://www.orangeentropy.com/elevator Rotcod Zzaj

HomemadeMusic – SAMPLER 1: The very last person who should be sittin’ here in total amazement at this 15 track CD sampler from Bryan Baker’s HOMEMADEMUSIC.com (www.homemademusic.com ) is your friendly author. I listen to so many albums (of different genres, some very slickly produced) that th’ "state of homemade" must have been eluding me to some degree. This is a superb example of how talented (that was always a part of this scene) and technically competent (that was NOT) home producers have become. The digital format probably has quite a bit to do with it, as well. As is always true with Bryan’s projects, you know (right away) that if HE says it’s good – it IS! The other thing that’s so NEAT is that this isn’t just a clique of dried-up & hackneyed artists who’ve been reviewed in someone’s ‘zine, either... new names abound – "Secret Archives of the Vatican" (whose "Little Flower" is my favorite cut on the whole CD), "T.M. Download", "Blind Mime Ensemble"... goes on & on - & surprise. Those who haven’t heard home-producers lately (& there are MANY, believe me) will stand (aurally) in awe! Those who haven’t heard them in a while will be very pleasantly surprised. & all of this has nothing to do (of COURSE) with the fact that I’m on this CD, too. Gets our MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED & our "PICK" of this issue for "best compilation CD". Contact via e-mail to bryan@gajoob.com or on the HOMEMADEMUSIC.com website (http://www.homemademusic.com )! Rotcod Zzaj

Book of Kills – SO FAR IN EVERY DIRECTION: This is Jim Shelley’s first digital effort (that I’ve listened to, anyway). We reviewed his earlier works (way back when) & were impressed then... but this collection of 22 toonz’ will have you in pure bliss if you love well-crafted lyrical adventures. There are sections where he reminds me of George Harrison’s early solo albums (which is a GOOD thing), but pieces like "Turn My World Around" & track 12’s "Yeah, Yeah, Yeah" are without question all original compz that will make you a fan instantly! For fans of finely crafted lyrical folk music with both acoustic & electric guitar(s), this gets a HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Since this is a HOMEMADEMUSIC Association (fellow) member, I’m giving the cover/label art a rating (first ever, Jim) too... it gets a FIVESTAR ***** for exceptionally clean graphics, nice layout & perfect label placement. Contact at Ain’t Records, 206 High St., Bridgewater, VA 22812, at his shop on HOMEMADEMUSIC.com (http://www.homemademusic.com/artists/aint ), or via e-mail to bookofkils@aol.com Rotcod Zzaj

Keith Bear/Gary Stroutsos/Nellie Youpee – PEOPLE OF THE WILLOWS: I’ve commented (often) before that some of the best music in the world today is coming out of the Makoche label, in Bismarck, North Dakota. One of the reasons I’ve felt so strongly about that is that they have been making sure they keep their traditional music(s) alive, but (at the same time) are skillfully integrating those songs with artists of other traditional backgrounds. The real beauty in all this is that this is being done without a sense of competition... this album is the BEST example of that I’ve heard so far (& believe me, over the last couple of years I’ve heard MANY); in fact, they seem to get progressively better (as you might expect). Pianist Jovino Santos Neto joins in & must be mentioned, too, as his beautiful keyboards are a perfect example of how cultures can blend their musics! Mr. Bear’s flutes are SUPERB! It comes clear when listening to this wonderful album how interwoven we all are (whether we want to be or not) with one another, & also points out that no form belongs to any one ethnic group! I’m not (just) impressed, I’m genuinely happy to hear this supreme blending of cultures! This gets our MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for any music aficionado who wants a taste of what the (musical) world CAN be! Simply BEAUTIFUL! Contact at 208 N. 4^th Street, POB 2756, Bismarck, ND 58502-2756, on the website at http://www.makoche.com or via e-mail to makoche@aol.com Rotcod Zzaj

Alan Horvath – BUSY BEING BORN: It’s been a long time since I’ve been this enthused about acoustic folk! I first heard Alan’s easystyle music when he asked me to review a couple of .mp3 files he had loaded. I s’pose th’ real attraction (for my ears) is that th’ toonz’ all feature Horvath’s splendid acoustic guitar work (with accompanying bass from Mike Toth & Bob Hart). His vocals have a totally haunting quality, creep inside yer’ head & come back when you least expect it. One of my favorite cuts is "Hard To Love Lady", upbeat, high-energy & with a beautiful vocal. Second in line would be "Wishes", superb lyrics… one o’ those songs that’ll cut you to thee QUICK! Alan also gets a (rare) nod of assent from my wife Kim, & that’s about as much of a recommendation as ANY musician could ask for, ‘coz believe ME, folks, she’s heard it ALL! Those who enjoy creativity in all it’s musical glory will certainly agree when I give this one a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED & choose it as the "PICK" of this issue for "best acoustic rock"! Contact Alan directly at alan@alanhorvath.com or buy the CD at http://www.alanhorvath.com Rotcod Zzaj

M’lumbo – SPINNING TOURISTS IN A CITY OF GHOSTS: ‘nother shining release in from Unit Circle Rekkids. You’ll BELIEVE in ghosts by th’ time this conglomeration of high-mix electronic insanity (if you DON’T, you’re probably PART of M’lumbo)! "The Secret Of Fear" will have yer’ ticker twangin’, verzure! Those who want nice "chamber music" sort o’ predictability will go elsewhere, but if yer’ lookin’ for somethin’ DIFFERENT, GET this! It gets a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED from me. UCR takes us into thee 21^st with scads of style on this one! Contact at POB 20352, Seattle, WA 98102, via e-mail to rekkids@unitcircle.com or on the web at http://www.unitcircle.com Rotcod Zzaj

Larry Kucharz – DIGICHORAL BLUE PORTRATS: We’ve reviewed Larry’s music many times over the last 2 years… electromusic with style! It is NOT to be confused with "new age", though some reviewers (who didn’t take the time to listen to all the movements) might lump it in that way, which would be a shame. What must be realized is that the movement is "slowed", to a degree that might make one think that it was just drone drivel… if you have a (naturally) distorted sense of time (like I do), you will hear the beauty almost immediately (of course, if you’re NOT in that "outer limit" timezone, there ARE substances that will get you there). This is the kind of orchestral grandeur that inspires poets to write… painters to paint… musicians to play! Gets a HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, especially if you’re looking for something that will settle you down gently. Contact at POB 1068, Rye, NY 10580, via e-mail to intaudiocr@aol.com or at Larry’s pages at http://www.hypnos.com/kucharz.htm

Strategy – INTENSE: ArtOfFact Records, up Canada way, sent this CD in based on my H-O-T pages (I believe), in which I ask for the HIGH-ENERGY groups. As you can discern from the title, this group aspires towards that high-energy field - & they MAKE it! Like a journey through a (sonic) black hole, there are inside-out stars in there! No question that the deep-space grafix help to lead you mentally in the direction they want you going. Musically, it uses some fairly standard electro tools, but their vox & rhythm shifting techniques are superior to most I’ve heard lately. Track 6, "War", was a standout, driving forces in every direction. 21^st century dancetrax that’ll have ‘em MOSHin’ all nite! Gets a HIGHLY RECOMMENDED if you’re looking for something that’s (both) new and danceable. Contact at 39 Coach Liteway, M2R 3J8, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, via e-mail to yolk@artoffact.com or on the web at http://www.artoffact.com Rotcod Zzaj

The Beegie Adair Trio – JAZZ PIANO CHRISTMAS: If you like jazz piano (& we assume any reader of this ‘zine must) & want yer’ C-mas spirit brighter than Bing might make it, you’ll get many moments of pleasure from this trio! Ms. Adair (or is it Miss?) is an astounding keyboard player, with a joyful touch, who is unable to conceal her glee about the coming season (not that she’d want to)! Truth be told, I’d expect to hear jazz this great only in concert, or at a smoky lil’ club somewhere. ‘s beautiful & comes MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by this writer! Also gets our "PICK" of this issue for "best seasonal album". Contact at 4360 Emerald Dr., Colorado Springs, CO 80918 (e-mail to creatserv9@aol.com) Rotcod Zzaj

W.O.O. Revelator - TAKING THE LONG VIEW: Truly the stuph (W.A.S.P.) nightmares are made of. Th’ rowdies (solid, in-the-moment improvisors, in this case) are invading th’ turf o’ th’ normz’! Featuring flutes, sax & other horns by Bonnie Kane, screamin’ ‘lectric guitars by Chris Forsyth & rawkin’ drumz’ by Ray Sage, this comes as close to the pinnacle of spontaneity that all freestyle players aspire to as you could ask for. There are moments ("Eyefingers", track 4) where I’m tempted to get right on up & J-A-M on my (own) keyboards! At the noise levels established here, the players have to be TOTALLY in touch with each other, or it would disintegrate into oblivion. "The Sum Of The Parts" (last cut) is another high-energy high-point for me, too! If you love improv that MOVES, you’ll agree entirely when I declare this to be MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED & one of the HOTTEST I’ve heard this year! Contact at 45 First Ave., # 5-0, NYC, NY 10003, via e-mail to bonnie@bonniekane.com or on the web at http://www.wooweb.com Rotcod Zzaj

Aural Innovations – ‘zine: I hadn’t (actually) seen this one for quite sometime. Imagine the author (Jerry Kranitz) sent it after some e-mail discourses we had about the .mp3 postings I’ve made of Z.P. music(s) all over the WWW. A.I. covers the whole of the Spacerock/Psych/Prog scene, at great lengths! The reviews go FAR deeper than the three-liners we’ve become so used to seeing in many of the online ‘zines. Comprehensive, knowledgeable and ENERGIZED reviewing, interviewing and writing make this a ‘zine you’ll actually WANT to keep all back issues of. I’m really impressed with it, & you will be too! They seemed open to very broad interpretations of "genres", too, which is nice, not zoning themselves out of much that could feasibly fit in that Spacerock/Psych genre. Gets a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED from us, & (of course) they will GET some submissions from us! Contact at Jerry Kranitz, 1364 W. 7th Ave #B, Columbus, Ohio 43212 U.S.A., via

Really little to report, except that you should keep tabs on the .mp3 sites springing up all over the place.

I suppose there will be some who wonder why I'm terminating the print version of this 'zine. Several reasons, actually, most of them personal…

I've gotten a new job out in Detroit that will require TONS of attention, + which we have to sell the house, plan the move & all the normal horrors associated with big moves.

I've been doing this 'zine for (over) 10 years now, & while it's been a marvelous opportunity to meet (& play) with new folks from all over the world, my energies have declined from the writing side & gravitated ever more towards the "playing" side of the arts.

I deserve a break today.

I had originally planned (before I got this new job) to publish # 40 in print, but time constraints and my imminent move east just won't allow that to happen.

I've gotten (a little) more proficient at writing WWW pages, & think it's probably time to move in that direction… I understand the dilemma this poses for some (many) who aren't on the web yet, but unless the ball breaks COMPLETELY as a result of Y2K, I fully expect a LOT more publications to move onto the web this year.

ENOUGH excuses, you say, right? Actually, those ARE the main reasons… in fact, I'm going to have to defer web sales of my CD's & tapes, as well as web-based reviews of music for several months. You can rest ASSURED that I'll be BACK… we did it once before (way back in '95, remember?) & came back even stronger than we had been before. What this DOES mean, though, is that you should stop submitting CD's, tapes, poetry, etc., until I'm able to come back & announce that we're ready to receive/review them again.