*1/2 (one and a half stars)
There are a number of music zines on the web that have that "rock star" feel but like to cover free jazz and try as they may, experimental music. Being that a "rock star" is a poser to begin with, I think Dusted may want to re-examine life in the online world.
Don't get me wrong though I've read a few excellent reviews by writers (mostly written by Jason Bivens) that know what they are talking about but I've also read a great number of reviews that look like they were written by twelve year olds who think Sammy Hagar is cute. Thus, it's a hit or miss with these guys. (mostly a miss)
Not Recommended

**** (four stars)
The experimental and improvised world would not go round if it were not for the individual dedicated writers in the world.
Eduaro Chagas is another of those journalists. He writes for other various publications, but no matter if those publications publish what he writes, Eduardo makes his voice heard at his online Blog Zine Jazz e Arredores. Fast becoming a Portal for Portuguese new music fans this site offers insight and clear knowledge of the vast forms that exist out there. You can bet if you send him your most recent work he will give it a clear listen, do his research, and if he is able to write about it, write about it intelligently with integrity.
Hats off to Mr. Chagas!
Highly recommended

**** (four stars)
There are four U.S. based jazz print magazines currently available on the market. Jazz Improv stands out above the others in that they not only cover jazz in all its forms but print full music scores and make the music they review available to the public on an enclosed CDr. They cover mostly straight-ahead jazz with a focus on older musicians. However, unlike some they are not opposed nor lack the ability to intelligently cover the outer regions of the music. So far I've read professionally written reviews and articles, which tells me they have a clear view for quality and spend the time to research the artist before setting it to print.
If you need a jazz source in the U.S. this is the one to get.
Highly recommended

*** (three stars)
I would have probably given them four stars but their web site obviously sits on a free web server packed full of those irritating pop-up ads. However, this webzine has a good number of reviewers that care about what they listen too as well as show dedication to the music in all its forms and shapes.
One of the most notables is Ken Waxman, who gets five stars. I can't say enough about Mr. Waxman. He impresses me with his ability to do a complete work-up on the artist before he writes his reviews. This comes off as showing a pure passion for the music ranging from straight-ahead jazz to the farthest reaches of the sonic pallet.
Even if he gives your CD a bad review he knows how to back it up objectively. He finds the value in the music that most have a hard time describing. He could teach a few of those one star publications out there a thing or two about writing about music.
Recommended

****1/2(four and a half stars)
I have to give Pete Gershon, the publisher and his crew a big hand for the service they provide to the world and for artist who couldn’t get a glass of water from the mass public if they tried. This is a hard copy zine distributed through out North America. I used to work for an independent magazine and I know how much hell it can be to keep things going year after year. I’ve heard folks call them the US version of The Wire, but I think that such a comparison doesn’t paint a complete picture of this hard working band of folks who do really care about the music.
They cover a much wider array of music, and recently have taken a strong political stance on the issues as of late, which I think more new music zines need to do.
Now it’s not easy to get a review from these guys though. Since everyone and their monkey want a print review I am sure StN gets an avalanche of CDs every month. When they do review the music it's done professionally, competently, and with passion.
My only complaint is they seem a bit East Coast centric. Makes little sense since the West Coast is the birthplace of modern experimental music (San Diego to be exact). Not to mention the West Coast is home to some of the most incredible artists in the world (Pauline Oliveros, Fred Frith, Oluyemi Thomas etc.). Once in awhile StN will cover them, but if you sift through the CD reviews there is a dis-proportional number from the right-coast. Makes sense since they are based over there, but I would hope they would get more writer support to balance out with the far left coast. With that aside however, they are a superior publication.
Update 9/28/06
With the recent move of StN to Texas they have made a concerted effort to cover a wider range of geographical regions. I have seen an increase in reviews and support for artists in the north west, the south west, and mid west.
It's clear this publication shows an interest in supporting the national scene.
Extremely Recommended

**1/2(two and a half stars)
I know, I know, online zines try their best to offer a free service to fans and artists alike, but that's no excuse for running poorly written reviews and articles. Poorly in he sense that there seems to be no expertise in either writing or the ability to do research on the artist. Many reviews also run a particular formula style; find something wrong, then find something right. Press reviews written like this speak volumes about the lack of interest by many of the folks writing for Splendid. Once in a blue moon someone who actually appears to care about what they are reviewing seeps through the cracks, but it is a rare moment not experienced by this reviewer as of yet.In the spirit of Splendid I offer this good note *grin*
Writer Christian Carey is your best bet if you're releasing music outside of the box and want the possibility of getting a fair and informed review from this borderline personality zine.
update 9/28/2006
Well they stopped publishing and are looking for money. It never seemed like they paid for their reviews, so I wonder what they need the money for outside of a web master.
Currently out of business, still not recommended