At bluesreviews.com, we've adopted a "what's it worth?" ratings strategy. Of course, ratings are always subjective and will vary from fan to fan, and indeed, even among our critics, ratings would probably differ widely. So don't take them too seriously, but if possible, listen to a CD in advance of buying it and decide for yourself.

However, we also like to take a stand on the quality of a CD. We don't want you feeling ripped off because you went and bought a CD that, through that twisted web of English semantics, our critic really thought was sub-par but you inferred from an adjective or other descriptor was gonna be cool. So we decided to also quantify quality with a numerical system, so you know just exactly how much our critic liked it. If we liked it and you don't, well, you're on your own. Opinions are like navels--everybody's got one.

We make a couple assumptions in setting up the scale:

1. Most CDs cost $15; and
    
2. At $15, they're too expensive, and few really measure up to $15 worth of music.

Here's what the numbers mean:

• $0.00-$7.50: A risk to buy, even in the cutout or used bin
   
• $7.50-$10: Only buy this CD if you know this artist and are pretty sure you'll like whatever they record
   
• $10-$12.50: Pretty good, it comes well-recommended even if this is an unknown artist to you
   
• $12.50-$15: Worth most or even full retail
   
• $20: Essential for all blues fans, a must on the shelves of everyone from historians to casual fans . . .
   
• There are no ratings between $15.01 and $19.99