Hi, I'm Helene. I'm 30 years old, from Tampa, married with dogs.

I review music almost exclusively, because that's what I know and love best out of all the Epinions categories. I pretty much exclusively RATE music as well, though every once and awhile I'll poke my nose into Movies, Books, Travel and Food & Drink.

I suppose my tastes in music are more eclectic than is typical, but there are many writers and listeners out there (some on this very site) that would humble me with their range and their knowledge. Most of my reviews are of alternative rock/pop and punk/new wave (as for whatever reason, I find those genres easiest to write about) but I also have odd affinities for progressive metal, 50's and 60's rock n' roll, and country. I have a small classical music collection as well (wonder if I'll ever feel comfortable reviewing any of those CDs.)

My reviewing style is conversational as opposed to professional (I take the "write like I'm telling a friend about the CD" approach), because that's the type of music review I personally like to read. Though I think I've improved/tightened up my writing over the years, I'm proud of most of the reviews I've posted (except for maybe my one star ones, which were/are admittedly more snarky and mean than constructive. So my apologies to Tommy Conwell, Tiger Army and The Fleshtones. Heh.)

REGARDING MY RATINGS: If you have any questions about a rating I gave, feel free to click the email link on my profile page. I'm a nice person, I promise. :) If you're tempted to send me a nastygram, please keep in mind that any comments I leave on your review are intended to be helpful and constructive--they're not meant to come off like lectures from someone who thinks she's the bestest writer in the world.

WORD ON THE WEB OF TRUST: If you trust me or frequently rate me and I don't reciprocate, don't take it personally. 99% (if not 100%) of the time it's just that you write about stuff I'm not compelled to read about. Unless you are an obvious troll or revenge rater or lack a basic grasp of the English language, it's not a reflection on you or your writing ability. I'm not going to read opinions about products I'm not at all interested in, and I don't expect you to feel obligated to read my reviews (even if I rate you frequently or have you on my WOT) if you're not at all interested in music or the particular music I cover...or heck, even if you simply don't care for my writing style. Life is short, and my time and your time is valuable.

ALL MY REVIEWS! IN ONE HANDY PLACE! (a work in progress)

Music, Music, Music

Various Artist Comps: The Golden Age of American Rock n’ Roll (Ace Records UK)... Shakin’ Up North: Canadian Rockabilly (Bear Family)... Rockabilly Dance Party (Castle/Pie)... The Brit Box: UK Indie, Shoegaze and Britpop Gems of the Last Millennium (Rhino)... The Stiff Box (Stiff)... Read the Hits: The Best of the 80's (Risky Business)... A Very Cherry Christmas (Laserlight)... We're Gonna Rock, We're Gonna Roll (Proper)... Gimme Indie Rock (K-Tel)... Surf Guitar Greats: One Dozen Surf Rock Instrumentals (EasyDisc)... Blues Guitar Greats (EasyDisc)... Some Kind of Wonderful (Soundtrack, MCA)