I don't often listen to full cds or records at home much anymore. Instead, I make mixes, featuring the best songs from them for my car or for my computer at work (where I listen to music all day).That way, I don't have to worry about skipping tracks I don't like much. It's easier, you know?

So, here's the deal: every record is rated on its Mix Tape Quotient, or MTQ. This is the number of songs worthy of repeated listenings on that album. For example, a great 3-song 7" would get 3/3 or a hit-and-miss 12-song cd would get 7/12. Sound cool? All right, then go back and read the reviews.