I generally like to research a composers works and read what ever I can find about a certain CD before I plunk down some money. I was somewhat amused by some of Rob Barnett's reviews... "sounds like Rachmaninov" is not really something I'd expect in a review.. don't get me wrong, the MusicWeb is a great source of information, but at times, I think my 5 year old daughter could have written a more insightful review on some of the works. Just my 2 cents.
I don't want to be snarkey, but Rob Barnett's reviews have been godsend to me for many years, although he does possess a slight bias for UK composers which is understandable.
Not being a muscian, I know exactly what he means by his verbage. I also read the reviews at Amazon.com(and others) , so how simple minded is that?
Perhaps Barnett simplified the message, so more people would have an interest in our music. "Sounds lke Rachmaninoff" is not unreasonable observation, but he should have seasoned it a bit more for serious collectors unless the statement was taken out of context. Could you please point to he review so we can have a look too?