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ROCK AND ROLL REVIEW - Bill Shapiro (Andrews and McMeel) By Kirby Ferguson

The first thing that struck me about this Bill Shapiro fella as I skimmed over the back cover was that he has radio show called ‘‘Cyprus Avenue,’’ which isa song on ASTRAL WEEKS. I figured any guy who names his show that has gotta be a flippin’ genius. Well, he’s no genius- actually, he reminds me of me (take that as you will)-but his taste is indisputable. Shapiro spends too much time spitting back Rolling

Stone quotes, and leaves me wondering if he’s think-

ing for himself or just regurgitating Dave Marsh-

isms. He also talks about sound too often, using such

mysterious descriptives as ‘‘over-bright’’ and ‘*boxy’’. But I have to admit when he’s on he’s ON; take his review of Van Morrison’s ST. DOMINIC’S PREVIEW: ‘‘‘Jackie Wilson Said’, ‘Listen to the Lion’, ‘St. Dominic’s Preview’ and ‘Almost Inde- pendence Day’’’ are among the man’s best work, and that’s really all that needs to be said.’’

I guess the point of a record guide is to point out good albums (I deduced this from the book’s subtitle

‘‘A Guide to Good Rock’’. Pretty clever, eh?), so who

cares if the reading is less than revelatory. His picks

are pretty predictable (except for his choice of SPIKE as Elvis Costello’s masterpiece). He doesn’t have the

unique voice of Lester Bangs, Robert Christgau or Dave Marsh, but that’s a blessing in disguise some- times- we don’t get those odd picks like Christgau’s hailing of Steely Dan and Lynyrd Skynyrd. Actually,

this is the best record guide I’ve come across, strictly

in the ‘‘guide’’ sense. It’s not a vital extension/ explanation of rock like the best criticism is, but if you base you purchases on ROCK AND ROLL RE- VIEW, youcan’t go wrong.

Dear Miss X Remember me, my roommate, an Artie and I’min Engineering? Well he’s now seriously thinking of | dropping out. Not that I hate him or anything, but] keep telling him that he should. That way I’d have this room to myself. But there’s a problem, his parents don’t want him to go back home and I don’t want him her living with me. Can you once again he me out?

Thomas J.

Dear Thomas,

If you read last weeks Miss X, I can assure you thi; won’t be pleasant. You are a definite *** hole. It would be a good idea to talk to the head resident an: see if you can change roommate for second semeste also stop being an idiot and try to keep him in scho Please do mea favour and show him this answer.

Dear Artie, You should stay in school the alternativ without school are not to much to look forward to, you may turn out like yourroommate. Miss X

Dear Miss X If you get married, will we call you M X or will you retire? By-the-way, how come this great paper doesn’t have a Mr X? Let’s here what] has to say!

Thomas J.

DearT.J. I will be retiring but not because I’m getting marrit I’ll be retired long before I’m married. If you wou like to be a Mr X be my guest.

Miss X

UPEI X-P RESS

November 21, 1991

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