Did you read last week’s Time Out Chicago? The cover story was an interesting exploration of the rise in “average joe” critics taking to the interwebs to share their opinions on music, movies, restaurants, and more (“Amateur Hour”). Some professional critics fear this explosion of perspectives could devalue the work they’re paid to do. If any old anyone can be out there offering his or her take on stuff, the end is nigh, right?

Jim DeRogatis, rock-music critic for the Chicago Sun-Times, was among those interviewed for the feature, and he doesn’t seem too fazed by the shift: “Rock fans have always shared their opinions, and the Web has just made that easier.” While DeRogatis is largely positive about the trend, he does admit to worrying about “moving to a world where no one is paid to be a critic.”

I certainly don’t fancy myself a capital-C Critic (at least the kind who possesses encyclopedic knowledge instantly capable of tracing the evolution of this to that). My approach is much more casual; just one pop-culture fan’s point of view. Giving some of my favorite artists, songs, and shows a turn here in the spotlight, I hope they might become your favorite, too. Sometimes you’ll appreciate the prodding, and sometimes you’ll simply indulge me. Not everything I chose to cover will be au courant (as I’m quite fond of flashbacks), but I do hope that what you read here is entertaining enough that you’ll return now and again.

Feedback is always welcome. Tell me about your favorite new something, tell me I’m totally off, or play it like Chaka and tell me something good. E-mail lines are now open: john@popservations.com