what some may see as questionable reviews, RS remains the most important and successful (I gather) music publication in the USA (as Q does in the UK).

Not sure if Im crazy about the new smaller format, though.

How can call the new Animal Collective BREATHTAKING and give it their signiture 3.5 stars?

It's funny how often you see that in reviews. I see that all the time on RYM. RYM is the other way around though, people usually give 3-3.5 stars to albums they dub as terrible.