Beyond whether this album is worthy of praise or not...

Isn't anyone else put off by the massive conflict of interest this represents? I realize that music writers may not consider themselves journalists and you can be cheeky and cute about how your editor wasn't around to check this, but obviously she will read it and then continue to assign stories! Even if you all really love the record this is unfit for print.
For a publication that lays claim to supreme morality and anti-cronyism you should be ashamed for giving an entire page to something that by its very nature lacks integrity.

@4 Agreed. It's really tacky.