The Zone, "Kansas City's first and best source for local music," is quite deserving of the title "e-zine" in that it looks and feels like a magazine. It's more raygun than Rolling Stone but thoroughly readable. Contents are not only easy on the eye, but they are meticulously organized and laid out. They almost have to be, since offerings are plentiful.

In addition to concise bios of area bands, venue details, an event calendar, photos and the skinny on local booking agencies, the site serves up original content as well. Just like a print piece, The Zone has interviews with Kansas City musicians, reviews of shows and CDs, a musicians' classified section and a chance to get yer eyes on some back "issues."

The compiled links are also a real treat. While being local is still an important criterion, it's not the only determining factor. Instead, links look beyond what's cool in Kansas City to what might be fun and of interest to any music enthusiast, anywhere.

-- M. Paige Quayle
(1/28/98)