History of Q Magazine

Q magazine is a popular music magazine from the United Kingdom which is published monthly.
When Q was first published in October 1986 by the EMAP media group it set itself apart from the other music press of the time with its monthly production and higher photography and printing standards. It was originally titled Cue, as in cueing a record ready to play and its sub-title was "The modern guide to music and more". The name was changed to prevent it being mistaken for a snooker magazine and also as a single-letter title would be prominent on newsstands. 
The magazine has an extensive review section focusing on new releases, reissues, music compilations, film and live concert reviews and radio and television reviews; using a star-rating system from one to five stars. However, the majority of the magazine is devoted to interviews with popular music artists. It is also well known for compiling lists, having created many including "The 100 Greatest albums" and the "100 Greatest '100 Greatest' Lists". 
Each issue has a different message on the spine, or a "spine line", which the reader will then try and work out what it has to do with the contents of the magazine. 
Some critics and readers now believe that the magazine has lost its edge, opting to play safe with who and what it covers, choosing to focus on the popularity of the band rather than its music. The award of five stars to the 1997 Oasis album Be Here Now has been seen as a turning point.