What the hell is happening to music?

[spiral55]

Yes, and that's understandable. I was thinking more of the people who refuse to listen to anything mainstream because they "sold out" or that scorn people (even if they have good taste) simply because they are unable to find the little bands (live in small town, no downloading, to young to go to shows etc.)

In some cases, though, the "sold out" argument is valid; the last two Replacements albums, and all of Paul Westerberg's solo albums, come to mind there. Or for an even more revolting example, the Goo Goo Dolls, who were damn good until "Name" became a hit and they fell in love with the money and acclaim, thus becoming a soft rock band in an effort to keep the cash and notoriety coming.

Not every good band that makes it big did so by selling out, obviously, or sells out to keep cashing in on the sound of their first big hit, but it happens often enough that I can understand the stigma attached to such success.

As for the scorners, I'm in complete agreement with you on them. I do, however, support and even count myself among those who scorn people who won't even try to expand their musical horizons. You know, the people who think there's no music beyond Top 40 or metal or whatever their one chosen genre may be.

 

[Truncle]

In my opinion the biggest sell outs ever are Metallica. I think once you testify before Congress you lose all you Rock credibility.

 

[memememe173]

I couldn't agree more spiral

In my opinion the biggest sell outs ever are Metallica. I think once you testify before Congress you lose all you Rock credibility.

Dee Snider did a good job of it...

 

[spiral55]

I couldn't agree more spiral


Dee Snider did a good job of it...

As did Frank Zappa. Hell, he gained even more credibility from it, in my view, and that's saying something, since he was already a legend by that point.

 

[MithrandirX]

Music isnt about music anymore.

It's about a) image and b) simple melodies and novelties

It can't really be called art in the truest sense anymore...it's more of a business than anything.

You're right on the money. Music, movies, MTV, magazines and radio stations are all owned by the giant media conglomerates (Paramount-Viacom, mostly). The television shows and stars promote the music that the company is currently hawking. It gets forced airplay on radio and MTV, and automatic inches in the magazines (from "Teen People" to "Rolling Stone"). The acts that top the Billboard charts are not there becuase they are the best, or have the broadest appeal, but because they have been favored by one or both of the media conglomerates. Hung is the perfect example: Would ANYONE be buying his album if he wasn't on American Idol, The Today Show, etc? He's just the corporate flavor of the month; lap it up, sheep.

This isn't a conspiracy theory or anything, but I always think it's interesting to tell people who listen to pop music, why they listen to it. You guys should check out the PBS special "Merchants of Cool." It has some really interesting information on how corporations market movies, music and clothing.

Mith

 

[memememe173]

so in other words...

Music stars suck because they got a break

 

[MithrandirX]

so in other words...

Music stars suck because they got a break

Nah.. lot's of music acts today are pretty good, and reflect talent and dedication. I don't think Hung, and most of the other groups currently topping the charts fall into that category, though.

 

[memememe173]

ok, I re-read your post and I can see reading it another way...

the first time I read it I saw: Music stars should turn down offers to become huge just because some one has more talent them

the second time I saw: companies should endorse the most talented performer instead of the most image friendly

 

[Steve_Kow]

Hung is awesome because:
* He's making way more money than all the other clueless n00bs on that TV show ever will. Stick it to the TV producing man!
* In a few years he will have paid for his college education with the money of people who (a) like aa good joke when they see one or (b) really liked his music. This latter group is going to be a very tiny minority.
* He's going to Berkeley. Go Bears!

Exactly, when he's done he'll probably have at least $100,000 from the experience, not a bad way to start off.

 

[Geeno]

I still stand by my original thought that hes just smarter than America and decided to make some money.

 

[sunbearie]

What is even more scary is the increasingly large number of girls fans with banners saying "Marry me! or let me have your baby!" You can see them when he performs at basketball games or whatever.

 

[Akira]

Those signs are usually handed out by staff to fans who have near front row spots, some of those people i imagine haven't even looked at the sign yet.

 

[SoulTorn]

I am *so* going to buy his album.

Or at least download it.

-SoulTorn D.

 

[Ash Housewares]

music doesn't suck, the world does

the world demands sucky music and so it is supplied

stupid world, I'm gonna make a new one, who's with me?

 

[chewie837]

I look forward to this "Brave New World" where talent is rewarded instead of image.

I can still dream can't I?