It's funny the things that get to me these days. Normally I'm not really phased by much, but there are some things that I've come to expect. One of these things is a turn away from some of the traditional thinking about music that most of the people here on Mog tend to express, so imagine my surprise when I see a mogger clamoring about one of the big music traps I keep seeing the music industry trap other, less demanding listeners in... singles and the bands that become famous off of them.
Don't get me wrong.. I'm not saying that it's a horrible thing for a band to have a popular single. I in fact believe quite the opposite, that good singles are important to help build a following.
So, what is it that I have a problem with and what's this rant about? It's about this horrible belief by those in the music industry and some listeners that it's acceptable for a band to become famous and stars in the music world with just one decent single, while the rest of the album is mediocre at best. Somehow in the 80's people sunk enough money into crap that these big RIAA companies realized that as long as they could make a killing by signing these bands with one decent song, then promoting the hell out of it. Things only got worse as computers came of age and things like pro tools became common components of the business. All of a sudden, you didn't even have to be able to play your instrument or sing since the computer will fix all of that for you. Of course, since these companies have plenty of good songwriters on their payrolls, the bands don't even really have to have a good song idea, but instead nothing more than a marketable look.
So, what does this have to do with singles and with me being upset at a comment I saw? Well, let me put it this way: next time you complain about not understanding why a band isn't more popular when they've really only had one good single and a few mediocre ones, realize that you're talking about a formulaic band constructed by the RIAA that would probably never have gotten out of their local bar scene if success in the music industry required actual talent these days.
Now that I've made you all read my little attempt at blowing off steam, here's a gift... a great song by a band that showed us just what kind of music is really possible by those with creativity, skill, and drive... Morphine's 'Rope On Fire'.
My Trusted MOGs
Talking about manufactured success, you know what really bugs me? Tatu. Having in their contract that they have to present themselves as lesbians is pretty slimy. I would like to say this reflects positively on the acceptance of gays and lesbians in modern culture but really has little to nothing to do with acceptance and everything to do with creating an excuse to depict pre-teen girls making out in the rain.