Sunday Rant

[acstalker]

Now I really am grumpy.

The fact is there has been no decent chart music since 1982.

Rave, Hip-Hop, Garage, Rap - All Crap.

Between 1990 and 2003 I listened to nothing but Country Music.

The non-chart stuff has got better in recent years as much of it is 60's and 70's influenced.

Plus there's always the US jam scene. Thank God for Phish, Further, Govt Mule et al.

[bennyhana22]

Thanks for considering this adequately worthy of response. I appreciate the rare opportunity to discuss this stuff with others who give a damn about the 'quality' of music.

I have had several very heated debates (to the point of awkward unpleasantness) with one of my very best friends about this kind of issue. I argue with him that popularity and 'good' are not the same thing and that it is entirely possible for a song to achieve enormous success and yet be entirely bereft of any positive value, musically.

now I know many will berate me for the arrogance of that last statement since, it could be argued, that if a single person derives pleasure from a song then that gives it inherent, positive value. I would defend my arrogance by saying that that need not be true. I could draw an analogy with entirely sociopathic behaviour from which a particularly warped individual derives pleasure. Does that legitimise that behaviour as 'positive'. Developing that argument, then, it is possible for something truly appalling to achieve mass 'appeal'. My friend would argue that the mere magnitude of its popularity indicates irrefutably that it must be good. My arrogance steps up a gear as I am by training and playing a (amateur) 'musician' where he is not. I have written and performed music and listened extensively and diversely. That gives me the 'authority' to differentiate between music which I don't like but in which I can see quality of songwriting, structure, arrangement etc and music which is, for want of a more eloquent term, shit.

So from my perspective posters above should feel no 'guilt' at enjoying Britney - many of her songs are great pop songs. not my bag, but great pop songs. Latterly, though, her writers have ploughed the furrow of identical dross that I have described earlier. It seems that eventually the need for chart success, running out of ideas, I don't know, leads so many artists to this abhorrent formula. To say there's been no decent chart music since 1982 is just plainly incorrect, stalker. There was loads of fantastically innovative, ground-breaking, melodic and magical pop music in the 80's. There was also lots of junk, but that was never my point. My point was, at the risk of repetition (Moi?!), that the songs of the Top 10 now are indistinguishable most weeks and all adhere to this identical format/model/sound/structure and it WASN'T like that, regardess of whch era you compare and what was the predominant 'sound' of the time - New Romantic/Electro, Indie, Britpop, Christ even the House-heavy late 80's was more varied.

RE: Lykke Li, Sue, I have no idea! Haven't heard her...yet. I find it very interesting that she seems worthy of her own Latitude announcement - though this may be in part due to the timing of contracts being signed etc. Does she fit the EoTR 'philosophy'? Because that's how I see the line-up of EoTR - as one borne of a philosophy as much as of a sound - Americana/Folk etc.

And Matt - don't get me started on the X- Factor, though I'm happy to get into it if there are others up for the fight! I'll finish this incredibly self-indulgent post with a depressing fact that I heard today: THe X-Factor act that has earned the most since appearing....at £3.5million it's JEDWARD. Cultural homicide...

Ben (the not grumpy person)

xx

[jol33n]

The X factor is often mistaken for a musical talent show though. It's not, it's entertainment (for some) with some music as a focal point.

Ben, maybe you should talk to your friend about the difference between "good" and "efficient". I would probably not argue someone who would tell me that the chart songs nowadays are efficient. And all successful songs are efficient, to some level. Good, I wouldn't say so.

How does your friend feel about songs that never acquire mainstream popularity? Following his theory, does that mean they're bad?

Finally, I find it a bit narrow-minding to give a "philosophy" to a festival. I could understand the term "direction" but a philosophy alltogether seems a bit pushy. I do agree with the Americana-Folk direction that they follow but this year, there isn't much of that actually. It's more alternative greatness.

PS: the Jedwards are the top earner of the 2009 X factor but I think before them, overall there would be Leona Lewis and Alexandra Burke.

Edited April 13, 2011 by jol33n

[perfectpassion]

Chris Stang, product manager at Atlantic, says he thinks Zachrisson could cross over to the mainstream with her new record. "She's got a big fanbase already and we want to reach them, so we're paying mindful attention to the blogs and indie publications," he says.

As with her first album, the response from music supervisors has been very positive, according to Stang. "We're already had a placement in Grey's Anatomy and in the promos for Hawaii 5-0," he says. "I'm pretty confident that this is only the beginning"

I'm not that fussed about her Ben to be honest, she sounds ok.... but if they announced someone like Agnes Obel i would have been more excited. I guess the charts is just about big business not really music

Edited April 13, 2011 by perfectpassion

[shoebox]

Given the latest Lykke Li album a couple of spins today and I like it. Not that far removed from what The Concretes were doing on their debut and, as we know, Scandinavian indie-pop has always had a place on the bill at EOTR. She's definitely one I will be wanting to check out, mainstream success or not.

[perfectpassion]

Yes Shoebox its not unlikable, I think her earlier stuff should be investigated. I do like Those Dancing Days- There is some great Scandinavian music around. BUT is it because she has a small arse and a big label that her name is in every womans magazine in the country??. Jol33n re Mogwai v LL she has charted on Billboard at 36, where Mogwai has only managed about 84 in the past, and I haven't seen their rears in Cosmoplitan yet. Advertising Levis and EOTR dont go together in my opinion.

As Bens Rant is about the charts I will try to stick to that....Popularity and "good" are not the same otherwise we would not have to suffer the PoshJordanCheryl syndrome (aka Skinny-bigtits-married-a-footballer-can't-sing). IT AIN'T JUST THE CHARTS BEN... modern life is rubbish.

EOTR philosphy I thought was "we will organise a festival free of corporate sponsorship with the music we like in a great setting". And for its DIY approach I will support it, along with small bands in small venues, buying cds direct from bands ie Rue Royale, independant record shops etc... and do not forget this saturday is RECORD STORE DAY

Edited April 14, 2011 by perfectpassion

[jol33n]

EOTR philosphy I thought was "we will organise a festival free of corporate sponsorship with the music we like in a great setting".

[perfectpassion]

I will check out your link to her I promise .....my theme song I found my theme song Jenny Wilson - let my shoes lead me forward

Edited April 14, 2011 by perfectpassion

[jol33n]

Glad you like it!

On another note, I was flicking through on my TV today and landed on Viva. We could go on forever on the shit music topic. But, besides that, what about girls in pants? They're everywhere!!! I mean, when did a girl's crotch become so sexy and an area of public (pubic ahah) display? Fair enough in the 80s, it was all about leotards but I don't remember them being worn in the street too. Am I just too old-fashioned? I just found it a bit unsettling to see girls doing splits and whatnots wearing that little. And teenagers like that? I'm not old and I'm not completely unattractive but I just can't see the appeal of dressing up like that...is it to cover up shit music?

[marooned]

YES.....the 'flap' shot covers up musical ineptitude

[perfectpassion]

Its been nearly a week and we still haven't sorted out the shit music in the charts, and now the question of pants? I read that after looking at the EOTR page with the pictures that include JN reclining on a rose covered duvet with a playsuit on, and caught myself tuting.....I want a wanton Willy Mason, or s sultry MES pic

Edited April 15, 2011 by perfectpassion

[perfectpassion]

"If we only knew the answers we could print em up onto t shirts, we could sing for revolution..."

This weeks alternative chart....

No1 This Phantom Life - The Leisure Society

No2 Home - Villagers

No3 This Town - Metronomy

No4 Gangsta - tUnE-yArDs

No5 Bats In The Attic - King Creosote & Tom Hopkins

No6 Godless Girl - The Crookes

No7 Cortina - Trogons

No8 Walking Far From Home - Iron & Wine

No9 Riverside - Agnes Obel

No10 The Womble Song - Perfectpassion remix feat. Phil B

Edited April 17, 2011 by perfectpassion

[riverlodge]

looking at the EOTR page with the pictures that include JN reclining on a rose covered duvet with a playsuit on

[Sipperana]

I'm with Shoebox. Don't listen to the radio, don't care what's on it. Those who are bothered can keep campaigning to keep 6Music alive if they want, but it's not where I get my information on good new music to listen to. I get that from the EOTR bookings

[bennyhana22]

I've not regularly listened to any music radio for YEARS. Used to listen to XFM when living in London, but that was a long time ago. However, I find myself putting 6M on more and more when pottering about the kitchen and it really is great. I'm unlikely to make any huge discoveries there, but it's nice to hear stuff that I've discovered elsewhere make it to radio airplay - last week, tUnE-yArDs and a track from the new EITS record within minutes of one another!

So there is enjoyment to be had on 6. Trouble is, continuing my initial rant, that it makes pretty much all other stations not only unlistenable, but only serve to fuel my aneurysm development more and more...

On a similar theme, I'm VERY close to starting something with which I've been toying for ages. I'm not a huge Twitter fan, but do follow quite a few bands, EoTR etc. As for tweeting, I am a very occasional user at best. However, I've been considering venting my frustrations at the degradation of British society in a series of successive tweets beginning 'And another thing...'. For character preservation I shall likely abbreviate this to 'AAT...'.

The idea will be to tweet succinctly (as is enforced, quite rightly) on any issue of 'the World's gone to Hell in a Handcart' as soon as it comes to me. I have at least one urge a day, so material is, sadly, not in short supply. I must be clear, I am in NO way (no, really) interested in attracting followers. This is more a personal catharsis. And it does NOT mean I am grumpy, just that I do give a monkey's about the street/town/county/country/world I live in...

What do you think? Just TOO self-important?

Ben

Edited April 26, 2011 by bennyhana22

[bennyhana22]

So it's Sunday and I fancied a mini-rant.

Tonight's target: Kaiser Chiefs. My take on their career trajectory:

1. Initial, not undeserved, buzz about this quirky, slightly geezery, pop-punky type band

2. Word of mouth spread of interest; some pretty exciting reviews of their live shows

3. Toured Employment. I went - 'Old' Academy in Birmingham. Bloody great show, entire floor a mosh-pit; An old man's stamina tested. Great time had by all

4. Employment goes stellar. Media darlinghood beckons...oh dear

5. Popularity spreads beyond UK - but how far? Did they really pull off opening Philadelphia Live 8...?

6. Disappear (esp. R Wilson Esq.) up own arse by believing own hype

7. Morph into novelty act

8. Deliver two further increasingly poor and pointless albums

9. Complete journey to the Dark Side as they now care so little for the integrity and quality of their 'art' that they 'release' a record where you can perm your 10 tracks from 20 on offer and make your own cover. Brilliant artistic development or all too revealing gimmick?

Congratulations, Kaiser Chiefs. From a fun start just a few short years ago you have reached the ultimate in negative progression in popular music. You have become utterly irrelevant.

Your thoughts are encouraged. That is all.

Ben

[Stuey_P]

So it's Sunday and I fancied a mini-rant.

Tonight's target: Kaiser Chiefs. My take on their career trajectory:

1. Initial, not undeserved, buzz about this quirky, slightly geezery, pop-punky type band

2. Word of mouth spread of interest; some pretty exciting reviews of their live shows

3. Toured Employment. I went - 'Old' Academy in Birmingham. Bloody great show, entire floor a mosh-pit; An old man's stamina tested. Great time had by all

4. Employment goes stellar. Media darlinghood beckons...oh dear

5. Popularity spreads beyond UK - but how far? Did they really pull off opening Philadelphia Live 8...?

6. Disappear (esp. R Wilson Esq.) up own arse by believing own hype

7. Morph into novelty act

8. Deliver two further increasingly poor and pointless albums

9. Complete journey to the Dark Side as they now care so little for the integrity and quality of their 'art' that they 'release' a record where you can perm your 10 tracks from 20 on offer and make your own cover. Brilliant artistic development or all too revealing gimmick?

Congratulations, Kaiser Chiefs. From a fun start just a few short years ago you have reached the ultimate in negative progression in popular music. You have become utterly irrelevant.

Your thoughts are encouraged. That is all.

Ben

[RedRockRick]

Frankly, I'd rather hear an album by the Orlando Pirates.

[Hotcider]

And puts into perspective what Glastonbury has become when these useless never weres are second on the bill !

[acstalker]

Frankly, I'd rather hear an album by the Orlando Pirates.

[almal]

So it's Sunday and I fancied a mini-rant.

Tonight's target: Kaiser Chiefs. My take on their career trajectory:

1. Initial, not undeserved, buzz about this quirky, slightly geezery, pop-punky type band

2. Word of mouth spread of interest; some pretty exciting reviews of their live shows

3. Toured Employment. I went - 'Old' Academy in Birmingham. Bloody great show, entire floor a mosh-pit; An old man's stamina tested. Great time had by all

4. Employment goes stellar. Media darlinghood beckons...oh dear

5. Popularity spreads beyond UK - but how far? Did they really pull off opening Philadelphia Live 8...?

6. Disappear (esp. R Wilson Esq.) up own arse by believing own hype

7. Morph into novelty act

8. Deliver two further increasingly poor and pointless albums

9. Complete journey to the Dark Side as they now care so little for the integrity and quality of their 'art' that they 'release' a record where you can perm your 10 tracks from 20 on offer and make your own cover. Brilliant artistic development or all too revealing gimmick?

Congratulations, Kaiser Chiefs. From a fun start just a few short years ago you have reached the ultimate in negative progression in popular music. You have become utterly irrelevant.

Your thoughts are encouraged. That is all.

Ben

[bennyhana22]

Yes, I had considered that, almal. I even commented to a mate at work today that they were 'irrelevant other than to induce such anger within me'!

But I'm happy with my post nonetheless. If you read it carefully, it quite clearly suggests that their irrelevance is new-found, having had a reasonably promising beginning, only to falter so early on. Feel free to comment on its content if you wish

Ben

[almal]

your summation of their career is pretty much spot on, really. their first album was great fun and i saw them live twice around then and they were superb. but then they lost whatever magic the early tunes had, the second album was terrible and i'm not sure i even heard the singles off the third album (was "never miss a beat" on the 2nd or 3rd album?)

the new album idea seems fair enough to me, it's a good gimmick which they needed, as it's pretty much the only way anyone was going to pay attention to their new material. i don't think it compromises their art too much to not have a definitive tracklisting or running order for their album, they were never really much more than a singles band anyway (i'm pretty sure employment would have a similar impact played on random as in order, for example). you could say it shows remarkable self awareness, as opposed to prattling on about a grand artistic vision for their new album

[shoebox]

I too, loved them when I first saw them (some mid-afternoon slot on the pissy little stage at the Reading Festival in 2004) and again when I saw them on an NME tour with Bloc Party, Futureheads and The Killers. But I don't think I ever got all the way through Employment when it finally came out. I just remember it sounding like a poor-man's Menswear.

They soon reached irritating levels, rather than just being there. That f*cking Ruby song being the pinnacle of their shitness. And the fact that one of them is called "Peanut"

DOWN WITH THE KAISER CHIEFS!