Ooby Dooby
by J. Freeman
Six months into 2002 and I'm still on the couch wondering about it all. So let's get started.
So much for the recording industry's claims that downloaded music files ruin its business. A Jupiter Research study found that users of unauthorized file-sharing networks like Napster are more likely than regular Internet users to have increased spending on music. The study also found that the use of CD burners has no apparent impact on their spending. So now how do you explain the fall cd sales? At this point it looks to me to fall into 2 categories: First, the record business is too focused on quick returns of investment -- they are running around finding bands that sound like other quick selling bands to make a quick buck. The public is getting burned out on too many sound a-likes and are bored and not buying. Second, the most important reason is CDS COST TO MUCH to buy. The labels have dropped the price on new artists to 12.98 list and what do they discover... people will buy at that price. What a shock. Once the labels raise the price of these cds to 18.98 what happens? Sales drop. Moral of the story: Keep the prices down and people will buy the cds or take chances on new groups. For me if it's a choice between buying at 11.99 or the hassle of downloading and burning the cd, I'll buy it. But if it's 18.98, no thanks I'll try to download it first.
Don't even get me started on the high price of concert tickets for major rock stars. If rock n roll is for the people then those people must be making a hell of a lot more money than most of my friends. Concerts are becoming a rich persons past time. I'll stay home and buy a bootleg of the tour later.
At the half way point of the year I like to start work on my best of the year list. Here in an order that is bound to change are 10 cds that have stood the test of time (all of 6 months!). You can count on these to bring a smile to your face.
Grandpa boy ñ Mono - a raw
rockin set of rock n roll passion from a certain Paul Westerburg. Love
it!!
Steve Earle ñ Side Tracks - a collection of tracks from various
projects that highlights Earle's command of rock idioms.
Van Morrison ñ Down the Road - a return to the R&B mystic
Kasey Chambers ñ Barricades & Brickwalls - a superb debut, this
is not just an Americana cd.
Elvis Costello ñ when I was cruel - he brings the noise and the
attitude. Welcome back.
Moby- 18 - a great mix tape by a guy who loves music. Demands
to be listened to from start to finish.
Luna ñ Romantica - the masters of swirl and noise continue to
make pop music for adults.
Los Lobos ñ Good Morning Aztlan - doing what they do best -
roots Latino music with some searing guitars.
Paul Westerburg ñ Stereo - the singer song writer side - with
wry lyrics and sung with his heart on his sleeve.
Patti Smith ñ Land - the rarities disc that reminds you
how ahead of her time she was and maybe still is.
Thanks for reading and remember to remain cranky.
Past Editions:
| View From the Couch -Top 10 at the Half way mark- From Alt.Country - June 2002 | ||
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View From the Couch -
Take a quick hit- |
View From the Couch CD Reviews |
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