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Aromatic riling
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Downloads have overtaken singles, the recent figures confirm, resulting in an inevitable change in consumption of pop-music. What will happen to albums? All artists we speak with believe the format will survive as majority are not set to rush-record singular songs for individual downloading.
Perhaps true but, at the same time, it marks the end of B-side, this little haven where acts could let their imagination fly, indulge impulsively and let another [dark, feral, humorous] side surface. Some of the most adventurous music was to be found behind some crap-to-mediocre hits. It was space for experimental, brave, crazy, wacky, cool and manna for fans. The way things are, who will manage a CD like the Siouxsie & The Banshees’ ‘Downside Up: B-Sides and Rarities’ from a few months back?
Nobody since the record companies discovered the flip side mattered less to the current gen and it could be used for something cheaper, such as instrumentals, remixes and karaoke-versions. Disinterest had to grow expeditiously and rebellion died some more… Its spirit exiled to the cult-zone of awareness.
Revolution is in technology, rather than creativity, that enables labels to re-sell back catalogue. It also fits the ‘revisionist culture’ perfectly: no disappointments, known value, the choice is tested, proven… In the world reduced to [proper] diet, cooking, weight-watching, fashion, interior design, make-up, shopping, holiday and debt-busting commercials… Dumb [soaps/reality] TV, moronic blockbusters - CGI ain’t innovation anymore, rom-lit… Industrial set-up discourages diversity in favour of all-engrossing mall-culture…
Eternally recycled catalogues, covers and singing celebs, kid-acts and sexy divas… Contemporary pop culture is like making Photostats despite ink running out…
Preaching to the perverted by the talent-lacking lackeys.
Dashiel Kasse
13-2-2005