The Last Drop

Reviews and Clues on Music That Matters (to me)

Posts Tagged Independent music

Build a 401k of Music

Jan 15

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In continuing the tradition of upending the current record industry model of label to artist to consumer, Bandstocks says why not have consumers go directly to the source. You want to support someone? Buy stock in them. So far, there don’t seem to be an Madoff-like schemes involved. Plus, there seems to be some momentum in this movement across the entertainment sector ( like IndieVest for film).

I’m in. Literally. I enjoyed Patrick Wolf’s earlier creations. Why not get a piece of the action directly?

Buy low, sell high, and please don’t stop the music.

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And Thus It Was Written

Nov 10

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The almighty (self appointed) deities at Pitchfork have released the next 500 commandments to your local Mt. Sinai/Barnes & Nobles. At least the condescension is limited to just modern music (1977 – 2006) so the list of obscure references mixed in with the most overplayed hip hop won’t be as draining. Still, it is admirable that Pitchfork is attempting to boil down greatness into 500 songs. And that Pitchfork has changed the way that music is being appreciated, sold, found, and distributed. So why not go out and get the mother of all coffee table books. You’ll need something to replace that old Madonna Sex book that’s been lying around conspicuously.

Pitch Perfect Literature and Where to Find It.

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CMJaded

Nov 2

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Is it just me, or are the big industry, buzz worthy bands just not as good as they used to be. As CMJ drew to a close a week ago, I was saddened by how unenthused and inspired I was by this year’s crop of sometimes but not so unfound up-and-coming stars. This year also seemed heavily burdened by “those who already have a lot of buzz about them” – Lykke Li, Janelle Monae, Jens Lekman, Deerhoof, etc. Now, I can’t pretend that all of these acts are well known to the masses. But I do like to pretend that New York is still a lot closer to the action of new music than I will ever be. Plus, I am not actually in the industry. I’m just an avid observer who will listen to anything. So I was surprised (in the negative way) to see so many names that I had already seen.

In all fairness, this may be a projected reaction from a recent concert. Two heavily buzzed bands from CMJ – the UK’s next Franz Ferdinand, Friendly Fires and Lykke Li – were featured and I couldn’t resist seeing if they were worth it. First, the Friendly Fires actually used their CMJ noteriaty to promote themselves during the show (read – some random girl and her friend with a book bag totally got in front of me while I was watching and forced a promo flyer in my hand with a button attached that stated the Friendly Fires did 4 shows at CMJ. Not a good way to sell yourself. Keep it all at the merch table please). While they did have the exuberance mentioned in all of the post-CMJ rehashes, it looked terribly forced. OK, I get it, when a white boy does pelvis thrusts and shakes his booty uncontrollably, it’s supposed to show that he is really excited and I should be too. But I wasn’t. And while the music was fun it wasn’t anything special. Lykke Li, however, did deliver the goods with an unforced mystical stage presence similar to Stevie Nicks, but, you know, for hipsters. And while her 12 song set was stellar, I still came away with a nagging feeling that these weren’t going to change the world. Or even make me interested enough to crave a second album. So, what gives? Is it me or has “underground” music lost a lot of it’s appeal? Am I finally getting too old – music nowadays just ain’t what it used to be? Let’s hope I am wrong.

You make the call – The NYT Review of CMJ

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One is the Loneliest Number

May 21

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But it makes for good music. Seems like solo is the way to go. Thanks to technology and a lack of ego. As if we didn’t already know, musicians are embracing the “technological revolution” in every way. From free downloads to freeing yourself from band members. Indie is going solo but in a distinctively non-singer songwriter way. This is not Bob Dylan’s influence (I just saw I’m Not There). And all three artists spotlighted will tell you that. It’s all about doing more with more. Oh and my Top Drop of 2007 is mentioned heartily in the article.

The Return of the One Man Band

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The Real MTV

Apr 8

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Is on. Right now. A slimmed down version, but chock full of interesting little nuggets. I’m impressed with the simple interface and bandwidth options (easier to watch at work…). So far, it’s very digestible given that the original site has now fully clogged with banner ads and random news elements. As much I want to hate, I can’t find too much fault with Pitchfork TV just yet.

What do you think?

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O Happy Day

Feb 20

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Can it be that my dreams have come true? A whole day for celebrating the relevance and importance of independent record stores? Why yes, yes it has!

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Indie Goes Mainstream Revisit

Aug 23

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And it was so – This is Next, the compilation album of popular independent tracks was released this week with astoundingly low fanfare. Pitchfork utterly blasts the compilation, giving a rare 0.0 and even less overall press is given in support of a seemingly monumental collaboration of independent labels with their larger corporate parents. It seems like a hard niche to corner – the casual indie rock listener who likes the well known and well supported larger acts who do NOT already have the hits downloaded or have bought the full album. There are few surprises on the album and even fewer highlights to note.

Even if this album becomes a straight to Starbucks release, is anyone advancing the state of independent music? I must admit, I am among those who feel betrayed when bands I love become huge mainstream acts with broad appeal. I know this is just a knee-jerk reaction to “claiming” what is new and it is overall a better way for good bands to continue making good music. But a best of what is supposedly underground and prone to quick evolution will always be out of date. Furthermore, if this compilation is any indication of the industries best selection at keeping up to date with what is “Next”, is there any hope at letting truly independent acts with less corporate promotion backing have a shot at wider distribution?

Hmm…. ideas like these make me think twice about supporting this ailing industry.

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