It seems that we (yes even you) in the music industry have been in a battle to find
a band that will stand the test of time. A blue chip band, if you will. A band that will put out
more than one or two albums and be
accepted as an artist for the future.
Many older bands, such as
Fleetwood Mac, Led Zeppelin (Page
& Plant) and The Rolling Stones are,
once again, gaining acceptance by
the popular masses. (Not that they
have not been popular, but they are
again in a position of power in the
industry) As I listen to Dave
Matthew's' Live at Redrocks
($19.95), CD for the first time, I hope
that maybe this band will be one that
will stick around for a while. But,
knowing the industry's vile hand, they
too will be overplayed and put
through the blender of the "Popular
Mix." Radio stations, such as 90.3
WRST, (a college station based in
Oshkosh, WI) have kept some kind
of hope alive for me and many other
loyal listeners. They keep playing
underground music that keeps the
music industry a-rollin'
Many bands, such as; The
Boss Tones, Sublime and BNL
(Barenaked Ladies), have come out
of their respective closets, and
introduced their style of underground
music to the radio, already their
over-play is inevitable.
Good luck with your music
search, I sincerely hope it will be a
blast.
by Mick Martin
Mike's Insights
My ears were ringing and my nose
was bleeding. I was there, however,
and I have a ticket stub to prove it to
you. My seat was...well, better than
not being there! I had the nose
bleeders, you know the ones
everyone has tried, no one claims to
have had. but somehow the concert
is sold out anyway. I WAS THERE!
The universe of rock took
applause when the worlds greatest
rock and roll band, 'The Rolling
Stones," finished their 1998
American tour in Chicago, IL
Thursday April, 23rd. I was there first
hand to say hello and goodbye... for
now. The Stones showed me a little
"Sympathy" knowing I would be back
if ever they decided to return. My
butt Is stilt thumping with the power
of the music I experienced. If you
were at the show you know what I
mean. If you were not there, sorry
you missed it (you definitely did not
win). My words of parting (though
I'm not done yet) about 'The Rolling
Stones" show is that; "The show
was Fantastic."
Supplemental Insights of Mike:
On to another slab of marble all together.
Later this summer should
see the remaining "Dead" members
coming to a venue near you. I am
not sure what to expect from the
"Grateful Dead" tour without the
melodic interludes and vocal stylings
of Jerry (Mr. Garcia). It may be a
riot or it may be a bunk tour. My breath
wiII be held for their dates however.
If you are not sure what to expect---
Punt! The tickets can't
be that expensive, so give it a shot. I
will. Plan for the event. Ta ta for now.
by Mike Bigsby
Mick's Picks
My personal opinion is not one to be
taken with salt or alcohol. I respect
most artists for being able to create
and have someone beii'eve in their
ability enough to back the CD effort.
That said, I can not rip apart and
praise most musicians.
The new CD by the "Dave
Matthews Band" Before These
Crowded Streets (on sale $12.88),
tops my list of great music this
month. I like the subtle qualities of
jazz and rock that explode from my
Studio Quads (a speaker brand
name; for the who's at home).
Though progressive in musical
ability, it still retains the momentous
sound ofthe DMB.
LIKED IT
My next sound bite comes
from the dark and, dare I say, evil
world of "Jerry Cantrell," Boggy
Deoot (on sale $12.95). Though I did
not expect that Jerry was going to
show this many sides of rock. I did
like the album overall. But (there
always seems to be a but) I was a bit
disappointed at the 80's style rock
elicited from the guitar on a few
tunes. I guess I was duped, or
deceived myself, into believing that
his album was going to be the next
"Alice in Chains" CD.
IT'S O.K.
Onto my final selection for
this letter. ESPN has been stunning
us for the last couple years with
some of the best compilation
albums. Of course am talking about
the X-Games Series. Their latest
release Vol.3, leaves much to be
desired however. First off, it is one of
the higher priced CD's on the market
($16.95) and it would be well worth it,
if, it had the same amount of tunes on
it as its previous two compatriots
(they each have 17 songs and are
priced at $16.95), this one contains
only 12 songs. Also, the first two
have cutting edge music and
aggressive tunes from less popular
bands. This 3rd volume is more
popular than progressive. It is good
music; but just not up to par with the earlier set
ESPN standards.
by Mick Martime
WHERE YOUR $ GOES
Are you wondering who gets the 16 bucks you may pay for a CD? Well,
with diligent investigation (as well as a whole mess of stolen information)
I found out. A couple of articles, one in "Newsweek" and one in "Billboard
Magazine." lead me to realize how little a platinum or multi-platinum artist
does receive from their world wide sales of their CD.
Here's Where Your $'s Go
1. $2.00 goes for the label to use for advertising/marketing the CD.
2. $1.00 - $2.00 goes to the retailers.
3. $1.00 - $2.00 goes to the artist.
4. $10.00 goes to the record labels -- Nice Cut!
Get the point - The label owns the artist. Make your own conclusions on
just who is getting rich quick here. My opinion is that is is a rip off.
by Mick Martin
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