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| From | "*Bill Holmes*" <bholmes_fm@msn.com> |
| Subject | Bob says it's OK (formerly some RE:Digest #) |
| Date | Mon, 14 Jul 2003 22:06:00 -0400 |
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Not to be a curmudgeon, Bob, but I doubted your claim that
Elvis-Beatles-Stones-Zep are the four biggest sellers of the New Millennium
(more than Eminem? More than Shania Twain? More than _____?) and I asked
where the numbers were from. Also asked what you based you rclaim that a
resurgence of real rock and pop was coming in the next 18 months on radio
and in stores". Your reply? One to me and one to another Doubting
Auditeer...
> Based on the truth...watch and learn. ...and yes, they are sales of
> re-issues, comps, and remixes...which is even MORE astounding...like
reruns
> of Friends kicking Scrubs's ass...
"Based on the truth"?? Waiter, more facts please!
> Sad, but true, the aforementioned acts, (with Springsteen a close fifth),
> are the best selling western, (barring Chinese), acts of the new
Millenium.
> There really isn't any other way to explain this other than the fact that
> nothing new is even coming close to the Classics. Documentation? I got it
> from good authority, (Major Label marketing people that wished it weren't
> true...and Internet information that also wishes the numbers didn't skew
> toward the "Dinosaurs".
Slightly better, but it's a good thing you're not in court. I was hoping for
something like Soundscan figures, an article in a respected trade
(Billboard), etc. Unless you can be a little more specific, I'll remain
Doubting Thomas on this one, thanks. I would expect that if the acts you
mention did dominate sales that dramatically this would be a huge story that
_SOMEONE_ would be using (say...a classic rock station?) more widely. If you
do have tangible proof, I _am_ interested to know.
> More proof is on the way...witness, for starters, the astounding Eagles
> single that they Independently relaeased, to be followed by an album
they've
> been working on for nearly 5 years. If you haven't heard "Hole In The
> World", download it now from KaaZa...it is their best work in 20 years...
I don't know what this proves. "Independent" Eagles cut a deal with Best Buy
to promote the single/ep/dvd, milked the publicity machine and got press
coverage everywhere...as one of the biggest selling bands of all time should
probably deserve. And as far as the timeline, since this is the ONLY work
they've done as The Eagles in 20 years (HFO excepted), I would hope that
compliment were true. And yes, Eagle-heads will rush out and buy it
(regardless of quality). If your point is that the Eagles are still a viable
and talented group, I have no argument...isn't that why VH-1 and certain
radio formats exist? If you're trying to make the point that they can sell
records, I don't doubt that either.
But if you're suggesting that kids are clamoring for the Eagles, I don't buy
it (no pun). Nor the Stones or Springsteen. Not even Zep. Maybe the Beatles.
It's just you and me, buying the bands we feel safe with after all these
years. And hey, after being asked to buy the same song twenty times over,
it's nice to have something NEW to buy. Or at least the option.
I'm not a "glass is half-empty" guy, but this "the good music of my youth
will rise from the ashes" speech is tired and stale. Yes, much great music
was made. Yes, much stands the test of time (hence those formats on radio
and TV). But every generation has its own disease...don't you remember, as a
kid, older people telling you how Frank and Dino would come back to kick the
Beatles off the charts? You think this approach, with Eagles in tow, sounds
any different to someone grooving to 50-Cent? The Eagles mean NOTHING to
them.
Bob, I admire your enthusiasm, but I think all you're posting is wishful
thinking.
b
PS - I'm grateful that I can still have the opportunity to hear and see many
artists from my Wonder Years, as well as the ability to discover new artists
and contemporary music. The fact that many acts past their milk carton date
can still sell tickets and records is a mixed blessing, many can barely
survive. The most recent Ian Hunter and Graham Parker albums were almost the
best of their careers (and unlike The Eagles, they continued to record and
tour all along). But because they were never at the height of the Eagles,
the promotional and press opportunities that the Eagles are riding right now
were never available to them. And I'll put RANT and DEEPCUT TO NOWHERE
against the new Eagles record sight unseen. The Eagles, if they want, can
tour until they die (like CSN, Stones, Neil Young, Dylan, Dead, etc.)
because they earned a large following that will continue to support them.
They came of age in The Golden Age Of Touring, and their following is
conditioned to see them that way. And when we're too old, we'll play the
live DVD.
But I don't delude myself into thinking that the planet is just going to
snap to attention and start getting credible. I know what I like, and as
long as I can find it, that's all I need. The industry is all about $$$$$$,
and if the Eagles will help generate some dollars (ratings, ticket sales,
advertising, merch, etc.) this year, they'll get the help. One needs look no
further than Beyonce turning up on tributes to Jack Nicholson and dancing on
historical monuments (along with her BILLION other promotional appearances)
to know whose bread is being buttered at the moment. Someone else is next.
As it should be.
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