Week Commencing: 31/05/04
By: Toby L
Bonjour Compadres,
A shorter Weekly Editorial this time, folks - many apol's; we've had one tumultuous week (God bless club-promotion; read on) ... And there's a lot to get through. So let's get to it.
The Issue: A week ago, we challenged the legitimacy of major-labels in the 21st Century; are they still the force they once were? Your response:
'To doubt the bountiful impact that the major's reign would be nothing short of ridiculous. In genres such as pop and hip-hop, if you're not signed up to one of the big fish, you're, frankly, gonna get nowhere impeccably fast... They still bear the resources (whether in debt or not) that indie's can never afford.' Thomas Wilkinson, West Sussex, UK
'Tis true - can you imagine Jay-Z or Eminem slumming it on an indie? Hellfires, no.
'Majors may have once wielded the swing, but the success of The White Stripes, The Strokes, The Libertines and Franz Ferdinand must act as some cause for concern to the larger players... These are some of the UK and Europe's most substantial 'alternative' names now, and they're all born and bred on indie-labels.' Sarah Watson, Lincoln, UK
True; some of rockfeedback's and, indeed, your favourite acts of yore in the hurtling thrust of the 21st Century have been spawned from the smaller fry. Surely it's inspiration for us all that, with the right discernment, we've all got a chance to snap up the next scene-changer? (Well, almost). Time for one more fascinating insight:
'I think the industry's f**ked. F**k you 'Pop Idol' c**ts.' Anon, UK
Er, thanks, erm, for that.
Next week, we'll be publishing a selection of your head-scratchers on the matter of downloading - is it really the future? Or a great way to advertise albums and CDs? Is it not tragic that, if the world goes download-only, we'll be sacrificing much of the quality we could enjoy from something as prehistoric as, well, vinyl? Email: theissue@rockfeedback.com with all your ideas/half-guesses/certainties on the topic.
Highlights for rockfeedback in the last seven days: admittedly, just two key events - namely, a low-key show from The Rakes in the dungeon-like lair of Turnmills, Farringdon, which saw the band playing a tight, rapid and tune-laden set to a bunch of fashionistas and sassy females - most bohemian; and our very own Basement Club event, which was simmering and shimmering with musical aplomb thanks to The Magic Numbers' debut at our night, the second set from Archie Bronson Outfit, and headliners The Duke Spirit's pounding assault (you can see footage of the gig on their official website here). Shame many couldn't get in - we were truly gutted for those that couldn't (blame guest-lists). (Speaking of The Basement Club - some ace past performers you may want to catch up with: the sleazy grungy rockings of Earth, The Californian Love Dream, who are gracing the stage of ULU on June 7th, this coming Monday, so be there).
Alt UK chart-action: namely, well done to The Killers. We first reviewed the Las Vegas band last Autumn for the original release of 'Mr Brightside' (granting it four hallowed stars), and it's tremendously exciting for us to see their top-ten placement upon the re-release of said-single. Congratulations, boys. Elsewhere 45s-wise, Hope Of The States managed an enviable 15 with 'The Red, The White, The Black, The Blue', with Jet's 'Are You Gonna Be My Girl?' following at 16 (wasn't it a hit the first time round?), and Supergrass' 'Kiss Of Life' (accompanying their current, fine greatest-hits LP). Dipping under, The Vines get 42 with 'Winning Days' (ouch), The Offspring are 48, and The Stands are 49 with 'Outside Your Door'. Albums - bugger-all, really, save for Nick Drake in at 27 with his outtakes/reissues package. Oh, and Slipknot's third is in at 5.
Current rockfeedback playlist: the Trachtenburg Family Slideshow Players' barmy, kooky debut; The Concretes' lush, self-titled work; some Einsturzende Neubauten reissues; and demos from The Subways, Ladyfuzz, and more.
Cheers for the time; why not contribute your own words to The Issue, as above, and we'll see you next week: same place, probably a very slightly different time.