http://www.betweenplanets.co.uk/2006/12/20/bright-eyes-announce-new-album-and-free-download/
“Selling Out”…such a nasty phrase. These days I try my hardest not to use it or force my judgments on artists that choose to go to major labels. I feel that any artist should be given a chance to come out with an album on a major, and only if the selling out is apparent do I comment. Death Cab, The Decemberists, even Interpol, but its not always bad. There are always going to be different results. We have on one end the amazing The Crane Wife by The Decemberists and on the other the horror that is now the overproduced Modest Mouse. However, there are some artists who stood for something in a very vocal way who do look hypocritical when they make this decision.
I have been listening to Bright Eyes for a long time and despite his sometimes whiny tirades, Connor is an amazing songwriter and capable of things that most musicians can’t touch. At the same time he has also spent a lot of his tracks speaking of his pledge against sell outs, critics and this country. He has always been outspoken in his views and until now I have found this trait highly respectable, despite his manic depressive issues.
If you read the occupying article you now know that Bright Eyes has signed to Polydor in the UK, which is under the Universal Umbrella, otherwise known as the Evil Empire. I know what all you indie snobs are thinking, it’s ok, if not respectable because the only reason he did this was to get distribution on a world wide level, especially in Europe. His publicist even said, “Bright Eyes have been on numerous labels outside of North America over their recording history and the move to Polydor is the newest endeavor to reach as many fans as possible.” Well that’s a nice thought but not true.
Saddle Creek also has an office in London along with distribution throughout Europe, and through many other independent labels. In the year I spent on that side of the ocean I had a boyfriend who would force me to stay in obscure record stores for hours at a time and without fail I could always find Bright Eyes albums, even rarities that I couldn’t get in the US. Maybe he will get a bigger shelf in the Virgin Mega store but it wasn’t like his albums weren’t there in the first place. If there is anyone I expect to hold to their principles its Connor Oberst. The next you know he will be backing Hilary Clinton and dating Cameron Diaz.
Connor once sang, “I feel more like a stranger each time I come home. So I’m making a deal with the devils of fame. Saying “let me walk away, please”
Looks like someone broke their end of the deal.
“Selling Out”…such a nasty phrase. These days I try my hardest not to use it or force my judgments on artists that choose to go to major labels. I feel that any artist should be given a chance to come out with an album on a major, and only if the selling out is apparent do I comment. Death Cab, The Decemberists, even Interpol, but its not always bad. There are always going to be different results. We have on one end the amazing The Crane Wife by The Decemberists and on the other the horror that is now the overproduced Modest Mouse. However, there are some artists who stood for something in a very vocal way who do look hypocritical when they make this decision.
I have been listening to Bright Eyes for a long time and despite his sometimes whiny tirades, Connor is an amazing songwriter and capable of things that most musicians can’t touch. At the same time he has also spent a lot of his tracks speaking of his pledge against sell outs, critics and this country. He has always been outspoken in his views and until now I have found this trait highly respectable, despite his manic depressive issues.
If you read the occupying article you now know that Bright Eyes has signed to Polydor in the UK, which is under the Universal Umbrella, otherwise known as the Evil Empire. I know what all you indie snobs are thinking, it’s ok, if not respectable because the only reason he did this was to get distribution on a world wide level, especially in Europe. His publicist even said, “Bright Eyes have been on numerous labels outside of North America over their recording history and the move to Polydor is the newest endeavor to reach as many fans as possible.” Well that’s a nice thought but not true.
Saddle Creek also has an office in London along with distribution throughout Europe, and through many other independent labels. In the year I spent on that side of the ocean I had a boyfriend who would force me to stay in obscure record stores for hours at a time and without fail I could always find Bright Eyes albums, even rarities that I couldn’t get in the US. Maybe he will get a bigger shelf in the Virgin Mega store but it wasn’t like his albums weren’t there in the first place. If there is anyone I expect to hold to their principles its Connor Oberst. The next you know he will be backing Hilary Clinton and dating Cameron Diaz.
Connor once sang, “I feel more like a stranger each time I come home. So I’m making a deal with the devils of fame. Saying “let me walk away, please”
Looks like someone broke their end of the deal.
2 comments:
heather,
you have an awesome blog. i think you are pretty much write on the money with this writing.
nice job.
holla next time you are in portland
matthieu
Earlier I thought differently, many thanks for the help in this question.
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