The whole idea of 'selling out' is ludicrous. That 'Snivilisation' might
appeal to some mass market (i.e. 14-25 year olds in the USA) more than anything
they've done previously is a pretty doubtful proposition.
They did something other than what might have been expected of them, and
that apparently bugs some listeners. Tough shit.
I've been a passionate listener and buyer of popular music since 1966 (my
first record was Rubber Soul) and the 'X sold out' rant is as old as the hills.
It's a dumb complaint, usually made by people who are so insecure that they
define themselves in terms of the music to which they listen, and don't want
anyone they don't consider cool to get in on the fun.
As a case in point, (non-idm) I bought 'Slanted and Enchanted' by Pavement
the day it came out and had that "I found something cool and no one else
has heard it" buzz. Saw them play in a half full bar and stood Gary the wacky
drummer a few beers beforehand. The next time they came around, they packed
a bigger venue, and the frat boys knew all the words to 'Summer Babe.' They
were the same band, but the context changed. You can't blame them for their
context, or for getting lucky.
So quit sniveling about sell outs and get a life of your own!
ON AS I TYPE: Plastique. Hurt me good, Richie!
--
Kent Williams kent@cadsi.com
"Swirling a sound [in Quadrophonic Space] at an audio rate produces interesting
spatial and modulative effects" -- Serge Modular Product Spec Sheet.