A Modest Proposal

I’m sure there is enough blame to go around regarding the decline of recorded music. The major labels screwed the independent record stores by aligning themselves with BestCircuitWalBuy, many artists (including hipsters Son Volt and Lucinda Williams) joined the unholy alliance by offering exclusive tracks through the same big box retailers, superstars (Springsteen for example) seduced fans to buy the same disc several times with new and improved “deluxe limited editions” (which often included exclusive DVD scenes too boring to watch) and yes, illegal downloads and file sharing played a part.

Although CD sales continue to drop, in contrast, concert revenue continues to grow. If the two are viewed together as “the music industry” it might appear that all is well. No one ever mentions price gouging on ticket prices and the effect on cd sales. A concert ticket at most major venues tacks on the price of a cd to every ticket when service charges and parking are factored in. It seems pretty simple to me. If a music fan/consumer has a limited amount of dollars to spend on entertainment (the music industry) and $250 goes towards two concert tickets, t-shirts, surcharges and a couple of six dollar beers is it any wonder someone might download (guilt-free) the latest cd from the same artist they just spent most of a paycheck to see?

From Bono (yeah, I know he does some good stuff but it is hard to forgive him for those stupid sunglasses and cozying up to the devout homophobic racist Senator from North Carolina, Jesse Helms) to Bruce, as Ian Hunter sings “the rich get richer and the poor get sorer”. There is enough money to go around, it just isn’t getting around.

The modest proposal? Support live music at your local clubs (and buy a cd or two with the money you’ve saved)!