I think you're a bit optimistic regarding manufactured acts. I'm currently temping at a chain music store, and having never heard of Leona Lewis six weeks ago I now feel the urge to murder every time I hear that fucking song. And the sad thing is that people buy it in droves. As the boss says, it's shit, but it's commercial shit, and it shifts units. But yes, in general manufactured acts are dying, as is evidenced by the fact that Take That, Westlife and the Spice Girls are being dug up from the grave for pre-xmas greatest hits money spinning.
Commercial dance music is becoming less viable as well. But all this means is that the industry finds bands in other genres which can be commercialised. The last five years have seen an explosion in 'post-punk revival' groups so now we get faux indie groups like the Hoosiers, the Twang, the Wombats- irritating commercial imitations of bands who rightly deserve credit (such as the Enemy, the Cribs.)
Same deal, different genre, fools people for a little while. We're still between musical movements, still waiting for something new.
By the way, I seem to have trouble commenting on your blog. The linkthingy seems to collapse every time I hit submit comment. Here's something I tried to post a moment ago:
"I listen to stuff off their [QOTSA]new album most mornings on the way to work. I wear a big, black trenchcoat. I scowl. I scare people. It's fun. I'd love to see a gig of theirs. Josh has been writing, recording and touring for so long he could probably have two entirely different set lists and still blow people away."
One for the collected works!
As for what you say, we all know record companies are looking for new ways to make us buy the White Album over again, but I think the internet has slipped the reigns, proved a joker in the pack, whatever your preferred metaphor. It's part of the capitalist dilemma where you need a system that's rationalised and calculable with clear forms that, at the same time, dissolves all forms in an endless, revolutionary movement. Cleverer and more informed people than me will develop this thread of thought but I think it's noticable that the internet commons is proving difficult to enclose.
"faux indie..."
Findie?
Sorry the comments don't work for you. Do you get some sort of error message when you try? If you let me know what it says I'll chase it up with the techies.
QOTSA is very good travel-to-work music. You're half-awake and feeling a little misanthropic, you don't want to be on this bus going to work and you don't want to deal with other people. So you listen to QOTSA (or similar) and look grumpy. I'll write more on the internet's effect on the industry shortly.
Findie?
I'm stealing that.
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