2005 Was A Crap Year For The Music Industry

[Frank Giaramita]

According to RollingStone.com (http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/_/id/9147118), 2005 was the worst year ever for the music industry.

[yanggoh]

but an excellent year for music, in my opinion.

[Drew Beringer]

not surprising, this year will probably be worse.

[CorporateFish]

Whammy.

[Manbotisdead]

but an excellent year for music, in my opinion.

I liked 04 better myself. Mainly because most of the albums I wanted in 04 that were due in 05 were either dissappointing or not something I would listen to anymore.

Bad timing on my part.

[splitsecond]

When the industry quits trying to sell 10 million copies of shit albums, they will start to gain again.

Quantity is dead.

[CorporateFish]

but an excellent year for music, in my opinion.
2006>2005

[jfb392]

Tru dat.

[GAD_guy]

but an excellent year for music, in my opinion.
yep. my favorite in quite a while.

[1check_1love]

i've discovered many good bands this year, so i wouldn't say it was the worst

[splitsecond]

Man I just read the last paragraph and I think it may go in my sig:



As the majors stumbled, independent labels gained market share, accounting for eighteen percent of CD sales in '05. Indie labels proved especially adept at Internet marketing via outlets like MySpace; the emo label Victory Records sold 558,000 copies of Hawthorne Heights' album The Silence in Black and White without radio play. And several hip indie acts -- the Arcade Fire, Interpol and Bright Eyes -- sold more than 250,000 copies each. The indie model of earning profits on a broad range of small-scale releases, rather than focusing on blockbusters, may offer a new direction for the majors. "The major labels want to say the glass is half full," says Gwen Stefani's manager Jim Guerinot. "I think everybody's getting the message: You better get a fucking smaller glass. The music business is a different game."

[minusthejosh]

2006>2005

agreed, it's already better and nothing has come out yet.

[nud0]

since when did we start listening to rollingstone?

[IamTheINDUSTRY]

welcome to the public's ears music industry.....

[hollywoodending]

best year ever.

[indie_ira]

very interesting.......

[StevevetS]

2005 was a good year. So what if album sales are down. What about tours? Its a new age, everything is going to become digital because is so simple. I wish they would show the numbers from major tours and how succesful they were in 2005 in comparison to other years.

[jcarbs]

since when did we start listening to rollingstone?


true that, double true.



and for the record, mr. pibb + red vines = CrAzY DeLiCiOuS!!

[yanggoh]

true that, double true.



and for the record, mr. pibb + red vines = CrAzY DeLiCiOuS!!

pass the chronic...WHAT...cles of narnia

[mereditj]

it wasn't a bad year for music. it was just a transition year. and the majors better wake up and smell the coffee before the internet age leaves them with the dinosaurs.

[Pat Marquez]

but an excellent year for music, in my opinion.
I agree, this was an amazing year. I hate when people say that it was a "shitty" year. To be honest, their has never been a "bad year" in music for me.

This is why I love music, I never get bored with it. Their is always a new band to check out. SHUT THE FUCK UP ROLLING STONE AND THE REST OF YOU NAYSAYERS.

Honestly, if you CAN say something like this you aren't looking for new music. I'm sorry their aren't more nu-metal and glam rock bands clogging up the charts for RS likes. FUCKKKK THAT.

[TimeAsIdeology]

2005 was the most intense year yet of the RIAA going after file sharing, and conversely, the worst year for the music industry they've had this decade. What a coincidence!

[Manbotisdead]

pass the chronic...WHAT...cles of narnia

One of the best things I have seen on SNL in years.

[Pat Marquez]

since when did we start listening to rollingstone?
Seriously... the shittest mag ever.

Christ.. those fuckers over there need to just go pick up the new Broken Social Scene / Minus The Bear / Sufjan albums

PERFECT / BEAUTIFUL / MOVING / AMAZING... I can't describe em.

[Pat Marquez]

2005 was the most intense year yet of the RIAA going after file sharing, and conversely, the worst year for the music industry they've had this decade. What a coincidence!
Ha.. that is a good point.

[CorporateFish]

One of the best things I have seen on SNL in years.
Agreed.

[romantic rights]

2005
We lost:
The Get Up Kids, Bear Vs Shark, Q And Not U, Rocket From The Crypt, and countless others who will never be replaced.
2005 A good year for music??
I Think Not.

[Pat Marquez]

2005
We lost:
The Get Up Kids, Bear Vs Shark, Q And Not U, Rocket From The Crypt, and countless others who will never be replaced.
2005 A good year for music??
I Think Not.
There were so many amazing releases. Bands break up every year and it's a shame but The Get Up Kids and Q And Not U are all now in other bands.

Get with the program buddaaaay.

[yanggoh]

One of the best things I have seen on SNL in years.
hahaha not since wayne's world have i been so amused by SNL.

[Frank Giaramita]

since when did we start listening to rollingstone?
It's not like Rolling Stone are making up numbers... the facts and %'s speak for themselves, regardless of who is writing the article.

[Pat Marquez]

It's not like Rolling Stone are making up numbers... the facts and %'s speak for themselves, regardless of who is writing the article.
I guess if you are speaking on terms of how an album sells.. it was a bad year. Oh well. Thank god kids stopped listening to shitty muic???

[yanggoh]

It's not like Rolling Stone are making up numbers... the facts and %'s speak for themselves, regardless of who is writing the article.
yeah, thats true...i think people are misinterpreting the article here. but still, its only the major labels who really took a hit, at least the indies are all doing well.

[TimeAsIdeology]

I've always said that RS would be terrific if it wasn't a music magazine. They have some amazing writers, and their stories that deal with social topics are always a good read. There was this article I remember from about 2 or 3 years ago, about shootings and gang life in Philly, and it was one of the most interesting things I've ever found in a magazine.

Wish I could say the same for their music coverage.

[Frank Giaramita]

I guess if you are speaking on terms of how an album sells.. it was a bad year. Oh well. Thank god kids stopped listening to shitty muic???
Well, yeah, that's the basis of the article. Everyone in this thread is like "2004>2005 blah blah", but RS.com isn't talking in terms of "good albums that came out" they're talking in terms of "good selling albums that came out"... The article is hardly subjective.

[Pat Marquez]

I've always said that RS would be terrific if it wasn't a music magazine. They have some amazing writers, and their stories that deal with social topics are always a good read. There was this article I remember from about 2 or 3 years ago, about shootings and gang life in Philly, and it was one of the most interesting things I've ever found in a magazine.

Wish I could say the same for their music coverage.
They have a pretty strong bias. I consider myself a Democrat but those guys are like brainwashed over there. Conservatives do nothing right in their eyes. I believe that the Republican side has some crazy ideas and are known for their bigotry... but still.

It's like saying "everyone is dumb that comes from Texas.."

Come on... No one is going to give you credit if you say asinine things like that.

[TimeAsIdeology]

They have a pretty strong bias. I consider myself a Democrat but those guys are like brainwashed over there. Conservatives do nothing right in their eyes. I believe that the Republican side has some crazy ideas and are known for their bigotry... but still.

It's like saying "everyone is dumb that comes from Texas.."

Come on... No one is going to give you credit if you say asinine things like that.

You're right, their leftist slant is more than obvious, but I'm speaking more in terms of their non-political social articles. They do have an occasional political commentary that's worth reading, but in terms of just random articles, I've found a ton of interesting stuff. This article a while back on this buried treasure off the Nova Scotian coast, on some remote island, was incredible.

The lengths that people had gone to get some of this alleged treasure was mind-boggling, quite a few died, marraiges were ruined because of people becoming crazed over it, people spent their entire fortunes trying to unearth this thing that wasn't even a definite as far as existence.

So stuff like that is cool, but the political bias (and I'm a democrat too, and it annoys me) and lack of anything decent pertaining to music will keep me from ever buying an issue of that.

[ALucidDream]

I honestly think we need another 1991 and soon. By that I mean another band like Nirvana to blow everyones mind away( I really mean something new and fresh that hasn't totally been done before. I think creativity is music is seriously lacking in the states. I mean rap with to me is the worst. There is no creativity going on..pop..rock..even this emo/punk stuff this site worships. Its all getting old. There are a bunch of artist from other country's that can put our artist to shame. For example..from australia. John Butler Trio. If you have not heard of him and want to hear something amazing, check them out. They put on one of the greatest live shows you will ever see. Xavier Rudd, The Beautiful Girls, Missy Higgens. All artist from Australia which are great. Maybe I'm wrong but we need another spark like we had with nirvana.

I would like everyone to download this track. Its a live take of the song "Ocean" from John Butler.
All instrumental and has to be one of the most emotional songs I've heard. Even if its not your thing give it a listen. Its all John Butler on his 12 string guitar with a mic placed under his stomp box for the bass sound. Its long but almost takes you on a journey as he plays the song. I hope you enjoy it.
http://audio52.archive.org/0/audio/jbt2005-08-28.mk4.nbox.flac16/jbt2005-08-28d1t05_vbr.mp3

[yanggoh]

They have a pretty strong bias. I consider myself a Democrat but those guys are like brainwashed over there. Conservatives do nothing right in their eyes. I believe that the Republican side has some crazy ideas and are known for their bigotry... but still.

It's like saying "everyone is dumb that comes from Texas.."

Come on... No one is going to give you credit if you say asinine things like that.
well, he's right about one thing though...rolling stone definitely shouldn't be considered a music magazine.

[TimeAsIdeology]

I honestly think we need another 1991 and soon. By that I mean another band like Nirvana to blow everyones mind away( I really mean something new and fresh that hasn't totally been done before. I think creativity is music is seriously lacking in the states. I mean rap with to me is the worst. There is no creativity going on..pop..rock..even this emo/punk stuff this site worships. Its all getting old. There are a bunch of artist from other country's that can put our artist to shame. For example..from australia. John Butler Trio. If you have not heard of him and want to hear something amazing, check them out. They put on one of the greatest live shows you will ever see. Xavier Rudd, The Beautiful Girls, Missy Higgens. All artist from Australia which are great. Maybe I'm wrong but we need another spark like we had with nirvana.

I would like everyone to download this track. Its a live take of the song "Ocean" from John Butler.
All instrumental and has to be one of the most emotional songs I've heard. Even if its not your thing give it a listen. Its all John Butler on his 12 string guitar with a mic placed under his stomp box for the bass sound. Its long but almost takes you on a journey as he plays the song. I hope you enjoy it.
http://audio52.archive.org/0/audio/jbt2005-08-28.mk4.nbox.flac16/jbt2005-08-28d1t05_vbr.mp3

After you said there is no creativity in rap, and it's "the worst," I stopped reading.

[IcedOpethBlind]

fuck it.

[waggy]

i can't remember where it was, but i read an article recently that said if you include digital music sales, 2005 was the most successful year ever for the music industry. just like the movie studios crying about the domestic box office slump, when dvd sales account for 75% of their revenue and is at an all time high. people just need to learn how to change with the times.

[TimeAsIdeology]

i can't remember where it was, but i read an article recently that said if you include digital music sales, 2005 was the most successful year ever for the music industry. just like the movie studios crying about the domestic box office slump, when dvd sales account for 75% of their revenue and is at an all time high. people just need to learn how to change with the times.

You're right with that. Digital music sales jumped around 75%, the problem for the music industry, is that digital sales account for roughly 4% of overall music sales.

I don't think music will ever completely leave an analog format, or at least not for a while. Digital music is quick and easy, but there are still tons of people, like myself, who love owning a CD, owning a record, having the album art and liner notes. Record companies know this, they can't ignore it, but their business and pricing practices have dug them so far into a hole at this point I really don't know what can save them.

[AsianPersuAsian]

Seriously... the shittest mag ever.

Christ.. those fuckers over there need to just go pick up the new Broken Social Scene / Minus The Bear / Sufjan albums

PERFECT / BEAUTIFUL / MOVING / AMAZING... I can't describe em.

They rated Sufjan Stevens' Illinois as the number 9 best record of 05. Bright Eyes was right above them.

[ALucidDream]

After you said there is no creativity in rap, and it's "the worst," I stopped reading.
I said music as a whole, i included rock, pop , rap ect. My opinion is that rap is the one with the least creativity going on right now. That's my view, I'm not mad if yours is different, if your mad that, that is mine that your just very simple and narrow minded. No form of music is what it was 10-15 years ago to me...if its got better since then thats your point of view. I just tried to pass something on that I believe has improved and has not been done before.

[oldwirehands]

The Indie market is just going to keep getting bigger and bigger.

[Pat Marquez]

After you said there is no creativity in rap, and it's "the worst," I stopped reading.
Thank you. Don't call yourself someone "big" on music if you can't respect ALL genres. Believe it or not, I find at least one artist in every genre.

Country / Alt-Country (Johnny Cash, Ryan Adams)
Rap (Common, Mike Jones, Paul Wall.. tons others)

[Pat Marquez]

You're right with that. Digital music sales jumped around 75%, the problem for the music industry, is that digital sales account for roughly 4% of overall music sales.

I don't think music will ever completely leave an analog format, or at least not for a while. Digital music is quick and easy, but there are still tons of people, like myself, who love owning a CD, owning a record, having the album art and liner notes. Record companies know this, they can't ignore it, but their business and pricing practices have dug them so far into a hole at this point I really don't know what can save them.
Man, we would be best friends if we hung out. Haha I couldn't agree with you more.

I'll have to check out some of these articles. in Rolling Stone.. I read a few here and there about soldiers in Iraq. That was pretty interesting.

[Pat Marquez]

I can't just look at MP3 files on a computer. I NEED to have the CD in my hands. I was called a "dying breed" for my love of CD's. I don't download music and I don't consider anyone that doesn't own CD's someone to be a true fan of music. There is more to the band then just the songs.

[ALucidDream]

Thank you. Don't call yourself someone "big" on music if you can't respect ALL genres. Believe it or not, I find at least one artist in every genre.

Country / Alt-Country (Johnny Cash, Ryan Adams)
Rap (Common, Mike Jones, Paul Wall.. tons others)

I'll repeat what i responded with again for you.

I said music as a whole, i included rock, pop , rap ect. My opinion is that rap is the one with the least creativity going on right now. That's my view, I'm not mad if yours is different, if your mad that, that is mine that your just very simple and narrow minded. No form of music is what it was 10-15 years ago to me...if its got better since then thats your point of view. I just tried to pass something on that I believe has improved and has not been done before.


1. I never said I was "big" on music
2. I do respect "ALL genres"
3. Next time READ a whole post before jumping down someones throat.

[Saucey McRib]

yeah pat, I feel ya. Fuck this shit. When CD's die out and I have to fucking download my music and burn it onto a CD, I will be pissed as shit. Fucking downloading sucks ASS.

[TimeAsIdeology]

I can't just look at MP3 files on a computer. I NEED to have the CD in my hands. I was called a "dying breed" for my love of CD's. I don't download music and I don't consider anyone that doesn't own CD's someone to be a true fan of music. There is more to the band then just the songs.

Exactly. Man as much as I love how advanced music technology has become, I feel like it's going to be the death of music. I buy as many CD's as I possibly can, I own about 500 right now, plus a ton of records, but I could write a list right now of 500 more CD's I want. I do download music, illegally, but that's just to check out bands beforehand. I'd say if I download a record and like it, 75% of the time I buy it. And if I band impresses me live, I always make it a point to pick up their record, tape, 7'' or what have you. I figure they could use the money more than me anyhow.

[splitsecond]

I said music as a whole, i included rock, pop , rap ect. My opinion is that rap is the one with the least creativity going on right now. That's my view, I'm not mad if yours is different, if your mad that, that is mine that your just very simple and narrow minded. No form of music is what it was 10-15 years ago to me...if its got better since then thats your point of view. I just tried to pass something on that I believe has improved and has not been done before.

Thats because you only pay attention to mainstream rap. I am sure people who dont know rock would say the same thing about rock. Mainstream as a whole is a piss poor representation of what exists - and is the reason why the majors are starting to hurt, and indie labels are raking in cash. People are actually demanding a better product, because now they can get quick access to it via the internet, and realize what is shit and what isnt. On top of that, people are loving the personal level of entertainment and connection that smaller, better artists bring. Its the same in any genre of music, i promise.

[TimeAsIdeology]

I'll repeat what i responded with again for you.

I said music as a whole, i included rock, pop , rap ect. My opinion is that rap is the one with the least creativity going on right now. That's my view, I'm not mad if yours is different, if your mad that, that is mine that your just very simple and narrow minded. No form of music is what it was 10-15 years ago to me...if its got better since then thats your point of view. I just tried to pass something on that I believe has improved and has not been done before.


1. I never said I was "big" on music
2. I do respect "ALL genres"
3. Next time READ a whole post before jumping down someones throat.

You have to be kidding me. There's more creativity in the rap scene now than ever before. You've got your mainstream rappers, (50, Mike Jones, Young Jeezy,) doing what they do, there's still plenty of gangsta rap, underground rap is flourishing (Talib, Immortal Technique, Illogic, Brother Ali,) there's rappers that use canned loops and samples, rappers who flow over live instruments, there's so much more to be found than 15 years ago, when most of it was a rapper flowing over a DJ scratching. Things started evolving with the gangsta rap of Death Row, and rap groups rhyming over actual instruments like A Tribe Called Quest. Then you've got groups like The Roots, who all play their own instruments in an extremely talented manner. There's a lot of good rappers coming from England right now, rap is the biggest it's been since the heydey of East Coast/West Coast feuding.

[fearthesloths]

i think a lot of people are missing the point of the article, you don't need to get all defensive and be like OMFG what are they talking about there were so many good CD's released this year, that is true, and the article isn't implying that the music itself was bad... just that CD sales are at an all time low.

[lightcollapse]

ha, fuck the pussycat dolls.

[ALucidDream]

You have to be kidding me. There's more creativity in the rap scene now than ever before. You've got your mainstream rappers, (50, Mike Jones, Young Jeezy,) doing what they do, there's still plenty of gangsta rap, underground rap is flourishing (Talib, Immortal Technique, Illogic, Brother Ali,) there's rappers that use canned loops and samples, rappers who flow over live instruments, there's so much more to be found than 15 years ago, when most of it was a rapper flowing over a DJ scratching. Things started evolving with the gangsta rap of Death Row, and rap groups rhyming over actual instruments like A Tribe Called Quest. Then you've got groups like The Roots, who all play their own instruments in an extremely talented manner. There's a lot of good rappers coming from England right now, rap is the biggest it's been since the heydey of East Coast/West Coast feuding.

I agree with some of your points. Like I said...I'm not saying ALL groups in rap are not creative. I'm a huge reggae fan. A big part of that is because most groups use live instruments. They come up with their own bass lines, some take a bass line from another song and then improv from there. Thats creative. To me it takes no talent to sample a song, use loops..speed them up/slow them down. Yes, I've done it...I've seen people do it, thats not creative music to me. thats just my view though, you dont have to agree and thats cool.

[underthetalking]

That sounds about right. In terms of music: 03 and 04 > 05 and if all goes according to plan, 06 will be the best year of the four. In my opinion, 2005 was pretty much garbage. There were a select few albums that I still find myself listening to, but 2003 and 2004 just had a lot more quality albums than 2005 did.

[thesego211]

One of the best things I have seen on SNL in years.
does anyone know if that's posted on the internet anywhere? i want to see that again!

[lackofcolour 13]

since when did we start listening to rollingstone?

exactly. thank you.

[Pat Marquez]

I'll repeat what i responded with again for you.

I said music as a whole, i included rock, pop , rap ect. My opinion is that rap is the one with the least creativity going on right now. That's my view, I'm not mad if yours is different, if your mad that, that is mine that your just very simple and narrow minded. No form of music is what it was 10-15 years ago to me...if its got better since then thats your point of view. I just tried to pass something on that I believe has improved and has not been done before.


1. I never said I was "big" on music
2. I do respect "ALL genres"
3. Next time READ a whole post before jumping down someones throat.
I'm narrowminded? That is ridiculous. What was so great about music back then? Please go into detail. YES, it was good back then. It is STILL good now. If anything, guitar work has got a lot more technical.

Bands like The Rolling Stones and The Beatles did not write "technical" music. It's all pop-rock,

[ACA]

By 2008 music will just cease to exist I guess. That, or record labels will realize that you don't need to spend $2M to record/produce an album. Throw in the advertising ($5M+), you're bound to get fucked. Sure, great production is nice, but there are also countless albums recorded very cheap that totally kick ass.

-ACA

[thesego211]

i think a lot of people are missing the point of the article, you don't need to get all defensive and be like OMFG what are they talking about there were so many good CD's released this year, that is true, and the article isn't implying that the music itself was bad... just that CD sales are at an all time low.
you are right, this isn't what the article was about. and on a personal note, i buy almost all of my music in cd form. there is just something special about going to the record store, buying the cd, opening it and checking out the artwork as you listen to it for the first time. you can't get that experience buying singles online. that's just me personally...

[Pat Marquez]

Exactly. Man as much as I love how advanced music technology has become, I feel like it's going to be the death of music. I buy as many CD's as I possibly can, I own about 500 right now, plus a ton of records, but I could write a list right now of 500 more CD's I want. I do download music, illegally, but that's just to check out bands beforehand. I'd say if I download a record and like it, 75% of the time I buy it. And if I band impresses me live, I always make it a point to pick up their record, tape, 7'' or what have you. I figure they could use the money more than me anyhow.
I did download music.. but my computer just couldn't handle it. I found a lot of bands and there are so many reocrds that I want to buy.. plus PV and Myspace are great so really there is no need for me to download music anymore.

[Pat Marquez]

Thats because you only pay attention to mainstream rap. I am sure people who dont know rock would say the same thing about rock. Mainstream as a whole is a piss poor representation of what exists - and is the reason why the majors are starting to hurt, and indie labels are raking in cash. People are actually demanding a better product, because now they can get quick access to it via the internet, and realize what is shit and what isnt. On top of that, people are loving the personal level of entertainment and connection that smaller, better artists bring. Its the same in any genre of music, i promise.
FUCKING A YOU HIT IT RIGHT ON THE HEAD. I couldn't agree with ya more my friend.

[EveryNewDay]

there is nothing wrong with the music that is coming out now or the music that came out last year... record companies are just pissed because they want to make millions on bands that they invest little or no time/money on. they think that they can put a band out there and all of a sudden they will go platinum. also, we're at a point where one-hit wonders aren't selling as many albums because people no longer have to spend $15 to get a few songs off an album. if there's anything to be disappointed about its the major label bullshit. so what if sales are down? shut the hell up and start signing bands with talent, promote them properly and lower all CD prices to $10 and then see what happens.

[Pat Marquez]

I agree with some of your points. Like I said...I'm not saying ALL groups in rap are not creative. I'm a huge reggae fan. A big part of that is because most groups use live instruments. They come up with their own bass lines, some take a bass line from another song and then improv from there. Thats creative. To me it takes no talent to sample a song, use loops..speed them up/slow them down. Yes, I've done it...I've seen people do it, thats not creative music to me. thats just my view though, you dont have to agree and thats cool.
No.. that is so asinine. You are burying yourself in a hole now. It takes no talent? That is not true at all. If it takes no talent, lets hear YOUR stuff. If it takes no talent, then EVERYONE would be doing it.

[ACA]

Also:

I think ringtones ($2.99 for a 30 second MIDI clip) are absolutely insane. Buying half of the shit people buy for their cell phones.. absolutely insane. Pac-Man (circa 1980 creation) for $7.99 on your cell phone? Yea that's fair.

I know people who pirate PC games, pirate MP3s, but rack up 100s of dollars on cell phone shit like Chase-A-Block-On-A-Tiny-Screen Game and the newest ten second loop from the latest pop song. Shame, I say.

-ACA

[Pat Marquez]

That sounds about right. In terms of music: 03 and 04 > 05 and if all goes according to plan, 06 will be the best year of the four. In my opinion, 2005 was pretty much garbage. There were a select few albums that I still find myself listening to, but 2003 and 2004 just had a lot more quality albums than 2005 did.
I'm not trying to be a dick but when you look at the bands you have listed as "liking" in your profile it is no wonder none of them have staying power with you...

[Pat Marquez]

By 2008 music will just cease to exist I guess. That, or record labels will realize that you don't need to spend $2M to record/produce an album. Throw in the advertising ($5M+), you're bound to get fucked. Sure, great production is nice, but there are also countless albums recorded very cheap that totally kick ass.

-ACA
Haha, WHAT?

[ACA]

Thats because you only pay attention to mainstream rap. I am sure people who dont know rock would say the same thing about rock. Mainstream as a whole is a piss poor representation of what exists - and is the reason why the majors are starting to hurt, and indie labels are raking in cash.

You, sir, are correct.

Name the top 10 most popular rock bands right now..I bet they're a shitty represenation of what good rock is.

-ACA

[Pat Marquez]

Also:

I think ringtones ($2.99 for a 30 second MIDI clip) are absolutely insane. Buying half of the shit people buy for their cell phones.. absolutely insane. Pac-Man (circa 1980 creation) for $7.99 on your cell phone? Yea that's fair.

I know people who pirate PC games, pirate MP3s, but rack up 100s of dollars on cell phone shit like Chase-A-Block-On-A-Tiny-Screen Game and the newest ten second loop from the latest pop song. Shame, I say.

-ACA
Haha, that shit is soooo ridiculous. I mean.. I have a few ringtones.. but I use the same one and I have one game on my phone. If you are willing to pay that much then so be it, I never would.

[ACA]

Name the top 10 most popular rock bands right now..I bet they're a shitty represenation of what good rock is.

A little response to myself, now that I've done a little bit of research:

http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/charts/chart_display.jsp?g=Singles&f=Mainstream+Rock

Shinedown, 10 Years, Avenged Sevenfold, Korn, Nickelback, Disturbed, System Of A Down, Foo Fighters, Staind, Seether.

Would I be wrong to say "rock music is so generic" or "so shitty" based on that selection? Nah, I'd be pretty correct. Some of those bands are good, but that list sucks.

-ACA

[Pat Marquez]

A little response to myself, now that I've done a little bit of research:

http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/charts/chart_display.jsp?g=Singles&f=Mainstream+Rock

Shinedown, 10 Years, Avenged Sevenfold, Korn, Nickelback, Disturbed, System Of A Down, Foo Fighters, Staind, Seether.

Would I be wrong to say "rock music is so generic" or "so shitty" based on that selection? Nah, I'd be pretty correct. Some of those bands are good, but that list sucks.

-ACA
Oh man.... besides the Foo Fighters that is just awful. AWFUL.

[ALucidDream]

Ok, since not one person understands my post, or decided to even read it. Let me make it more simple. I'm not talking about only mainstream. I mean most music as a whole. Sure there are some artist that are quite good. there is no reason you should have to look to an underground scene for good music or for talent. There are artist oversea's on the radio with talent that bands here have seem to lost. Doing more creative things. Like in that song i posted that probably not one person listened to, you can't tell me anyone else that has that kind of talent without going back to hendrix or clapton. once again, you dont have to agree with me, i dont have to agree with you but i'm not attacking any of you for your views.

[EveryNewDay]

i admit i didn't read any of your previous posts, but here's the deal.... most record companies, radio, etc... don't care about talent here. all they want is to make money and they could care less if you have talent.

[underthetalking]

I'm not trying to be a dick but when you look at the bands you have listed as "liking" in your profile it is no wonder none of them have staying power with you...


I'm not really sure what you mean by that...

But I don't really care. To each his own.

[wtfemokid]

cuz indie is pretty much always good, major label shit was just that, shit, this year. lame. rolling stone still sucks though.

[ALucidDream]

i admit i didn't read any of your previous posts, but here's the deal.... most record companies, radio, etc... don't care about talent here. all they want is to make money and they could care less if you have talent.

And i agree with you, thats why the music companies are where they're at. They aren't signing or putting out talent. Then they have no right to complain and bitch when records don't sell and people rather get a record for the single by downloading it. With other record labels for oversea's, they look at talent. Stuff that is quality is on the radio on and TV they aren't pushing bullshit around...and what bullshit is being pushed around is the music coming from us.

A FUCKING DISCLAIMER: NOW i'm talking about mainstream.

[Gregkash]

the worse a year is for labels the better it will be for us.

[EveryNewDay]

And i agree with you, thats why the music companies are where they're at. They aren't signing or putting out talent. Then they have no right to complain and bitch when records don't sell and people rather get a record for the single by downloading it. With other record labels for oversea's, they look at talent. Stuff that is quality is on the radio on and TV they aren't pushing bullshit around...and what bullshit is being pushed around is the music coming from us.

A FUCKING DISCLAIMER: NOW i'm talking about mainstream.

i totally agree with this statement

[AnonomusVsCA]

fuck rolling stone fuck that they are ufcicks fcuk thamne

[pdlawry]

It was a mediocre year for music.

[pillpillow]

awww. that's too bad.

[Pat Marquez]

i admit i didn't read any of your previous posts, but here's the deal.... most record companies, radio, etc... don't care about talent here. all they want is to make money and they could care less if you have talent.
Exactly, they are going to sell what sells. Hendrix sold back then, so they sold it.

[Pat Marquez]

I'm not really sure what you mean by that...

But I don't really care. To each his own.
You listen to cookie cutter music.

[thesego211]

It was a mediocre year for music.
for your quote thing, how can you have a picture of ATDI, and then a pic of hawthorne heights? is that a joke? one amazing band and another band that is an absolute joke? i hope you are kidding around or something...

[ALucidDream]

Exactly, they are going to sell what sells. Hendrix sold back then, so they sold it.
I'm sure, him being one of the greatest guitarist of all time had something to do with it.
Are you implying that Hendrix only sold back then because thats the style of music that was played back than?
In that case, while I don't know how to look up record sales, I could be quite sure that there were more Hendrix records sold in 2005 than some new releases that came out in that year. Not because it "sells" but because people are looking backwards for good music or re-buying cds because they see nothing worth buying that comes out recently.

[iateyourweapons]

2005 was a good year. So what if album sales are down. What about tours? I wish they would show the numbers from major tours and how succesful they were in 2005 in comparison to other years.

Do you have any idea how much touring costs? A week on the road can cost easily ten grand for a very small time artist on an indie label. Touring is for two things: having fun and advertising. Maybe some day things will change but almost no one makes money touring, and most new artists find it hard to even break even. Record sales are far and away the biggest money makers. If tours didn't help so much in generating record sales labels would never give advances to cover touring, much less actually cover the costs in full (which they usually don't).

[Pooavenger]

it's not the worst year ever. the music industry is totally filled with bullshit smokescreens. They made a fuckin ton of money of music downloads including ringtones and those horrible ringbacks. They are doing fine and are just trying to bitch and moan to validate their war on downloading even though it's not hurting them one bit.

[Pooavenger]

Do you have any idea how much touring costs? A week on the road can cost easily ten grand for a very small time artist on an indie label. Touring is for two things: having fun and advertising. Maybe some day things will change but almost no one makes money touring, and most new artists find it hard to even break even. Record sales are far and away the biggest money makers. If tours didn't help so much in generating record sales labels would never give advances to cover touring, much less actually cover the costs in full (which they usually don't).

your ignorance is uncanny. a lot of artists depend on touring to make money.

[iateyourweapons]

You listen to cookie cutter music.

thesego211][/U]for your quote thing, how can you have a picture of ATDI, and then a pic of hawthorne heights? is that a joke? one amazing band and another band that is an absolute joke? i hope you are kidding around or something...

Part of the beauty of art is that everyone gets to decide for themselves what kind they like, listen to, buy, etc. "Amazing" is a pretty subjective description of a band. Originality is cool, but so is making music people enjoy. As for the "HH sucks because people only listen to it because its popular" argument, its just crap, especially on this forum, because its at least as popular to hate them. They're selling records and doing well for themselves. I don't enjoy their music but I've got nothing against them. Why shouldn't the 13 year old girls (which from what I read here is the only group that listens to Hawthorne Heights ever... *chuckle*) be allowed to listen to what they like. I'm sure I'm not saying anything new but that's how I roll anyway.

[iateyourweapons]

Ok so... there's this big push for creativity, "new" music that "hasn't been done before," and I understand that. Its what keeps art alive. But I also think there's room for taking a genre that's no longer new, and rather than pioneering a new style, taking that existing one and polishing it, concentrating on the little things you can do to just touch up the style. Not necessarily "perfecting," but tweaking. I'd say that if a band can play music that you can listen to and immediately recognize they've done pretty well for themselves. In saying that I have in mind that top 10 list someone posted, including bands like Nickelback, System of a Down, etc. Pretty much all those bands really do have their own recognizable sound. You may not like it (and neither do I) and it may not be extremely avant garde but they've all made some recordings that, whether you like it or not, require quite a bit of doing. Like it or not, they hold a lot more sway in the music world than the bands you hold so dear. I don't mean to take away from all the great music that never makes it to the mainstream but I get tired of people bashing music because its not "original" enough. Let it be.

[iateyourweapons]

the worse a year is for labels the better it will be for us.

Who is us? If the labels don't make money neither do all but the most purely independent artists. Artists need money to support their creative habits. We need their art to support our listening habits. Labels lose, artists lose, we lose. Unless I misunderstood who "us" is.

[iateyourweapons]

I'm sure, him being one of the greatest guitarist of all time had something to do with it.
Are you implying that Hendrix only sold back then because thats the style of music that was played back than?
In that case, while I don't know how to look up record sales, I could be quite sure that there were more Hendrix records sold in 2005 than some new releases that came out in that year. Not because it "sells" but because people are looking backwards for good music or re-buying cds because they see nothing worth buying that comes out recently.

I think the point was that it doesn't really matter whether Hendrix was amazing because the label felt they could make money off of him. That's what a label does. Its a business, not a charity. They choose whoever will make them money, and they always will, or at least the majors will. Even most independent labels are that way though one would hope not as much. It happens to cost a buttload of money to run a label, so if you hear of an indie label that isn't at all concerned with making money they're probably either being supported by a wealthy benefactor or not going to last long.

[iateyourweapons]

your ignorance is uncanny. a lot of artists depend on touring to make money.

If you're going to disagree with me, at least take the time to elaborate a little. And I never said there aren't artists that live off touring; you're right, there are some. But there is still a huge percentage of artists that would never be able to do that. Plus, this whole article is about the major labels complaints about not making money, and their money comes mainly from record sales. Artists that are able to live off touring, unless they're poorly managed, have a record contract that cuts the label most or all the way out of the touring profits. So yeah, I'm sure some artists had a really good year this year because of touring but that doesn't really make a huge difference for the majors.

If you want to be taken seriously, take a little effort and say what you have to say instead of just dropping one sentence. Explaining your point of view is a lot more likely to change my mind than throwing around insults.

[TheUntitled]

I personally would love to see the majors die. They ruin alot of musicians in my personal opinion. I'm not saying that they don't EVER produce quality, it just seems to be the trend that when a smaller indie label band jumps to a major, they get lost in the confusion and don't get promoted like they should. People should just should start paying attention to the music instead of the $ signs. Not that they won't, because it's a business. I just hate seeing good music go to waste.


And it's not like I'm naive and believe that it happens in every case...

[AbsentTruth]

Well for me 2005 was a good year for music. So many albums that I bought that I fell in love with.

[Mercy Medical]

Why would anyone want to spend $0.99 a song on an album when they don't even get the actual CD or anything? Fuck iTunes, that shit is stupid.

[earlynovemberX]

Tru dat.

DOUBLE TRUE!

[bleed me bleu]

not surprising, this year will probably be worse.

brand new + early november + tbs + the format + angels and airwaves + ataris

= hmmm someone needs to think about it.

[Mercy Medical]

brand new + early november + tbs + the format + angels and airwaves + ataris

= hmmm someone needs to think about it.
God, you people are fuckin' idiots. He wasn't talking about the music that will be released, but the music industry and the money it's making or not making due to the lack of album sales.

[cahrishurr]

and thats why they are rolling stone and we have a mind of our own

use it people

[oldwirehands]

I think most people who buy albums from independent labels, usually buy them at the shows they go to. Its usually a couple bucks cheaper anyways.

[Mercy Medical]

and thats why they are rolling stone and we have a mind of our own

use it people
Did you even read the article?

[Teoa_Fes]

WQhat rolling stones tried to say is "2005 WAS A BAD YEAR FOR BITCHNEY SPEARS AND PPL LIKE HER", and obviously major labels lose when shitty music dont sell anymore since thats mostly what they signed.2005 wasnt all that bad, pretty decent actually.

[Pat Marquez]

Do you have any idea how much touring costs? A week on the road can cost easily ten grand for a very small time artist on an indie label. Touring is for two things: having fun and advertising. Maybe some day things will change but almost no one makes money touring, and most new artists find it hard to even break even. Record sales are far and away the biggest money makers. If tours didn't help so much in generating record sales labels would never give advances to cover touring, much less actually cover the costs in full (which they usually don't).
Haha.... Touring does not cost ten grand. What are you talking about?

[CorporateFish]

With all the great releases this year, I imagine I'll be giving the 2006 music industry a good thousand dollars..

[CorporateFish]

Do you have any idea how much touring costs? A week on the road can cost easily ten grand for a very small time artist on an indie label. Touring is for two things: having fun and advertising. Maybe some day things will change but almost no one makes money touring, and most new artists find it hard to even break even. Record sales are far and away the biggest money makers. If tours didn't help so much in generating record sales labels would never give advances to cover touring, much less actually cover the costs in full (which they usually don't).
Haha how the hell would they spend 10,000 in a week?? The "Small time artists" you're talking about make most of their money off touring. It's not like they're selling a ton of records..the small amount of money they make for playing and the larger amount they make off merch gets them a profit.

[Rogue Slayer]

ah. RS. the magazine that has had britney spears on its cover about 6 times.

i think last year was good. and this year is gonna be the best one ever. what with at least 6 of my top 10 bands releasing new stuff and all

[iateyourweapons]

and thats why they are rolling stone and we have a mind of our own

use it people

Rolling stone may not cover the artists you enjoy, but that's not what they're trying to do. They write about the big picture in the industry.. that is, if you're not making much money you're probably not going to be in there. The information actually isn't too bad. If you're going there to have somebody stroke your emo/punk/hardcore/metal bias then yeah you'll be disappointed. So instead of bashing Rolling Stone because its not what you want it to be, let it be what it is. Do you think you're special or intelligent just because you don't listen to the bands found in rolling stone? There's a lot more to the industry than the AP world. That AP world of music is where I personally feel at home, and I'm not knocking it, but its fairly limited in scope.

[iateyourweapons]

Haha how the hell would they spend 10,000 in a week?? The "Small time artists" you're talking about make most of their money off touring. It's not like they're selling a ton of records..the small amount of money they make for playing and the larger amount they make off merch gets them a profit.

I'm not talking about the bands that go out in a van and sleep on floors. And if you think lots of small time tours make money you really haven't talked to many touring bands. I repeat: hardly any small time artists break even on tour. For an artist with a record deal, touring accomplishes 3 things: boosts record sales, creates a following, and provides fun for the band. For a band without a deal, they may sell a few records, but more importantly, most labels won't look at someone who isn't actively touring. Sure, if you book a short regional tour and refuse to play any place without a decent guarantee, you have an ok chance of making some cash, but not that much. 10,000 a week is probably a little high for the van-based summer tour, but for people doing it year-round who don't have a job, cost of living really adds up, and when your guarantees are only about 200-300 bucks a night, it doesn't leave much room to breathe.

[heyRomanticA__x]

Hey..let's just let the Major Labels do and say what they want. If they feel like they're not making enough money...so what? Just keep to what ever "indie" label you support and let the Majors be.

[satanisanerd]

Except online paid downloads are up in percentages.

[CorporateFish]

I'm not talking about the bands that go out in a van and sleep on floors. And if you think lots of small time tours make money you really haven't talked to many touring bands. I repeat: hardly any small time artists break even on tour. For an artist with a record deal, touring accomplishes 3 things: boosts record sales, creates a following, and provides fun for the band. For a band without a deal, they may sell a few records, but more importantly, most labels won't look at someone who isn't actively touring. Sure, if you book a short regional tour and refuse to play any place without a decent guarantee, you have an ok chance of making some cash, but not that much. 10,000 a week is probably a little high for the van-based summer tour, but for people doing it year-round who don't have a job, cost of living really adds up, and when your guarantees are only about 200-300 bucks a night, it doesn't leave much room to breathe.
I buy merch from almost every small band that comes through my area because i do understand that touring cost money which they don't have much of. But theres still no way they spend 10,000 a week unless they're all sleeping in nice hotels and eating fancy dinners every night.

[ForeverInADay]

2006>2005
2006>2005>2004

2004 sucked so much ass

[cahrishurr]

Rolling stone may not cover the artists you enjoy, but that's not what they're trying to do. They write about the big picture in the industry.. that is, if you're not making much money you're probably not going to be in there. The information actually isn't too bad. If you're going there to have somebody stroke your emo/punk/hardcore/metal bias then yeah you'll be disappointed. So instead of bashing Rolling Stone because its not what you want it to be, let it be what it is. Do you think you're special or intelligent just because you don't listen to the bands found in rolling stone? There's a lot more to the industry than the AP world. That AP world of music is where I personally feel at home, and I'm not knocking it, but its fairly limited in scope.


fuck you?

i dont have a punk or hardcore or metal bias...or emo..even though that doesnt exsist anymore thanks.
and im not bashing rolling stone
im simply stating they represent the main stream..and shit thats widely released for the most part
just because sales are down to them doesnt mean shit
the same goes for people that say rock is dead or anything to that effect, if you think that, then you dont look hard enough

eat a dick man, i didnt even attack you but you gotta go and be sarastic..."do you feel special or or intelligent for BLAB BLAB BLAB BLAB" no i dont feel special because i dont feel that AP is the world of music.
do you feel special or intelligent for calling me out like this
i like bands that AP does not cover as well
and thanks i know theres more than the AP world, for the most part i dont even visit AP anymore