I used to work as one of the store buyers for a big music chain that shall remain nameless, and I can tell you the singles market is dead.
Most singles are yanked out of print as soon as a song becomes popular in order to increase album sales. The only format in which singles still has a semblence of life is bubblegum teen-pop and dance music; and at our store, we ended up selling more of the european imports (you know, $20(US) for 4 songs) or vinyl (for DJs.)
The record industry is just getting its comeuppance for ignoring the consumer's wants in search of greater profits.
Sorry, I ordinarily enjoy Katz's articles, but this one is a stretch. Youth has dominated American pop culture since the 1950s-- we worship youth. Sure, there's been constant reactionary vein underneath (rock and roll is the devil's music; rap is the devil's music, etc.), but more and more pop culture is targetted towards a younger audience.
Point: The America of The Donna Reed Show never existed. The 50s were America sticking its collective head in the sand after suffering through the Great Depression and WWII. There has always been random violence, and barring Lisa Simpson getting hold of a monkey's paw, there probably always will be.
Oh wait. I just saw your line about foreigners. Nice troll. Nevermind.
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Most singles are yanked out of print as soon as a song becomes popular in order to increase album sales. The only format in which singles still has a semblence of life is bubblegum teen-pop and dance music; and at our store, we ended up selling more of the european imports (you know, $20(US) for 4 songs) or vinyl (for DJs.)
The record industry is just getting its comeuppance for ignoring the consumer's wants in search of greater profits.
Not only that, but imagine what the beancounters could do with this, all in the name of productivity.
I can't believe nobody's posted the OB: Monty Python joke yet.
Oh wait. I just saw your line about foreigners. Nice troll. Nevermind.