I think every market has its strengths and weaknesses. The lyrics to some of the hip-hop albums are really complex and, in many ways, people are probably listening more closely to music than ever before. Hip-hop albums are the hardest thing for a reviewer as it's not something you can just play in the background, you have to give it your undivided attention. Sometimes they can be harder than an instrumental electronic album! Hip-hop has changed the way people listen to music in the US.
Some of the albums blowing up Stateside are very radical. I mean, for some (me included) what Missy Elliott is potentially more culturally radical than a Surgeon or Ruskin when you look at the whole package. It's all relative. But in the case of Black electronic musicians in the US I can entirely see their point. However, in Australia, the Anglo-Celtic middle class mainstream (radio/TV) feels more comfortable with a Derrick May or a Lenny Kravitz because they are terrified of a Tupac or DMX, they are terrified of 'urban' music because of its references to 'ghetto'. They won't support it as they'll say, it's not relevant to Australian (ie Anglo) audiences but then it's all you'll hear in Dandenong or Sydney's west. >It IS defenitely sad when I go to a local US record store and ask for the >Stacey Pullen LP and they say it's 30 some dollars. I , of course, am going >to pay it But something's wrong.....??? > >As for the U.S. music market, people need to associate lyrics, melody, (a >less than 3 minute cheese synth bubble gum pop hooky song) with an image. >Quantity (did you know Britney's goin' out with Justin!?!) over; envelope >pushing; quality. It can get depressing (and expensive buying >rekkids!!!)..... --------------------------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] For additional commands, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
