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M3: Jason 06/03/2009 5:43:00 AM
THE EARLY REPUBLIC @ House of Blues. SOLD OUT again...suck on that Pete. Oh yeah...this time you are not welcome on our Guest List.
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Converted TER Fan 04/07/2009 12:02:00 AM
I went to see Mother's Anthem at HOB who helped open and I fell in love The Early Republic. For real, I tried not to like them (apparently just like the author), but I have to admit that I really enjoyed this show, I stayed after the MA set, because I got curious as to what all the buzz was about since the placed was packed. You had to be in a coma NOT have fun at their show. The lead singer, and the lead guitarist were HOT, but OH MY GOD, DID YOU SEE THE DAMN BASS PLAYER???? DAYUMMMMM (even the author noticed his electrcity) ...I'm going to the next show for sure. I like them, they put on a hell of a show and look damn good doing it!
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Maverick Music Management - Ja 03/24/2009 8:34:00 PM
RE-PRINTED FROM THE COMMENT SECTION OF ZAC CRAIN'S SACK OF KITTENS COLUMN IN D MAGAZINE.
http://frontburner.dmagazine.com/2009/02/24/sack-of-kittens-the-early-republic/
Well, well, well...what do we have here? Zac Crain, once again, now plying HIS own tired craft over at D Magazine and doing his best to continue publicly denouncing any band that might be considered potentially appealing to the radio listening public-at-large. Talk about "Dallas' latest re-tread"....now that's irony at its best. Mr. Pot...err, Crain....your black kettle is right over there, sir!
Number of people reading Zac Crain these days? Looks to be 8 by the vast # of responses noted above. Scratch that, it must be 9 if I am to count myself among the numbered here today. But wait...how many of these 9 supporters are we to deduct because they are d Magazine co-workers, Dallas Observer ex's, spouses and/or parental units that call you their own? Ahh, hell....9 it is Zac. Own it proudly, sir!
Now, if I followed along correctly, did ZC actually resurrect the S.O.K. column (after an almost 1.5 year hiatus) in honor of THE EARLY REPUBLIC? Could it be that ZC was so awe-inspired by the reading of his replacement's, replacement's, replacement's recent article on THE EARLY REPUBLIC that he was forced to get back in the saddle once more to weigh in with his own 2 cents about another band he's never seen live or ever even heard on record? Good Lord....I sincerely hope so. Why? Because I can only hope that THE EARLY REPUBLIC suffers a similar fate (at a minimum) to that of another band once railed-upon by Mr. Crain way back in late 2002.
http://www.dallasobserver.com/2002-11-07/news/working-girls/1
What's the relevance? That "4 Kitten" band was SUPERCELL, for whom I used to sing, and now I am proud to say I manage THE EARLY REPUBLIC. Indeed, I am truly happy to see the circle of life continue. Was SUPERCELL the be-all-end-all? No. But I can certainly say that after 6+ mo of regular daily rotation on 102.1 FM, two Edgefest performances at Smirnoff, a Weenie Roast performances at Nokia w/ Seether & Crossfade, multiple foreign getaways with the likes of Seether, Hoobastank, Bowling For Soup and a couple years of recognition, (not unsubstantial) cash, massive quantums of free beer and other goodies courtesy of Budweiser's True Music Program, etc. (and yes perhaps to be eventually forgotten by most too) that we really enjoyed our run; much as I hope THE EARLY REPUBLIC does too, at the very least.
Thanks to this Sack of Kittens acknowledgment, now the guys in THE EARLY REPUBLIC can truly envision the remote possibility that they too might leave a mark, albeit however minor or pock-ish, on their beloved hometown....or at best the Southwestern U.S.
That said, I personally find it appalling that you make it seem like that's all the band is after when the reality is that it�s merely a starting place for potential exposure. Had we stated something larger than the Southwestern U.S., as our targeted area, I'm quite certain you'd have mocked the band for being unrealistic and informed them that they should be focusing on actually doing something in their own hometown before attempting to unleash their fauxhawks on an unsuspecting world. You guys over at the Dallas Observer have a long history of mockery from atop the molehill that you believe is actually on par with Mt. Everest. You write about things that make it so no one can ever win. Be realistic...mock their small-mindedness. Think too grand and goof on them for thinking too much of themselves. Well, I'm tired of it. Against my better judgment, just like I did in 2002, I politely and professionally thanked the Dallas Observer & Pete for his coverage of the gig, which he never mentioned was SOLD OUT 2 weeks in advance, to which he didn't have the courtesy to respond likewise with a simple �You�re welcome.� But that's the D.O. way. Fire shots at those different than you and then go run and hide. For once, why don't you consider telling the whole story or perhaps even accurately reflecting the facts of the partial story you told? Well I'm done with being polite to the likes of you and your kind. In fact, I'd like to invite you to sit down with me, or any member of THE EARLY REPUBLIC, face to face and say some of these things in person. THE EARLY REPUBLIC and I are ready when you are, sir. But no, that's not what you will do because I'm guessing you'd be afraid to speak to another man like this, right to his face, for fear of actually having to view his reaction first-hand. So sit back, in the comfort of your side-room for now, and continue to write more cruel things that make your music critic weenie stand up and vibrate so intensely.
As for you two, "Whiskey Tango Foxtrot" & "James", we publicly re-posted the D.O. article because we are not afraid of the mighty Dallas Observer's (oftentimes) shameless attempt to beat down those that seek a career in commercial musical in lieu of one that is mired in musical snobbery even if it is about us. Oh God...there it is! A public acknowledgment that a band might actually want to have a successful career in the music business that amounts to more than subsisting on bologna-hand sandwiches, living in the practice room, rented beers at The Barley House with fellow music snobs, making google-y eyes at your Dallas Observer "Music" Award and having to wipe your arse with expired DOMA ballots because toilet paper has become a luxury due to local record sales that max out at somewhere well below that of those attempting to make a living by selling commercially-viable pop/rock music.
But I digress, and continue to digress once more it seems. What is NOT written in Mr. Freedman's D.O. article is that Mr. Freedman had actually seen THE EARLY REPUBLIC firsthand several times at The Cavern (as the aforementioned The Momento) and frequently serviced them with numerous kind remarks about their music (which by the way almost exactly mirrors the same set he saw on 2/13 and then decided to mock publicly via his bully pulpit known as the Dallas Observer's music section) and enticed them to please let him know when they eventually put out a record. Well, that's exactly what we did and Mr. Freedman fails to mention all that because, as they say, you should never let the facts get in the way of a good story. No sir, we are not afraid of being publicly frowned upon by the Pete Freedmans, the Zac Crains and the Dallas Observers of the world or anyone else willing to spend their time pouring derision (professionally, privately, etc.) upon this band, their music, goals, dreams or musical inspirations because to be frowned upon by the likes of these snobs is a real affirmation that one might actually be creating something the radio-listening public is interested in buying.
Also, I guess Zac needs to take a trip down his FM dial to 89.7 where Dallas' "Power FM" daily broadcasts a very real signal that is ripe with alternative rock music from bands with a positive message rooted in their respective Christian faiths. Those bands won�t tell you what they think of you, because you don�t matter to them, but I will. Doh! Stand back everyone, don�t be surprised if the mere mention of the subject of "Christian" alternative rock soon becomes fodder for every lost soul who strolls by here desperately trying to seek their own glory by ridiculing something they don't understand....but I certainly hope not because that would just be poor form altogether.
As for you Mr. Crain, I'll have THE EARLY REPUBLIC get back in the rehearsal room ASAP and try harder to write some new music that may one day eventually best SUPERCELL's 4-Kitten ranking. But until then, if you (sir) are to one day succeed at your own hopes and dreams, perhaps you should be less interested in counting kittens in sacks and focus more on counting things like legitimate signatures for (now failed) bids at mayoral candidacy.
Sincerely,
Jason Wheelington
Manager, THE EARLY REPUBLIC
Maverick Music Management
info@MaverickMusicMgmt.com
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mark e. 03/09/2009 6:33:00 PM
ztx,
I stand corrected; thank you. I was about 95% sure that Fogerty wrote it but something kept me from writing such. Perhaps it was that I could only hear Tina singing it in my mind's eye when I was going through my mental roladex of famous covers.
That said, I think even my (somewhat excusable) ignorance serves to prove a point. Everyone is familiar with both versions of this extremely popular song. So much so that even I, as fan of both versions, couldn't get ti straight. Maybe my ignorance makes me a musical retard, but I don't think so. I think it illustrates that covers are pervasive throughout music; be they by major label artists or piss ant locals.
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ztx 03/07/2009 10:53:00 PM
Uh. Comment #20? "Proud Mary" was written by John Fogerty of CCR.
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UGLYSOB.com 02/28/2009 4:47:00 AM
What he said. They still suck.
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No One of Consequence 02/25/2009 8:26:00 PM
What the author of this article fails to realize is that everything in this day and age has been done before. There is NOTHING musically that is completely original. If it is, then it doesn't sound like music, and what good would that be? There are beautiful melodies that have been passed down from the early great composers to the Beatles and on to Radiohead. Even these greats were not original. Influence is a tremendous force, and without it, eventually music would merely cease to exist. Unfortunately, the lackluster and rudimentary melodic and rhythmic throwaways get passed around so much more frequent that they're like a vicious virus gone helter skelter. That is what infects modern radio. Although I was not a fan of either of the bands in question, I wouldn't go so far as to categorize either with the Creed, Nickelback, Two Doors Down, Puddle of Mudd vomit that makes the art of music into the "fart" of music. The ultimate question, regardless of their influences, style, sound, image, or genre, should always be "Did they write good music?"; everything else is merely trivial, but the answer to that question is purely subjective. So it is, my friends, that the subject of this particular discussion is an argument that can never be won. You listen to what YOU love. Be your own person. Never mind what a local journalist or anyone else tells you or says. It's your music, whatever it is that you choose, and of course that which you get out of it belongs exclusively to you.
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UGLYSOB.com 02/21/2009 10:30:00 AM
This new band is even worse. Fuck!
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UGLYSOB.com 02/21/2009 10:27:00 AM
This new band is even worse. Fuck!
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mark e. 02/21/2009 6:04:00 AM
Dear "Wow",
I was content to idly sit by and watch this potential powder keg blow up without weighing in, but you have officially proven yourself to be a retard of the highest order. Therefore, I must point out your blatant stupidity.
Every band, big and small, does cover songs. Points in case:
Nirvana - Man Who Sold The World (David Bowie)
Peter, Paul & Mary - Blowin' In the Wind (Bob Dylan)
Johnny Cash - Hurt (NIN)
Cowboy Junkies - Sweet Jane (Velvet Underground)
Dynamite Hack - Boyz in the Hood (NWA)
Bruce Springsteen - Brown Eyed Girl (Van Morrison)
CCR - Proud Mary (Ike & Tina)
Radiohead - Unravel (Bjork)
Do I really need to go on? Or is this short list sufficient to prove that artist of all genres and status cover the music of their peers.
Give me a break. Are you serious? Have you even heard this band you are denigrating? Does a frigging synthesizer define a band? How retarded are you anyway?
Beyond that, you are also a retard if you can't see the positive that Pete wrote about this band. Clearly he struggled with actually liking the band or he wouldn't have been foced to write about the singer, etc. But no...as is par with the Dallas music snobs, who can't see beyond I Love Math, everyone else is sh*t because they might be walking a path that the mass populous finds palatable. I personally like music of all kinds, but to you that makes me a musical proletariat. So f*** you.
No one gives a sh*t that the band was called a "retread" or "generic". The focus seemed to be that their chosen music styling is defined as 80's or some such, just like Black Tie Dynasty; who seems to be getting all the press here....like that really matters. Congrats to BTD, by the way...you're getting as much coverage of your break up as "Tender" ever got. But who really cares?!
The reality is that is sounds to me like everyone here who is hating on a this poor unsuspecting band is denying what is happening in trends as of late so that they can pile on. In this day and age, many genres of music are acceptable and in case you didn't notice...skinny jeans are the Jordache of today. But either you're 21 and clueless or some other age and have no excuse for being out of touch.
My guess is that you ("Wow") don't know d*ck about this band, or music period for that matter, and simply glean what little you DO think you know by reading the opinions of others who trample the little guys until such a time as they break big and then start suckin' on their balls later for an exclusive interview backstage.
In closing....seriously...what the hell is a "genero" anyway? Morons, your bus is leaving!
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GIGI-3yrs.old 02/21/2009 5:48:00 AM
Pete is like a monster and can go to jail for 3 minutes!
Thought this was cute. Shes only 3 and goes to town with the rocker fingers, air guitar, and headbanging every time she hears her "uncle Zame" singing.
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cabello family 02/21/2009 5:40:00 AM
Famous Quote: Those who dance are considered insane by those who cannot hear the music.-George Carlin Next time can the Observer send a critic whithout a bias view about certain genres of music, suprisingly I wasnt able to spot this particular critic, when your standing in a sold out room full of people singing, dancing and pumping their fists in support of some great music. And as far as the band, when asked "who do they sound like?" We are stumped when trying to compare the different sound of TER. Why do bands get such a bad wrap for singing a couple cover songs as well? Can we get a critic that at least knows that even The Rolling Stones (in your words:a real rock band) made it big first by only singing their versions of the Beatles and even Buddy Holly's cover songs, years before producing their own music. Even they had the critics that said they wouldn't go anywhere. I guess if your remembered as the village idiot at least your remembered, and when this band makes it big I hope they remember all the names of the "dillusional" critics that pushed them to try harder and make some of their own history faster! In that room that night, I heard 80's, originals, slow, fast, crooning, and screaming. So lets try to compare that to any other band.
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Wow... 02/20/2009 11:06:00 PM
This is the most embarrassing line of comments even possible... Simply. Stunning. You guys are mad because someone wrote that this band is a generic retread with an obvious ceiling on their potential success? If you're coming to ANY other conclusion it's because you're either 1. a well-meaning (and delusional) friend of the band or 2. LAUGHABLY out of touch with contemporary music that matters.
Look, BTD was late to the 80's dance-rock-party, but these dudes are so late that I almost feel bad writing this comment. It's pitiful really. On top of the fact that they're getting started a good 10 years past when this stuff mattered, NO ONE in the country (or world) looks to Dallas for this type of music, especially when it's this genero. They might as well continue to build up their arsenal of 80's covers and prepare for the time when they're churing out 3 hour cover sets in suburban wastelands.
"They along with many other bands represent the culture of our day,and it is their time to make history."
I will not even dignify this with a response.
One last thing, it's painfully obvious that a lot of the commenters here don't even have a cursory knowledge of rock journalism. No one writes glowing reviews about a band because they're "talented". It's what you do with talent.
Sigh.
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GoTeamWarr 02/20/2009 9:25:00 PM
"And what makes it all so frustrating: People keep supporting these products�which, let's face it, is all they are, considering that there doesn't appear to be much artistic merit behind these projects."
Kudos on a great piece this week, Pete. With very few exceptions, I have to agree with you that a large part of DFWd bands these days are just boring, not *bad* mind you, just flat out b-o-r-i-n-g.
While I keep finding exciting, new stuff in Houston, San Antonio, Austin, Laredo, it seems, in Dallas especially, things feel really lackluster, hackneyed and, as you said, retread and I have to wonder if part of the problem is that bands aren't *listening* to each other.
That being said, I will have to respectfully disagree with you a tiny bit on placing the blame squarely on the shoulders of the people attending shows. Seriously, why should show goers stick around to hear anything new when the band they went out to support in the first place can't even bother to pay attention to the acts* they're sharing a line-up with?
*the acts they aren't friends with
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Monte 02/20/2009 6:03:00 PM
... when Dallas starts looking to the kids as their potential, loyal audience instead of drunken frat boys a fresh, modern music scene may happen. Get the music out of the bars and into teen clubs in good neighborhoods, and a fresh, modern live music scene may happen. When music artists get it through their stubborn brains that bars sell beer not music, they may find a live audience for their music and in return the young audiences will buy their music and other merchandise.
Black Tie Dynasty was finished before they started. The songs they wrote and recorded stem from what was, at best, a passing fancy. Why did they do that? It's too bad they don't/didn't embrace any other era in rock music. Why didn't they take their love of '80's synth-rock and mash it up with some '60's garage or British Invasion or even Bob Dylan style folk music. That is what artists do.
Now, breaking up the band is about as stupid as their initial plan - to be an '80's band. If they had any sense, they would take what success they do have and evolve the band into something better - something more appealing to a wider audience - try writing a "hit" song ... (can you dig it?)
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Monte 02/20/2009 6:03:00 PM
... when Dallas starts looking to the kids as their potential, loyal audience instead of drunken frat boys a fresh, modern music scene may happen. Get the music out of the bars and into teen clubs in good neighborhoods, and a fresh, modern live music scene may happen. When music artists get it through their stubborn brains that bars sell beer not music, they may find a live audience for their music and in return the young audiences will buy their music and other merchandise.
Black Tie Dynasty was finished before they started. The songs they wrote and recorded stem from what was, at best, a passing fancy. Why did they do that? It's too bad they don't/didn't embrace any other era in rock music. Why didn't they take their love of '80's synth-rock and mash it up with some '60's garage or British Invasion or even Bob Dylan style folk music. That is what artists do.
Now, breaking up the band is about as stupid as their initial plan - to be an '80's band. If they had any sense, they would take what success they do have and evolve the band into something better - something more appealing to a wider audience - try writing a "hit" song ... (can you dig it?)
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Summer 02/20/2009 5:50:00 PM
Well Mr. Pete,
It sounds as if you have some repressed anger that needs managing. As a journalist, I understand that it is your job to critique and to be a realist when it comes to writing up your reviews. But I feel as if you have some unfinished business with the "Black Dynasty." Seriosly?? The whole first half of your commentary was dedicated to them and their recent resignation.
I was at The Early Republics' "Sold Out" performance at the HOB. If you think that they are reinventing the wheel and implying that their efforts are artificial and not original, then maybe you should reconsider the art of music. Your bias has infiltrated this article and is not a true depiction of their band nor their music.
I look forward to the day where you are eating your words as you view their success. They aren't just "Another Dallas Band." Watch and be amazed, for you are in for a big surprise. The will make it and they will be successful.Until then maybe you should consider seeking some professional help in order to obtain healthy mechanisms for overcoming your anger and frustration.
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Tonya 02/20/2009 3:02:00 PM
I think that you are one person who obviously doesnt know the next great thing when he hears it! I am sorry you feel this way about The Early Republic ! You need to give them a chance & not drag them down with your negativiy over some has been band that you were sad to see go. This is not that band!!!!!
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YVETTE LATTA 02/20/2009 7:38:00 AM
I would have to conclude after reading your column for the first time, that your assuptions about "THE EARLY REPUBLIC'S," performance at the "House of Blues," were definitely viewed through "jaded" eyes, as you so aptly stated. Having never read your critiques before, I honestly do not have a point of reference to draw from but one would hope there are occasions when you are totally in awe of a performance, regardless of whether it is your preferred genre or not.
I was at that performance and what I saw was a group of dedicated musicians, who are walking out their destiny by connecting with and entertaining their generation through music and stories that everone can relate to. Their energy and zeal reflected their passion and commitment for adding another dimension to what you consider "retread" of an old music style.
Everyone is influenced by something or someone, and yet history is written everyday about those who dared take a chance to believe in what they were doing. Could you applaud that please? Let's face it....there is nothing new under the sun! However I along with hundreds of other people at the sold out venue were totally engaged with The Early Republic's performance!!
This is just the beginning for this up and coming band. I am sure there will be many bumps and obstacles with victories along their path, but at least they will have chosen to step out of their private comfort zone to have a very public journey in an effort to encourage our nation with raw truth, hope and love.
Right now our country is in an unusual place, where everything is uncertain. We as a nation need History Makers of all kinds to step forward and let their voices be heard. Some of these History Makers will be musicians like "THE EARLY REPUBLIC", who put the words that run through every heart into lyrics that can be sung by all who choose to listen. History has not only been recorded in books, but also through the musicians who had a pulse for the culture in which they lived. "THE EARLY REPUBLIC" is more than just another Indie Rock Band. They along with many other bands represent the culture of our day,and it is their time to make history.
May they bring the DFW area and beyond together for the common cause of relating to each other during these difficult times. Through their creative songs they can give a troubled people the opportunity to dance and be happy.
This to me is "THE EARLY REPUBLIC". Stand back and watch!
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Lisa 02/20/2009 4:30:00 AM
I'd just like to ask, when did the observer start writing positive articles on only the bands that they like? If that's not a true statement, it sure does come across that way. As an example, I do not like country music, but that does not mean that I can't listen to a country song or artists and not hear the talent. I don't think your readers are expecting you to like every band, local or not, they are just asking you to acknowledge talent were it's warranted.
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Phillip Jackson 02/20/2009 3:33:00 AM
I too went to this sold out show not to see The Early Republic. But when i left i realized, that dallas had some good talent left. Not like the winey little bitch bands you crave. Seriously, for once why cant you writers see the good in good music. Sorry that the scene is not all Mars Volta and weird music. But these guys put on a hell of a show, and if you were there to pay attention you would have noticed the energy that was brought forth. Again, i had never seen these guys, but now i will follow them for sure. A breath of fresh air has been brought in to the Dallas scene. Take your degree in creative writing and put it to use for something. you know you liked these guys but are to afraid to admit it. It seems as thought you had the piece about BTD already written and needed one more pc to tie your contradictions into. So you chose TER to shit upon. shame on you.
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Phillip Jackson 02/20/2009 3:33:00 AM
I too went to this sold out show not to see The Early Republic. But when i left i realized, that dallas had some good talent left. Not like the winey little bitch bands you crave. Seriously, for once why cant you writers see the good in good music. Sorry that the scene is not all Mars Volta and weird music. But these guys put on a hell of a show, and if you were there to pay attention you would have noticed the energy that was brought forth. Again, i had never seen these guys, but now i will follow them for sure. A breath of fresh air has been brought in to the Dallas scene. Take your degree in creative writing and put it to use for something. you know you liked these guys but are to afraid to admit it. It seems as thought you had the piece about BTD already written and needed one more pc to tie your contradictions into. So you chose TER to shit upon. shame on you.
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Nathan 02/19/2009 11:47:00 PM
I think that I have to agree with Kelli (even though she broke the posting rules - haha). For years now I have felt that Dallas prays upon and eats their own young and that many times it begins with the opinion of Dallas Observer music editors. To be honest, this smacks of Zac Crain and what's her name right afterward. Do they send all of you to the same journalism school?
If you ask me, you wanna know the vibe I get from this article? That you secretly liked this band and really enjoyed the show, but to write that would not be the Observer "way" therefore you were forced to find a way to pigeon-hole them or give them back-handed compliments.
Although I was excited to see you wrote about them, I also think its really unfair that you didn't mention that The Early Republic's show, which I attended, was sold out well in advance. I had to buy my tickets at more than twice their face value. Do I regret it? Absolutely not! I had a great time and I look forward to doing it again for The Early Republic, for Odis, for every band that I personally enjoy and support.
The Early Republic may not be 100% original, but like Kelli said...who is? Be they BTD, The Early Republic, The Vanished or whoever, do you really find it to be all that impossible to speak fondly of bands that band that follow the road maps of previously more successful artists? Wouldn't it be totally ignorant if local bands ignored the formulas of their successful peers?
Is it really that hard to just say that the band was good and that we seemed to be having a good time? Why must you crap on all of us for liking a band with an upbeat sound, a fun live show and positive message to boot.
I challenge you to be the first Dallas Observer Music Editor to flush out the negativity and just be nice (to good bands and their fans) for a change...even if you don't think they are gonna change the face of music.
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Kelli 02/19/2009 6:22:00 PM
I clicked the damn button once and it didn't do anything for over 5 minutes, so I click it again and it posts it twice. I swear I read the instructions!! haha
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Kelli 02/19/2009 6:08:00 PM
Pete, I really enjoyed this article up until the last two paragraphs. I guess it's difficult for me to constantly read about this band or that band doesn't have any originality or in the case of BTD, they sound just like Joy Division or every other band from the 80's. Why? Because just about every time I turn on the radio or see a live local band the first thing I do is think, "they sound like ". I can't remember the last time I heard a band and thought, "That's original!" And I'm not complaining. If I like the band/song then it makes no difference to me.
I honestly take offense to your statement of,
"And what makes it all so frustrating: People keep supporting these products�which, let's face it, is all they are, considering that there doesn't appear to be much artistic merit behind these projects."
because you are talking about me and my preference of music that I like to listen too. At least I am out there and I am supporting local music. Why do you have to insult me because it's not the same type that you think I should support? I'm 30, I grew up listening to 80's music and yes, it is my favorite genre, but I also enjoy all kinds of other music from Rap to Country. My Father has 2 tribute bands, 7 Bridges Road and Houses of the Holy, and I was raised on true Rock & Roll. I also enjoy other local bands like The Crash That Took Me, The Burning Hotels, Radiant, Ishi, The Cut Off. All of these bands can be compared to some other "Made It" band, but I don't care. I like the music. What is so wrong with that? Why would you feel the need to tell people not to support something just because you don�t think that they will go anywhere? My husband and I have spent thousands of dollars supporting Black Tie Dynasty. Would I choose to do it again if I knew that they were going to break up? You bet I would in a heart beat! No one can take away the memories that I will have forever and the way their music affected me as a person. I�m sure, or I hope, that you have a band that does the same thing for you. Just like there are people out there that are huge fans of Nickelback and just about every other band they play on the radio that sounds just like them. It�s not my place to tell those fans that they shouldn�t support them because I don�t like them. You just won�t catch me spending money on their music or shows.
You know what I find the most ironic is, you like The Killers. You wrote a great blog about their recent concert. The Killers is the number 1 band that I hear BTD compared to. I personally do not agree and I bet you don�t either, but I find it kind of funny.
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Kelli 02/19/2009 6:07:00 PM
Pete, I really enjoyed this article up until the last two paragraphs. I guess it's difficult for me to constantly read about this band or that band doesn't have any originality or in the case of BTD, they sound just like Joy Division or every other band from the 80's. Why? Because just about every time I turn on the radio or see a live local band the first thing I do is think, "they sound like ". I can't remember the last time I heard a band and thought, "That's original!" And I'm not complaining. If I like the band/song then it makes no difference to me.
I honestly take offense to your statement of,
"And what makes it all so frustrating: People keep supporting these products�which, let's face it, is all they are, considering that there doesn't appear to be much artistic merit behind these projects."
because you are talking about me and my preference of music that I like to listen too. At least I am out there and I am supporting local music. Why do you have to insult me because it's not the same type that you think I should support? I'm 30, I grew up listening to 80's music and yes, it is my favorite genre, but I also enjoy all kinds of other music from Rap to Country. My Father has 2 tribute bands, 7 Bridges Road and Houses of the Holy, and I was raised on true Rock & Roll. I also enjoy other local bands like The Crash That Took Me, The Burning Hotels, Radiant, Ishi, The Cut Off. All of these bands can be compared to some other "Made It" band, but I don't care. I like the music. What is so wrong with that? Why would you feel the need to tell people not to support something just because you don�t think that they will go anywhere? My husband and I have spent thousands of dollars supporting Black Tie Dynasty. Would I choose to do it again if I knew that they were going to break up? You bet I would in a heart beat! No one can take away the memories that I will have forever and the way their music affected me as a person. I�m sure, or I hope, that you have a band that does the same thing for you. Just like there are people out there that are huge fans of Nickelback and just about every other band they play on the radio that sounds just like them. It�s not my place to tell those fans that they shouldn�t support them because I don�t like them. You just won�t catch me spending money on their music or shows.
You know what I find the most ironic is, you like The Killers. You wrote a great blog about their recent concert. The Killers is the number 1 band that I hear BTD compared to. I personally do not agree and I bet you don�t either, but I find it kind of funny.
