<< It seems like the businesses get so gutted and destabilized after numerous ownership and management changeovers every few years that it is easy to see how they've devolved into mediocracy. It's pathetic. >>
I was just reading this AM in the Rolling Stone about the RAC (Recording Artists Coalition), headed by Don Henley & Sheryl Crow. They're taking on the RIAA and some of the oppressive contract language that gives the record companies control of the recordings based on the "artist for hire" clauses in most contracts. The RAC is having a series of pre-Grammy concerts to try and draw support for their cause. Henley says the problem has been that artists have never been united or had a lobby, so they become easy prey for the suits. More info at: www.recordingartistscoalition.com Also an interesting point: Of the 5 majors, only one record company is US based: AOL-Time Warner (USA) Columbia/Sony (Japan) BMG (Germany) EMI-Virgin (England) Universal Music Group (France) Don't know if this is good or bad. I'm encouraged by artists like Jonatha and Ani who start up their own labels, but I'd imagine that's tough to crank up. Bob
