I had the occasion to take bit of a road trip this weekend. I loaded up some albums and headed out. Who's Next was top of the playlist and listening to it in its entirety has reminded me how great a piece it is. Who's Next is one of the greatest rock and roll albums ever produced and shines a spotlight on all that is wrong with the music industry today.
The album, as a construct, was created for FM airplay, but was perfected as an art form by groups like The Who. This band used the long album format to create a complete work that, although, could be broken out into 3 minute FM songs, was best enjoyed as a complete experience. There is some great detail on the creation of the album here. Either way, the music struck a chord with generations of fans and defined popular music for decades.
Today's music, on the other hand, nothing to do with music or craftsmanship but everything to do with buzz…all style and no substance. There is very little craft associated with todays performers and certainly nothing close to storytelling & the talent associated with engaging the public. It is this lack of imagination that has record sales down, not the supposed pirates…coincidentally it is the same issues with the movie industry. Until they realize the great opportunities they have today the industry and the public will continue to suffer…but at least we have work like Who's Next to listen to until the next great renaissance in music.
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