If a tree falls in the forest, does anyone care?
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Someone out there is likely to scream "enough already," but I thought I'd add my 2 cents worth in a general way to the recent Tree uprising.
The tree in this case has exhibited a huge extension of their marketing philosophy by disallowing posts of their music. Let me explain.
I've been chasing their music for years because I thought they were the next bright light on the rock horizon, genre be damned. But they would release singles that only the faithful could even find out about. They'd be available in limited editions. They'd be time capped. There would be releases only available from the Tree store. And they were never found in run of the mill music stores. The vinyl (because I'm a collector) of In Absentia is still so rare to find that I ordered my copy from Russia and paid almost $200 for the privilege.
And what did I have when the album arrived? Just the same music I already had on CD. It sounds nicer as all vinyl does, but there was nothing concrete in my possession other than a piece of cardboard that contained a piece of wax.
What I had paid for was the great honour of owning this cardboard and wax. Cardboard and wax that, if left in the sun, near a stove, in my car, in the rain, scuffed on the floor, etc. will be totally unable to reveal its heart.
But it was the need to gain the honour of owning it that the band counted on. In my opinion it was a deliberate play on the groupieism that is in many of us. They created a mystique behind great music, and I shamefully admit that I fell into the trap. The prize in my music collection is a special edition of one of their releases signed by each member of the band...for which I paid a "special" price.
What I believe they have failed to recognize, is the true spirit and goal of great music. Which of course they are not alone in doing. Many bands produce for the cash and the fame. Some produce in order to further the craft by contributing their craft.
So it was with a level of sadness and some anger, that when I was told to stop posting, my whole view of the band changed. While good, the music does not stand on its own. For if the true soul is revealed as something less than contributory to the craft and even to mankind as with Beethoven, Bach, Haydn, Neal Morse, Elvis, and the Beatles, then the music falls flat in my opinion.
And we who search for the deeper meanings, move on.
Comments (13)
"Artists want to know, connect with, and be supported by music fans. Music fans want high-quality, free (or variably priced) music and to be rewarded, not punished, for sharing the music they love with their friends. We believe that if artists and fans work together, everyone can get what they want." ---Noisetrade.com
Perhaps that should be Some Artists...
wow, I agree with you on both fronts. A great music collection in digital or CD format is easy to scrap together, mass-produced as it is. But a truly great wax collection takes perseverance, timing, luck, and usually cold-hard cash.
The other point:
At the end of the day, its their music and they can control it how they see please, but really, what is being gained by limiting the very people that support them. I'm not entirely sure, but this post hits a chord.
I know how you feel..it often seems like big fans, early adopters, and those who support various industries (especially entertainment) get the shaft...over and over.
It would be nice if they acknowledged you as a fan before asking you to take something down, but it is "their" music..
You get what you give..and this might end up a problem for the P.Tree.
Hadn't heard of Neal Morse before. Listening now. Lifeline is pretty cool.
I remember when the New Pornographers demanded that a Mogger take down a track from their Challengers album. I don't think that Challengers did as well as their previous album Twin Cinema!
"...I thought they were the next bright light on the rock horizon, genre be damned."
"For if the true soul is revealed as something less than contributory to the craft..., then the music falls flat in my opinion."
once more, cap, you have my humble respect.
sorry to hear that this happened , take care
They will forevermore be known as Pee Tree on MOG!
At least they didn't ask for royalties - which is actually a little surprising....
Here is the only response I feel is need. Tom Petty bless him said all there is to say about the record industry on his The Last DJ CD. Here is one of them.
Lyrics | Money Becomes King lyrics
Wiz, that was the most perfect response to a post I've seen in, well, forever. Great job!
I am glad that you agree.
I was at Jelly's yesterday, and came across some Porcupine Tree CDs.
I passed them by, after all, they don't need my money any more, do they? I invested in more local artists, since they need every bit of support so far from the "center of the universe."