I like Hawkwind, I've always been a fan of Zappa, and to be honest I'm not real familiar with Blue Cheer beyond catching a tune from time to time. Therefore I'd like to put forth the same question to you as I do to all my friends light-headed from the thin air up there: Do you dislike commercialized groups because of their music or their status? Can you honestly look at yourself and think "If suddenly Hawkwind were to become a household name, I would still think the same of them."
Now I find myself making the same assumptions about you as those to whom you have so successfully shown your pity. Funny how that happens.
I dislike the majority of commercialized groups because of the music.. In most respects, it's simplified, dumbed-down bubble gum rock that is easily digested by an already indoctrinated consumer base..
I could care less about the image, however it is sad that image or past successes are relied upon to make up for serious lack in musicianship in these types of bands..
Some bands sport the musicianship as well as the image and they do it well.... Take for instance Jane's Addiction.. Now, those of you who have only heard songs like "Jane says" or "Been caught Stealing" really know nothing of this band, so don't bother to comment.. However, they are a perfect example of sporting a unique image as well as respectable musicianship.. They were innovators..
Most of the heavier commercial music you hear today exists because of Jane's Addiction's influence... Otherwise, we'd all still be listening to bands like Poison, Britney Fox, Winger, or worse..
Mind you, I'm not completely anti-corporate music.. There are some staples in music(as far as the rock genre is concerned) that one just has to accept as law....
And, Hawkwind isn't a household name????'
Anyway, my musical collection rivals most record stores.. At the moment I'm listening to this band: YOB....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GiEPwfWY0A&feature=relatedAfter that, I'll probably listen to these guys: Mojave3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpXqXnuivaYMaybe after that, I'll throw in some of this: Mogwai...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yC_3alnTE9gAnd then I'll go with some of this: Shrinebuilder....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EL4BkunJqesFor any fans of the Melvins, Sleep or Neurosis will especially like this... Things get really broken down and interesting around 4:30...
I find very little(if any) bands with significant commercial success that can produce anything like these bands..
Why? Because their hands are tied.. They have to make what "sells" and that limits them.. The record company oligarchs seem to think stupid music for stupid people..
I don't think that people are as stupid as the record companies like to think.. They just aren't as informed to the benefit of big record..
In this aspect, you can consider me an insurgent trying to show you a better way......