I personally admire the fact that Aerosmith has adapted to change over the years. They have re-invented themselves many times to stay lucrative in a vicious POP song oriented music industry. Having a hit single........along with a hit video.......is crucial for big financial success.
Yes, I've got to begrudgingly give them their due. That 19x platinum status for the those 3 albums is very, very successful. And yes, MTV played quite a part in that success.
The one rub, (I think) is the fact that not only did the MTV generation buy those cds, so did the old school fans.
It's whole different game now. Let me explain:
(Ok, here comes the 'old guy talkin' bout my generation...)
Then
When I was a teen, musicians and bands had an almost mythical status.
They'd release a single to the radio stations first. And the only time you got to hear it was when it was on the radio. Then, the 45 hit the stores, and we finally, finally, finally had their new cut. Played it over and over. And almost as exciting as the single, was the fact that you got a B-side. Another cut!!
Brand new, never been heard anywhere B-side. I mean, that was huge.
Then, they put the album out.
You saved up your 7.00 grass cutting money and got that fresh, new 12 x 12 shiny album. No white ring where the record inside color wears off the color. (not yet anyway) You take off the plastic wrap, and gingerly slide that inside sleeve out. Might be liner notes, photos, even better, lyrics. That was always another bonus.Then, you slide that black vinyl disc out of the inner sleeve. You've been waiting a loooong time for this. There may be a few little static pops.
There it is. Not a scratch on it. 10 songs. Or 8. or 11. Or 9. 30 to 40 minutes of brand new music. It doesn't get any better than that boys and girls.
But wait, yes it does get better.
Then they announce the tour. You got this info by listening to the radio, because that was the only place that gave you that info.
Then you stand in line, literally sleep on the sidewalk waiting for the tickets to go on sale tomorrow at 10:00 am. You're there with the other hardcore fans. You know they're hardcore because they're willing to sleep on the sidewalk, no matter what the weather, get to spend a couple hours with the musicians who are darn near gods to you.
And, if you didn't get a ticket, if they sold out before you got in, that was it. Your one chance to see that band is gone. Just like that. Once in a while you'd get another shot, if they add a second night, or add another show on the swing back around.
But if not, your one chance is gone. You're looking at another couple of years before you get another chance.
Now
Video/single released. Downloaded video/single and the entire cd that same day. See your favorites on your pc as often as you want.
With such easy access and instant gratification, here's no anticipation, no sense of specialness (is that a word?)
Eh, I'd still take
Then over
Now
Yeah Cos...but Kraft was an original. Velveeta was processed. On topic "Honkin' For Bobo" doesn't get much pub but I really liked that release.
