While Uncle Joe is best known as one of America's top Classic Rock historians, throughout his 33-year career he's always been acutely aware of current trends in the music industry. Indeed, Classic Rock itself was the finest new music of its day, composed and performed by artists at their creative peak. For a scholarly insight into today's trends, J.B. presents Rave's Raves.
Rave's Raves are composed by Bruce Ravid, a veteran of Capitol Record's A&R Department and in no way reflect the official viewpoint of Uncle Joe, his staff or management. They are written from Rave's industry viewpoint, originally for friends within the music business, but now shared with the world. New editions appear in April, August/September, and December with occasional updates in between. Enjoy!
June 2002
***RAVE'S RAVES #14.1***
RAVE'S FAVES (on the air since April)
The Vines, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Paul Oakenfold, No Doubt ("Underneath").
GARAGE ROCK
The new song by The Vines has really begun to grow on me. This sounds like a great band, and the vocals remind me a bit of Kurt Cobain. This Australian group is the great new hype in this genre. The CD comes in July. Word is that they're strong live. Meanwhile, The Hives continue to score live and on the air. Unlike the vast majority of modern rock bands, these guys have a great time on stage and put smiles on lots of faces. White Stripes continue to progress, and The Strokes are the grand old men of "Garage." Thanks to these bands, times are becoming more exciting in rock. As these groups become bigger, I think the "Garage" handle will go away, and they'll simply be known as good(great?) rock bands. As for their futures, radio/MTV play will be essential, and their next albums will be crucial.
RAGE/CHRIS CORNELL
I've heard the music they've been working on, and I'm surprised to tell you that it sounds like a great Soundgarden album. The music is mid-tempo and blusey. Cornell's vocals sound great. Lots of people like this kind of music. Assuming that the CD is released, I predict it will do very well. For my money, though, I'm disappointed. I was really hoping for Rage-like intensity and for an approach that would have been heavier as well as faster.
INTERNET RADIO
You've probably heard that the Library of Congress is considering an insane proposal where many Internet broadcasters will have to pay an extremely high percentage of their revenues in the form of royalties to record companies and artists. The survivability of many Internet broadcasters is now in question. I'm certainly not opposed to people and labels being compensated, but let's remember that more new artists need to be exposed at a time when the music business needs all the help it can get. I'm not one to devise the correct formula, but let's hope something workable can be arranged. This is an extremely important issue. If you feel strongly about this, I suggest you contact your federal government reps. By the way, Internet broadcasters from outside the US will not be subject to these payments.
SATELLITE RADIO
I've been sampling some of the XM channels. It seems their versions of formats already on the radio won't be much more adventurous than what we already have. We must remember that XM have veteran radio programmers who are after the masses. Most people want to hear the hits. So far, there aren't nearly enough listeners to be making an impression, but it's very early times.
80'S COLLEAGUES
Fans of Weird Al Yankovic will be glad to hear that VH-1 has prepared a "Driven" episode about him, premiering Tuesday, July 30 at 9pm (8pm Central). At Al's suggestion, VH-1 interviewed me about my dealings with him at the beginning of his career. As someone once said, Al is the one "Behind the Music" subject that has been a consistently happy guy.
...AND...
After years of raving about Garbage, I finally got to see them in concert and I wasn't disappointed. The show was tight and efficient, but surprisingly basic in terms of production values. I'm flattered to report that WSUM at the University of Wisconsin, Madison now has the "Bruce Ravid Award." Congrats to Aaron Honore, Loud Rock Director, who is the first recipient. In the words of station GM Dave Black, he was the "most enthusiastic and persistent staff person when it came to procuring music, establishing rapport with the record companies and reviewing music for FCC suitability and musical quality. It didn't hurt that he is a very pleasant young man who helped create a positive atmosphere around the station."
Have a great summer. I'll be back in September. Meanwhile, enjoy life and...
RAVE ON!!!
April 2002
***RAVE'S RAVES #14***
RAVE'S FAVES (on the air)
White Stripes, The Hives, Moby, Bad Religion, John Mayer, No Doubt ("Hella Good"), Jimmy Eat World, X-Press 2 (featuring David Byrne), Super Furry Animals, Phantom Planet, Box Car Racer, The Strokes (various)
Detroit's White Stripes and Sweden's Hives, along The Strokes are providing a much-needed energy infusion of garage rock spontaneity into mainstream alternative rock. Rock radio actually has an effective new category to tap! Moby's new song has an 80's/retro feel, so it's right up my alley. His last album will be very tough to top, but he's off to a great start. John Mayer has a hit with a perfect pop song. X-Press 2 just shot to the top of the U.K. charts with this cool, dancy, electronic tune. It hasn't been released in the U.S. yet, but it's getting exposure on stations such as KCRW. I understand Byrne is only on the one hit song, "Lazy." Super Furry Animals provide great pop from Wales -- they aren't getting exposed much, but KCRW is also on that one. Box Car Racer is a Blink 182 spin-off, with a slightly heavier sound.
MUSIC BUSINESS MALAISE
Lots has been said about the effect of the Internet and CD burning on the record industry. Without a doubt, there is an effect, but home duplication has always been an issue. The slumping economy also plays a role, of course. However, the main problem is the machine itself. The main engine for music sales continues to be the risk-aversive broadcasters, and most exposed music continues to be highly predictable. Record companies sign interesting bands that never see the light of day if the labels don't pull the trigger on the several hundred thousand dollars that it takes for airplay in this current environment. Radio stations have always feared tune-out, but they are now safer and more predictable than ever. Nothing motivates CD buyers like music that they are truly excited about. Until a way is found to get buyers enthused again, business will remain flat. Long-term artist development is a rarity, and I feel this short-term view has also been costly. Bands like The Strokes and White Stripes are a start, but only a small part of what's needed.
80'S COLLEAGUES
I mentioned last time that the Missing Persons reunion didn't work out. If you see that they are playing near you this summer, be advised that this version will be singer Dale Bozzio with her own group of back-up players. Speaking of Persons, former manager and producer Ken Scott is back in the U.K., working on George Harrison's catalogue material. The Rubber City Rebels have gotten together for some club dates in LA, San Diego, Cleveland, and (of course) Akron. You may remember them from their LA 80's radio hit "Young and Dumb." The club dates are going well. This is a pop/punk band that were ten years ahead of their time. They wrote great songs, but didn't fit a radio category. If the same CD were released when Cracker and Green Day were around in the 90's, I think the rubber would have definitely hit the road. Knack fans will be glad to know that their live DVD, a live CD, and reissued versions of their first four studio albums wil be in stores by mid-May. Some people forget that "Rocket of Love" from their "Serious Fun" CD was a #6 airplay hit in '91. The band will be headlining shows nationwide this summer.
and...
I'm hearing that the still-unnamed Rage/Chris Cornell stuff is slightly less intense than Rage. The backing tracks still sound like Rage, but Cornell obviously provides a completely different dimension. A friend says that the best song on the album may actually be a ballad. Word is that the new Beck album will be acoustic-pop flavored, while Underworld are saying that their new fall release will be their "fastest" to date... Congrats to WSUM at the University of Wisconsin, Madison on their new broadcasting tower. When I was in student radio in Madison, we all dreamed of having a signal like the one they have now. I thank my college radio experience for my music business career.
I'll be back in June. Meanwhile, I hope you're hearing things that are getting you excited. Until next time,