From Brian Gause Sent Mon, Jun 29th 1998, 22:13
From Brian Gause Sent Mon, Jun 29th 1998, 22:13
> It's because the entire industry in america has been pushing guitar music > since the entire industry began. > > and everybody likes guitar music, and for electronic music to even consider > selling well in here, it's got to have guitars in it, and to some respect > resemble the music that's already being made here.. > > that's what I think it is, just pure commercialist BS. Consider also that in the US, bigger is better. This applies to guitars just as it applies to cars (Camaro, Corvette, Mustang, etc), raw power is bigger and better than something more subtle, like the keyboard or synth is considered to be. And as far as that goes, consider what keyboard-based bands have REALLY worked over here lately. Prodigy, The Chemicals, Propellerheads (who are on their way, at least), and a bit of Orbital. These are electronic acts with a bigger, more raw sound (admittedly, with Orbital, only at times). Big beat and drum & bass are popular here because they remind Americans of heavy metal and rock 'n' roll and all that is bass-y about our music. Stuff like St. Etienne or Air (as representative electronic pop music) won't make it because they're not raw, they're fluff. And, of course, they're not fluff, but the United States has never been about subtle, refined taste. The States are about BIGGER, BETTER and BADDER than YOU. Sure, the culture of the US is about freedom and opportunity, but deep down, it's supported by a strong foundation of power and force and, I think, the culture is infused by this. This is something that underlies our politics, our philosophy and our culture. I live in the States, so I'm not bashing it from afar, but I think this culture has become one of power, pure and simple and that affects the music. And, when it comes down to it, guitars are more powerful than electronics...or, so most Americans believe. ---brian