Hi Al,

I'm sure you're right as usual(ish). I've never been on YouTube, so I wouldn't know. My Sprog was into music when she was at Leeds Uni and saw plenty of bands that she rated on the 'indie' circuit and found loads more via mySpace etc. She passed some on to me and I'd say there are plenty of interesting bands out there (Spinto Band, The Wrens, The Radio Dept. Weezer, Semifinalists, Death Cab for Cutie, The National, Peter Bjorn & John, Au Revoir Simone, Neauveau Vague, The Postal Service, Joanna Newsom, Kimya Dawson, Vampire Weekend, Mystery Jets etc. etc.) I've no idea how many of these have 'made it big' or if they are even still out there, as I only listen to R4 these days.

I'm not that bothered about 'newness' in music, only what's good and good to listen to (though Joanna Newsom is REALLY different). How different can you be with four guys, two guitars, drum & bass + keyboards perhaps? When Sprog was into Razorlight I introduced her to the Clash and she liked both. What goes around...

What hasn't changed - and never will - is that any band, once they've been discovered and make a bit of money will cease to be just local lads, but will become Rock Stars and so begins the inevitable decline. Yes: the big labels still run things and super-groups still pack the stadiums but there are plenty of little venues and student unions playing small bands every night of the week.

Good luck to the lot of them. I'm currently listening to Regina Speckter on me iPod - very nice.

Rant over - have a nice weekend guys 'n' gals.
(Che Grimsdale Best before:, Fri 6 Mar 2009, 15:20, Reply)