Frontline airs The Way the Music Died on most PBS stations Thursday (the full program will stream online next week). And instead of online downloading, the program finds the major problem with the music industry is consolidation - in label and media ownership and distribution.
David Crosby reflects on better days and has harsh criticism for current music execs. The documentary looks at the challenges for a new artist like Sarah Hudson, daughter of Mark Hudson of the Hudson Brothers (who advised her not to go into the music business). They also profile members of Velvet Revolver who recall their days in Guns N Roses. Danny Goldberg and other industry verterans and journalists (including Dave Marsh) are interviewed.
There is some repetition and some issues might have been examined more in-depth if it were longer, but Frontline provides a solid examination with the real problems with the music industry.
Article comments
1 - Lono
Besides, they have proven that downloading did not kill the record industry. The fact that we were all unemployed killed the industry. I mean, the last song I downloaded off Kazaa lite was 'Come on Eileen' from Dexy's Midnight Runners (amazing song!). However, there is NO way I would have gone out and spent $18 getting the CD.
2 - Mark Saleski
i'd like to see a roundpanel discussion with all of the folks involved.
that way, they wouldn't be allowed to get away with making statements like "ever since downloading began, sales have been way off..."
it was a pretty interesting show though.