The HMV Monster

In recent years, I've noticed that a vast amount of independent shops in my local town are slowly disappearing. Hindered by the recession, and the increasing popularity of internet spending, shopkeepers are sorrowfully announcing their final closing-down sale. This creates what is possibly their most profitable period of time, until eventually there is no more to sell, and a 'To Let' sign inevitably appears. The life of the shop is now a mere distant memory.`
International music monsters such Virgin Megastore and HMV fight for success, and feel no remorse in destroying anything that stands in their way. Companies like these eat independent music shops for breakfast. They simply can't compete. In the UK, it's virtually impossible to visit a town centre and not find an HMV. They're as easy to locate as a Tesco or a chav outside a chippie in this country, but they lack even the smallest amount of character. They are soulless carbon copies of each other, designed to be as profitable as possible, but not giving any real considersation as to what it is they are selling. They succeed in selling Top 40 music, and continuously stock the most popular of artists, but catastrophically fail to sell music that is less known - something that smaller record shops are brilliant at. They've set out to be the best, but aren't anywhere near an adequate replacement for that which they've destroyed.
A while ago, I went to my local HMV to find a Frank Turner CD. Hardly an impossible mission. They had entirely sold out, so I went to a different store a few days later, only to find the same thing. It took several weeks and four different branches until I found what I was looking for. Once I did, I was reluctant to actually make a purchase - overpriced is an understatement. If this is their attitude towards a well known artist, imagine what it's like for those still trying to gain popularity. I'm not going to even get started on the price of music they have import.
More recently, I went to the same shop, and asked in they had any CD's by The Vandals. Admittedly, they are less well known, but certainly not unheard of. They looked at me as though I'd just asked for The Beatles first ever recording, covered in vintage alien goo, encrusted with diamonds and personally handed to me by the Queen herself. Or more likely, they were completely flummoxed by a request for a band they've never heard of.
It strikes me as sad that smaller bands are having to rely almost entirely on the internet for record sales. There's something wonderfully simple about buying music from shops - it's reassuring to be able to see what it is you're purchasing.
I know it's not just music shops that are affected by commercialised destroyers, but I really think it's time smaller music stores are supported instead of innihilated, smaller bands are given a better platform from which to sell music, and some individuality and variety is injected into what people are able to listen to.

Silly Music!

Aged 10, I was genuinely convinced that Busted were the greatest band to have ever walked this planet. They couldn't be beaten. Their infectiously chirpy poppish rock was all I listened to, until their tragic split in 2005. I was completely inconsolable, in an utter state of shock, desperately trying to process the fact that my precious Busted were no more. How dare Charlie leave to join some ridiculous 'rock band'. (Little did I know! ...I still refuse to listen to Fightstar though. It's against my principles!)

The considerable hole in my life was soon filled by McFly. They were quick to swoop in, collecting fans in the form of heartbroken tweenagers. They weren't Busted, but they were connected. They were the next best thing. Soon began my 'McFly obsession'. I was completely besotted by them, and as a self confessed music nerd at a young age, I loved the fact they played instruments. When I was 13, I queued for hours at a CD signing, and was so overwhelmed I burst into tears. Yes. I was that kind of fan. Scary now I think about it. I saw them live 4 times, I knew every word to every song, and posters covered my bedroom walls. Nothing was better than the mighty McFly!

When I was 14 or 15, something changed. I went through a kind of cliched teenage rebellious stage. I decided I was too old to listen to just McFly. I started reading Kerrang! magazine and wearing too much eyeliner - I'm pretty sure I listened to nothing but Green Day for about a year. Looking back, I was probably trying to show how grown up I was. I really wasn't.

My iPod was full of bands like The Offspring, Green Day, and incredibly self-indulgent misery like Bayside up until late last year (Seriously, they take emo to a new level). Suddenly though, I became sick of political and angry music - I wanted silly music again. I still loved bands like Green Day (the greatest band ever...) but I discovered the joys of McFly again, I bought a Bowling For Soup CD and realised I could listen to punk-rock without having to consider the meaning of life, or become an anarchist rebelling against the government. I danced like a loon to Lady Gaga! It was fun again. Music is meant to be enjoyable, not a test of your mental stability!

In a roundabout way, what I'm trying to say (inbetween my ramblings about Busted and a brief account of my life story), is that labelling yourself to fit a certain style of music, and not allowing yourself to be anything else, is a terrible idea. Sure, get a mowhawk if you want to, cover yourself in tattoos and delude yourself that you're what's missing from NOFX, but whatever you do, don't take music too seriously!

I've made a listen of music I'm not ashamed to love - give it a listen, and if it doesn't make you smile,...you're really not trying hard enough. Now if you'll excuse me, i'm off to listen Busted and McFly. (I really am.) I still know all the words...

Thunderbird Are Go - Busted


We're Going To Ibiza - Vengaboys


Don't Stop Moving - S Club 7


The Tide Is High - Atomic Kitten


It's The Way You Make Me Feel - Steps