Wednesday, November 23, 2005

Music- When More Is Less

The powers that be in the recording industry have found a new way to make money while exercising minimum effort. They are releasing CD's containing various remixes of a single song and calling it an album.

R. Kelly's recent song, "Trapped In The Closet", is repeated in countless versions on no less than FOUR entire CD's! But at least it's a new song.

"Looking For A New Love" by Jody Watley is one of a long line of disposable, long forgotten, late 80's dance tracks. It came and went as most hits do. Or so we thought.

Only those who see value in beating a dead horse will appreciate this new release, featuring eleven remixes of this decrepit, nearly twenty year old, pop dance track. It's called "pop" music for a reason.

One of these "songs" is a total of 31 seconds. Another is 36 seconds. One is simply a short vocal track with echo added to it.

This regurgitation is a crass attempt to generate new profits from an old product, nothing more. Bring in some "DJs", pay them a couple of bucks to do "remixes" and release an album!

Watley herself may never see a dime from this. Unfortunately, the record companies may discover this is a great profit generating idea and it will only encourage them.

Let's hope this disturbing trend doesn't continue. Otherwise we may soon have to put up with Billy Ray Cyrus's "Achy Breaky Heart- The Remix Album" or Kajagoogoo's "Too Shy" Versions 1-13 Remixed".

The original "Looking For A New Love" was fun while it lasted. Jody had her 15 minutes of fame. But time's up.

I can't blame the record companies for trying to make a buck. But shame on us if we fall for this. And shame on the recording industry for not offering something better.

- DJ Craig

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