Sigh. The saddest thing about ALL of this is that the ever-changing market and the difficulties of making a career of playing music (read: making decent money without the need for a second job) have made artists more focused on making music as a product, not making a product out of the music. It's tough for someone to break out and do what they dream, and they often get discouraged. BUT, if more people were solely concerned about making
great music (not just talking the dynamic range of a master, here), then I think the rest would follow.
For example, take a look at Tom Petty, who has continually battled for fair ticket prices to his shows - he sells out and doesn't ream his fans. Or Mr. Bungle, who make incredible ..er... music, and don't let album sales dictate their art. Or the formerly cited Beastie Boys, or Tool, etc, etc - the list goes on and on. And these are
major artists. The difference between them and, say, Fallout Boy (don't know much about them - just pulling the name from the article's first response), is that they will not compromise their artistic vision for some mis-informed sales hype.
In the end, when everyone tries to compete with mediocrity, the industry suffers as a whole. But follow the music and the love of the art, and you'll find success no matter what your RMS.
Oh, almost forgot the quintessential hippie emoticon:
