mirela85

Kot examines the influence of the internet on the music industry, portraying the behemoth record companies as the Goliath that have fallen against the stones of the artists and fans that have harnessed the power of the internet to transform the way music is made and distributed. Specific chapters include the stories of Metallica, Arcade Fire, Death Cab for Cutie, Prince, Conor Oberst, Radiohead, and Pitchfork Media as examples of the various ways technology changed things. While at times the portrayal of the record executives as stone age-era businessmen who could not adapt becomes overwrought (it is more likely that the record industry was like the U.S. economy--an oversize ship that couldn't just be turned on a dime), the overall thesis is spot on, thought not directly stated: fans "stealing" music has a salutary effect on record sales. The more artists give away, the more they will sell compared to if they do not give away. This is a concept that never caught on wholesale in the industry, as exemplified by the Napster lawsuit. But savvy artists learned it quick and have benefited from it. Overall, Ripped is an enjoyable read, though I wonder if teenagers who never waited in line outside a record store at midnight, would find it relevant. Two sidenotes: Kot wrote a bio of Wilco, and while I don't listen to Wilco I know a lot of my goodreads friends do, so thought I would share that. Also, I don't think the book is released yet. I received an advance copy from the editor and would be glad to pass it on.

2022-11-14 13:52