Lately, I've been a bit of a music industry and intellectual property junky. I'm fascinated by the changes and developing trends in music promotion and distribution. Suddenly music way down the Long Tail is accessible. As a music fan it's truly amazing (and at times overwhelming) how much new music comes out each week. So it's not be surprising that I devoured Steve Knopper's Appetite for Self-Destruction: The Spectacular Crash of the Record Industry in the Digital Age.It's a quick history of the last 40 years of big (and sometimes bad) decisions made by the colorful characters that ruled the music industry. I knew most of the broad story lines, just not many of the details, the who said what or blocked what advancement. You aren't going to walk away sorry for the bastards. It likely will just confirm your suspicions that as the major labels consolidated they became more in it for the money. My only criticism is that it almost completely ignores the indie labels and their bands, which are the labels and band I care more about. Still, it's a fascinating read.
2 Comments:
Doode... I have a seriously long reading list for this summer.
Next up on my music book shelf is Dirty Little Secrets Of The Record Business or Hit Men. I think they cover some of the same territory, but should be pulpy and fun. I'll let you know if either is required reading.
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