pbone

Well I think there is a distinct difference between being hipster and being hip. It all really goes down to the old argument of which bands are punk and which bands are poseurs. Generally I draw the difference at how the band approaches music. It is about corporate exploitation of the underground that in the 90s was known as indie rock, in the 80s as alternative or hardcore in some circles, in the 70s was known as punk, and in the 60s was known as garage, and in the 50's was known as rock and roll. When Modest Mouse went major they completely fell into the world of corporate exploitation of subculture. Adding Johnny Marr totally solidifies that. Major labels and some indie labels care about targeting audiences, and IMO that is what really kills music in my opinion, and why MTV is the devil. As far as I can tell Xiu Xiu and Melt Banana are both bands that work on the principle of Ars Gratia Artis. And it translates in their music. Being that indie labels are what they are, I think they are less focused on appealing to people and more focused on selling CDs. It is true though that they have a demographic. Less we forget, The Clash were on a major record label, and The Moon And Antarctica (their best album) was released on a major record label as well.

I see your point, and perhaps he and I could have been more tactful. I'm not going to launch into some huge debate because this entire topic is very subjective and it won't go anywhere. Perhaps it is better to say "I don't like that music" rather than, "That music is lame and so are people who listen to it" and I'll try to remember that. Btw, I'm not sure if exploring/playing new instruments qualifies as better. It's more diverse, yes, the musicians might even be more taleneted (very subjective), but I don't think it's better. Just different. Yes, absolutely. The whole music debate always boils down to subjectivity. Word.

He never judged their character (other than calling them noobs, which may be referring to their music tastes). He simply said they had no standing in the music community. I guess I can't really speak for him. I, on the other hand, was judging their character. What can I say, that's my personality type. As a musician, I don't see anything that wrong with it. If you post here, music is obviously one of the most important things in your life. I think it's fair to say that someone's musical tastes are more important here than elsewhere. It's just like people who play sports: you often see the whole football team hanging out together. Why? Because they share a common interest. They don't necessarily hate non-football players on principle, but they know they are more likely to have likes and dislikes in common with their teammates. That's just how I feel about my music: I know there are cool people who listen to every genre, but I find more in common and therefore favor people who listen to my style of music. It's easier to connect with people who share my tastes, thus, they get favorable treatment. Is it right? I don't know, I guess I don't have a problem with it. Is it logical? Absolutely. The situations you are comparing are different. Yes, the people inside your genre will have similar interests. I agree with that. I have used that argument before. It's valid. However, connecting with people who share your tastes and condescending on those who don't are two different things.

Pitchfork is the biggest excuse for indie noobs to ejaculate over other indie noobs, it's ridiculous. Hipster music is terrible, they should accept they have no standing in the real music community and move on. Okay, fuck you, and fuck people like you. It's music. I'm sorry dude, but if you are actually going to judge the quality of a person on the kind of music that they listen to, then I really have nothing but contempt for you. Yeah, you and your music sit on a fucking pedestal and condescend on the scum of the music community. "Hipsters" are frequently making more original music on a day to day basis than anyone else. The music scene has changed completely because of these "hipsters." How are hipsters, indie noobs, and "hipster music" not part of the "real music community?" What the fuck is the real music community, anyways? Is that analogous to the world, perhaps? Because that would be like a certain type of people don't have rights or a "standing" in the world. Which is, of course, archaic thinking. Oh, boo, they're different. Get a life, asshole. Fuck you. Seriously, go away. I'm done with you.

I read pitchfork because it introduces me to new music. The reviews do suck though.