Noun: a thing that represents or stands for something else, esp. a material object representing something abstract.
I write today in what began, at least, as a conflicted mixture of resignation and alarm. Probably you do not recognize my name, but it’s both embossed and encoded on my credit card, so possibly you should. I have been one of the staunchest defenders of your copyrights ever since the virtualization of music distribution began to challenge them, and I’ve been one of your most dedicated personal patrons since I was old enough to spend my own money.
…
But I have also now started stealing your music. I haven’t stolen much, but I’m sure you will agree that the moral issue is not merely one of quantity. I have been one of the last independent apologists for a moral kernel, elusive now to perhaps the point of imagination, in your corrupt and desperate retreat, but now even I have given up. I still buy, but now I also steal. You have forfeited your right to my loyalty.
Are you reading this Music Industry, are you learning yet?
This turned up in my inbox yesterday via the Chemikal Underground mailing list.
The Delgados, influential figures in Glasgow’s independent music scene for over 10 years, have announced that they are to amicably disband. The reason has been put down to the departure of their bass player Stewart Henderson who informed the band in the New Year that he did not wish to make another album. The Delgados have always been known as uniquely collaborative songwriters and as such, it was decided that the band could not continue without all of its original members.
Stewart has written a lovely little piece saying goodbye on his diary page.
Bugger! I love the Delgados but never got a chance to see them live, it just never happened. That’s that plan scuppered now. If anyone has any pointers to decent bootlegs I’d be very grateful.
(Currently playing in iTunes: No Danger by The Delgados, from The Great Eastern)
