While reading this interesting ancient newsletter from Deb.org archives about how fickle the music industry was (still is), I noticed something that weirded me out. Good thing that never happened, though there was a backlash on pop music in 1990 when the whole world discovered that Milli Vanilli lip synched.
Here in Vancouver, there's been no hint at the release of
"We Could Be Together" on any of the city's radio stations
(soft rock, top 40 or otherwise). While I can keep my fingers
crossed for as long as I like, it doesn't look promising.
I concur with Matt (Jung) that at least someone isn't holding
too much hope if they've sent a postcard (DGIF) asking members
and hopeful members to request the song for video and airplay.
The big rave is with New Kids on the Block and Milli Vanilli.
Thus far, every single from New Kids and MV have gone on into
Power (3.5 hour) Rotation here in Vancouver (LG 73).
Personally, I've come to really dislike them both ... MV was
supposed to headline for Debbie Gibson on her swing through
western Canada. However, about two to three weeks prior to
the Vancouver concert, MV was dropped and Bros. was added.
Didn't matter; we All know who we're going to see, anyway ... B-)
The "fickle/capricious" teens make up the dominant listenership
to pop radio and thus hold the fort on request lines.
Note that on some Top 40 charts, you might see a Maximum of
4 (count 'em, 4) NKotB singles with airplay;
in Vancouver : 2 are in Power (3.5 h) Rotation;
1 in Back (13.5 h) Rotation and;
1 upcoming Xmas song (will do well for Awhile.)
As Matt suggests, Gibson apparently has been "dropped" and into
her "downswing". The timing of her single(s) are a tricky measure.
Too early or too late will mean a quick demise (as we've all
seen). Calculated moves for an artist/group are added into
this measure of "staying ahead". The intrinsic "quick rise n' fall"
nature of the music (ESPECIALLY top 40) business means many a
sleepless night for people involved.
My own feeling suggests another interesting aspect. Since the
greater proportion of "radio and video" have apparently been
given over to the likes of NKotB and MV. We could observe a
"reverse turnover effect" with respect to Gibson's current position.
That is, for now, Gibson's music has been passed by. But look,
there is currently a Huge, Huge massive assault of NK stuff on
the market. I'm looking for a corresponding Large drop when the
listenership starts to pass them by and say, starts to pick up
once again on Gibson. The trouble with this argument follows
with the "aging" fanbase that are in the same "age group" as Gibson.
As I stated, most of pop is "ruled" by the 13 to 17 group.
Who knows what'll happen in the next few months?
(I know I'm keeping my fingers crossed when Grammy nominations
come out.)
As Mike (Scheele) later states along similar lines, it's not
a matter of being paranoid or being concerned that relates here.
It's just downright scary to see such a large and (apparent)
"negative" effect. As for Atlantic attempting for control
over her music, she could switch labels if she wanted to continue
putting out albums (that's a "given" right now, of course).
Realize though that WEA which does mass distribution for Atlantic
is (I believe) the distribution company with the most artists and
groups. (Interesting risk on their part in 1987, given over to
a sixteen year old.) Ah, speculations, speculations .....
"Gibson Ranks High Among Teens" ... Matt Jung (Aug 22/89)
The wholesome image portrayed by Debbie is obviously taken well by
people all over. But, remember, this all could change, too.
There is no "a priori" statement or law that maintains the way
she handles her image. From what I've seen and heard (via interviews)
Debbie isn't too concerned with the perceived public image.
I'm treading a fine line, so I shouldn't push any further here
Fan's Opinion
From: Sandra Connolly
Date: Thu, 1 Jun 89 16:25:30 EDT
I'm not normally a fan of teen artists, but Debbie certainly doesn't fit
into that category since she has more a part in her records than most of
the veteran groups do (plus she has a great voice and writes great songs).
Sandra.
Agree with that comment. Also don't like the term 'bubble gum pop' since it's another term for "disposable pop", which 'bubblegum' is something that's chewed for a few minutes until it loses it's flavor.
