Bandcamp review mini-series

So, what do you* really want to know about this magical, cheap website, Bandcamp? The same thing as with any other such site. I know exactly what you're expecting: all that cheap and free music in one place...the music is pure SHIT, isn't it? Fear not, for I am preparing to answer that question in a few future reviews.

It seems to be a fairly common perception that cheap/free = crap, and that's often quite accurate. But bear in mind that due to BC's pricing model, the artist is likely making MORE from sales than with a major label! Don't assume that an artist on a site like this isn't talented enough to get on a major label. There's some quality shit here; it's not all amateur-hour, basement-recorded, glorified karaoke garbage.

Now I'm sure there doesn't need to be another rant like this on the Internet, but I'm going there anyway. Most major labels are bullshit. Everyone should know by now that big labels don't sign artists based on their talent, but based on how well they will sell. That is a financially sensible strategy, but it's also a weakness. There's a lot of talent not signed to major labels, and a lot of it is on BC. And yes, there's shit as well. This is equal opportunity, just as the Internet should be. This model is not an alternative, not just a place for artists to go when they can't make it to a major label. It's a replacement. It's what the future of this fucking industry should be.

If you need recommendations to get you started, keep an eye out during the next week or two. I have at least 4 BC albums that need reviewing, and I'll be looking for more as well. The first one is coming tonight.