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The Lefsetz Letter
Pink Floyd
by Bob Lefsetz
If you think anybody under the age of twenty cares about Michael Jackson, you're sadly mistaken. Michael Jackson had his hits twenty years ago. Not that he's left the public eye. He's endured so many plastic surgeries as to contest Jocelyn Wildenstein as the scariest human on the planet. Oh, some of his music was great, but the man is now a CARTOON! Someone who seems only interested in maintaining his fame and his money. Whereas Roger Waters and David Gilmour are barely in the news. But, amongst the younger set, they RULE! There was a fascinating editorial in the L.A. "Times" stating that Live 8 was a failure because it didn't appeal to the people that counted, those in the red states. The article said to have a show in the south with a bunch of country stars. Since the goal is to influence American policy, this would be the best way to reach the people who MAKE UP public opinion. But Bob Geldof, for all the good work he's done, is not in touch with America. Hell, most of Europe HATES America. Thinks we're bullies. But you can't win unless you give us something we can understand, something we can relate to. And we can't relate to that free show in Philadelphia, and those shows overseas...they seem to be the kind of British thing that just doesn't cross the pond, acts that people live and die for in the U.K. but we consider to be snoozefests. But that's not Pink Floyd. Now I'm not going to say Pink Floyd is going to bring in the red states, although Republicans love the band maybe as much as Democrats. But now Americans are going to pay attention, now they CARE, because, you see, Pink Floyd are the last gods. Oh, the Gilmour incarnation made new records and toured. You could say they sold out a bit. But Roger Waters doesn't know the meaning of "sell out". He only does what feels right. And many people don't agree with his positions, certainly not re Floyd, but there's no mistake, he does what's in his heart, he can't be influenced, certainly not for the bucks. In other words, Roger Waters has CREDIBILITY! He wrote a whole album about his fucked up life, "The Wall", and unlike the smiling, face-lifted, dyed hair Paul McCartney, he hasn't rejected his old angst, isn't on an endless victory lap in search of more money than he can use, no, we actually think he's the same fucked up guy, and we LOVE HIM FOR THAT!!! In the sixties and seventies you didn't need a hit to survive, didn't need a hit to be a working musician. You could have a career, sell enough records to survive, without going gold. It was radio, and cult fans, they supported you. Back before everybody was greedy, before everybody spread the myth that touring was too expensive to do without label support and endorsements, when people did it for the MUSIC not the MONEY! You were a MUSICIAN, not a STAR! Sure, Pink Floyd had some catchy early hits with Syd Barrett, and believe you me, the youngsters know them, but it was their more ethereal work that hooked people. Here was a band that was forging its own way, exploring, with only t he desire to make great music, THIS people could relate to, an ever-growing cult. And then came "Dark Side Of The Moon". Cults either die out or explode. There comes a critical moment when all the stars align and an act blows up, or it breaks up. "Dark Side Of The Moon" WAS a bit more coherent than "Ummagumma", "Atom Heart Mother" and "Meddle", but what really broke the album was radio going on "Money". I don't know the band members, I don't know if they thought they'd created a hit, but I doubt it, that just wasn't the ethos of the band. "Money" succeeded almost by accident, radio CHAMPIONED IT! "Dark Side Of The Moon" still sells today. Because new bands just aren't making this kind of music. All that alternative rock. It's about SIMPLICITY! I mean do you want to live in a world without BMWs and Macs? Where everybody has a dialup connection and TiVo doesn't exist? That's what today's new rock is about. And hit rap is about SELLING OUT! What with the logos not only in the videos, but companies being pimped in the SONGS! Everything is made to be catchy, so you'll hear it once and not forget it. Whereas Pink Floyd music is hard to even COMPREHEND the first time through, one can sometimes even consider it GRATING! In a world where all the marketing hypes are spoonfed to you, after being ground up to be palatable, Pink Floyd exists in its own universe, and still contains the chunks, which is why kids LOVE IT! And baby boomers have never forgotten the band. Because the music isn't pimped out in commercials and movies. And now that radio has become more corporate, most of the band's tracks are too outside to even be PLAYED! The act is now solely owned by the public, by the fans. Almost like the Doors. Both bands permeate the culture, you can't quantify it, other than by CD sales, but it's palpable, neither act has been forgotten, as the productions of the faux musicians come and go, their music endures. As Eminem spouts in the media, releases mediocre material that sells but nobody cares about, Pink Floyd and the Doors just lay back and rake in the dough from an annuity that will go on FOREVER! Hell, "Dark Side Of The Moon" is our modern Mona Lisa. Not that it's only "Dark Side Of The Moon". "The Wall" movie is just about as outside as the album, which is why it's a rite of passage to view it, just as it's part of growing up to sync "Dark Side Of The Moon" to "The Wizard Of Oz". And in the wake of 9/11, when Fred Durst and Johnny Rzeznik sat down to play a song, it was "Wish You Were Here". Oh, the media will tell you that everybody cares about Michael Jackson, they stopped the world to tell you about it, it was on EVERY TV channel, every radio station, every Web portal homepage. But people aren't going to be talking about the trial next week, if it even stays on their mind until the end of tomorrow. But Pink Floyd endures. Not because of the hype, but because of the music. Come July 2nd, America's youth is going to be in front of the TV. Watching their heroes perform. Not long thereafter, Floyd's entire show will be available on P2P sites. Major label majordomos will speak of piracy, but really this will be about spreading the word, keeping the music and spirit alive. Because great music is meant to be UBIQUITOUS! It's not supposed to be marketed like fish, in a controlled manner, rather it must be set free, like one of the flying pigs in Floyd's old show. Oh, I don't mean the music should be free, hell, a FINANCIAL BONANZA could be reaped by exacting a toll on these P2P trades. But, don't be shortsighted, doing good works, getting life force in people's hands today pays dividends tomorrow, which the pricks at the labels seem to have forgotten. Used to be the label was a midwife, aiding the band in birthing their baby, and bringing it into the world. Today the label is a dictator, exacting conformity and killing art. I'm not the biggest Pink Floyd fan. I own most of the albums, paid for them myself in fact, but I rarely spin them. Still, when I hear "Comfortably Numb" I get this feeling...of hope and understanding. It reminds me of an era when musicians ruled the world, only by following their muse. I will be in front of the TV on July 2nd too. Witnessing history. Bob Lefsetz, Santa Monica-based industry legend, is the author of the e-mail newsletter, "The Lefsetz Letter". Famous for being beholden to no one, and speaking the truth, Lefsetz addresses the issues that are at the core of the music business: downloading, copy protection, pricing and the music itself. His intense brilliance captivates readers from Steven Tyler to Rick Nielsen to Bryan Adams to Quincy Jones to EVERYBODY who's in the music business. Never boring, always entertaining, Mr. Lefsetz's insights are fueled by his stint as an entertainment business attorney, majordomo of Sanctuary Music's American division and consultancies to major labels. While Rhino may occasionally disagree with some of Bob's opinions, we certainly agree with his right to state them. At the bottom of each column we give you, the reader, the opportunity to respond and we encourage you to do so. We will post select comments.
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Comments:
Opinion from Finland: Pink Floyd went dull and corny after Syd. Syd´s music was revolutionary, psychedelic, visionary. Can´t understand what´s so special with Waters. If you have to compare, Syd was Floyd´s Lennon and Waters was McCartney - without the sense of melody!
Man,
As a 44 year old "over the hill" guy which is what my kids call me-Bob you hit the nail right on the head. I on the other hand happened to be a die hard Pink Floyd fan from the late 60's,70's, and not so much in the 80's. Because after Roger left the ANGST that created that thin line between crazy and genius (I mean in the bands chemistry)faded "like the skin skin on the the dying man". My son Daniel was born in 1986 and to this day loves Pink Floyd. Hell, that's all or most all of what I played while he was growing up. I was sitting in the backyard the other night sippin' on a cold beer and some faint familiar guitar riffs wafted over the the fence from my neighbors garage---Ah yes, it still does exist--Shine on you Crazy Diamond, David Gilmours favorite PF song to play. A smile came on my face, the little hairs on the back of my neck stood up and I 14 again. You just don't get that feeling from the mass produced, don't give a krap about what we put out there, so called music of today. Uh-oh I'm sounding like my parents know when I was 14--but times just are not the same. In this age of licensing, 20 different formats, 24 hour new,commercial the so called information age is causing people to lose their creativity, originality, and robbing humanity of the human spirit. I too will be watching or rather witnessing history- hell it has been 24 years since all four were on stage together except I don't know where I can watch it. Any tips? I heard AOL was going to be broadcasting it or parts of it---I need help and thanks for the great article. I'm e-mailing it to some of my old friends from college. You made my day.
Thanks,
From the Over the Hill Guy
Michael Iskierski
E-mail: ny7mantle@aol.com
Tele: (214)675-8570
I was at the recording of "Ummagumma", and still play it often (wore out the LP!). There was almost nothing like it before or since in the pop world, and hearing the first performance of "Rite of Spring" must have given the same mix of visceral and intellectual thrill.
They certainly didn't do it for the money: the club in Birmingham where they played held about two hundred people, including the band, and we paid 10/6 (about $1, then) to get in.
Happily, the music doesn't go away.
Gerald F
Well said Bob. I really hate picking favorites and refuse to do so when ever asked for mine, but Dark Side Of The Moon is such a perfectly recorded piece of art it would have to be my choice on that desert island. Alot of credit should to Alan Parsons for engineering it as well.
My fifteen year old son, who rarely turns off his ipod hasn't asked for my Floyd stuff yet but there's hope. Led Zeppelin & the Doors are getting alot of play, "Those guys were crazy" he says.
Bob should have figured out what the point was to this column before he wrote it. Dark Side of the Moon being our "Mona Lisa" has little to do with why teenagers like Pink Floyd. Teens are drawn to things that they can call their own and that separate them from previous generations. Whether those things withstand the test of time is irrelevant. I read this column for some insight on why today's teens might like Pink Floyd, which is news to me. Unfortunately, Bob gave us no such insight.
In a time when Crosby, Stills, and Young are selling "Ringtones for your flip-phone" it is refreshing to hear of Pink Floyd and reflect on a more simple time..............
right on Bob. One old hippie to another. Pink Floyd rules.
As Pink Floyd got me through high school (class of 83) I will always hold them near and dear. As I reflected on your column it reminded me of what made swome of these bands so special: their anyonymity. Of course we knew their names and even what they looked like but after that information and interviews were scarcer than an a brain cell in Bushes head. There was simply nothing beyond the music. I recall a book by Miles that was a semi pictorial chronology of the band that was my bible. I devoured any mention and there were never many. While not a "secretive" band they were comfortable with letting their music be their spokesman. While Roger Waters musical genius is above reproach it does seem that both his and David Gilmour's egos needed to be checked. What neither never seemed to understand is the unique and rare chemistry that make a band work. In many post Waters Floyd interviews we see them sniping at each other and demeaning the others talents. This is riduclous. Gilmour was Waters musical voice. Certainly one of the greatest guitar voices of that era, his expressive abilities gave voice to Waters sometimes overreaching but always interesting musical ideas. That these two don't recognize their symbiotic (or parasitic if you ask them) relationship is sad for them and for us.
All that said the pathetic visage of these two old men "reunited" (they never acknowledged each other on stage) was more sad than exhilirating. After waiting 22years (wow, that long) to see them together again it was nothing but an unecessary disappointment.
I still isten to Pink Floyd often but they are forever a band of their time and it should have stayed that way. RIP boys.
I wanted to comment, but this article was so right on and so perfect that I am left speechless. I'll just leave it at this, thank you and keep writing. Sheldon Light
As a part time professional musician, I'm biased, but I would offer that much of today's music won't make it past next month because it's musically uninteresting.
Pop hooks are great when you're 12, but the older you get, the more you recognize and appreciate substance, depth, and creativity. Pink Floyd's music has all that, and consequently has stood the test of time.
I got to hear and get a Floyd fix again and I swear during the strains of "Comfortably Numb" that was done in London during the Live 8, I saw a tear stream down the cheek of Gilmour. So very classic and a definite milestone for the millenium. I cannot wait to get the DVD!
I am 21 years old and a junior in college. I attend Drury University, which is a small private school, but despite the small amount of students, every other person is either wearing a Floyd shirt or has a poster on their wall. Floyd may have left the spotlight with the media, but they still thrive among the collections of those who love music, and their albums still sell. I just want to say that Bob is correct about the impact Floyd had in Live 8. Waters playing with Gilmour, Mason, and Wright was the biggest news in music since Waters left the band two decades ago. The Floyd has helped me cope with life since I first began to love music. I would pay more to see The Floyd together than I would any other band, too bad they won't tour...
Dr. Lock
so true, rocks the soul when its all just too hard, real muse - icians
This man understands some things, keep him around, I'll continue to read and respond! Old rocker Allyn from NC
I would like to add to the Pink Floyd highlights some numbers of the More movietrack; listen and enjoy 'Cymbaline' or 'Cirrus Minor'. My favorite album is still: 'Wish you were here'.
freed, amsterdam NL
Praise the Lord and thank you sir!
My son is 10 and loves Pink Floyd. My daughter and he sing "we don't need no education" and correct each other's accents -- almost as often as they sing the national anthem. I'm so proud of them.
im 41. didnt grow up on floyd cause im from trinidad. and u didnt follow cult white movements in that country if u were black. the only white music u listened to, and i did, were the "hits".
i loved funk. disco turned me toward soft rock. then in '80 i heard the Back In Black album and i was forever changed. but still no floyd.
moved to the states 5 yrs ago when i was 36 and lived on a dorm with a 20 yr old for 6 mths.
i lived their life. it was like going back to college. because i look young, they accepted me within their groups. and i smoked with them. house partyed with them and most of all, DISCOVERED new music with them.
and im here to say. Pink Floyd RULES the college world. from the hippes to the frats/sororities and everything in between. even the wanna-bes on either side. they are even more respected than the doors. entire floyed ALBUMS would just be put in. not door though we all love them and theire fair share of T-Shirts are on the backs of many kids where i was.
RE: "PINK FLOYD".. Imagine 35 yrs. ago today , today being the operative word. Of course "..I dont agree with all you have to say,but will defend to the keystroke your right to blah , etc." Maybe Im amazed my son listens to Pink Floyd as I do, I started in '72 ,he in '99. Yes, the music is timeless, My children will be paying their children royalties and so on... When I am 64 I will still be. Someday they will give Ireland back to the IRISH ,I enjoy Mr.Lefsetz's opinions, not all,but still read them.The BEATLES 10 hrs. of music will continue on until his sunken eyes learn to see that SIR McCartney, et al. will always be an Ocean to Floyds " Great Lake "I love and listen to them both without the childish jabs at a great musician,father,husband's rounding the sun with more grace than most.. Im going to listen to the WHITE ALBUM .. you know the one ....
NO other music than Pink Floyd^s can make you go to another dreamy world and sustain that feeling thru the whole album!
Some music stands my test of time (can I listen to it ten, twenty years later and still think it's a great piece of work), and some doesn't. Pink Floyd does- just rented "Pulse", and loved every minute, years later.
Bob Lefsetz what you said about the band is cool and i see you have a better understading then most people do when it comes to our music.
Richard Wright.
Bob Lefsetz you have a gummy head.
Roger Barret
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