There is tons of crap out there and I do not like most if not all of chart stuff, but for others is it not true that todays mainstream was yesterdays on the edge.
I remember when rap music first came out on the Streetsounds Electro compilations people hated it. Many DJ's except John Peel ignored it and thought it would be a fad. Some fad. I hate rap music but it is edge music that now lots of people like. I know people jump on the bandwagon but mainstream does not mean trash.
Look at Bloc Party, Franz Ferdinand, Interpol- all on the edge and yet snuggled in the mainstream.
The same could be said in the past with electronica- Kraftwerk, Tubeway Army, Simple Minds, Can, Ultravox, Human League. Agreed mainstream ruined all these bands but they were radical people.
punk- the Pistols, Siouxsie, Buzzcocks, 999. They were definately radical but went mainstream. Many stayed loyal and produced amazing music.
Finally shoegazers. Many hit the mainstream, did that mean now they were rubbish? No I think it just means more people get to hear them. For some a bit more money means more time in studio and a more polished sound, but that does not mean the mainstream is bad.
What is the mainstream anyway at the end of the day? Today it could mean anyone who has a download on the internet is now in the mainstream. Will it make you angry that more people are downloading Malory than downloading SClub. I for one will be pleased especially if it is my kids.
