The separation of rich and poor keeps growing wider in the United States.
Economically, the “haves” are getting richer and smaller in number, while the “have-nots” are growing poorer and larger in number.
Musically, the same thing is happening. Some artists are selling out large venues and hauling in the cash, while others are having to cancel shows or sing to sparse crowds.
Musical “haves” include Paul McCartney (the rich get richer); Lady Gaga (a female superstar whose talent matches her hype); Creed (they’re selling concert tickets at an unheard of price of $20); Roger Waters (he understands the power of mystery and the danger of over-exposure); Taylor Swift (she parlayed that Kanye West insult into career gold, while West fell off the map in a sure sign that karma is alive and well); and Justin Bieber (this kid can’t sing and he’s as boring as sheet rock, but he’ll soon probably outsell Elvis, the Beatles, and Michael Jackson — solid confirmation that the evolution of Idiocracy has officially begun).
Heading up the “have-nots” list are Rihanna (who tried but couldn’t turn a highly-publicized domestic assault situation into a career boost); Lilith Fair (this touring celebration of womanhood is stumbling to an end after dismal turnouts), Christina Aguilera (I love her new album, Bionic, but she’s not really interested in the middle-aged fart demographic — kiddies made her a star, and they’re now dropping her like an outdated jug of warm milk); American Idol summer tour (last season was lame and the wrong contestant won, so the tour is jinxed — haha!); and the Jonas Brothers (I was sad and a little embarrassed about a year ago when I heard one of the brothers tell an interviewer that the band has “a special relationship with our fans and they will never leave us.” I’ll bet Menudo and New Kids On The Block said the same thing.)
