Phil Collins calls it quits.

[Buschman]

Guess you gotta go sometime.

http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/music/2011/03/07/2011-03-07_phil_collins_blames_retirement_on_health_proble ms_state_of_the_music_industry.html?r=entertainmen t

[Copernicus]

I always find it strange how someone has to "blame" their retirement on something.

Now, I always like Phil Collins, don't get me wrong. But, you don't need to officially announce you are "retiring".. just stop making records - it's pretty damned simple, really.

Basically put, he felt he needed some press to make a point about the music industry.

I find the statements self serving and unneccessary

[Stormcrow]

First, Mr. Collins is a long standing musical icon, and artist. To announce to the world the reason that the music will stop is only courteous. I thank him for the consideration.

Second, both of his reasons are MORE than valid. His health, of course, and the state of the music industry. I applaud him for making the effort to showcase the deplorable state of the music industry. It has degraded into a money making machine with no room for artists.

You may argue that it always has been about money, and you would be right...to a point. But there was a time when the industry made their money by selling artists, not performers of canned music written by nameless groups of writers.

Before you say it, let me be clear, this is not the predictable "The crap these youngsters listen to today ain't music!" rant of the old and unhip. This is an educated observation of a true music lover who appreciates all genres of music including the music in question.

The fact is that the music played on Top 40 radio today is anything but art. The difference is simple. "Hound Dog" would have been written regardless of a Sun Records contract. "Ring of Fire" as well. More modern pieces as well, for example "One" by Metallica. I assure you, that they would have written that song whether or not it charted, because before that song Top 40 radio had no CLUE who Metallica were, they were just 4 guys making the art that was within them.

The same cannot be said about "Poker Face", or "Soulja Boy", or any other contemporary Top 40 song, as these songs (and the performers associated with them) are meticulously crafted by businessmen to fit a specific formula designed to do one thing, make money. One part recognizable rhythm, one part catchy hook, one part filler lyrics, one part outrageous and/or overtly sexual lyrics. Add a dash of attractive performer and CHA-CHING! When album sales start to drop, just add some inappropriate behavior, and make sure it's publicized to maximize profits on what will certainly be the final output from this performer.

Wash-Rinse-Repeat.

Are there still artists out there making music? Of course. They exist in every genre in fact. But you're not likely to hear them on the radio any time soon.

Mr. Collins was, in my opinion at least, not being unnecessarily self serving with his statements. He was, in fact, throwing a light on a blight on our culture.

Haven't you ever wondered why today's popular musicians are the first generation of musicians who seem to have zero interest in providing social commentary & reflection in their music? It's because "The Man" is now writing the songs that are on the radio. If you want music that means something, you're going to have to find some obscure band who is actually singing for their supper.

[StoneTheCrow]

Well said dude, have to agree whole heartedly.