#096 - Tales from the Concert: Openers, Central Park Concert / UK Artists Want Higher Pay, Music of 1996

Greg’s just returned from a Midwest tour and during his travels he started thinking about an experience that every band has when they’re starting out, opening for a bigger act. The phrase “I saw them open a concert back before they were big” is a badge of pride for any music lover. Today we discuss our favorite Openers in the latest round of “Tales From The Concert”.Song: Foxy Shazam - “Oh Lord” (Jay & Greg saw them open for The Darkness back in 2011)Jay found two stories worth sharing this week. The first is the announcement that NY City will host a Re-Opening Celebration Concert in Central Park this August. The bands haven’t been determined and the date is tentative, but we’re happy it’s happening. The coolest part is they’re reserving 70% of the tickets for fully vaccinated New Yorkers…and it’s free!Next up, a few dozen big name acts/artists (Rolling Stones, Tom Jones, Pet Shop Boys, Paul McCartney, Yoko Ono & Van Morrison to name a few) have penned a collective letter to British Prime Minister Boris Johnson pleading for better pay for artists and songwriters from streaming services. The proposal argues that a new performing rights organization, similar to ASCAP & BMI for radio play in the US, be established to facilitate the terms/collection/distribution of funds from streaming services to artists. We’re on the fence about it, but it’s continuing to shed light on a very real issue, so we’ll count it as a net positive. ;-)Song: The Black Keys - Going Down SouthFor our ninety-sixth episode, Nick brings us the music of 1996. Grunge and alternative are starting to fizzle as Pop music sweeps the radio waves. With the birth of boy bands like Backstreet Boys, to the debut of artists like Fiona Apple, Neutral Milk Hotel, Modest Mouse, and Belle & Sebastian, the music is changing in abrupt and notable ways. We dive into the music news of the year, as well as the albums released & bands formed. A very enjoyable conversation about a so-so year in music.Songs: Tool - “Third Eye”Jay-Z - “Can’t Knock the Hustle”Stereolab - “The Noise of Carpet”