Not the letter, that's fine by me. Not the scientific aide to James Bond, not even the Cleese version, I can live with that. I even enjoy the omnipresent being of Star Trek folklore of that name. What I do hate, is the music magazine.
For a long time I've not been alone in suspecting that Q was losing it's way. Losing it's cutting edge to be more precise, and cosying up with anyone popular for the sake of it's circulation. The announcement of it's nominee's list for the forthcoming Q Awards should prove to anyone with a modicum of musical intelligence that this is the case.
A quick cursory glance at the bands nominated and you'll see some familiar faces. Not least Coldplay, a band that Q have constantly been interested in snuggling under the duvet with. They've been nominated for four awards, one being Best Album, another being Best Act In The World Today.
The thing is, whilst Coldplay may have sold a shed load of discs this year, and there is no disputing that, you have to bear in mind that they always will. They've got that sort of sizable fan base now that will go out and buy it no matter what. Even if Chris Martin recorded himself masturbating (and some would argue his music is just a great big dose of self gratification for the curly haired chump) there'd probably be people that would buy it. There would even be those who'd really, really enjoy it. And Q, would give it four stars. In fact if he let another man do the deed for him, they'd probably give it five for being "experimental."
The Breakthrough act (different somehow from Best New Act) see's Adele, Duffy and Gabriela Chilmi, alongside two acts who haven't really broke through. Perhaps that was Q's attempt to be a little bit bohemian, a little bit off the beaten track. In truth, I think Santogold has what it takes to do something a little special, but I'd hope that she "breaks through" a lot more next year. I'm just flummoxed by the lack of bands like Black Kids, MGMT, or even Noah and The Whale, all of whom have enjoyed big success in their first year. The same could be applied to the best new acts list.
What really got me going is something I really didn't expect to, and that was the inclusion of Oasis in the Best Band In The World section.
I love Oasis, I absolutely worship the ground they walk upon. I'll be voting for them in said category. However, how on Earth can they be the Best Band In The World at the moment, when the album isn't even out until two days after the awards are announced?
It's this sort of thing that make you realise that Q have lost their way. It's that sort of idea that they look after and champion the bands that they think people will want to see do well, rather than actually awarding the bands who are making their mark on music, and trying to do something for the good of the art.
Magazines like Q have a duty to the consumer. That duty is to promote and discover bands that we might not have heard of, and not to stay in the pockets of those who have already made it. Sticking Oasis on your front cover to sell copies is one thing, I can get on board with that. But giving them the chance to win an award proclaiming them as the best band of the year gone, two days before their album even comes out, shows just what Q has become.
For a long time I've not been alone in suspecting that Q was losing it's way. Losing it's cutting edge to be more precise, and cosying up with anyone popular for the sake of it's circulation. The announcement of it's nominee's list for the forthcoming Q Awards should prove to anyone with a modicum of musical intelligence that this is the case.
A quick cursory glance at the bands nominated and you'll see some familiar faces. Not least Coldplay, a band that Q have constantly been interested in snuggling under the duvet with. They've been nominated for four awards, one being Best Album, another being Best Act In The World Today.
The thing is, whilst Coldplay may have sold a shed load of discs this year, and there is no disputing that, you have to bear in mind that they always will. They've got that sort of sizable fan base now that will go out and buy it no matter what. Even if Chris Martin recorded himself masturbating (and some would argue his music is just a great big dose of self gratification for the curly haired chump) there'd probably be people that would buy it. There would even be those who'd really, really enjoy it. And Q, would give it four stars. In fact if he let another man do the deed for him, they'd probably give it five for being "experimental."
The Breakthrough act (different somehow from Best New Act) see's Adele, Duffy and Gabriela Chilmi, alongside two acts who haven't really broke through. Perhaps that was Q's attempt to be a little bit bohemian, a little bit off the beaten track. In truth, I think Santogold has what it takes to do something a little special, but I'd hope that she "breaks through" a lot more next year. I'm just flummoxed by the lack of bands like Black Kids, MGMT, or even Noah and The Whale, all of whom have enjoyed big success in their first year. The same could be applied to the best new acts list.
What really got me going is something I really didn't expect to, and that was the inclusion of Oasis in the Best Band In The World section.
I love Oasis, I absolutely worship the ground they walk upon. I'll be voting for them in said category. However, how on Earth can they be the Best Band In The World at the moment, when the album isn't even out until two days after the awards are announced?
It's this sort of thing that make you realise that Q have lost their way. It's that sort of idea that they look after and champion the bands that they think people will want to see do well, rather than actually awarding the bands who are making their mark on music, and trying to do something for the good of the art.
Magazines like Q have a duty to the consumer. That duty is to promote and discover bands that we might not have heard of, and not to stay in the pockets of those who have already made it. Sticking Oasis on your front cover to sell copies is one thing, I can get on board with that. But giving them the chance to win an award proclaiming them as the best band of the year gone, two days before their album even comes out, shows just what Q has become.
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