I can't be the only one who thinks that an act who list amongst their achievements the termination of a major-label contract are trying to put a positive spin on what could be the end of a promising career. Rather like the spurned lover who tells everyone who will listen, 'She didn't dump me, I dumped her, and good riddance' while sobbing into their drink, Will and the People make a big deal in their promotional blu(r)b about how they've 'broken free from a 4-album deal with Sony / RCA.' Good work. Is that because, like Jedwood's failure to achieve a number one single despite the immense hype, Will and the People's tours with Paolo Nutini, The Script, The Hoosiers and Girls Aloud failed to win them nearly the audience the label had hoped, or did they really feel the need to make a break for artistic freedom in order to produce the kind of 'reggae tinged indie-pop' that is so close to their hearts, and which will propel them to megastardom with or without record company backing?
|
Obviously, I would hate to speculate in too much detail, because I may be completely mistaken: the chronology isn't rendered apparent. Make of that what you will. Similarly, the fact they've been 'championed by Jo Whiley' don't impress me much, and neither does this, their second single. It's jaunty, chirpy, and largely forgettable. Perhaps the world doesn't need reggae tinged indie-pop right now. Or ever.
|
