Radioinfo doing in-depth series on Top 40

[40fan]

I thought this would be relevant since there are frequent observations and even harsh criticism of the current state of Contemporary Hit Radio posted on this board. The website Radioinfo is going to publish a six-part overview of the format beginning Monday November 12th. A preview appears as the lead story for Friday November 9th in their General Radio Industry News.

www.radioinfo.com/

Should be some interesting reading.

[blackbowl68]

I'm one of the few people on this board that likes today's CHR records as much as those from the days of early rock 'n' roll. I think many here dislike the current crop because it seemingly takes a lot less effort for a current artist to make a hit record than back in the pre-computer age. To me, I feel this was always the case throughout the entire history of recorded music, as I believe the music early rock 'n' roll stars were making was very simplistic compared to that of contemporary artists during the Big Band era. But, most people on this board can't seem to fathom that.

[tarobe]

Agreed. Simple songs/arrangements/recordings have been around since well before before the dawn of rock and roll. Small independent companies such as Chess, Atlantic and Sun competed with the majors (RCA, Columbia, Decca, Capitol, Mercury, MGM and London), and their stuff was simpler and rawer. When they got a hit, the majors copied them, or signed away their talent.

A closely guarded secret about pop music (especially rock, country and blues) is that practically anyone can do it. Just three chords and a squawk (Four if you wanna get complicated). Now whether it's a hit or not is a totally different story.