Great Debate - Is There Any Merit In Supergroups?

Music fans are an uber-opinionated bunch, and our staff here is no exception. With that, I introduce to you a brand spankin’ new column called “Great Debate,” which will be posted every Tuesday. So what the heck is it? This new platform to flaunt our outspoken ways will see two alternating CB Music writers duke it out over varying topics in 300 words or less. At the end of each article, you’ll be asked the question: Where do you stand? If you like music, then you surely have plenty to say about it. We’re listening. -- Lexi Feinberg, Music Editor.


Is There Any Merit In Supergroups?

Yay!

-- Brian Williams

Call ‘em what you want, but these supergroups have the upper hand over their newer contemporaries. Why? Three reasons: 1- They already have a proven track record as far as sales and visibility, 2- Fans of their former bands will be probably be fans of the newer incarnation (it’s brand name loyalty) and 3- They already know the music biz ropes. They don’t have to bow to label pressure or conform to current trends for the sake of a dollar, so you won’t be seeing Panic Channel release an emo album anytime soon.

Every super, whatever its measure of commercial success, is signed to a major label that knew a good thing when they heard it. I know that goes against my usually anti-big label grain, but the fact is, the suits knew the supers weren’t just rehashing old material or holding on to past glories (i.e., Axl Rose). The supers have--not had--something fresh going on. Ticket sales and airplay reflect that fact.

Some accuse the supers of cashing in. Sure, money’s a factor (yeah, like you’d turn it down), but since these cats aren’t hurting for cash in the first place, that leaves the primary reason being the pure love of rocking out. So whether it’s well-knowns like Velvet Revolver or the lesser-knowns like Army of Anyone or the Transplants, one thing’s for sure: These super mash-ups still have something creatively valid to offer.

And even if some critics still argue they’re past their prime, remember: It’s always better to be a Has Been than a Never Was. Will it last forever? (Does anything in the music biz?) For now, the supers still beat what’s supposed to pass for “rock” in this day and age.

Nay!

-- J.P. Gorman

Aside from the performers involved, there is generally nothing special about so-called “supergroups.” Yes, a collection of established talent has tantalizing potential and pretty much limitless creative possibilities. More often than not, however, a supergroup is simply a collection of egos looking for a way to remain in the limelight and maximize earnings.

This is not to say all supergroups are bad ideas. The Traveling Wilburys wrote some great songs that played to the strengths of each individual member. Cream took blues rock in a whole new direction, not to mention gave us a great joke that sums up Eric Clapton’s career. (What do Eric Clapton and coffee have in common? Think about it for a bit.) These are the exception.

Take the recently deceased Audioslave. Zack de la Rocha left Rage Against the Machine, and Chris Cornell’s solo career was floundering. Sounds like a match made in hard rock heaven, right? Unfortunately, the music produced sounded like RATM guest starring the dude from Soundgarden.

On its 2005 fall tour, the group seemed to realize where the money was at, playing some of Soundgarden’s hits and a Rage medley (the show I went to ended with “Killing in the Name of,” one of the only Rage songs Cornell is capable of singing). What’s more, the group swore it wouldn’t do this when it first formed. It wasn’t bad, but it also wasn’t Audioslave, the new and independently superior band.

Therein lies the problem with supergroups: it’s almost impossible to extricate the people in the band from their previous work. If you like listening to talented people taking turns soloing, pop in an Oysterhead CD (better yet, don’t). But since these bands didn’t come up together, little other than their respective fame bonds them. Then, it’s really just a clip show.

Where Do You Stand?

Last Week's Column: Are The Red Hot Chili Peppers Still Hot?

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