Apologies if this is covered in another thread but I was wondering what's going on with Fundamental in the States.
Is it still due out June 26th?
Is there any media profile over there? Has anyone heard any of the new stuff on the radio (yeah, right).
Will the album be properly stocked in American stores?
Curious.
America
-
Verbal
- Posts: 99
- Joined: Tue 23 Nov 2004, 8:10 pm
It will be out June 27th in the US. New material is released on Tuesdays, hence the 27th.
In the very large markets, there may be some plays on the radio, but most of the rest of the country, it is already being written off as over-the-hill gay disco, which isn't popular.
The state of American music stores is a shambles of what it once was. There are very few independent music stores, and they are generally only in larger markets. Those stores, especially those that stock a diverse variety of music, will have it in stock. Otherwise, music buying is relegated to chain stores like Sam Goody or FYE or the like, which are generally overpriced and can be spotty as far as selection. The general music buying market will, however, go to larger discount stores like Best Buy or Target or Walmart. Best Buy will often have it, but Target and Walmart will not, as PSB are either not popular enough or PSB are not necessarily in the target demographic (and then there is the whole gay thing as well). Of course, there is the internet, which is the most consistent of them all, but it will not get the spur of the moment shoppers that will buy it thinking, "Oh, I really liked that West End girls song..."
In the very large markets, there may be some plays on the radio, but most of the rest of the country, it is already being written off as over-the-hill gay disco, which isn't popular.
The state of American music stores is a shambles of what it once was. There are very few independent music stores, and they are generally only in larger markets. Those stores, especially those that stock a diverse variety of music, will have it in stock. Otherwise, music buying is relegated to chain stores like Sam Goody or FYE or the like, which are generally overpriced and can be spotty as far as selection. The general music buying market will, however, go to larger discount stores like Best Buy or Target or Walmart. Best Buy will often have it, but Target and Walmart will not, as PSB are either not popular enough or PSB are not necessarily in the target demographic (and then there is the whole gay thing as well). Of course, there is the internet, which is the most consistent of them all, but it will not get the spur of the moment shoppers that will buy it thinking, "Oh, I really liked that West End girls song..."
-
Synature
- Posts: 90
- Joined: Wed 26 Apr 2006, 1:05 am
"Verbal" hit the nail on the head.
My concern was the small window between announcement date and street date. I know with movies you order your inventory 2-4 months in advance and anything last minute gets a lot less attention. Hopefully retail buyers saw the Rhino label as a positive and remembered The Cure remasters selling well (also on Rhino).
It was mentioned in an earlier thread by a couple of people that I'm with stupid has been heard on satellite radio in the US.
I haven't noticed anything in the media. I think NYC and LA are the only places where music is actually advertised (posters, billboards) outside of a record store. But it's only been a few weeks since anyone knew about a US release so it's too early to tell.
My concern was the small window between announcement date and street date. I know with movies you order your inventory 2-4 months in advance and anything last minute gets a lot less attention. Hopefully retail buyers saw the Rhino label as a positive and remembered The Cure remasters selling well (also on Rhino).
It was mentioned in an earlier thread by a couple of people that I'm with stupid has been heard on satellite radio in the US.
I haven't noticed anything in the media. I think NYC and LA are the only places where music is actually advertised (posters, billboards) outside of a record store. But it's only been a few weeks since anyone knew about a US release so it's too early to tell.
-
gomorrah
- Posts: 608
- Joined: Sun 28 May 2006, 4:57 pm
I called 107.3 in DC here when I heard them play West End girls the other day. they said they're willing to play Fundamental on the whole but will NOT play I'm with stupid. that's free press american style for you. 
I found the import copy in Tower Records - horrendously overpriced. of course, I bought it, and I shall also buy the US release.
I found the import copy in Tower Records - horrendously overpriced. of course, I bought it, and I shall also buy the US release.
I wooooooooooooooood if I cooooooood...
-
MD
- Posts: 655
- Joined: Wed 07 Jun 2006, 8:00 am
PSBs have 4 groups who buy thier CDs in the States;
1-those,like us, who are hard core fans
2-the gay/dance/clubing commiunity
3-fans of electronic music in general
4-nostalgia for 80s era new wave
Here, you can't begin to understand how unpopular electronic/dance/ pop music is.
You simply CANNOT get it played on top forty radio. This goes for all groups not just PSBs.
1,2 and 3 most likely make up 90% of those who buy PSBs CDs. In the states the average str8 buyer of this type of music is_ very_uncomfortable with gay topics in music. Being labled as a "gay" act is extremly bad for sales. This drawback is on top of the already limited synth pop market. PSB needs to keep this in mind when puting out new music in the states.
I myself am a die hard fan of PSB music, I am also str8. I have all pet shop boys studio recordings. Even so I cannot share MY love for what i think is the best band in the world. I am myself a left wing liberal who has no problem with people being gay or anything else they want to be. However, in the states, I am very much in the minority on this topic. I want PSBs cds to sell as many copies as they can; but for very self centered reason, If they are not profitable the record company's will dump them and there will be no more of the best music the world has ever known
I am a fan of another group that used to make great music too but no longer can. Dead or Alive. I hope the PSB will not go down the same road
1-those,like us, who are hard core fans
2-the gay/dance/clubing commiunity
3-fans of electronic music in general
4-nostalgia for 80s era new wave
Here, you can't begin to understand how unpopular electronic/dance/ pop music is.
You simply CANNOT get it played on top forty radio. This goes for all groups not just PSBs.
1,2 and 3 most likely make up 90% of those who buy PSBs CDs. In the states the average str8 buyer of this type of music is_ very_uncomfortable with gay topics in music. Being labled as a "gay" act is extremly bad for sales. This drawback is on top of the already limited synth pop market. PSB needs to keep this in mind when puting out new music in the states.
I myself am a die hard fan of PSB music, I am also str8. I have all pet shop boys studio recordings. Even so I cannot share MY love for what i think is the best band in the world. I am myself a left wing liberal who has no problem with people being gay or anything else they want to be. However, in the states, I am very much in the minority on this topic. I want PSBs cds to sell as many copies as they can; but for very self centered reason, If they are not profitable the record company's will dump them and there will be no more of the best music the world has ever known
I am a fan of another group that used to make great music too but no longer can. Dead or Alive. I hope the PSB will not go down the same road
-
Cdrodkey
- Posts: 259
- Joined: Wed 07 Jun 2006, 3:56 am
I think that being on Rhino might bring about some more of MD's fourth crowd, the 80s nostalgia. But this might also hurt crowds 2 and 3--being on Sanctuary probably got some notice.
What ever happened with the santuary relationship?
If it's any indication of how bizarre the U.S. is in terms of music tastes and electronic pop music, that there is a sizeable underground Christian electronic music scene, and with that group the Pets are VERY popular. I participate in the forum for the band Joy Electric and the PSBs are a regular conversation there. I can talk about that more if people are interested in that.
What ever happened with the santuary relationship?
If it's any indication of how bizarre the U.S. is in terms of music tastes and electronic pop music, that there is a sizeable underground Christian electronic music scene, and with that group the Pets are VERY popular. I participate in the forum for the band Joy Electric and the PSBs are a regular conversation there. I can talk about that more if people are interested in that.
-
West 4th
- Posts: 438
- Joined: Fri 21 Nov 2003, 12:42 am
- Contact:
Well I think you have a good chance if seeing the video on VH1 Classic though during their show Classic/Current. I'll keep my TiVo on the lookout for it so.
If they are smart they'll do a "Hangin' With" show. Erasure and New Order have both done that where they'll do an hour show with videos of theirs other artists videos and an interview as well as playing the new video.
If they are smart they'll do a "Hangin' With" show. Erasure and New Order have both done that where they'll do an hour show with videos of theirs other artists videos and an interview as well as playing the new video.
-
patrick
- Posts: 1215
- Joined: Mon 13 Mar 2006, 9:32 pm
Nonsense. The majority of Top 40 radio is nothing but electronic music. Since You Been Gone anyone?MD wrote:Here, you can't begin to understand how unpopular electronic/dance/ pop music is. You simply CANNOT get it played on top forty radio.
Nonsense again. The "average buyer" of electronic music as you're applying the term made peace with sexuality years ago. If they hadn't they'd be locked out of buying almost every band out there!In the states the average str8 buyer of this type of music is_ very_uncomfortable with gay topics in music.
Not everything has to do with homophobia, people. The PSB make great music and I utterly adore them but the fact of the matter is that they are not making "radio friendly" tunes anymore. Frankly I'm shocked some fans still expect them to at their age. Something like Integral makes us weak at the knees but it sounds over a decade behind the times as far as radio goes.
-
JT X
- Posts: 141
- Joined: Fri 12 May 2006, 2:55 am
I'm another JE forum poster, FWIW...Cdrodkey wrote:If it's any indication of how bizarre the U.S. is in terms of music tastes and electronic pop music, that there is a sizeable underground Christian electronic music scene, and with that group the Pets are VERY popular. I participate in the forum for the band Joy Electric and the PSBs are a regular conversation there. I can talk about that more if people are interested in that.
...Something interesting...like a graphic designer...
-
VinnyM27
- Posts: 152
- Joined: Mon 23 Aug 2004, 6:48 am
On the radio front, I can't think of any stations where I live that would play them other than maybe 89X, but they are more rock oreinated alternative (although they did play Gnarls Barkley's "Crazy") and something like I'm with stupid would come off as too pop (in fact, most of the album would....since it is pop!).
As far as Sirius radio (the one I have and adore), I did a search and they've so far only been play on OutQ, which is ab LGBT talk station that plays music every so often. It's not a station that I listen to that often althouh Frank DeCaro is pretty funny. It seems like instead of playing "gay friendly" music, they make more of an effort to highlight gay artist, so maybe that's why PSB is being played....they are certainly more catchy than most of the stuff I've heard on there (lots of whiny folk). Now Sirius has a classic alternative station that shows the boys lots of love ("Love Comes Quickly" gets played a surprising amount of times, as does "Suburbia", which where never big on US radio). Their best bet is to get played on The Beat, the dance station (to update, I just did another search....looks like the Beat is playing it a lot starting a few days ago!). Also, there is a ninties and now pop station titled The Pulse, which is kind of all over the place but often focuses on popular soft rock hits.
I know I've said this before...Sorry.
As far as where it will sell, Walmart seems out of the question unless Rhino pushes it there. Target doesn't....they are kind of hipe and if they put it in their Sunday ad, it will be available...If not, no way! Best Buy and Circuit City are highly likely to put it in their ad. If not, it's almost a garuntee that they will have a copy of two. I really hope the album is pushed a little and shows up in the ads.
As far as Sirius radio (the one I have and adore), I did a search and they've so far only been play on OutQ, which is ab LGBT talk station that plays music every so often. It's not a station that I listen to that often althouh Frank DeCaro is pretty funny. It seems like instead of playing "gay friendly" music, they make more of an effort to highlight gay artist, so maybe that's why PSB is being played....they are certainly more catchy than most of the stuff I've heard on there (lots of whiny folk). Now Sirius has a classic alternative station that shows the boys lots of love ("Love Comes Quickly" gets played a surprising amount of times, as does "Suburbia", which where never big on US radio). Their best bet is to get played on The Beat, the dance station (to update, I just did another search....looks like the Beat is playing it a lot starting a few days ago!). Also, there is a ninties and now pop station titled The Pulse, which is kind of all over the place but often focuses on popular soft rock hits.
I know I've said this before...Sorry.
As far as where it will sell, Walmart seems out of the question unless Rhino pushes it there. Target doesn't....they are kind of hipe and if they put it in their Sunday ad, it will be available...If not, no way! Best Buy and Circuit City are highly likely to put it in their ad. If not, it's almost a garuntee that they will have a copy of two. I really hope the album is pushed a little and shows up in the ads.
-
Synature
- Posts: 90
- Joined: Wed 26 Apr 2006, 1:05 am
Patrick is right regarding "radio friendly" tunes. However, if we know this then why doesn't the promotion department know it as well.
LOGO should be playing I'm with stupid on their "New Now Next" video program though I haven't seen it yet.
I don't think the record pools have received promos yet. (Any US DJ that knows different please correct me)
At least it's getting a US release. We haven't seen a domestic single since New York city boy. Pop Art and BP never saw the light of day here either.
Meanwhile, Erasure could do an album of fart noises and it would be available everywhere in America and get three domestic single releases! (Nothing against Erasure, just an example of what I encounter in the record stores)
LOGO should be playing I'm with stupid on their "New Now Next" video program though I haven't seen it yet.
I don't think the record pools have received promos yet. (Any US DJ that knows different please correct me)
At least it's getting a US release. We haven't seen a domestic single since New York city boy. Pop Art and BP never saw the light of day here either.
Meanwhile, Erasure could do an album of fart noises and it would be available everywhere in America and get three domestic single releases! (Nothing against Erasure, just an example of what I encounter in the record stores)