i-eoruary ■ U-Notes PAGE 3
MUSIC
With DOUG NEEMS
920 Lady St.
Columbia, S.C. 29201
803-254-1421
Doug Neems. deeiay at The Scorpio,
holds a journalism degree torn the Uni
versity of North Carolina.
The year 1986 was something ot a
milestone in the music business — not
because oi new and noteworthy artists,
but for the lack of them.
Record companies elected to play it
safe rather than support innovative and
progressive talent. A quick look at the
overall economic picture brings an ex
planation (though no consolation).
We witness large corporations taking
over small enterprises at an alarming
rate. Monopolistic control is the major
objective and is largely admired by the
public. Champions of idealism bite the
dust; the cjiiest for power grows. Innova
tion is shot down and circular thinking
maintains the status quo.
How is the music industry affected?
Artists fear alienation from the buying
public, and therefore compromise. Con
formity is demanded. Mediocre but
marketable performers become super-
stars through media hype. Songwriters
are expendable; who needs to waste
money on new material when you can
‘8x10 Glossy’ Set
For March 19-21
Charlotte's Women In Performance —
known for the much acclaimed "Late
Snow" — will stage "8x10 Glossy" at
Spirit Square March 19-21.
The Sarah Dreher work, which played
off-Broadway in New York, tells of two
sisters —• one is a lesbian photojoumalist
— and their mother who come together
on the anniversary of the father's death.
Their memories are explosive.
To reserve tickets, call 704/364-1275.
record a cover version of an old stan
dard for half the price? Witness the ever
growing number of "classic rock" and
"all hit" radio stations. The instant grati
fication syndrome prevaUs.
Proponents of the slowdown argue
that they're only giving the public what
it wants. Why bother to expand the taste
of the people when the current material
pacifies? It's the same attitude as asking
why society should bother to educate
ghetto children since their poverty level
keeps them under control.
And so we stagnate, caught in the
money trap. No one wants to lose a job
in a questionable economy where class
differences between wealth and pov
erty become more evident daily.
I hove no suggestion for a solution; in
fact, I doubt anyone does. You see, as
long as the cash registers keep ringing,
record company execs are convinced
that no problems exist. Alas, the rich get
richer. 1 only hope that somewhere a
cure for tunnel vision in in the works.
Doug's Top Ten
1. Debbie Gibson, "Only In My Dreams,"
Atlantic 12-inch
2. Expose, "Come Go With Me." Arista 12-
inch
3. Human League, "I Need Your Loving,"
A&M 12-inch
4. Madonna, "Open Your Heart," Sire 12-
inch
5. SOS Bond, "No Lies," Tabu 12-inch
6. Tracey Ackerman, "Love Hangover"
7. Linda, "Fire," On The Spot 12-inch
8. Trance Dance, "Do the Dance" (remix).
Epic 12-inch
9. Stacey Q, "We Connect," Atlantic 12-inch
10. Peter Gabriel, "Big Time," Getten 12-inch
Pick Hits
Billy Idol, "Don't Need a Gun" (remix). Chrys
alis 12-inch
Lisa Smith, "Sweet Fantasy," TBR 12-tnch
FunFun, "Happy Station" (remix), TSR 12-inch
Sabby Reyes. "Friday Night." JDC 12-inch
Weathergirls
One Show Only
FRIOAY, FEB. 13
Advance Tickets
On Sale Now
$7 In Advance
$8 At The Ooor
Monday-Thursday 4 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Friday 4 p.m.-4 a.m.
Saturday 9 p.m.-4 a.m.
Sundays 9 p.m.-2 a.m.
February Fantasies!
. : TEB. 7
'S| Battles & Jaymes Night
YESI We»ve Giving Away
FEANK & EB _
Drawing At IMUdnight ■
DURING FEBRUARY
NO COVER!
Wednesdays & Fridays
Beer And Drink Specials
THURSDAY, FEB. 12
Ladies Night
Jane Barlow From Atlanta
Live! In Person!
SUNDAY SHOWCASE
Showtime At 11:30
Includes Boom Boom Latour V Michele Craig
Kasey King V Jamie Monroe T Kasey King
Geri O’Neal If Amber Blake V Tina Terrell
Grand Prix If Buffy DeMareau If Tracy Morgan
Plus “Cheri” Live!
WEDNESDAY. EEB. 18
lIllpdMefflbers, Birthday Party
'.!! 1 t|„Fi?e«"'Cl&o(inagnc ’To Members
'■T''**' "i®''' With Birthdays In February
2301 Freedom Drive • Charlotte, N.C. • 373-9124
Be Prepared! Mardi Gras Costume Ball Wednesday, March 4