Of Montreal, Reactionism, and Status Quo

To the delight of some, and disgust of others, Of Montreal have appeared in yet another TV spot, this time physically appearing to play themselves. Its similar to the way I feel about most commercials (doesn't create interest in the product), but it's still cute and admirable that they're able to poke fun at themselves.



In response to the inevitable claims that he's "selling out", Kevin Barnes wrote a quick little entry on his feelings on the subject. Its great because instead of staying on the defense, he instead attacks the impossible standards of those who love to toss around the "s" word.

I've been discovering lately a new group of shitty people. They exist in all shapes and forms and hold all kinds of different ideals, but they all have one trait in common. They romanticize and dream for an unlikely idea to come to become reality, but as soon as it does come to fruitation, they abandon it adopt a new idea that is 180 DEGREES FROM THEIR ORIGINAL DREAM. These are the people who don't want the world to be perfect because then there will be nothing to revolt against. These are the people who despise "lesser of two evils" politics, but as soon as they discover a grassroots type candidate, such as Ron Paul, they attack him because he could "never win". In this case, its these type of people who are quick to call someone a sell out, yet complain about modern popular music being bullshit. Which one do you want? Good music to stay an underground phenomenon, or for the masses to respect and listen to good music? Popular music isn't going to become good, good music needs to become popular. This is why its not bad for artists to sell themselves to the man (while of course holding a shred of dignity, mind you). Shit, no one accused the Beatles of selling out right? Status quo FTL.

http://www.stereogum.com/archives/commercial-appeal/of-montreal-art-brut-do-tmobile.html