In regards to becoming successful in the music industry, a wise person once said “You have a lifetime to write your first album and six months for the follow-up.” It’s this principle that leads to the supposed 2nd album “jinx” that befalls most debut album sensations. But in reality, there is no sophomore slump. While the band may make some changes or tweak their sound a bit, the biggest change is in people’s expectations. Which brings us to Deadspin.
I’ve seen a good deal of post-Leitch discussion of Deadspin in the blogosphere lately, which is largely critical, and it reminds me of The Second Album Phase. Since writing is as subjective as music (necessary basic fundamentals combined with taste), the quality really depends on your perspective. For both Deadspin and a band’s follow up album, people fall into four basic categories:
1. Hipster:
“____ used to be great, back when I saw ‘em live at this little club in SoHo, but they don’t stack up anymore. Now I’m really into this Malaysian polka funk fusion band.”
These people are ready to move on once something becomes mainstream. Now that Deadspin has gained the access they previously mocked, these people are jumping ship in record numbers and decrying the ‘Spin’s popularity. They almost always cite the erosion of humor in commenting.
2. True Believer:
“This album is even better than the last one! Notice the subtle influences of David Bowie and The Smiths.”
True believers are willing to overlook every fault and brazenly trumpet any positives, even if they’re only perceived. For the Deadspin, they’d even discuss the merits of a new Gawker commenting system.
3. New Arrival:
“I heard about them in (fill in trendy magazine/show/podcast) and just picked up the new album. Can’t believe I haven’t heard of them before.”
These are folks that just found out about this whole sports blog thing and are super fired up to start participating in the comment section. They probably name-drop Deadspin around the office on a regular basis and convince friends to check it out.
4. Fan in Protest:
“I was really skeptical once I heard the first single but I bought the album anyway. It’s OK, but not special.”
Disappointed but not beaten, these are OG ‘Spinners that still comment relatively regularly but not nearly as enthusiastically as the glory days.
Cool post. I think they are taking a step back and trying to be a little bit more like a newspaper.
I think the Leitch departure has given them an excuse to change directions, grow up a little, and be more credible, while still staying true to their blog roots.
They will lose some fans, but I do not think they will have another Costas, Buzz, Leitch massacre round table discussion. Remember that it is a corporation, it is not some kid in a basement. Sorry Buzz. They want that credibility. They do not want to be laughed at.
I guess I would be classified as the unqualified music reviewer with Rolling Stone aspirations.
Stone
BTW . . . In Utero was Nirvana’s third album.
I was there from the beginning. I just can’t get excited about DS anymore, but I love your philosophy. Great post.
Its funny that you mention “lack of humor in the comments” because if anything I think they are trying to over do it. Iracane will ax you if you are not funny. (and sometimes if you are)
I don’t get that. It isn’t a humor blog; it’s a sports blog. Why are you going to disable the commenting of people who actually want to talk about sports?