If you are prone to massive exaggeration, last year’s surprise Christmas Number 1 was a victory for the forces of good against the almost supernaturally evil presence that is Simon Cowell. Rage Against the Machine’s victory was prompted by Facebook campaign which encouraged people to download their song ‘Killing in the Name Of’ to prevent X Factor winner Joe McElderry from hitting top spot. It was fun, a bit of a laugh and it revived interest in the charts for about five minutes.But, as is always the case when you let democracy run wild, people just have to spoil it. As sure as night follows day and Snow Patrol release dull records, the Facebook Campaign ‘to get (insert name of artist here) to Number 1!’ has spread quicker than a cold sore at a school disco. Suddenly, they are all at it.
Take, for instance, the Courteeners. Previously purveyors of the sort of landfill indie that Jo Whiley loves, they’ve returned with a new single by the name of ‘You Overdid It, Love’ which I would adore for the casual sexism alone if it wasn’t for the fact that, shockingly, it’s really rather wonderful. Possessed of the kind of genuine, cocksure swagger that Manc bands do better than anyone else, it’s better than anything Oasis have written in over a decade and makes even a shrinking violet such as I want to punch someone whilst wearing a Henri Lloyd jacket.
But, inevitably, some smartarse in their label’s marketing department – sorry, adoring fan – has launched a Facebook campaign to get it to the top slot. Oh, for Christ sake, can we just wrap this now? And it’s not just middling indie bands who are at it; unsigned artists, Wild Willy Barrett, the Pope….they are all having a go. (Except the Pope. That was a lie.)
So please, please, stop it. The charts have been devalued enough, but even above that, it’s just sad. When people are resorting to this stuff to plug themselves, well, it’s difficult to feel that you simply aren’t worth plugging. If it’s good it will find an audience. Possibly a small one, an audience nonetheless.
Everything gets copied, we know that, but this is one we have the power to nip in the bud. Maybe I should launch a Facebook campaign?
Oh, and here’s the Courteeners single; not a phrase I thought I’d ever type on ELM.
Filed under: General Stuff Tagged: | campaigns, Courteeners, facebook, facebook campaigns, you overdid it doll
