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« on: March 26, 2009, 05:17:53 PM »
If we were to hypothetically limit this topic to major labels, I think Warner Brothers should definitely be considered. In the 70s and 80s, WB consistently demonstrated a willingness to give artists not only creative freedom, but also the time to develop artistically. The artists I'm mainly thinking of are Devo, Prince, The B52s, and Black Sabbath. WB recognized the potential in all of these artists without worrying whether or not their success would be instant. They were also smart enough to realize that absolute superstardom was not essential for commercial success; they recognized the value of a cult following. Prince for example had the freedom to do 4 LPs before recording the 1999 album which brought him to the forefront of the mainstream. Before that, he proved his potential with relatively successful hits like "I Wanna Be Your Lover" and "Controversy," but today I doubt such a finicky and eccentric artist would be give the same chance to make a 5th full length. Yet by 1982, he was able to not only produce commercially successful records, but also explore subversive, avant garde song writing styles. "Let's Pretend We're Married" is a bizarre and fucked up seven minute rampage, yet they had the guts to release it as a single. That simply would not fly today on a major label, at least as I see it.
Its very likely that Black Sabbath is responsible for WB's mentality, given their commercial success with the absence of radio playability. What is so commendable about WB is the fact that they learned from this lesson. They didn't think of it as a fluke, they actually recognized what made Black Sabbath so successful and then sought to sign artists with similar potential.
Obviously I cannot make the same argument for their television network. The fact that they canceled "Mission Hill" after its 2nd episode aired is a fucking travesty.
For independent labels I like BYG and SST. They stayed true to their creed throughout.
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