Uncertain Times

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During the uncertain times of 2002, concertgoers seemed to go for familiarity and long term established acts led by Sir Paul McCartney who dominated the year's list of top-grossing tours. Fourteen of touring's top 25 acts of 2002 were active at some level in 1972. While that is impressive, it asks the question:  Who will take their place in the years to come?  Among the best of the best, this was a year where household names such as McCartney, the Rolling Stones, Billy Joel, Elton John, Cher, Neil Diamond, Aerosmith, the Eagles, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, the Who, Jimmy Buffett, and Bruce Springsteen all kept the concert halls at capacity. The older acts are still doing big business, however, whether new acts will draw 20 years from now is the question. Right now, the Rolling Stones are the leaders. Showing us all you can be in your 60’s and still Rock 'N' Roll." To be a little more optimistic, Dave Matthews, who outdrew them all, could still be here 20 years from now.

Taking a look at the singles charts from last year according to Billboard.  In the category of Pop, in a year where American hip-hop artists were so dominant, the No. 1 song on Billboard's Hot 100 summary is by a Canadian rock band.  Nickelback takes top honors with "How You Remind Me" (Roadrunner), a song that spent four weeks at No. 1.  Nickelback is the first Canadian act to top the Hot 100 annual tally since 1991, when Bryan Adams was No. 1 for the year with "(Everything I Do) I Do It for You." 

In the jazz world the number one star of 2002 was another Canadian, Diana Krall.  "The Look of Love" (Verve/VG) is No. 1 on Billboard's Top Jazz Albums wrap-up. It was also the top album of 2001. Krall's follow-up, "Live in Paris," is the No. 3 title of the year.  Tony Bennett has the No. 2 album of the year with "Playin' With My Friends: Bennett Sings the Blues" (RPM/Columbia).

In Country music it was a great year for Kenny Chesney. "The Good Stuff" (BNA), is the longest-running No. 1 single of 2002, at seven weeks, and is the No. 1 song of the year on Billboard's Top Country Singles & Tracks chart.  If Shania Twain had released her album in 2002 it would mean that out of pop, country and jazz, the chart toppers would all be Canadian artists.  However, two out of three ain’t bad.

I must have missed something, but somewhere in the retailers code the cashiers have changed their banter at the check out counter.  “Thank you” seems to have been replaced by “’there you go”.  I didn’t know they had a union but someone must have started this latest change in check out protocol.  I guess they don’t want to appear too appreciative of taking our money.  We should be thanking them.

Thank you,

later,

Fustuk