Whats wrong with HMV?

I think it  was Malcolm MacLaren that said that records shops were becoming like libraries. Now HMV threatens to go the same way as local council run libraries with the news this week that they were calling in the accountants KPMG HMV Hires KPMG to help avoid breaching convenants HMV had already announced earlier this month that they planned to close 60 stores as they struggle in a market that has already seen the closure of Tower Records in 2006 and Zavvi in 2009 (formerly Virgin). They are also in competition with Amazon and the big supermarkets like Tesco and Asda who can cut prices on CDs and DVDs and video games. The typical shopping experience nowadays is a constant sale and sometimes there is a 'skip' sale selling old CDs and DVDs for silly prices.     

HMV does not seem to have caught up with changes in technology like MP3s and streaming of videos. This is not all HMV’s fault - the record companies and artists have decided that their money is to be made in live entertainment and merchandise as people no longer buy or listen to music like they used to. HMV has attempted to keep up with this by taking over live venues such as Brixton Academy and The Forum. The Ipod means that people do not listen to a whole album and skip tracks. You Tube and other streaming sites have meant people view film and TV in a whole new way. The games industry tend to be the main beneficiaries as people spend more money on new games compared to CD or DVD.

However the shops have not really changed. The listening posts that used to be throughout the shop are now restricted to one that is usually out of order. Compare this with the old Virgin listening posts where you could scan a CD and listen to tracks when you wanted to. Tablet pc’s are an emerging technology but HMV doesn’t seem to have developed any Apps for this market - unlike its competitor WH Smiths who have expanded into ebooks. Something needs  to change.

I still buy Cds as I like to have a hard copy  and like to have something more 'physical' rather but I do miss the artwork in the days of vinyl. Most people usually rip these to play on an MP3 player. It would be great to be able to unlock more enhanced content perhaps also making use of the new emerging Apps market. The customer loyalty card could also be improved so that points could be spent in store instead of  being restricted to awards online. HMV does seem to be good at doing tie ins for new game releases but perhaps they should be having exhibitions in store linked to new releases. HMV have also had a lot of in store performances  in the past and they should be doing more of this. Is it too late to change? Rough Trade and Fopp still continue to survive albeit with reduced stores but they provide a better experience for their customers. HMV need to adapt or they face a sudden death.

The Alternative Sounds of 2011

Disappointingly Radio One has been predictable and just gone for the most commercial artists in this years Top 5 Sounds of 2011. They could have gone for more cutting edge acts but have settled for Jessie J at   No 1. Perhaps I am being a professional cynic. Jessie J does have talent as a songwriter but  her track Do It Like A Dude was too much like Rhianna (probably as she originally wrote it for her). I am also getting fed up of videos of women in their underwear. Burlesque is so passée darling!

The top 5 Radio One list was far too pop and contrived. So in the spirit of John Peel here are my top five for 2011 selected from the acts they should have selected from their longlist.

1. Anna Calvi

2. Mona

3. Esben and the Witch

4. Naked and the Famous

5. Warpaint 

Anna Calvi

Everyone is naming Londoner Anna Calvi as a tip for 2011. She has been described by Radio One as being a Rockabilly, intense, broken hearted chanteuse. She has also been mentioned in the new music of 2011 in The Guardian Guide and tipped by XFM. She has a quite distinctive image strumming her Telecaster whilst channeling the voice of Edith Piaf. The sound could be from a spaghetti western or Quentin Tarintino movie, a mix of flamenco and fifties rockabilly.

Her influences are wide ranging from Maria Callas, Edith Piaf to Captain Beefheart, The Stones and Jeff Buckley. Messiaen, Ravel, and Debussy are the classical influences learned from her childhood violin lessons. She was encouraged by Brian Eno who was impressed by her stripped down performances the attic Sessions. One of the songs is a great version of David Bowie's Sound and Vision (see You Tube Attic Sessions). Nick Cave has also been a supporter.
 
Her music is quite organic using a minimum of instruments, Guitar, drums and harmonium. Mally Harpez provides the Guitar, percussion and harmonium and  Daniel Maiden Wood drums on her live shows. Her 8 track recorded demo is produced by Rob Elliss-producer of PJ Harvey and was recorded in London and France.  Her single Jezebel is a flamenco inspired song and Love Won't be Leaving continues the dark sound. Her self titled debut is released on 17th January.