When it comes to being successful in the music biz I definitely believe that “timing is everything.” And just to be clear, I'm not talking about the ability to “keep time” — I'm talking about one's “arrival on the scene”—in the grand scheme of things—at a certain point in history. Of course talent, musicianship, sex appeal, showmanship and originality don't hurt… but there are plenty of bands with all that who led a comet's existence: flaring bright momentarily only to flare out prematurely due to bad timing. “Bad timing” typically occurs when more than a few bands appear at the same time sharing the same musical sensibility, craftsmanship and propensity for penning a poppy tune. Influences are cyclical—as is reaction to influences—so this phenomena is not uncommon. What gets my goat is the notion that there can't be more than one “nugget of gold” when all the sifting is done. Lots of bands fall through the cracks because in one critic's opinion they sound too much like the band that first encouraged them to “pick up a guitar and play.” Lots of bands go unnoticed because they supposedly sound “just like everything else out there.” Lots of bands are doomed to obscurity because their brilliant debut is eclipsed by someone else's brilliant debut. Survival of the fittest isn't necessarily a bad thing when it comes to music—provided “the fittest” doesn't simply equate to longevity or having low friends in high places or the public's reluctance to try a slightly different flavor…
PictureThe Dylans
The Dylans were a neo-psychedelic British band from Sheffield, England. The formed in 1990, charted three top 10 UK hits over the next two years, and recorded two albums. By 1993 they were gone. Today's Happy Medium Song of the Day not only continues February's romantic motif… it introduces a band few have ever heard, but many, I think, will enjoy. “Planet Love” comes from the band's self-titled debut from 1991. It's all wishful thinking, galloping drum beats, crashing chords and banging tambourines. You just can't go wrong with a song like that, can you? (Please use the comments box to share your thoughts.)