The Way The Music Died is an episode of Frontline (by PBS) that looks at what’s happened to the music industry over the last couple of decades.

It makes some strong claims that the music industry has done a lot to hurt itself by demanding hits from the artists (on infeasable timscales) and ‘corporatizing’ artists by making them fit the mold to ensure profits.

The show talks about what it takes to become a success:

• A catchy radio tune.
• A good music video so that the hoards of MTV watching kids will buy your album.

• (Optional, but helpful): A large fan base from touring, etc.

For the record companies, it’s more of making the band a hit with one great song than putting together an album of great songs. Sometimes the better songs with better lyrics and a better tune are pushed aside for those that are a little catchier and fit better into the radio mold.

The whole episode is available online. It lasts a little under an hour. I’d recommend watching it if you’ve got the time.