Seriously, I'm astounded by the number of online posts that indicate unhappiness with GPN's "New Directions". Why? Mostly because I think it shows a serious lack of understanding of the business side of the music industry or a simple willingness to not consider the facts in front of them.

Some folks seem to think an opening slot with Kenny Chesney / Tim McGraw indicates
- GPN is becoming a country band - and that's why Cat left
- GPN no longer cares about their fans since none of them will be able to afford tickets to this show
- GPN has "sold out" (again)

County Band? GPN has always been a little twangy haven't they. Look way back in the catalog at, I don't know, "Piss on Your Hand" for example. If that doesn't have an "alt-country" feel then I don't know what does. "Things I Never Needed" I could go on. Most of GPN's ballads could live easily on a country record. Of course, if you make the mistake of assuming "Country" = "Country Pop" then I can't help you anyway.

As to Cat, really? Really? Cat played for years with Ryan Adams - please find me someone else who straddles the indie-rock/alt-country line so successfully. Take a listen to Cat's playing with Joe Whyte and some of the Puss N' Boots catalog. You'd have to be closing your ears to think Cat's departure had anything to do with "Going Country"

GPN no longer cares about their fans? Look, the band has booked less than 20 dates with KC/TM. For a band that regularly plays 200 dates a  year that amounts to 10% of their shows. Does anyone think that they'll only perform those dates until the end of the summer? Really? I'm pretty sure they'll be other chances to see GPN at shows that don't cost an average of $150. Now, that said, if KC/TM can bring folks in at that price I say good for them. Clearly SOME fans think they're getting value out of it. 

And really - how do bands succeed these days? The only sure bet is to play in front of as many people as you possibly can to build your fan base. There are two ways to do that. 1 - More Shows, 2 - Bigger Crowds. After years and years of grinding it out on the road do you, as a fan, really want to say "Oh please, don't play for the big crowds". It's what bands do. For you, it's a night at a concert. For them, it's a career. 

Selling out - that phrase makes me want to puke. But still, go read this -<a href="http://www.thisissomewhere.com/2010/06/03/dave-eggers-once-a-year-like-clockwork/"> "Once a year like clockwork"</a>.

This internet thing has some troubles don't it?

