Is That Really Necessary?!… Numero Dos

Welcome back to my weekly rant on all things bothersome. Things that we all experience, that we often think: “Whyyyy?? Is that really necessary?!”

By Jill

This week: claiming rights to a band.

Example: The Fray, Maroon 5, Corinne Bailey Rae, The Backstreet Boys, Jesse Palter, Madonna, Ok-Go Tally Hall.

Some of these musicians you’ve heard of- some maybe not… some are or were huge stars, some are unsigned. Yet, if you listen to any of these artists’ songs in front of another person a conversation like this will ultimately ensue:

You: “How good is this song?”

ITRNO (Is That Really Necessary Offender): “Oh, this song? Yeah, this song is good, but I’m so sick of it now. I started listening to The Fray loooong before they were signed to a major label and way before their CD was available to the public. In fact, I knew every single word to this song before they even wrote it. So, ha! I am so cool. Way cooler than you because I listened to this band first.”

Okay, so maybe the last half was a teeny-tiny bit of an exaggeration, but you know that’s exactly what they are thinking and just not saying it outloud!

I don’t get these people! Do they want a cookie or a medal because they knew of a song or new artist first?!

I’ll say it: These people’s songs become massive hits for a reason. Obviously they are talented, or know how to write catchy lyrics (or they have others working for them who do-but that’s neither here nor there). And NOBODY, I repeat, NOBODY cares if you listened to them first.

Do you think that Adam Levine cares to hear that you knew his songs before he was signed? Absolutely not. Chances are, he is more grateful to the most recent person who bought his most recent album- because that person is putting money into his pocket right now (especially with the downfall of the music industry in the past few years).

So please, save your breath and save me from wanting to pull my hair out and just nod your head in agreement that this song is in fact, rockout-able.

I mean really, that whole speech where you proclaim your long history of adoration? Is That Really Necessary?

I think a big huge not.