Why music does or does not sell

New Scientist: "Last year, two big music markets bucked the global sales trend: Britain and France.  How come?  Both countries have produced home-grown, non-manufactured acts that have committed fan bases built up through the traditional virtues of performing and regular new songs.  Instead of expending all its energy stamping out piracy, some observers believe that the industry should stop pushing manufactured, anodyne music that many feel no compunction about stealing, and rediscover the art of nurturing bands worth paying to hear."  (I've linked to the home page as the article is currently available only in the 6 July print edition.)