“Too much information!”
The iTunes celeb playlists were a really big thing a while ago, and I suppose for some they still are. I’ve been using the software too long now — my eyes glaze over when I see them.
And sadly, this exact scenario probably exemplifies why.
Stereogum reports that Kevin Smith was asked to submit a favorite playlist, with some commentary on each song. But Kevin’s idea of commentary varied from Apple’s idea — as well as the idea of most all the notable names before him who posted a playlist for iTunes. From Silent Bob Speaks:
“This is a great playlist,� Darin from Apple wrote. “Too great,
actually. We don’t have the space for comments that run that long. Will
he be OK with us editing them (significantly) or would he prefer to do
that himself? Two sentences for each track is a good outline.�Pam’s
follow-up email, while flattering, was little help: “My contact (at
Apple) said he’s never had this problem before. He shared that usually
he receives play lists that don’t include any comments. He said yours
is the best they’ve ever received and he wishes they could make it
work.�But the idea of trimming down (significantly,
apparently) that Rorschach of the Soul known as the Celebrity Playlist
didn’t interest me. So with no hard feelings on either behalf, I
declined inclusion.
Number one, good for him. I really applaud that he amicably shrugged, declined and wasn’t too worried about the missed opportunity — yeah it would have been nice, and yeah that might have actually been a celebrity who’s music tastes I cared to know more about. But really…the creative mind of Mr. Kevin Smith is just not made for the hooky-ness that I can’t get past with those mixes. A cut up, editorialized version, when compared to the full length, in-all-it’s-glory run down on his blog would probably be like the difference between Jersey Girl and Clerks.
Number two, I don’t blame iTunes. I don’t know if enough of the audience on iTunes would have had the attention span to sit and scroll through his thoughts and reasoning there, which has a far different feel than scanning and contemplating the playlist on the web, on his personal blog. The traffic is undoubtedly smaller, but it’s more targeted and much more likely to consist of fans. Right move for both parties.
Number three, I think it’s pretty sad that most celebs just submit the music. What a waste! I know you’re busy, and I know it may seem trivial, but come on…we all have reasons why we love songs and for any playlist that has been carefully, thoughtfully, (painstakingly even) crafted…then again I’m sure a good percentage of participants go with what’s hot…or don’t even create it themselves at all (cynical, I know…but come on if not a good percentage there just HAS to be at least one or two of them…).
I encourage you to check out his playlist, in all it’s glory.
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