Bum Rushin' The Man

Have you heard about the Bum Rush The Charts movement yet?

Got this from Mitch Joel who, as the Prince of Podcasting, is beaming with pride with the possibilities.  As the Bum Rushers say on their website/manifesto:

On March 22nd, 2007 we are going to strike fear into the hearts of the music industry and make an independent music artist #1 on iTunes.

That's quite the ultimatum.  And as a “cause,” I share Mitch's enthusiasm with it.  This is powerful, exciting, vibrant and sends a strong message to both artistry and industry.

But it ain’t Surprise.

In fact, I suspect that’s just the point.

If Black Lab would suddenly find itself atop the charts via some organic, grassroots uprising, and people were wondering who the hell they were and where the hell they came from, then it would be magna-Pow!

But if you ain’t scratching your head, you ain’t poppin’ your pupils.

This reminds me a lot of the Web “movement” to have journeyman Rory Fitzpatrick named to the NHL All-Star Team. It almost succeeded, but the counterweight of tradition and voting volume burst the balloon.

This is well-organized activism, but you see it coming a mile away. Still, this is a whole lot of fun, and although “the man” doesn’t have the clout he once enjoyed in the music biz, it’s still a bit of a thrill to stick it to him now and then.  And no matter what, Black Lab is getting more buzz than if they WERE signed to Geffen or Sony or any one of the luxury labels.

So go get 'em, Black Lab. I’ll be watching.

And more importantly, I'll be listening.