Independent bands have to pay for their recording somehow. The times have changed and it's just sense to change with them. If as a sidekick tenclubs functionality improves as a result, I don't think any of us would have a problem.

and they just havent done anything really COOL. in a long time. short tours. Shit ton of east coast shows. Shit ton of festivals. Tour over seas. Its been the same for far too long now. Do something different. Shake things up a bit. tis getting boring and predictable. Be cool.

IS IT THAT HARD TO MAKE US LOOK COOL?!

Just as an aside, there are plenty of independent bands, including several large ones, that don't have to do this kind of thing to pay for recording costs. Not passing judgment one way or the other, but that just is. Hell, one of PJ's members owns a studio that they can probably record at for free.

If we were in any other city you'd still be a virgin.

I'd take the criticism to heart if people praised them for the good they still do. Jeff's time and energy to Indian reservations, Mike to Crohn's, Stone for green stuff, and EV for WM3, etc, etc. There is no thread where people line up for admiration for that, but here everyone is. If it went both ways, I'd be totally cool to rip on them a little.

I'd take the criticism to heart if people praised them for the good they still do. Jeff's time and energy to Indian reservations, Mike to Crohn's, Stone for green stuff, and EV for WM3, etc, etc. There is no thread where people line up for admiration for that, but here everyone is. If it went both ways, I'd be totally cool to rip on them a little. Also, if someone can find me info on if Oracle has been horrible and unethicale, I will gladly line up and gripe. This band was an employee of Sony for chrissakes.

pearl jam wasnt independent until 2006

I wasnt using the word "independent" in that sense. Yes, I know they weren't " independent " until 06. But I think its pretty evident they do more for other organizations/people since 06.

couldn't care less. I'll enjoy they're music, they can live their lives.

couldn't care less. I'll enjoy their music, they can live their lives.

Someone mentioned Neil Young. The comparison is ridiculous. Neither he nor any band ofhis generation that PJ aspire to, were ever independent or had to release music and try make a living from it in an age where the majority of music is stolen. If this sort of thing or playing festivals helps them continue to record tour and inevitably have to pay all the staff they have on retainers, then thts how it's gotta be. It's an evolving business model suited to it's time. I say fair play to them for having the sense to do it while still managing to be relatively dedicated to the causes they do believe in. And those are two separate issues but if you're signed to Sony you can't scream about corporations without looking ridiculous (RATM) but PJ only ever really had a go at TM and Gates. And the latter was more tongue in cheek pisstake then it was mission statement.
I don't get the complaining about this Sort of partnership at all.

Yep. Although I do think they should profusely apolgize to Bill Gates for ever saying anything untoward. BG has done/is doing more than anyone is (research Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation), and it's BECAUSE he's RICH.