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Post by countrygirl918 on Mar 25, 2015 14:56:01 GMT -5
Radio is just trying to not step on the toes of their consumers here. They're only listening to some of their consumers, though. There are plenty of listeners who have tuned out or are starting to tune out because of the lack of diversity in the playlists. How come those people's opinions don't seem to matter to radio? The new listeners they are gaining at the expense of longtime listeners are not likely to be long term, loyal listeners. I think radio is focusing way too much on the short term.
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carriekins
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Post by carriekins on Mar 25, 2015 14:56:28 GMT -5
Radio just needs to grow a pair. This is ridiculous, and I'm not even in the "omg this is the best song ever" camp. It's all about money and unfortunately, radio doesn't want this much negative feedback. It's just like any other business model. Higher ups never have the guts to weather the storm of controversy since that usually comes with boycotts and bad publicity. The voice of the upset always outweighs the voice of the happy, even if the ones who are happy outnumber those who are upset. I agree though, it really is ridiculous it has to be that way. I get that it's a business, but the gigantic uproar this is now making is not doing radio any favors, either. To me, in light of the controversy, this is a cut your losses and play the damn song situation. And frankly, it's pretty much radio's own fault that listeners have been so dumbed down that the mere thought of actually listening to lyrics to correctly interpret a song is so horrifying to the country listeners. This is pretty much where top 40 programming and bro country schlock have gotten us. You hear the same themes and buzzwords 100+ times a day (all songs included) and you go numb. It's stupid. Just totally stupid. I won't even touch the closed mindedness of individuals.
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sabre14
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Post by sabre14 on Mar 25, 2015 15:06:13 GMT -5
Radio is just trying to not step on the toes of their consumers here. They're only listening to some of their consumers, though. There are plenty of listeners who have tuned out or are starting to tune out because of the lack of diversity in the playlists. How come those people's opinions don't seem to matter to radio? The new listeners they are gaining at the expense of longtime listeners are not likely to be long term, loyal listeners. I think radio is focusing way too much on the short term. Because they're not negative. Think about when someone says something that might get them fired. Most people probably could care less, but it's the ones who are outraged and threaten to boycott. These people are having direct contact with the people who run these stations, so unfortunately (which means I'm 100% on your side) they're opinions outweigh the majority. Yes, they are plenty of people who hate the lack of diversity on mainstream radio, including me, but the sales and audience numbers have never been higher. Radio doesn't give a hoot about pleasing the people who cry over a lack of diversity since it doesn't matter in the end of the bottom line, which is ratings and money. To their eyes, this is negatively affecting their station. I do agree it's incredibly shortsighted, but that's what they believe. If this continues, perhaps we see the growth in audience diminish. It's all about money and unfortunately, radio doesn't want this much negative feedback. It's just like any other business model. Higher ups never have the guts to weather the storm of controversy since that usually comes with boycotts and bad publicity. The voice of the upset always outweighs the voice of the happy, even if the ones who are happy outnumber those who are upset. I agree though, it really is ridiculous it has to be that way. I get that it's a business, but the gigantic uproar this is now making is not doing radio any favors, either. To me, in light of the controversy, this is a cut your losses and play the damn song situation. And frankly, it's pretty much radio's own fault that listeners have been so dumbed down that the mere thought of actually listening to lyrics to correctly interpret a song is so horrifying to the country listeners. This is pretty much where top 40 programming and bro country schlock have gotten us. You hear the same themes and buzzwords 100+ times a day (all songs included) and you go numb. It's stupid. Just totally stupid. I won't even touch the closed mindedness of individuals. Well, hopefully we'll start to see that soon here. This exposure from the Washington Post article and Bobby Bones just happened and the article was reporting on negative feedback that has happened already. I think this might sway some folks minds about the other side of this argument, but time is running out here with "Girl Crush's" chart run. As for your second part, I have nothing more to add Carrie, well said. :)
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Mar 25, 2015 15:24:10 GMT -5
Karen and Kimberly were on Bobby Bones last week for St Patricks day and Bobby flat out asked them if they were frustrated by the treatment radio has given the song. Karen jumped right in and said that she was. She more or less mentioned that even if it was a lesbian song, it shouldn't matter. That this song is a modern day Jolene and about jealousy and how people should listen to the words. It was mentioned that if radio can play drinking songs as much as they do, they should be able to play this song since there is nothing offensive about it. Bobby went on a rant about it all and then played the song two times while they were in - one going to commericials and once going back. He basically said that he would probably get in trouble for that rant and going against his kind but he was frustrated for them having a top five downloaded song vs where they were on the chart. He might not be the most likable dj/morning show host but you got to give it to him when it comes to being vocal about the crap radio does and how they treat songs like Girl Crush. www.bobbybones.com/media/podcast-the-bobby-bones-show-highlights-ShowHighlights/317-little-big-town-talk-girl-25893790/ This song had a really ugly update today, and I'm curious to see if part of that was because of their comments on Bobby's show. I wish Karen wouldn't have said she was frustrated with radio--that's never gonna go over well. Don't get me wrong, I'm frustrated too, but as others have said, radio isn't playing this a ton because it's getting a lot of negative feedback (despite incredible sales). So really it's the listeners that Karen and LBT should be frustrated with, because they are the ones who are misinterpreting the song. I've read a lot of positive comments from radio people, and many have said they wish they could play the song more but they don't want to "drive away" some of their listeners. Of course, it's radio's fault for dumbing down their listeners by playing the same types of "fluff" songs over and over and ignoring songs that have some substance to them and pack a punch, and actually have ties to the genre's roots (whether sonically or lyrically), so maybe Karen does have a point...but the whole "dumbing down listeners" thing is a much bigger topic than simply being upset with radio for not playing one song. So I guess I really just wish Karen would have said she was frustrated that people (not radio) were misinterpreting the song...because I fear that, by directly criticizing radio, she may have just killed this song's chart run. It's been struggling for a while now, but it may have at least been able to manage a long, slow climb toward the top 20. Now? I'm not so sure.. We'll have to wait and see what tomorrow's update looks like. All I know is that, right now, this song is showing a decrease of 116 spins over the last 7 days, which is exactly how long it's been since St. Patrick's Day when they made the comments on Bobby's show..
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Post by countrygirl918 on Mar 25, 2015 15:38:17 GMT -5
Yes, they are plenty of people who hate the lack of diversity on mainstream radio, including me, but the sales and audience numbers have never been higher. Radio doesn't give a hoot about pleasing the people who cry over a lack of diversity since it doesn't matter in the end of the bottom line, which is ratings and money. To their eyes, this is negatively affecting their station. I do agree it's incredibly shortsighted, but that's what they believe. If this continues, perhaps we see the growth in audience diminish. It appears to already be happening: www.savingcountrymusic.com/country-in-a-tailspin-with-key-demographic-while-the-mono-genre-comes-to-radioIt really does feel like we're coming to a turning point, and I think the level of controversy surrounding this particular song is only going to push us further to that point.
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monster50
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Post by monster50 on Mar 25, 2015 19:05:23 GMT -5
I can't help but wonder where this would be on the hot 100 chart if country radio was promoting it. I share LBT's frustration and probably a lot of musicians who look at this as you gotta play it safe. It's really lame to me that there is any controversy about this song at all.
If there really is a video I hope they drop it soon, and I hope the video is controversial and they say screw you to radio and have some hot tasting lips actions between two girls.
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dm2081
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Post by dm2081 on Mar 25, 2015 21:43:32 GMT -5
I find it interesting that one mother called a radio station because she didn't want her kid to hear this song in the mornings, but she didn't complain about Dierks getting drunk on a plane to drown his sorrows, or Blake Shelton calling his ex-girlfriend to come over and have sex one more time. Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against those songs and I think they're both quality, but if someone is going to call and complain about this song not being "Safe" for her children's ears, then they need to be consistent about it, and quit being hipocritical. The ignorance of people these days is amazing. I guarantee that many of these "I'm never going to listen to your station again" calls are just bluffs.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Mar 25, 2015 21:57:01 GMT -5
I find it interesting that one mother called a radio station because she didn't want her kid to hear this song in the mornings, but she didn't complain about Dierks getting drunk on a plane to drown his sorrows, or Blake Shelton calling his ex-girlfriend to come over and have sex one more time. Or Carrie Underwood's 'character' (for lack of a better word) plotting to murder someone in "Two Black Cadillacs" (love the song, btw). I completely agree with you, though. It just amazes me that drunkenness, debauchery, and promiscuity are completely okay for children's ears, yet "Girl Crush" isn't. SMH.
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carriekins
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Post by carriekins on Mar 25, 2015 21:58:23 GMT -5
I find it interesting that one mother called a radio station because she didn't want her kid to hear this song in the mornings, but she didn't complain about Dierks getting drunk on a plane to drown his sorrows, or Blake Shelton calling his ex-girlfriend to come over and have sex one more time. Or Carrie Underwood's 'character' (for lack of a better word) plotting to murder someone in "Two Black Cadillacs" (love the song, btw). I completely agree with you, though. It just amazes me that drunkenness, debauchery, and promiscuity are completely okay for children's ears, yet "Girl Crush" isn't. SMH. You both nailed it.
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sabre14
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Post by sabre14 on Mar 25, 2015 22:45:19 GMT -5
I guarantee that many of these "I'm never going to listen to your station again" calls are just bluffs. Of course they're bluffing - but the angry fan or consumer always scares the pants of corporations. It's definitely a double standard and whoever is upset about this song is just naive. Good post dm2081.
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monster50
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Post by monster50 on Mar 26, 2015 10:33:01 GMT -5
this is 14 on iTunes right now. they do another performance of this song or something. downright incredible
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Ten Pound Hammer
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Post by Ten Pound Hammer on Mar 26, 2015 11:41:11 GMT -5
My mom once said she thought they wrote this song in such a way that it actually is about lesbianism just so they could argue that it's not.
I think she's really grasping at straws. I also think she doesn't "get" the song because she's never been envious in her life.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Mar 26, 2015 12:03:50 GMT -5
Can't believe BCU tried to spin this chart run as steady or reasonable in the article they posted in this week's midweek update. Maybe this will keep radio from taking this song out of rotation soon?
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onebuffalo
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Post by onebuffalo on Mar 26, 2015 17:38:16 GMT -5
Nothing wrong with the lyrics, just people's understanding of the lyrics.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Mar 26, 2015 18:17:59 GMT -5
I'd try to act surprised at the continual differential between sales and airplay of this one, but it's no joke at this point that country radio's charting of its own demise has already begun.
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monster50
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Post by monster50 on Mar 26, 2015 20:11:18 GMT -5
I think itunes is broken right now but I liked watching this rise today. Does anyone know why it shot up on iTunes today, I find it hard to believe it was just because of the Fallon performance.
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jenglisbe
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Post by jenglisbe on Mar 26, 2015 20:16:28 GMT -5
Link to Washington Post artical conserning LBT's GC Post Article
The saddest thing of all is these people also vote in political elections. Considering they don't even know what the song they are protesting is about, it shows they are ignorant on multiple levels. Ugh.
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jenglisbe
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Post by jenglisbe on Mar 26, 2015 20:18:30 GMT -5
They're only listening to some of their consumers, though. There are plenty of listeners who have tuned out or are starting to tune out because of the lack of diversity in the playlists. How come those people's opinions don't seem to matter to radio? The new listeners they are gaining at the expense of longtime listeners are not likely to be long term, loyal listeners. I think radio is focusing way too much on the short term. Because they're not negative. Think about when someone says something that might get them fired. Most people probably could care less, but it's the ones who are outraged and threaten to boycott. These people are having direct contact with the people who run these stations, so unfortunately (which means I'm 100% on your side) they're opinions outweigh the majority. Yes, they are plenty of people who hate the lack of diversity on mainstream radio, including me, but the sales and audience numbers have never been higher. Radio doesn't give a hoot about pleasing the people who cry over a lack of diversity since it doesn't matter in the end of the bottom line, which is ratings and money. To their eyes, this is negatively affecting their station. I do agree it's incredibly shortsighted, but that's what they believe. If this continues, perhaps we see the growth in audience diminish. I get that it's a business, but the gigantic uproar this is now making is not doing radio any favors, either. To me, in light of the controversy, this is a cut your losses and play the damn song situation. And frankly, it's pretty much radio's own fault that listeners have been so dumbed down that the mere thought of actually listening to lyrics to correctly interpret a song is so horrifying to the country listeners. This is pretty much where top 40 programming and bro country schlock have gotten us. You hear the same themes and buzzwords 100+ times a day (all songs included) and you go numb. It's stupid. Just totally stupid. I won't even touch the closed mindedness of individuals. Well, hopefully we'll start to see that soon here. This exposure from the Washington Post article and Bobby Bones just happened and the article was reporting on negative feedback that has happened already. I think this might sway some folks minds about the other side of this argument, but time is running out here with "Girl Crush's" chart run. As for your second part, I have nothing more to add Carrie, well said. :) Where is the proof that sales have never been higher? And I thought audience numbers were on the decline?
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slowmo
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Post by slowmo on Mar 26, 2015 20:32:09 GMT -5
I think itunes is broken right now but I liked watching this rise today. Does anyone know why it shot up on iTunes today, I find it hard to believe it was just because of the Fallon performance. Guessing it's a combination of Fallon, the WAPO article gaining quite a bit of traction yesterday +some other blog posts and word of mouth that's pushing it. I don't listen to his show, but Bobby Bones has been posting today that LBT will be on the show tomorrow (and Aloe Blacc, separately). I don't know if it'll be new or a repeat from last week. Anyone know?
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rjz
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Post by rjz on Mar 26, 2015 20:37:00 GMT -5
I think itunes is broken right now but I liked watching this rise today. Does anyone know why it shot up on iTunes today, I find it hard to believe it was just because of the Fallon performance. Can't speak for others but I finally bought it today because I was feeling rebellious The song is a little sleepy for me to automatically buy and play over and over; but it is beautifully done and after the idiotic attitude of the 'moms' who were appalled their kids might hear it, yet never called in (we assume) to boycott after hearing about money makers and sugar shakers, getting some of that, riding my Donkey, drinking to excess as a cultural given, etc etc.... well I just had to buy it at this point
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sabre14
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Post by sabre14 on Mar 26, 2015 20:44:35 GMT -5
Because they're not negative. Think about when someone says something that might get them fired. Most people probably could care less, but it's the ones who are outraged and threaten to boycott. These people are having direct contact with the people who run these stations, so unfortunately (which means I'm 100% on your side) they're opinions outweigh the majority. Yes, they are plenty of people who hate the lack of diversity on mainstream radio, including me, but the sales and audience numbers have never been higher. Radio doesn't give a hoot about pleasing the people who cry over a lack of diversity since it doesn't matter in the end of the bottom line, which is ratings and money. To their eyes, this is negatively affecting their station. I do agree it's incredibly shortsighted, but that's what they believe. If this continues, perhaps we see the growth in audience diminish. Well, hopefully we'll start to see that soon here. This exposure from the Washington Post article and Bobby Bones just happened and the article was reporting on negative feedback that has happened already. I think this might sway some folks minds about the other side of this argument, but time is running out here with "Girl Crush's" chart run. As for your second part, I have nothing more to add Carrie, well said. :) Where is the proof that sales have never been higher? And I thought audience numbers were on the decline? Last time I checked the 18-24 demographic in the genre has risen greatly and country is now #2 in that demo (Top 40 being #1), but are still going very well in the 25-54 demo. The audience numbers have risen as new stations get added to the MB panel, though that's partly due to country radio playing their biggest hits more often, but the genre is not losing money. Radio plays what they their listeners want and in this case, their wrong since "Girl Crush's" sales have been outstanding, and should not be struggling in the high 30's after 16 weeks. Like I said before, I think this thinking with these stations decreasing "Girl Crush's" spin totals is very shortsighted and just a knee jerk reaction to accommodate some direct listeners. It's not too often we get a situation as unique as this so who knows when we see a song that stirs up this much controversy with stellar sales - we likely will but perhaps not to this extent. I'm on mobile so forgive me if my response is not that in depth, lol.
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rbundy1987
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Post by rbundy1987 on Mar 26, 2015 21:19:56 GMT -5
We need the Music Video for this song NOW. Come on LBT, get the video out like NOW. This song is killing it on iTunes right now, up to #14 all genre and is about to pass Sam Hunt's "Take Your Time"!!!!! Only 2% away from taking over #1 on Country Songs on iTunes.
***EDIT*** I just checked again and "Girl Crush" is #1 on Itunes Country Songs right now!!!!
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jptexas
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Post by jptexas on Mar 26, 2015 22:55:43 GMT -5
Sometimes people protest something they misinterpret, and they end up helping the ones they protest. Karma
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Mar 27, 2015 7:26:17 GMT -5
So I guess I really just wish Karen would have said she was frustrated that people (not radio) were misinterpreting the song...because I fear that, by directly criticizing radio, she may have just killed this song's chart run. Wow, up over 500k today--I guess I take the above comment back. I'm thinking that some radio stations might be stepping up and saying "hey, look, we don't care that some people are being vocal in their dislike of this song...it's selling well, so we're gonna play it". I think that the Washington Post article, as well as Phyllis Stark's write-up in yesterday's BCU (and most programmers that Phyllis talked to said they hadn't received any complaints about the song), have really shone a light on the situation here, and radio doesn't want to be left behind. Radio likes to be able to say that they create the hits, that way they can continually point to how important radio airplay is (or should be) to record labels. In this case, though, it's pretty obvious that the sales are what's kept "Girl Crush" alive. I still think a peak in the teens is as high as this can get, but at least it's looking much better over the last 2 days.
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Post by Daryl the Beryl on Mar 27, 2015 7:59:42 GMT -5
I think the main reason why a lot of people do not like this song is because they misinterpret this as promoting homosexuality/ a lesbian lifestyle. To admit, I was one of those people but after Little Big Town explained it on Country Genius (http://genius.com/4879809) now I understand the meaning of the song
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jenglisbe
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Post by jenglisbe on Mar 27, 2015 8:12:26 GMT -5
Where is the proof that sales have never been higher? And I thought audience numbers were on the decline? Last time I checked the 18-24 demographic in the genre has risen greatly and country is now #2 in that demo (Top 40 being #1), but are still going very well in the 25-54 demo. The audience numbers have risen as new stations get added to the MB panel, though that's partly due to country radio playing their biggest hits more often, but the genre is not losing money. Radio plays what they their listeners want and in this case, their wrong since "Girl Crush's" sales have been outstanding, and should not be struggling in the high 30's after 16 weeks. Like I said before, I think this thinking with these stations decreasing "Girl Crush's" spin totals is very shortsighted and just a knee jerk reaction to accommodate some direct listeners. It's not too often we get a situation as unique as this so who knows when we see a song that stirs up this much controversy with stellar sales - we likely will but perhaps not to this extent. I'm on mobile so forgive me if my response is not that in depth, lol. I'd argue it is losing money. What I mean is, imagine the sales (i.e. money) for "Girl Crush" and other songs if radio was playing those songs more; more exposure would mean more sales. When radio is playing artists that people aren't even paying money for, then how is that bringing in revenue? Look at Darius Rucker at #1 in airplay but down at #18 in sales.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Mar 27, 2015 8:15:28 GMT -5
I'd argue it is losing money. What I mean is, imagine the sales (i.e. money) for "Girl Crush" and other songs if radio was playing those songs more; more exposure would mean more sales. When radio is playing artists that people aren't even paying money for, then how is that bringing in revenue? Look at Darius Rucker at #1 in airplay but down at #18 in sales. Digital sales don't make any money for radio, lol. Radio makes it money mostly from advertising, so they (radio) have to keep their ratings up...the higher the ratings, the more they can charge advertisers for commercial spots. That's why they want to play songs that please their listeners as much as possible. They aren't going to play a bunch of songs that cause their listeners to change stations or start listening to other formats (rock, pop, AC, etc), because then ratings will go down, and then advertisers won't be willing to pay as much.
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zaclord 🌈
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Post by zaclord 🌈 on Mar 27, 2015 8:17:58 GMT -5
So I'm definitely not in the camp of thinking this is the greatest song ever, in fact this is one of my least favorite songs on radio right now. However, it is absolutely ridiculous that people are interpreting this as an ode lesbianism and are being turned off of the song for that fact. I'd love to see this song succeed (even though I hate it) now not just because its an LBT ballad and they deserve to get hits with those types of songs as well, but also to have these close-minded fools to actually figure out what this song is about if they hear it a little more often.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Mar 27, 2015 9:22:22 GMT -5
I wonder if Bones could play this enough times on his show in one week that Billboard's auto-add system would pick up adds for all the IHM stations that haven't added it yet. He may already have played this seven times in the past week. Does anyone who listens to his show daily know how many spins he's given it?
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Spidey
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Post by Spidey on Mar 27, 2015 9:53:19 GMT -5
People always need something to complain about. What a ridiculous controversy.
#11 on iTunes.
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