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Musically Spoiled Or Jaded, As The Case May Be

Living in Los Angeles, LAist likes to think that we’re hip and ahead of the game. We know struggling artists and people who play their fingers to the bone to get a gig here and there, let alone face time with a record executive or A&R guy. We see good music at small venues around town and giggle when the “red states” slowly catch on to indie bands that have been on our radar for months.
However, this week we were somewhat disturbed to see the top five selling albums in the country. Now we know there is a lot of hillbilly country in between Los Angeles and New York City, and we like our country and bluegrass as much as the next folk, but just take a look at the list below and let us know if you think something looks wrong in this picture. Commercially pushed and marketed country, a sountrack, a compilation and rap? Are we not buying music anymore or are others buying the wrong kind?
1) Rascal Flatts – Me and My Gang
2) Various Artists – Now 21
3) Soundtrack – High School Musical
4) Toby Keith – White Trash With Money
5) T.I. – King
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