allysonkrieger
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originally published on WildWeb, 4/28/99
Tube Tops
TV Editor's Top Pick for Wednesday, April 28
By
ALLYSON KRIEGER / Ah, integrity. In our little world of entertainment,
not many inhabitants make a point of possessing it, and of those that
do, the majority are lying. Integrity is that ethereal quality that sets
an elite few actors, musicians, and athletes apart -- think Harrison Ford,
Bruce Springsteen, Arthur Ashe. It distinguishes those that are well-known
and respected for their talent, but unwilling to compromise in the name
of commercial success; those we rely on as pillars of principle and guardians
against descension into complete Hollywood amorality.
Not so long ago, veteran rock group R.E.M. would have stood, at least for the most part, right next to Bruce. Long known for its unwillingness to prostitute songs for TV commercials (no, that current Lotus Notes ad featuring "Superman" doesn't count -- it's a cover), the Michael Stipe-helmed band doesn't frequent the tabloids or manufacture its own hype. One of the most appealing things about R.E.M. is its relatively low-profile image. Stipe himself prefers to remain a mystery to fans -- an androgynous poet caught (somewhat) unwittingly in the cross hairs of fame. As says Rolling Stone, the band thrives on "grassroots support and independent work ethic."
Which brings us to today.
When I first read that R.E.M.'s next gig wasn't at Red Rocks, or even the local Foxboro Stadium, but on the Fox teen drama "Party of Five," my heart sank and my eyes rolled. While I'm willing to look the other way for the occasional lapse in judgment (think "Losing My Religion" as Brenda's theme song years ago on "90210"), this week's appearance on "Po5" might be a little more than I and other true R.E.M. fans are able to accept. Apparently, the group's not even a good enough draw for the all-important TV ratings period, showing up pre-sweeps to perform a single from the overlooked, benignly titled "Up."
The problem here lies in the shock factor. I mean, R.E.M.? 'N Sync on "Sabrina" makes sense. But R.E.M.? For godssake, even my local radio station was giving away tickets to see the "Po5" filming in L.A.! (Cue screaming teenage girls here.) To make matters worse, the writers have the band figured into the storyline by way of a concert attended by the suddenly hormonal Claudia and her on-again, off-again boy toy, Cody. Perhaps most damning is the almost unnoticeable small blip "featuring R.E.M" on a 3/4 page TV Guide ad; Julia's upcoming same-sex kiss with Olivia D'Abo received multiples more attention than the musical guest spot.
Now I do want to make one thing clear: I am, by no means, anti-"Po5." In fact, I'm a big fan. As for R.E.M., I have every album dating back to 1983's "Murmur." But that still doesn't preclude me from feeling a wee bit queasy when you put the two together. So, you may ask, why'd they do it? It's pretty obvious that the group's sagging sales of "Up" inspired the appearance, along with probable pressure from Warner Bros. (who inked the guys for a massive reported $80-million multialbum deal in 1996.) And surely it's an attempt to appeal to the younger crowd, who may not get R.E.M's sophisticated sound and oblique lyrics. But can a cameo as backdrop to Claudia's latest lusty embrace really help, or will it only alienate the rest of us?
"Party of Five" airs Wednesdays at 9 p.m. ET on Fox.
Is R.E.M.
a sellout? Have they lost your respect? Tell us.
Go to R.E.M.'s discography
Read Olivia D'Abo's comments on her and Neve Campbell's lesbian storyline
WildWeb | April 27, 1999