It’s not your fault Nickelback…We made you

Billboard has named Nickelback the band of the decade.  I know.  It’s a horrifying thing to think about.  What is so interesting about this band is that while it has gained almost unmatched popularity, they have also drawn some of the harshest criticism from major outlets along with countless members of the general population.  As someone who personally dislikes the band and their music, I do have to sit them down and tell them it’s not their fault a la Good Will Hunting.  One of the most prevalent arguments made against the band is that they lack any kind of originality.  This is undeniably true.  But I would also doubt that they would disagree with this.  The Kroeger brothers, (yes, there are two of them in the band) have gone out and done exactly what they needed to do to become famous.  They wrote simple songs with heavy guitar and screaming/singing lyrics.  Their melodies are generic but catchy, and in this they have captured the market when it comes to people that just enjoy hearing simplistic songs.

On the other side, it does make me upset to think of all the people that are violently against this award for them, stating that there are many more qualified groups that should be higher on the list than Nickelback.  But what we, as “indie and enlightened” music fans don’t think about is that we NEED bands like Nickelback.  Inspiration must be drawn up against such templates, and what is projected by popular media in this country.  While it seems a stretch, I could even see myself thinking like this in an upside down world:  The radio and popular culture is filled with bands such as the flaming lips, CAKE, Portishead, and other more indie and thought-provoking music.  Would I say that hearing the underground group Nickelback is a breath of fresh air because it’s just 4 guys playing straight rock and roll?  Maybe…

My point is that the billboard charts would be insane NOT to have Nickelback as it’s top rock band of the decade.  They were.  They sold tons of albums, play to sold out arenas everywhere they go, and sing about getting drunk, sex and also drop in powerful ballads to warm our hearts.

I’ll never listen to your music Nickelback, but I also calls em like I sees em, and you guys nailed us as an audience.  Ya fuckin nailed us.