In Boston, an experiment with bringing music to subway platforms has been dropped after only two weeks. The culprit, among others, was Phil Collins:
Some T riders complained about maudlin Phil Collins music and lame trivia. Others balked at hearing commercials in yet another public space. Then there were commuters who wondered why young guitarists who play live music on the platform were being drowned out by the "radio ga ga" of corporate disc jockeys.
Yeah, Phil Collins can be shudder-inducing, for sure. But this seems like an ill-fated idea to begin with. How could you hope to find ANY music that would be pleasing to everyone, especially when so many people would rather have no music at all?
Sure, Phil, it sounds bad for you. But look an the bright side -- at least your music isn't being used to chase people out of parks.
Zach Patton -- Executive Editor. Zach has written about a range of topics, including social policy issues and urban planning and design. Originally from Tennessee, he joined GOVERNING as a staff writer in 2004. He received the 2011 Jesse H. Neal Award for Outstanding Journalism
E-mail: zpatton@governing.com 
Written and compiled by staff writers and editors, GOVERNING View is an on-the-ground, and sometimes behind-the-scenes, look at the topics we're covering in print and online. From notes on what's up in statehouses, county courthouses and city halls, to encounters with people, places and things, GOVERNING View is a window into the side of state and local government you don't always see.
Twitter
Facebook
LinkedIn
YouTube
Flickr
RSS
© 2011 e.Republic, Inc. All Rights reserved. |