Persistance Pays Off for The Melvins
After 26 years and a jaw-dropping 19 albums, rock group The Melvins found themselves on Billboard’s Top 200 chart this week. The band, formed in 1984, has rotated through several bass players–including Lori Aldren Black (stage name Lorax) a daughter of Shirley Temple. Their latest, “The Bride Screamed Murder”, sold just 2,809 copies.
While this story proves that persistence pays off, it is also a case study of the state of American album sales. Digital downloads, illegal pirating and the recession have all contributed to the estimated slowest week in music sales since 1970, as estimated by Billboard.
The Melvins, who were already cult favorites and worked with Kurt Cobain, have sold over 500,000 albums over their quarter-century career.
This is a fine album indeed. Odd in places but we are talking about the Melvins. Glad to see them getting some love.
Quite frankly, I’m suprised that King Buzzo is even alive, let alone making music. Good on ya, Melvins!