An Open letter to Sugarland and Decatur CD (controversy)

I was just going to make this a response to the Decatur CD hype, but I've reading comment and such on the AJC post about it (http://blogs.ajc.com/peachbuzz/2009/08/12/sugarlands-bush-drops-by-decatur-cd/) and some on Sugarland's on website. Before you start saying what's a 15 year-olds opinion going to help. Let me just point out I am a fan, in the official fan club. I own 4 Sugarland CD's and 5 Jennifer Nettles Band records. I am from Georgia. Been to a Sugarland concert and I am going to another on September 26 in Atlanta.

First to adress the Decatur CD issue. On August 8 Decatur CD and independent record store in Decatur posted an open letter to Sugarland (http://www.decaturcd.com/) In the letter adressed the fact that several fans came in looking for the Live On The Inside CD. The duo signed a deal with Wal-Mart to exclusively sell the Live CD/DVD combo. Which means Decatur CD had to tell fans no they couldn't sell the CD. On the site they said: "You guys have been around roughly as long as Decatur CD, and we’ve been supporters of your music from day one. We’ve put your releases on listening stations, given away tickets to your shows and so on. After all, what is a local music scene if not an extended family of sorts? We have to take care of each other.The point is that by shutting the door on independent record stores, you’re in effect shutting the door on your hometown." Many know that Jennifer and Kristian both got their starts at near by Eddie's Attic. So I see why this CD seller would be upset. If Jennifer and Kristian had not had supporters in Decatur there may have never been a Sugarland. At the same time this Wal-Mart deal was gold for the duo. Not in a money way like most people are looking at it either. Wal-Mart is a HUGE marketer. So they saw a good opportunity and jumped. I don't blame them. It's just one CD. Kristian Bush obviously saw the post and responded with this comment:"You are right, and thanks for the suggestion. I am in Houston for a show right now but will come by the store when I get home on Wednesday and bring you a few boxes of discs, We can peel off the Wal-Mart stickers together while we catch up. -Kristian" Sadly due to the contract Kristian was not able to give some CD's to the local store. However he did not just blow his promise off. He stopped by the store and dropped off some Sugarland goodies for fans and took pictures for fans that happened to be there. I think that was very thoughtful of him to at least stop by.

Many people posted rude comments on the Atlanta Journal's blog about it, but this one struck a chord with me. "Let’s be real. Jen’s a smart Agnes Scott woman. She made a solid business decision. Kudos to her for living her dream of being a rock star. Those of us in crammed into coffee shops in the early 90’s knew she was extra special. Sugarland deserves this time. I agree with Chad. There are ways to balance appeasing the “man” and pleasing those of us who still own the first “tape” she ever released! HML" Finally a true fan! Just because this one CD was released exclusively does not mean the 2 forgot what made them who they are! Jennifer realizes I'm sure that if Eddie's Attic just right down the road from her college (Agnes Scott), had not given her a shot and all those performances in the 90's she may not be here today(in the musical sense)

I had the opportunity a couple weeks ago on my birthday (Aug 3) to take my first trip to Eddie's Attic. I was extra extra special because the Attic had booked the patio for a Sugarland viewing party. I walked in the door and just thought 'wow, if these walls could talk'. Not only was their the history behind Sugarland there, but many great writers had walked up those same stairs. The patio was pretty packed as we watched the ABC network special. At the end prizes were given out. I was one of 5 lucky fans who won. I got a copy of Live On the inside autographed from the two. Obviously they care, or they wouldn't have dropped off those CD's to the Attic. Decatur is a pretty city itself, and it's history is mezmorizing. I loved it. So "Sugarland fans" who are complaining, let it go. It's one CD.

Kara VS Paula the AI fued

Now I've been watching American Idol for going on 4 season's now. I have 4 Idol winners CD's (Kelly, Carrie,Jordin,David) and even a few alumni that didn't quite make it to the finale. So after 2 full seasons of watching and getting into the groove of the hype, I was skeptical about this "new judge." I had heard some of Kara's original songs and others she had wrote for other artist, and it seemed at least she knew something about the business. When the show permiered that January, like most of the country I was watching this new girl very closely. After a couple of auditions I loved her. She was almost like a balance between Simon and Paula. She was telling the truth yet adding a sweet comment to it. So she became my new favorite. After the May finale came the usual contract rumors. First it was Simon was leaving. Then it was Kara. So no one really knew yet. Just a couple of days ago via twitter Paula released the news she would not be returning for a 9th season. Instantly blames were put onto Kara. I knew the producers would have some minor issues to work out if they kept all 4, but it wasn't Kara's fault. Paula is the one who decided not to come back. Granted Simon and Randy (not Kara) were getting a larger pay check which wasn't fair. American Idol season 6 alumni Melinda Doolitte and Phil Stacey offered their condolences to Paula via their websites. I am very sad to see Paula gone, because her cookyness has been there since day 1, and she really has an eye to see past looks and history to find a true talent. At the same time though I am glad to see Kara back.