Today more than ever before, commercial pop radio (and country radio, and "smooth jazz" radio, etc. etc. -- even "oldies" and "classic rock" radio) is controlled by national corporations who dictate a strict "rotation" or set-list.

It is more difficult than ever for anything quirky and new to break through to national consciousness. In the "good old days" -- actually, in any of several past eras -- a "new sound" could break in one city and sell enough records to merit attention elsewhere, eventually perhaps earning a coast-to-coast audience. Much less likely to happen now, since there are no local DJs who have the option to play to their own tastes. Except, of course, at the few independent non-commercial stations, none of which seem to have any nationwide influence (not yet, anyway).

I'm sure that there is some new music I'm not listening to that is pretty good, i.e., that *I* would like if I gave it a chance -- but not much!