I've always thought that some of the best albums are second albums. Bands that were once obscure and working hard just to get gigs now have the confidence, time, and financial support to really crank out some magic. So I pose the question:
Is Twitter now your favorite hometown band that's made it big?
1. There are many rumors of the "second act" for Twitter. Will it be fully integrated(or swallowed) by another established service like Facebook. Will it lose its identity in the process?
Anybody remember when Garth Brooks decided he was now pop star Chris Gaines. It was just weird.
Which brings me to...
2. Will Twitter sell out? In music circles, true fans can point to the exact minute their favorite band sold out. Some would say Twitter has already done this? I don't agree. It's become a cultural phenomenon, partly due to all the press about how Twitter is getting lots of press.
"Selling out" has almost become a term for elderly music fans, as most fans get that marketing integration is one of the best ways to get your music heard these days. (Thx @TomOKeefe1 for the thought.)
3. Does the new stuff sound like the old stuff? When bands get big, fans can forgive them if they don't start dressing too funny and their music still sounds like them. The important thing with Twitter is that it keep to the spirit of what has made it successful. It's going to change and evolve, but will it keep the elements that brought us all there in the first place. We'll have to wait and see.
Incubus and Good Charlotte used to be hard rock bands. Now they're pop bands. Some people stayed along for the ride, some ditched them. Artists like U2, Madonna and Bob Dylan took their image and music in 100 different directions all while increasing their fan base and holding onto the majority of their true fans.
4. Can they survive major changes in personnel? So far, all is well on that front. In the spirit of Twitter, their "execs" are right out front in the community. The wrong leadership could be deadly for the service. Unlike many corporations, they are built on personality - and like music(see how I brought that home), the people and personalities really matter.
Van Halen was great with David Lee Roth, good with Sammy Hagar, Gary Cherone anyone?
So, fans and critics, will Twitter's second album rock?
More Twitter Rocks: Twitter desktop apps in guitar terms.
